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If I see a tool I don’t have, I have to get it !! Don’t forget you have to have more than one wrench of a size. A minimum of two. One to turn with and one to hold with. (Plus a couple of extra ones, Just in case you are in the middle of something and drop a wrench and can’t find it.
I suppose growing up on a farm has something to do with my addiction to tools. It could happen to you. Maybe your father worked as a mechanic, carpenter, truck driver, any thing relating to the use of tools. At the time we had an average size farm of 80 acres. I know. When my boys came home from detasseling corn, and told me they worked in an 80 acre field. I couldn’t believe there were fields as large as our whole farm. But even as a tyke I had chores. Like cleaning the two bottom plow shears with water and bricks.
My brother was 10 years older, so by the time I was 6 he had me helping him keep his early 40s Ford Convertible running. There were places he couldn’t get to with his bigger body and hands. When I was 15 I had a 1953 ford given to me. It didn’t run. SO; my dad and brother watched over and guided me as I rebuilt the motor. I worked mowing yards, so I had to have a few tools to keep the mower going, (an average size yard I made $2, for a half acre I got $2.25, and anything over up to an acre I got $2.50. But that has nothing to do with this story except to let you know I had my own tool box, so I could keep working. (NO no riding mowers I started with an old reel type mower (no motor, just my two legs and arms. When I made enough money I bought a push mower with a motor on it). BOY, did that make it easier. Back to the car I had to buy my own tools. (NO borrowing Dads or my brother. (My brother did take my socket wrench away for a while because I over tightend a pan bolt and broke it off. He taught me how to take it out but I had to buy a drill and easy out.
My first job out of high school was in a factory. The factory had a new machine they had spent 6 months trying to get to do a specific job. I got it working in a little over a month. Then to keep me busy I was taught how to set up presses. Then I moved to the tool room, making tools for some of the various machines. Then to Research and Development. (More Tools). I had to maintain my own car and motorcycle. Some special tools here.
I found there were SPECIAL TOOLS that made the jobs easier. YEP! I had to have them. Also special tools were needed when I worked for a new car dealership. (We had to buy our own tools, that is when I learned about car “AUTOMATIC” CLIMATE CONTROL. New specialty tools! When I began learning to do auto body work, YOU guessed it more new specialty tool. The other day I was looking for something in my tool box, and found a tool I couldn’t remember what it was used for, It was a SPECIAL ORDER tool, I took it to a friend who is in his 90’s (and still in the car business, Selling and repairing). He remembered having the same tool, but could not recall what it was supposed to do.
That is the background to my addiction.
Origins of the Obsession
From the moment you laid eyes on that shiny wrench or that sleek power drill, something stirred within you. The hardware store became your sanctuary, and the smell of freshly cut wood felt like home. You’d wander the aisles, fingers grazing the handles of hammers, tape measures, and socket sets. Now you have to have a 1/4 ,” 3/8′, 1/2″, 3/4″, and now 1″ socket sets. Don’t forget every hand tool you not only need SAE, but also, Metric. Each tool whispered promises of potential projects, repairs, and feats of DIY wizardry.
The Thrill of Acquisition
The thrill of acquiring a new tool is intoxicating. It’s not just about functionality; it’s about possibility. That cordless drill? It could build a treehouse, fix that wobbly chair, or assemble IKEA furniture with ease. The multimeter? Who knows when you’ll need to troubleshoot electrical gremlins? And that obscure specialty tool? Well, it’s rare, and rarity equates to value, right?
The Rationalization Dance
You’ve mastered the art of rationalization. When faced with a tool you don’t have, your mind performs a nimble pirouette:
- “Sure, I don’t need this right now, but what if I do in the future?”
- “It’s on sale! A bargain! A steal!”
- “Look at the craftsmanship—the ergonomic grip, the precision engineering. How can I resist?”
How can I resist
Your garage or workshop houses a treasure trove of tools—some pristine, others gathering dust. The circular saw you used once for that ambitious shelving project? The pipe wrench you bought during a plumbing emergency (which turned out to be a loose faucet)? They’re all there, waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
The Emotional Tug-of-War
But here’s the twist: Your compulsion isn’t purely practical. It’s emotional. Tools evoke memories—the time you fixed the leaky roof, the pride of assembling your kid’s bike, the frustration when that stubborn bolt refused to budge. Each tool carries a story, a connection to your past and your aspirations.
The Intervention
Now, let’s address the elephant in the workshop: Is there help for you? Absolutely! Here are some steps to consider:
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- Self-Awareness: Acknowledge your compulsion. Understand that it’s not just about tools; it’s about emotions, identity, and coping mechanisms
- Budget and Boundaries: Set a tool budget. Allocate funds specifically for your beloved acquisitions. When the budget’s exhausted, pause and reflect.
- Mindful Purchasing: Before buying, ask yourself:
- “Will I use this regularly?”
- “Does it fill a genuine gap in my toolbox?”
- “Can I borrow or rent it when needed?”
- Group Psychotherapy: Consider joining a support group or therapy sessions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you manage impulses and explore underlying emotions.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consult a therapist or counselor. They’ll help you navigate the emotional terrain and develop healthier coping strategies.
The Legacy
Remember, your toolbox isn’t just a collection of tools; it’s a testament to your curiosity, creativity, and resilience. So, embrace your passion—but with mindfulness. And who knows? That obscure specialty tool might just save the day someday.
Sounds Good; But I have been hooked to long, and don’t have much “WON’T POWER” !
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