How Do You Treat Your Tools? -ETCG1 

I graduated from high school in the mid 80's when shop class was still part of the curriculum. My shop teacher taught us to clean up the shop at the end of each day of work. This is a lesson I practice everyday.

I use service carts, the tools I am using for the job go on the cart I am using and as soon as I am done for the day, everything gets wiped off and placed back in it's home in my large tool boxes. My large boxes stay locked at all times except for my hutch where my computer and paper work is kept. My co-workers think I have ocd. Maybe it's from rebuilding transmissions where being ocd is a good thing?? I do take a lot of pride in owning what I have worked so hard to purchase and my tools feel like an extension of myself. When I look at my setup, it feels like a testament to my career in this industry that I love so much. Yeah, politics suck but I wake up every morning excited to go to work and play with my tools. This is still my dream job and I feel lucky to be able to do it.

a place for everything and everything in its place, too much time is lost searching in an unorganized box,

I'm a D.Y.I.'er with the cars, but a professional carpenter. I must say that I love your both shows and this topic has a special meaning for myself. I live in a country and area where humidity is a great issue and keeping your tools in a good shape can be a great problem for some. I clean and oil all my tools with gun oil when I'm almost certain I won't be using that tool again during that day as there are days when even 30 minutes can cause some molecular surface rust on some of my oldest tools, which are from the days of my grand father and still in a good shape as those were handled so well. I also have a recommendation to those people who suffer from the high humidity within the air: Try use wooden tool boxes with nothing but honey wax on the outside surfaces. The unfinished wood will drain the moisture from the tools and dry over time. The wood will discolor, but your tools will dry a lot faster and better than inside a metal ( or even worse, plastic) containers. You can even coat the insides with some felt to keep them looking pretty from the inside, but be cautious to pick a glue which can breathe.

Depends on the tool. I'll leave out hammers or wrenches, solid tools that aren't easily damaged. Precision tools like calipers or delicate tools like a set of fine wood chisels I always put away. My grand fathers tools I still treat as if they're not my own. I keep them in his boxes exactly as he did. I even have a box of Acme schrader valves with dry rotted seals and MMM electrical tape that is no good exactly where he left it. I don't know why, it just seems appropriate.

What you are talking about here is called TOOL CONTROL in Naval Aviation. I was a Marine wrenching on F4 Phantoms and ground support equipment. We had a tool room in my fighter squadron where all our department's toolboxes were located. You could sign these boxes out. When you opened them up...everything was "instant inventory"...meaning if something was missing, you could tell right away. When you checked the box out..it was inventoried...when you checked it in...it was inventoried. If something was missing THE WHOLE SQUADRON was locked down until the tool was found. This was for FOD prevention (Foreign Object Debris). When tools get sucked in by jet engines, that is a BAD thing! Anyway, now I work in commercial aviation for a major airline and I employ the same basic tool control principals. I have a large toolbox and everything has its place. Between jobs and before going home for the day, I do a quick inventory. If a socket or wrench is not put away...I'll know before it's lost forever.

I look at it like the stock market. The levels of cleanliness and organiz-ed-ness of my tools go up and down.

Thank you for bringing back some good memories. When I was a young boy and worked in my Grandpa's Automotive Garage, it was my job to pick up all the tools that may be laying around, wipe them with a rag and put them in their proper place. Then I swepped the floor, and closed and lock the overhead door. Grandpa was in his office doing the books for the day. I did this for six year or so. Oh how I loved my Grandpa and how I miss him to this very day. I learned much from him.

This topic actually is relevant to an idea I employed a while back because some told me that I was abusing my tools. I had to go under vehicles a lot at the time, and I had a creeper I didn't like, so I put an extra set of the most commonly used tools on the creeper, and just rolled it under the vehicle with me. When I was done, I rolled it under a workbench out of the way, tools and all. I eventually tied a rope on the creeper to pull it around easier, and attached some socket rails to the creeper. So was I abusing my tools doing that? I say no because they were off the floor on the creeper. Others said they were too close to the floor.

I start off organized, then I get so caught up in my work that I become disorganized. Occasionally I'll forget to pick them up. Then eventually I pick everything up and start the cycle again.

At the end of the job, not necessarily the end of the day, tools are cleaned well, and put away, some years ago I started using a rolling table to lay out all the tools I need for the incoming job, and find that that makes my day go vastly easier...

