Tools

M

mjsouleman

Sustaining Member

Moderator

• May 30, 2022

• #1

Tools,
When we purchase our first, second, and/or third sailboat, along with the purchase price comes the cost of tools needed for different engine, electrical, and fiberglass repairs.

This thought came to me as I look back on the tools purchased over the years. If we care of our beloved Ericson's, I hope they will bring enjoy to others long after we can no longer climb aboard. To that end I ask, what about all those tools? I wonder if a used tool exchange might be of interest and if there might be a community interest in such a project?

Mark "Souleman" Soule

 

Afrakes

Sustaining Member

• May 30, 2022

• #2

The only major "shared" tool I can think of would be a cutlass bearing remover. I rented one from a member of another forum. I paid a big deposit and shipping to and from for a nominal fee. Received the deposit after the return of the tool. If the deposit is high enough that "should" guarantee the return of the tool.

 

toddster

Curator of Broken Parts

Blogs Author

• May 30, 2022

• #3

Tool libraries seem like a great idea, but the local versions never seem to last. A nation-wide implementation would struggle with shipping costs. The general rule I've found with rental centers is if I have to rent a tool twice, I might as well have bought one in the first place.
That said, another "needed" but seldom-used tool is the battery-terminal crimper. Maybe the whole package of bottom-sanding and dust containment tools.

I have been sorting through my tools this week, weeding out stuff to put in the estate sale (part with now), the final sale (part with later) or keep on the boat (painfully few.) It isn't easy.

 

Afrakes

Sustaining Member

• May 30, 2022

• #4

Years ago, I purchased a used GRP 33 moisture meter just to satisfy my curiosity as to the condition of my boat. Have used it once.

 

JSM

Member III

• May 30, 2022

• #5

I've found Craigslist to be a good source for used tools. Picked up a used one time Harbor Freight chain hoist from a guy how used it to pull an engine in a jeep. Will probably put in back on Craigslist.

 

Christian Williams

E381 - Los Angeles

Senior Moderator

Blogs Author

• May 30, 2022

• #6

There is a Master Thread on this topic.

Tool Reviews [Master Thread]

Arcturus has gradually been accumulating his own dedicated set of tools. At first, I brought a box or two of tools from the shop every time I went to do a boat project. But that seemed to be every single time. So obviously a tool set was needed on board. But I still brought power tools from...

ericsonyachts.org

 

bgary

Advanced Beginner

Blogs Author

• May 30, 2022

• #7

toddster said:

another "needed" but seldom-used tool is the battery-terminal crimper.

Click to expand...

May be a local thing, but my local marine hardware store has a battery-terminal crimper in the wire aisle.... worth asking at yours.

 

S

Second Star

Member III

• May 30, 2022

• #8

A gear puller suitable to pull the prop is very good too. For Canadians, Canadian Tire runs a tool "rental" at the car parts desk. You "pay" the purchase price of the tool and when you bring it back in good condition (the time limit is long, months if I remember correctly) you get the full amount back.

 

Loren Beach

O34 - Portland, OR

Senior Moderator

Blogs Author

• May 30, 2022

• #9

If we can talk about power tools that are only brought aboard for projects, I would nominate our Fein vac. The smaller version with the dust bag. Quite powerful and it has enabled me to sand with the pickup hose attached to our quarter sheet sander, and tack off, and then varnish within an hour.

 

Last edited: May 30, 2022

M

mjsouleman

Sustaining Member

Moderator

• May 30, 2022

• #10

Thank you Christian, I had not seen the Tools review, but will be scanning this evening.

 

Tin Kicker

Sustaining Member

Moderator

• May 31, 2022

• #11

I've seen tool exchanges come and go & they usually don't last long for a number of reasons. There really aren't that many specialty ones for a brand of boat so usually it's easier and faster to look on FB Market or Craigslist.
That or volunteer lunch and lotsa beers for a person's time who has the tool and will either loan or help.