IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?

How many times have you walked through a Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, or any do it yourself palace and looked at the prices of a million and one tools,  gadgets or other things that you think you may need and thought “IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?”  Well, believe it or not, the answer is probably a lot easier and a lot less complicated than the anxiety you feel while standing in the aisle thinking about your checking account, your spouse’s response, whether or not you are getting the best deal, and most importantly, “IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?”   

Determining the right tool for the job is the most important decision you’ll make when planning any project.  Whether it’s a precise impact wrench for engine work or the sharpest shears when cutting fabric for curtains, if you’re not properly equipped you’re going to spend needless time and energy and end up with a sub-par result.  I’m not saying that you need to build an extra wing on the old hacienda to store all the tools that you may ever need, but sometimes you need to take the plunge. 

The first thing you need to do is to take inventory of what you are going to need prior to starting the project.  Make a list of every tool you’ll need to do the job the right way. Once you’re done, see what tools you have in your shed, or closet and what tools you’re missing. Next, take a look at your project budget. Remember to factor in any materials you’ll need to complete the task. After totaling up the materials, see what’s left for the missing tools. Finally, consider how often you are likely to use the tools in future projects.  If it’s a one time job or the tool to complete the job is more expensive than hiring a professional, then the math doesn’t really make sense and you’re better of renting. 

But the key thing to remember is that a good tool, if used, will end up paying for itself. Take the precision impact wrench, for example. If you are able to use it for important engine work to ensure your car is performing properly, you will avoid spending hundreds or thousands for needless car repair.

If you know you’ll use the tool again, the best advice I can give is to buy it. That said, with the tough economic times that we’re all facing, we need to make smart decisions about getting things done and not breaking the bank.  With that concept in mind we also need to, as mentioned above, equip ourselves for our needs and abilities.  So I’m basically saying be smart about it.

If I just purchased a home on a 3 acre lot clustered with oak and maple trees it shouldn’t be too tough of a decision on whether or not to purchase a leaf blower.  The only question I should be pondering is how big and where to make my purchase.  This is one of those “suck it up and do it” situations.  The last thing you want to do is to spend 2-3 weekends working on lawn clean-up while all you’re holstering is a bamboo rake you found at a yard sale, when you could be looking out for the next Mr. October, or the start of a march to the Super Bowl.

So listen up.  Many postings on Caldo’s blog will be step-by-step instructions on how to complete a project. Throughout these postings I will outline which tools are needed for each project. As with anything, there are grey areas – but a link will be placed next to each tool generalizing them into one of three categories as follows:

·        You should own

·        You can buy for under $100 (or so)

·        You should borrow or rent

For the things that you should own, a link will appear to “Caldo’s Staples,” found on this blog. Caldo’s Staples is a list created to help you decide “is it really worth it?”

The tools that are categorized for under $100 (or so) are specialty type tools for specific projects, which I imagine you may not already own. If you do already own one, good for you! For this category, a link to Caldo’s main sponsor will appear where you are able to purchase and browse all types of tools.

Items that you should borrow or rent are usually higher priced or seldom used items.  But unfortunately many projects often require the use of something in this category. A link to www.davezillion.com will appear next to this category. DaveZillion members have free access to Tool Library where they can borrow tools from other members.  If you can’t find someone close to you willing to share what you may need, I’m always here to offer up some advice on where to rent or consider other options.  Also, there’s a good chance that someone in the DaveZillion universe has been in your exact position and can provide you with some helpful feedback.

Caldo’s here to give you a virtual hand with all of your home projects. Send him questions at caldo@davezillion.com

DZ