I don't spend a lot of money on my tools but I take good care of my tools and put them back where they belong. Thanks for sharing Roy

I'm a DIYer and I don't have a whole bunch of tools. In fact, one of those 5-drawer US General Harbor Freight tool carts would be more room than I need to put everything away, except jack and jack stands. They might fit on the bottom of the cart. Right now I keep them in organized piles in the back of my CR-V because I don't have a tool box or cart. I live in an apartment without outdoor storage or garage space, so I don't have anywhere to put them. When I'm done with a major job, I bring them all inside, put them in a big plastic bin and put them in the walk-in closet in a space under a shelf on the floor. I wipe them off when they get dirty, but I don't necessarily wipe off the temporary containers they are purchased in every time. Anything that looks like it is corroding or rusting gets wire brushed or something and wiped off with a tiny amount of oil then wiped dry with a clean rag. I have no power tools, just hand tools. Before I store them I clean all of them pretty well and make sure they won't rust or corrode while they are lying unused. When I someday have a garage again, I'm getting a tool cart of some sort. Then I plan to do what my ex used to do with his tools. He rolled his boxes around with him and took one tool, used it, then put it back before grabbing the next one or few. He never left them out because they would get lost. His box was always right beside him or within reach. Not sure that will work for me, but I got used to it and liked it so I'll try it then.

Favorite tools? My breaker bars and PB blaster. I don't have many tools, but that is one thing that just feels solid in my hand and works every time I've needed it. And since I work on cars for the 90's, I use them a lot.

My snap on 3/8 drive 11 inch ratchet. Just straight ratchet. I use it everyday, all day and it never gets old. Its a little worn down, but still works like a charm.

Very organized here. Maybe a bit OCD as well. Everything has a place and every place has a thing. But it's to the point where, because of the way I put the tools away, because of the order and placement of everything, I can tell if someone has "borrowed" something and brought it back. I do a lot of heavy line work and it is important for me to know that my tools are where they need to be, not inside of someones engine.

this might be kinda long. l work at a box store, one of our service writers is going to become a tech, he has no idea what tools are. the other day i was DIYing, he was my helper, asked him for a 3/8 extension, brought me a 1/4 socket set. l went thru my box, showed him what the different tools were, where they were, and the different size of ratchets. l didn't get mad at him because he didnt know. Anyways, l have been having him come to the house, teaching him what l know about just the basics, mainly from ETCG, SMA, and Chrisfix. today is 9/5/18, tomorrow l am doing an oil change on my car, l will have him come up and do it. just for the learning curve. Thank you seriously, for doing what you do, Eric, l would not be the "tech" l am without your teachings! l also wipe tools off before putting them back in the box, especially if there is fluids on them.

I have a long snap on ratchet I absolutely love. I did wheel bearings on my car a few weeks ago, and I thought it was going to break because the caliper bolts were on there so tight, but it held up, no problems. And the padded handle makes it to where it's very comfortable in my hands.

I am a just a DIY guy. A serious DIY guy but just a DIY guy who keeps a pair of beaters on the road. I believe in keeping tools clean and organized for the sake of finding them quickly and not getting grease where it does not belong such as critical mating surfaces, bodywork, and interior. I like to keep tool storage generous so I'm not digging through piles in my drawers. LOL. Putting tools back where they belong when I'm finished with them was a difficult habbit to get into but it payed off because it has made me more efficient. They used to end up in a pile on my bench and I would forget about them. The next time I went to fix something, I couldn't find anything. The frustrating part is I'm always adding to my tool collection as I expand my skills. They tend to end up in piles as there is no place to store them. That's when I have to take a time out and expand my storage capacity. I too use a trayed service cart that I roll up to the vehicle. Very handy as it's keeps tools and parts handy and fasteners from getting lost. Harbor Freight has made tool storage economical for the DIY guy. I would love to crown my collection with a set of Snap On torque wrenches. I just can't seem to bite the bullet. A $10,000 Snap on box? My wife would de-nut me. Harbor Freight is as good as it gets. LOL.

the tools I use and adore are my impacts. they give me the ability to get things done in a timely manner. my sockets and ratchets are a close second, but my shop does a lot of suspension work so impacts are the bread and butter. however I've always been keen on my long ratcheting wrenches. saves so much time!

I'm OCD to a fault in most every aspect of small engine repair and my tools. To the point....that a friend of mine was helping put tools away for me, as I directed what went where, and in the process, a 7/16" ratcheting boxed end wrench came up missing. It remained in limbo for nearly TWO YEARS!! Where was it you may ask? It was less than 2 inches from it's designated spot in the tool box, nearly tucked up under the front lip of the drawer where it could not be seen. I only found it when I upgraded my roll around tool chest to a larger model and discovered its hiding place. Since then, I do an inventory at the close of each work session. With the roll around at my side on most jobs, if I pull a 5/16" to disconnect a battery, it goes back in its respective place in the tool box until it's needed to reconnect the battery. OCD in the shop. For me, is a must. I can say, since finding the missing 7/16" wrench, I've not misplaced any other tools. At 49 years old, I still have my complete socket tool set I purchased new in 1984. Great segment Eric!

