So we all have rare stuff..now what?

[Xtopher]

So we steward and care for these trinkets till were dead.
We uncover the lost truth of their origins and purpose. Documenting history in our own slow way.
Some have children that will carry on the legacy, but others will sell them for a quick buck to people that have the same notion as us.
Strange really.
I spent my life accumulating and caring for many a tools, beginning with my fathers, then my own. Its a passion, a "calling" if you will.
Why?
My belief is that with every tool you have, you can remedy a problem that comes along in life. hmmm
That's a lot of tools .

Yet none of them can save us for the inevitable.
I'd like to hear other theories and reasons, why we do what we do.
Chris 

[Papaw]

I like old wrenches because I can hold one in my hand and think of who may have used it, and when and where.
Finding old tools has been  one of the things that has made me happy for many years, but I know my kids and grandkids don't have the same appreciation of them that I have.
I have bought and sold at fairs and markets, displayed them for the public, and even in a museum locally, but now they have to go soon.

 I started Tool Talk just for the purpose of having a community of like minded folks to talk about old tools with.

[skipskip]

 I started Tool Talk just for the purpose of having a community of like minded folks to talk about old tools with.

And we all thank you for it!!

[Nolatoolguy]

Collecting started when I showed my grandpas snap on 71n 1/2" ratchet on a YouTube video an a member commented letting me know about tooltalk cause I said I wanted more info. I signed up looked around didn't see much came back a few months later an it just caught on.

Another reason is I couldn't afford all new hand tools an vintage ones worked just as good an cost half the price. I Also bought an sold tools for a few bucks all while keeping the good ones for myself.

There's also the history factor. I am amazed when I think what they have done, were they've been, who used them, an there whole history.

Even with all that my favorite part of collecting is the people you meet. I Have met some amazing people in the journey of collecting.

Collecting old tools has truly changed my life. I cant imagine it without my tool collecting an my tool collecting friends.

[3baygarage]

I like finding that one I haven't seen before, or some hard to find items.

I enjoy seeing the changes (subtle and not) of say, each ratchet or wrench by the same mfr. over the years.

I like comparing tools made by any mfr. with those they made and rebadged for some other brand.

No real rhyme or reason to my hobby. No one in my personal life understands but they are generally impressed with my knowledge of tools.

Thanks to Papaw and others out there, there are a few places to meet up with other tool minded folks. It is nice to continue learning about everything, be able to ask questions, and be able to share these finds with others (WHO MIGHT CARE).

As mentioned, the thought of where/how the tool may have been used.

Keeping the old brand names and their history alive is important. Look at the effort Twertsy for one put into his site. Incredible, in such a short time too! Alloy Artifacts, Incredible. Not everyone, myself included,is able to focus on dates, places and such.

There is a lot worse that can be done with our spare time I suppose.

Not sure what the future will bring but for now the interest is still here with me and hopefully will be for many more years to come.

[Xtopher]

 I started Tool Talk just for the purpose of having a community of like minded folks to talk about old tools with.

That's awesome and I thank you for having me!
I enjoy the discovery and history, the puzzle or challenge to find answers and or solutions. I'm really fortunate to have a wife that understands. hehe

There are some really good replies here. I thank you for sharing.

I've gone beyond wrenches and hand tools. Which I have enough to fill a one ton pick up. twice.
 I lack nothing.... except a pin faced spanner which I needed but made one...lol.
I own tools across all trades. I do every thing."Jack of all trades master of ....Some" :)
I've been on this vintage machinery binge. And I managed to fill a small commercial building which I call, my shop.
I love restoring the old tools and giving them new life. Its a hobby. But I often have to ask myself "Why the hell am I doing this?"
I suppose after a traumatic mid-life crisis you begin to question things.
Its nice to vent to those in the know and I appreciate all the feedback.
Chris

[Northwoods]

Don't know about you, but for me, tool collecting fills a desire for order (sets) creativity, learning, history, tinkering, and preservation.
When I was about ten, I found a 1912 V nickel and part of my life was determined that day. 
Coins, stamps, household antiques and furniture, and now tools.
It is all part of the same whole.
I just finished making a new set of leaves with copper rivets for an old Bridgeport hatchet.  I have re-handled several old Bridgeport crate hammers, but this was my first hatchet.  I loved it.
Like this one:     http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-BSA-Boy-Scouts-of-America-Bridgeport-Nail-Puller-Hatchet-Axe-/191902903580?hash=item2cae4ded1c:g:aJsAAOSwepJXab-Q