What Tool(s) Do You Regret Buying

[cwsmith]

I had to give this one a thought, even to the point of reading every one of the other posts and their regrets.

I'm pretty careful about what I buy, usually only doing so when the need arises. But, there have been a couple of bargains that I stupidly couldn't pass up.

Probably my least used power tools are my belt sander (early 1970's Craftsman), the 18-inch Ryobi Scroll Saw that I got NIB for $79 in 2003, and my two jib (sabre) saws. All have been used of course, but not something I pick up very often.

My two biggest waste's though are my bench grinder and one of those Ramset powder-actuated nailers. The latter was listed for something like $130 and I picked it up from HD for only $24.... but what am ever going to use it for?

The grinder is a Ryobi 8". Got it on a Christmas sale, but then after actually reading what I really should be using to sharpen the thing is still sitting in the box. What does one use 3450 rpm grinder for in a woodshop?

But that's about it. I got some tools that I don't use very often, but none that I can admit to being "a waste". Every now and then, it nice to say, "Yeh, I got there... but where did I put it?"

BTW, I have the Ryobi biscuit joiner... I use it often, it's a great tool for the price.

CWS

[Bruce Cohen]

Hey CW,
I totally agree with you about not using that grinder to sharpen anything. I have a Porter-Cable 8" grinder, but all I use it for is buffing the metals I use in box making and putting on one heck of a shing to Ebony (using White Rouge).

So you can find a use for it.

Bruce

[dbhost]

I had to give this one a thought, even to the point of reading every one of the other posts and their regrets.

I'm pretty careful about what I buy, usually only doing so when the need arises. But, there have been a couple of bargains that I stupidly couldn't pass up.

Probably my least used power tools are my belt sander (early 1970's Craftsman), the 18-inch Ryobi Scroll Saw that I got NIB for $79 in 2003, and my two jib (sabre) saws. All have been used of course, but not something I pick up very often.

My two biggest waste's though are my bench grinder and one of those Ramset powder-actuated nailers. The latter was listed for something like $130 and I picked it up from HD for only $24.... but what am ever going to use it for?

The grinder is a Ryobi 8". Got it on a Christmas sale, but then after actually reading what I really should be using to sharpen the thing is still sitting in the box. What does one use 3450 rpm grinder for in a woodshop?

But that's about it. I got some tools that I don't use very often, but none that I can admit to being "a waste". Every now and then, it nice to say, "Yeh, I got there... but where did I put it?"

BTW, I have the Ryobi biscuit joiner... I use it often, it's a great tool for the price.

CWS

On the grinder, up until recently, several of the jig manufacturers were recommending 3450 rpm grinders, including OneWay, my manual with my Wolverine jig clearly specified that speed... I know heating issue concerns, that is also why the recommend the white oxide wheels... I use mine all the time....

[cork58]

I got suckered in to the Bosch 18v trim saw a few years ago. The battery will last about 20 minutes of cut time. I like my Bosch routers but that saw is sitting in the garage sale stuff for 2 years now!

[sweensdv]

Every single tool that had a cord and the name Craftsman on it. I never did buy any Craftsman battery powered tools but all the corded ones were a disappointment and I couldn't wait to replace them. My shop is now a Craftsman Free Zone power tool wise and will stay that way. In all fairness, I do have some Craftsman hand tools that are top shelf quality wise but they are all from the era when they were made in this country.

[sscherin]

HF Quick clamps.. I used to have 6 of em ($2 sale) and they have all suffered the pivot failure even when I've been easy on them.. Maybe if I did the bolt mod I would have a few left..

HF Ti coated drill bits.. several of the smaller size bits were bent out of the box.
Ti coating is gone after a few uses. Dull to begin with but it got the job done.

3 wheel band saw (picked up at a yard sale for $20) horrible POS.. It would cut a wavy line if you could keep the blade on it.

B&D sandstorm 3 in 1.. Got it as a gift
Tip base pad came off at some point..
Dust collection is a joke. (nicknamed the duststorm)

HF Screwdrivers.. Soft metal.. easy to chew em up.. Good for the junk drawer and keeps the kids from swiping my good drivers.

[BobSch]

HF Screwdrivers.. Soft metal.. easy to chew em up.. Good for the junk drawer and keeps the kids from swiping my good drivers.

I figure at a few bucks a set it's worth it to keep them (and the neighbors) away from my good tools.

[Pappy]

I figure at a few bucks a set it's worth it to keep them (and the neighbors) away from my good tools.

I had ( actually still have) wrenches and screwdrivers from Homier. I used to carry them in my trailer when I was drag racing bikes. The trailer would sit open and unguarded for 15 - 20 minutes while I was on line for a pass. Figured if someone stole them they deserved what they got. A selection of better tools was tucked away in one of the cabinets out of sight.

[TB Roye]

The most expensive and the one I most regret buying is LOML. She won't be the outfeed on ripping a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood or a 2 x 4 she will not dust and vacum the shop or help stack lumber or sort screws. But she is a great companion on our 2 week road trip through the Northwest we completed today 2500 miles and we are still talking. She is a little upset because we didn't get home early enought to go pick up the3 Fur Childern at the Kennel, I didn't drive fast enough to suit her. I was trying for gas mileage not speed. She collects speeding tickets I don't


Tom

[Bill in Buena Park]

This HF Doweling jig. Won't center to save its life.

[phrog]

This HF Doweling jig. Won't center to save its life.

I bought one of those and took it back for the same reason.

[luteman]

Two words: Roto Zip!

[TB Roye]

Roto Zip is one, Gave to my son. If I went out to the shop and look I know there would be some that I would say what ever possessed my to buy that. As we are seriously thinking of moving to Idaho, I will probably do that when I clean out the shop for our Yard Sale next spring.

Tom

[Bruce Cohen]

I just had this great revelation, looked at the missing part of my pinkie and I have now come to the conclusion that my regret extends to just about all the tools in the shop.

Happy Labor Day, Guys.

Bruce

[BeauxTi]

Bought rotozip on clearance - while it sits idle most of the time - I have used it for various grinding and stone work - but would not buy it again, the other is a Ryobi Jigsaw, the base plate is unreliable and Zero does not stay Zero when in use and the laser line is off, therefore useless.