My favorite tool is vise grips. Whenever I run into a problem they are always there to help. I call it my specialty tool. My 2nd favorite is a 2.5 foot long steel pipe, I call it knuckle saver, really helps breaking bolts loose. Oddly my 2 cheapest tools.

I used to lose tools and buy tools twice because I didn't know what i had. I was using a few small hand held tool boxes to store my tools as I always lived in an apartment. I got a new tool box/chest and now I know what I have and I don't lose tools. Best $600 I ever spent tool wise.

I treat my tools like surgical instruments. They have a specific spot, they get used, cleaned, then oiled to keep them rust free. When I buy a ratchet I always take it apart and put a teflon grease inside of it, and every so often I open it back up especially if it gets used in a very dirty place. Don't get me wrong, my tools get dirty, they just never go back in the drawer that way. I've put too much time and money into my tools to let decline from rust or lack of caring. As Ben Franklin said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I was taught cherish and keep all tools.. That ones collection of tools grows over there lifetime and says a great deal about that person... I also was told there is nothing better then a rescued tool be it found on the road or at a garage sale etc.. I can recall when I was a little kid my dad had us both watching the curves at fwt on ramps and every street intersection for tools that may have fallen off vehicles and we often spotted them at which point he would panic stop and send me on foot into traffic to retrieve what ever it was..... Those very tools are today my most valued of all tools, for that history and the connection to my long dead dad.. Another thing he instilled in me is a love for the obscure tool.. "every tool has a job,, whats this tools job?" In my family get togethers often had people pulling out some latest find for games of guess what this tool is meant to do or alternatavely historical tools of yesterday and how to use them and how they were made.... Im 50 years old now and have not only every tool I have ever owned still but also my dads, his dads, and his dads as well! I have so many freakin tools that the sheer volume is a huge problem even though the great bulk of them are just stored away on back shelves in old tool boxes but still that leaves little room which is needed for every day supplies and materials..... And Ive inherited this major problem, for generation of tool lovers collections and no one to pass it on to... Note I have the same problem re photographs as there has been a photographer in the family since it took a wagon to haul your camera around with you,, and I have photo's going from glass and tin plate all the way through the entire history of photography,, have all the cameras as well... Again, now im 50 and have far fewer years ahead then behind me and no one to give any of this to.... I have no fear of death myself, I have lived life and at this point will be glad when its finally done.... But I do fear,, for all my crap,, tools, photography gear and prints which are bigger then just me, that I am just the guardian right now of... Im saddened that, it will all just die with me and become scrap or scattered and cease to have the meaning as a whole as it now does..... So, my point,, for anyone who values and cares for your tools over your lifetime how you care for them can grow into a much bigger issue as well... How do you care for all of your tools that you cared for daily for a lifetime? Perhaps your lucky and have children or relatives you know you can pass them all onto but even if so have you actually given thought to that and made the efforts to be certain that thats what happens when you kick the bucket ? Or if your in my shoes and have no one to leave it all to, then what to do ????

Protective....very protective of my tools....and I have clever methods to keep people from even asking to borrow tools. Two things you can do to keep people from borrowing tools. If your balls itch and you have a combination wrench in your hand at the time...use the wrench to scratch your self....and do it long enough that as many people as possible can see you doing it. Second thing....don't be afraid to pick your nose with your bare fingers...frequently in fact. That way everyone in the shop knows every inch of your tools are covered in snot..or have been at some point. You might be an outcast when the company has potluck meals during the holidays but its a price worth paying. You can also start a rumor that you are a chronic masterbater and off times have to make frequent bathroom trips to relieve yourself during the work day... that one REALLY gets people to think twice about touching anything in my work area...

My 1/2 drive ratchet is my pride and joy something about how versatile it is just makes me love it even more

When I was a very noob mechanic I would loose my tools left and right usually leaving them in the hood of the car I was working on (sigh). Overtime, I made it a must for me to organize and put back my tools after every job whenever I possibly can and I have so far now not lost any tools. The times where I can't seem to find a specific tool in my cart is because someone borrowed it without asking or because I accidentally drop a tool in a drawer on my cart where it's usually not the place it's suppose to be. Even when the day is over and my tool cart and box is a mess, I wrestle up the focus to put it all back in it's place before leaving work. I know it'll keep me from losing or wasting time searching for tools later on the next day.

I'm an Aircraft Engineer, and we have tool control. Basically, every tool is "controlled" by full tool checks of every tool box used to fix/maintain a plane. At the very least when that plane is released back to service, but preferably every day, it has a 100% check when it's closed and opened, signed, dated and timed by a qualified tech/engineer. This is what I've known from day 1, if one screwdriver bit is missing and you can't find it, that plane is being taken to bits until it's found. I've known people stay 6 hours after a shift unpaid to find a socket dropped in the back of a helicopter. That mentality may be overkill for automotive, but a quick check of tools after finishing a job certainly helps, something I use, probably out of habit, whenever I do anything with cars.

Thank you Eric for all the help you've given us.

I"m OCD about my tools.. I have to pick up and put everything EXACTLY where it belongs.. I call it my reset..

Snap-On Torque wrenches are the crown jewels of the tool collection.

The tools I love the most are definitely my snap-on Micro Lithium Set (14.4v) I have the 3/8 Ratchet, 3/8 Impact, 1/4 Impact, 3/8 Drill, Underhood light, etc. I only use Air for filling tires or when I need to use my 1/2 Pneumatic gun, which is usually only for its Speed, not power (Busting a stab link nut off or something).

My gearwrench wrenches I love to keep those cleaner than most of my other tools. But every other month I go through all my tools and my boxes and just try to get everything clean like new. It's a good feeling to see them shine after all the oil and grease they go through over time.

When I first started buying tools when I was 16, I would just through them in the tool box.. Over the next few years I started to realize that I was spending more time looking for the right tool then fixing things. That's when I started color coding all my tools, such as; all 1/2" now have a green stripe and all 9/16" have blue stripes. When I would open the tool box drawer I could quickly see all the green if I was looking for 1/2". Now I have the color coding and I keep all the tools in organizers. I have never lost a tool and still have tools I purchased in the 60's.

I'm probably more OCD than I need to be, but I have a tool set of my own. And I've always used my father's which was a complete mess. Mine is organized now so I can find everything, not so much that it's aw inspiring organized but enough that I can find everything with little ease. I love my tools, I spent a lot on them and the tool boxes. I also wipe them down after each use if it calls for it.

12v Rattle Gun / Impact Driver. I have a very messy garage, because I generally work too late, and thus need to pack up in a couple of minutes... but my impact driver and relevant impact bits are ALWAYS together and in their spot.

I don`t have a lot of expensive tools. Probably 80% of my collection is Craftsman that i started collecting back in the early 80`s but still i keep a close eye on them. They always get wiped off and put back in their spot. The shop floor gets swept after every job and mopped at least once a week and bathroom cleaned. Oh yeah, i seen a video the other day a guy attached a small shower head to his shop sink faucet so i of course had to try it. Works pretty slick for washing the crud off of your hands. Better than just a stream of water. As far as favorite tools.....one would be my Milwaukee 18V Fuel 1/2" dr impact. It`s a bad mammer jammer.Much better than dragging the dreaded air hose around.

My tool box has the foam inserts where every tool has its specific location. Best thing is if you see a tool not in its spot, you know you have left it somewhere, but it has its negatives because the foam takes up a lot of space that you need once you start increasing your tools. Looks very clean when you open the tool box tho

The key to not losing tools is to use a tool cart. Nothing gets laid in or on the car. It's either in your hand or on the cart. in your box everything has its place. time is money and if you have to hunt or dig for a tool you're wasting money. Take care of your tools and they'll take care of you, cleaned rust free, air tools lubed, etc.

I usually try to get my tools back into the box and their proper spot after each job. Sometimes that doesn't happen, but without a doubt, at the end of the day every tool that is out gets wiped down and placed back in their spot. I don't like tracking unnecessary grease/oil into the box and it shows me if I'm missing something. It's usually easier to find that missing tool shortly after it's gone missing than days later when you finally realize it.

I try to put everything back on my cart each night. Friday I will clean and put everything back in its place in my big box. Losing tools is one of my pet peeves, I buy tools with a warranty so if it breaks Ican get it replaced. Losing a tool is just like wasting money. I would rather be buying something new rather than rebuying something lost.

Have to admit I am rather obsessive where my tools are concerned and it bothers me when I lend stuff out. An old guy I worked with during my training said to me "tidy workplace, tidy mind" That mantra stuck with me.

I currently have the majority of my hand tools in the passenger footwell of my 91 honsa accord. Live in an apartment and have to work at night to avoid getting caught by the property manager. I always keep my tools somewhat clean and in proper working order. Keep my tools in the only car ive worked on for the past two years putting in over 80 hours(learning time) tackling everything from preventative maintenance to major repairs and an auto to manual swap.

Organization in my tool box is key, this prevents me from losing my tools. Seeing empty slots for my metric semi deep sockets reminds me to recover them before slamming the hood. Plus tells me that I might have been using a ratchet of some sort to now check what I might be missing in that category.

I love when everything is exactly where it should be at the start of the day because I planned ahead the night before

I live in a one car garage condo so organization of my tools is very important. Funny you should mention finding tools under/in a car. I found a socket on a fender bolt of a brand new Firebird that I bought. I've also found tools as a USAF mechanic inside the wings, fuselage and engines of B52s!

my tools are everything everywhere. I'm a small tool mechanic at an equipment rental and my area is walled off from the rest of the shop. it's just me and my apprentice in there so I don't mind leaving tools on benches. occasionally I will put them all away. but it's usually a once or twice a week deal. things I use usually get left out so there ready to use constantly

i try to treat and keep my tools as organized as possible. where i work its me and another mechanic, we kind of "share" tools. working together on most projects. he has his tools, and i have my own.. mostly hand tools wrenches, socket sets, screwdrivers etc. then we have company tools 3/4 impacts and stuff. it can be hard to be organized this way. i lose tools but losing tools is part of the game.

I am very proud of my tools, every single item that I have I know its value and do my best to take care of it. I try to check always after finishing the jobs to pick up everything and dont leave anything in the car. It can get really expensive to do that.

I have a roll around service cart and tool box. 90% everyday tools are in service cart, which when im done using the tool it goes right back to its spot even if im going to use it on other side of the vehicle. which means after every job i have very few tools to put away.95% of the time i put my tools back before i start another job , which helps me know if something missing. i done that for 18 years now and see no change in future.

Tools are too expensive to buy more than once - stay organized! I would pile up all the tools I used for the day into my roll cart and roll it over to my main box. There I'd wipe down each tool and make sure nothing was broken, and then replace them into their proper place in the drawers. The day was not finished until all tools were put away. Favorite tool.. hmm.. right now I'd lean towards the Power Probe. That is so useful once you learn to use it.

My box is an organized mess. I have designated drawers with wrenches all over the place. The pile on the left is metric, center is standard, right is line wrenches. Next wrench drawer is stubbies and specialties. They aren't organized and I'm still the fastest tech in the area. Sockets are the same.

I get so involved at times my tools get scattered in around my work area. Sockets are constantly disappearing and I'll swear i'll put them back. I'm grabbing a new socket set so I usually buy cheap sockets because I usually lose them before I would screw them. I do dish soap my tools every month or so. Right now I seem to have a collection of spare bolts on my top tray and a rats nest ball of wire of old wiring I've salvaged to use for other issues a lot of time my volt meter sitting right beside the spare ball of wire that I untangle as I need it lol... My tools have been good to me but I hate to lose tools but my most common metric sockets seem to go missing 10s, 12s, 14s... etc. Gotta love the good quality vise grips I have. They're so unbelievable could get torqued on wheel lug nuts in a pinch without stripping the lugs... Of course I wouldn't want to if I had the correct tool but in my truck there's always a pair in the on board tool set I have packed in the car for trips and so in a pinch when you need it you have stuff to work with.

Some things like oil filter wrenches, oil pans, sockets and screw drivers I buy in multiples, generally when they are on special (Fathers day is great for cheap tools) so that I can always find one. Expensive and annoying tools go back where they belong, and some tools like the 24mm spanner belong on the floor just inside the garage because I'll never use it anywhere else.

I do try to keep my tools organized and clean. I tend to lose what I don't keep track of. I will admit I do favorite some tools over others. Its not always about quality, I love my turns that really make my job easier. I just got a new snap on 2ft breaker bar , 1/4 ratchet with flex head,panel removal tools and mini hook n pick set...I take better care of those tools .snap on isn't cheap lol

I love all my tools and most of them are way too expensive for me as I'm just a DIY'er. I want all my tools super clean, but sometimes I do think it's crazy what I'm doing. Sometimes, wanting your tools to be clean, can be an obstacle when your working with them. When I'm working I'm constantly working really carefully to not scratch my tools. Sometimes I just force myself to just use my tools as tools and not as jewels. When I'm doing that it's always a relief to just not having to worry about scratching my tools and to use them where they were made for.

i understand this video is old but id like to share my tendencies. I'm a hobbyist, i work on my own vehicles for the most part but i mostly got into doing it because i love racing. that said i have formal training and graduated from a well known school. I don't, however do this for a living. my brother does though. when i first started working on cars i lost a lot of tools just being lazy and careless and not being organized. back then i had more money than brains and didn't really know the true value of the dollar or the tools. my brother broke me from this and taught me the true value of these tools. he wouldn't even loan me tools because i lost most of the small set i had. he depended on his tools and has always been very organized with them. now that i pay my own bills and truly understand that money doesn't grow on trees i. take much better care for what tools i have. although there are times i still get messy and shit is scattered all over but I'm still much better than i was. i haven't lost a tool in a long while now and i owe that to my brother. now days if i grab the wrong tool I'll take it back to the box instead of just tossing it on the ground and grabbing the next tool. i do also wipe them down quickly before i put them in the box. do yourself a fav and start doing things like this from the get go.. bad habits never die easy

I love all my tools but my favorite are my US made Craftsman standard sockets and ratchets and Snap On metric wrenches that I got for $75. For a while I only need standard tools because I had a early 70's Chevy. But I wipe down every tool I used on a project with a paper towel when I finish.

I have a coupe tricks. I pause and put stuff away once or twice a day. I also have "stash spots" around the shop that I set piles/stacks of tools so I know where to check. I have a big chest, a tool cart, and a plain-jane service cart. The chest is the stuff not used daily, the cart is constant use hand tools, and the service cart is setup for big jobs/disassembly etc. with dividers and trays. I toss tools on the service cart all day when I'm on the run because its an easy place to drop and go and an easy place to put away from. I HATE it when my tool cart collects a mess on top, but it happens alot! I have socket racks on top and try to use those, but it doesent always happen like that either, LOL! losing tools for me is almost inevitable because of how hard I run sometimes, but I keep it to a minimum now by staying semi-organized. Nothing worse than a gap on a socket rail!

I scattered tools just yesterday-everyone doing transaxle R&R should, you leave the relevant socket(s) & wrenches by the axles, that way it's faster when you "button it up". Does it look like a toolbox exploded? Yes, yes it does.

i have a set of milwaukee battery tools that are my pride and joy, my grandfather got them for me and its about $2000 worth of gear so i keep them spotless, batterys always fully charged and in a safe spot. the way i keep my self organized is under the motorcycle i am working on i put a tray or a tool tote and when i finished with the tool i put it in there, after the job is finished i pick it up and take theam the the box, put them in there spot and then start on the next job. i hate going for a tool and it not being there slows the work down so much. on the borrowing of tools, i make them write there name down, the tool they have borrowed and then when they return it they sign it makes sure no one bullshits you and says they gave it back and helps you remember who has what i do that because i race bikes and i have the biggest tool box out of anyone so everyone comes to me to borrow something i can have 5 or 6 tools on load at one time not that i have a problem with lending them out i just cant keep up with who has my tools.

Good video Eric. My favorite tool is without a doubt my Stanley SAE/Metric 3/8" socket set. I've had it for a solid eight years and it's never let me down. Oh, and I haven't lost any sockets yet!

I work for an auto wreckers in Canada. My pride and joy is the Snap-On CT8850 Monster lithium impact (In green)

2 things I do. #1 I have my big box but also a small box to have beside the car I work with all the main tools I use. #2 magnet trays keep things together!!

I also have 2 snap on torque wrenches and I do use both of them multiple times a day every day. Worth every cent. And they were a lot of cents mind you

I'm kind of clean with my tools, but certain machinist's tools get special attention. For instance, I have a Brown and Sharpe vernier height gauge and a Starrett vernier caliper, both from the 1940s, that I absolutely baby. Those I actually take out of the toolbox sometimes just so I can make sure they're still OK and I'll give them a fresh, light coat of oil:)

Good topic, having a good set up would seem to help a lot. Why don't mechanics use roll carts more? Could a custom one to fit your every need be built? A dream cart? What would a dream cart have? Wood top work-surface? One of those drafting table adjustable lights they are about 2' tall and move freely and have both a florescent and regular light. On the other end an adjustable fan. Coffee cup holder? Ashtray holder? Power strip? Phone charger? Trash can holder on the end? Paper towel holder? Small radio? Nice rubber grip handle to push the cart on both ends? Two drawers, one to hold most used tools other to hold air tools /electric tools. cans and sprays on bottom rack? The cart would have to be kept light or it would be a pain to use. Any thoughts or do most mechanics have their own bay with a work table already?

when I was a flat rate tech back in the day I had my main box in the back of shop full of tools and a roller box full of tools used daily and a couple benches around the shop that I keep "LOANER" tools on. I leave out the loaner tools which include mostley cheaper tools i come across and are mostly asked to use. screwdrivers,pliers,hammers,pry bars ,ect. I do put my tools back were they came from everyday. It seems to work for me. I feel you loose a lot of time in the day walking back in forth to your box or to multiple cars so i like to spread things out a little and a roller cart saves you a ton of time and as they say time is money :} I still have my home shop set up the same way today and it still works great. Besides you can never have to many tools right !! :}

I'm a DIYer and I completely clean off my tools after i use them. My dad taught me that. One day i asked, "why clean them off if they're going to get dirty again?" And he told me "Because next time i might not use them on the car and i wont need to get dirty." I organize eveything back in its place once im done doing whatevet it is im doing.

I usually keep them clean on occasion I'll take a grinder or purposely break one to get it into a tight place. They are there to help you get the job done and if the have grease oil and dirt all over them it makes them hard to use.

At the end of the day every tool goes back into my tool box.... except my flashlight. It has a magnetic base and I once stuck it on the inside frame rail of a plow/sanding truck. The truck went to the paint shop and I luckily caught up with it still in the frame a week later during final assembly. That flashlight is definitely the rebel of my tool box.

When I finish a job, I put everything back where it belongs, and if it is too greasy or dirty I clean it while doing so. When the day is over, I put everything back and check if something is missing, even if I will keep working on the same job the next morning. When working under the hood, I always make sure before closing the hood that I didn't forget any tools . And I don't even own these tools, they were provided by the workshop I work for(I'm not in the US)

here in Florida, stuff rusts pretty fast. especially the carbon steel blackish tools. I found using CRC LPS-3 keeps them rust free. but don't drop it in the dirt, it gets kinda sticky. I wipe it off and keep on trucking. almost non of my tools rust now. I also use it on fasteners I see on my cars. I use it on my fuels lines too. the only gripe I have is if you don't use it for a month it will clog up and you won't be able to use the rest.

Clean tools after each job, and put tools away so they can be found next time you need them.

Yes, everything has to be where I want it. For the most part, I can get any tool out of my box with my eyes closed. Or, if I need somebody to hand me a tool, I can tell them exactly where to find it. When I'm finished working on something, I can't rest till I have gathered up every tool. I might not put them away right then, but I will make sure they're all in one place and accounted for. I can't afford to lose any tools.

Eric's got his prized torque wrenches, I've got my prized Fluke meter, the rest is pretty much the same. Clean up when possible but some days I just stagger out of the shop and defragment the disaster the next morning...

I'm in tech school and my tools aren't high dollar snap-on or anything(yet) but they are still the tools I've paid for and I use. I believe if you take care of your tools they will take care of you.

I'm a DIYr, and I try to put everything back where it belongs at the end of the project. but the reality is, after too many 4 hour projects that turned into 8 hour or more, many times tools end up in the "catch all" drawer I set up specifically for that purpose. At least this way if I can't find them where they belong, I can always go to the catch all and there they are.(Eventually everything does get put away in its proper place.

My shop recently moved to a new location, and in the process we got brand new tools. It used to be a hassle to keep track of it all, and I lost my 25 and 30 torx bit all the time. I havent lost a single tool for 2 months now, but for some reason I've gotten 2 new magnets and a screw driver.. The biggest problem is my apprentice who always misplace my drill and impact wrench..

My ratchet set is my baby, my dad bought it for me and I've used it to fix all of my trucks, and my fiancés cars. The only part I've lost is that dang 1/2 inch socket.

when somebody asks to borrow a tool from you, just get a piece of chain and lock the tool onto one end of the chain and the other end around the guy's ankle. Tell him that if he wants to be unlocked he has to return the tool and you will unlock it.

For me organization is a must even on my own cars i am always without a helper so i have to be able to pull the set of sockets with all sizes in order to be able to reach count and grab. My most pride and joy is my 3/8 ratched that extends. Allowa me easy breaks and its swivle head allows it to get just about anywhere. Even in the trans job for a 87s10 blazer. No 1/2 needed juat this bad boy.

I have a cart, and my m.o. is to put them in the cart on a busy day and put them away at the end of the day. Otherwise, i will put them away between jobs. I wipe down my tools before putting them in my box. I don't want the drawers to be full of dirt, grease, and oil, and for the tools to be dirty when i need them.

I think that the tool i use the most daily is my Milwaukee M12 1/4 Hex screwdriver along with my Blue point bits set, use it for everything, i rarely use my Regular screwdriver set

I have a lot of tools. Tools have always been expensive and whats worse how awful to need a tool that you should have only to find its gone. The only time I have had tools stolen was when I was working on something at a police dept. This was before the advice of JJ(Good Times tv show). "You ain't supposed to break the law, unlessen of course you is the law." I learned to watch out for my tools at home and at work. NEVER leave a tool box out of your sight unless its locked and chained to something immovable.

I treat all my tools like I make a living with them...after each job is done all my tools are wiped down and put back in the drawer they go in...so when I start my next job all my tools are where they need to be when I need them...I never lend out or borrow a tool...I have paid thousands of dollars for my tools and treat them like I paid thousands of dollars for them...

Bring back old, long intro, please! I love that song!

I try to keep them clean and organized. Doesn't always stay that way. Especially with screw drivers and pliers/cutters/channel locks. I don't really have a matched "set". Both of those are more or less the end result of years of collecting as the need arose for a particular size or type. My favorite tool is my 30oz hammer. It's good for "fixing" things that just don't want to be fixed. ;)

My 4 favorite tools that I have to take care of.my ir air hammer.my safety glasses. My microstart xp3 and 1/2 craftsman electric impact love that thing.

I kinda try to stay organized, but when im super busy with work/cars backed up my box of tools is exactly what it is, a box of tools where i only know where it's at and im ok with that.

I organize my tools after a job is done and I'm putting them away. In the middle of a job I continually add to my tool selection figuring if I need it once I may need it again . ...

Look after your tools and they'll look after you. A quick wipe is adequate for most tools but if it's something I use rarely, a good clean and re-lube if necessary. If your business depends on it as a tradesman, why wouldn't you? I can only echo the previous comments on tool control having spent over 20 years in the aviation industry (moved on now). Nice video!

I never use chrome sockets and attachments on my impacts.If the tool is coated with transmission fluid,spray them down with brake clean or clean with mineral spirits.I like my zero offset wrenches which do get used.

A man who takes care of his tools, take care of him.

My tools go back where they belong. I'm super organized about it. When a repair job is done, I do a final tool check. Don't need wrenches clanging around under your hood at 50 MPH....

Everything absolutely has it's designated place to go and always gets cleaned off before it goes back, especially all 11 of my really nice 18 volt Ridgid power tools and my 8 Dewalt 18 volt power tools and the few nice corded power tools I have, all 29 of my air tools and my 2 paint guns, my nicer one is a $800 Sata Digital RP gun so u know I take excellent care of it and my Miller Inferno auto darkening welding helmet, my 7 really nice Matco hammers, my 3 Cornwell 180 degree swivel head ratchets with comfort grips, my 7 Cornwell prybars all with beater caps the largest one being over 4 feet long, My good 7 piece hammer and dolly set, my stud gun, my 10" Ryobi sliding miter saw, my Ryobi router and router table my 7" Ridgid tile saw that's mounted to a rolling stand that sets up in literally seconds, my new 10" Ridgid table saw that's also on a quick setup rolling stand, I guess those tools r a little more important but regardless all my tools always get cleaned and put away after being used. If I'm working under a car I can ask someone for a tool and tell them exactly what drawer it's in and even it's placement in the drawer. I'm super OCD about my tools and my toolbox and garage, my garage, toolbox and cabinets are more organized than most peoples houses lol! Everything has an exact spot no exceptions, my whole garage is organized right down to my little parts bins. I paid a lot for my tools and have amassed them over 17 years and I treat them as such and I know if I take good care of them they can last me a lifetime and beyond, I have tools that belonged to my grandpa and now that my nephew is getting old enough to start working fixing and building stuff those tools will have been used by 4 generations of my family! I do have the one junk draw in my toolbox that's like a catchall for random shit, I think almost everyone has one of those lol! And when I take tools somewhere to do work I have a 3 piece set of Ridgid modular tool boxes that all clip together and I take just one or all 3 depending on what tools I need and everything goes right in a certain place and when I'm done working they all get cleaned and go back in their spots, and they always go home with me at the end of the day no matter what, I won't even leave them at one of my rental units over night, with all 3 of them I can hold a couple hundred pounds of tools including a full set of power tools I even strap my Ridgid or Dewalt radio to the top and my Ridgid fan to the front!

I do mobile maintenance and use laptop bags to seperate my tools. Everybody is surprised haven't seen anyone else ever use them in this manor. I have had many tool boxes and they are to heavy and eventually fall apart.

I keep a shop rag in my back pocket to keep my hands clean. Sometimes tooks still get greasy but it limits the time cleanin tools. And when i clean up i do a quick tool check to make sure everything is there. Im the type that every tool has a spot. ~diesel tech

great report . actually i like my old craft man tools its very great and i have sweet remember with it . thanx eric great idea for your videos .