When do you upgrade a tool?

[AbiggerGarage]

I have an older, battery amp tester, works fine, but am unsure where at the old house it is.
My B-i-l could certainly use one, because he tends to have issues and I decided to get another *relatively cheap*, as I am seeing signs my dad's battery may be towards end of life.
So it is something to hand down, while I can still use it.

So when do you all upgrade something, generally, and then just due to opportunity as well (find a better one at a sale, etc).
TIA

[bmwrd0]

When I have used a tool, provided by someone else usually, and it is clearly better than what I used before.

I used analog VOMs for a long time, but when I went back to school to learn stationary engineering, we used Flukes in class, and even though I had a Triplett 310, which is a very good analog meter, the Flukes were just so much better in use. I still have a 310 at home (along with every other one I come across cheap), but it gets tucked in a drawer most of the time.

[j.a.f.e.]

No hard and fast rule here. When I think it's justified or the new one has so much more of something over the old one.  Sometimes because is all the justification I need.

I have 20V DeWalt tools. I use the driver a lot and I like it a lot. But I was at a friends doing some work and he has a 12V driver. It was so much lighter and more maneuverable. I really want one but really the 20V works great and has a lot more speed and power. I'd have to buy not only the tool but the battery and charger. Really trying to justify it.

[wilbilt]

No hard and fast rule here. When I think it's justified or the new one has so much more of something over the old one.  Sometimes because is all the justification I need.

I have 20V DeWalt tools. I use the driver a lot and I like it a lot. But I was at a friends doing some work and he has a 12V driver. It was so much lighter and more maneuverable. I really want one but really the 20V works great and has a lot more speed and power. I'd have to buy not only the tool but the battery and charger. Really trying to justify it.

I did a lot of overhead work at the school district, working in ceilings, etc. I much preferred my 12V Black and Deckers and 14.4V Milwaukee to my 18V DeWalt due to the lighter weight.

I remember people biting my head off when I told them the 12V Black and Decker and the 12V DeWalt were the identical tool, except for the color. I even posted parts list for both, showing the exact same parts except for the housing.

I still have two 1/2" drive corded impact wrenches. One is a Black and Decker, the other is a DeWalt.

They are identical, except for the color.

I only upgrade a tool when a replacement provides better functionality for the cost.

I probably need to get an upgraded scan tool, as my old Auto-Xray maxed out around the 2005 model year. No more updates available.

And maybe a couple of modern floor jacks. My old 1940s Blackhawk 4-ton works great, but is cast iron and 6 feet long. It easily weighs 200 lbs. Difficult to get in and out of the shed.

[j.a.f.e.]

I imagine working overhead every ounce matters. Not sure I'd be able to do that for long anymore. 

Some people just don't get it. Especially with Black and Decker and DeWalt - both Stanley holdings.

[goodfellow]

Like Will, scan tools are usually on the upgrade list. Ironically I also still have the old Auto=XRay kit that I bought back in the early 2000's. I've been getting by very well with an Autel 539B for all these years because I could borrow an advanced scanner from a friend. At Christmas last year I finally upgraded to a LAUNCH X431 CRP919EBT Elite Scanner. Now I'm good to go for a while.

I'm also looking to do a full upgrade on battery powered tools in my shop. I currently have a hodge-podge of older Skil and Ryobi 18v tools. They work well enough, but Skil doesn't support the batteries anymore and I've rebuilt the packs several times already. Time to move into a modern battery platform and tools. Currently researching DeWalt and Milwaukee for later on this year.

My old tools usually go to my BILs who are occasional too users and can still put them to good use.

[wilbilt]

My only need for a scan tool was to be able to pull OBDII codes if the MIL was on.

But now, with multiple networks operating in the vehicle you need to be able to see much more.

Honestly, why do taillight bulbs need to be on a network?

SMH.

[wilbilt]

I have had a few air ratchets, but got rid of them all, because in my opinion, they make way too much noise for the amount of work they do. Just like leaf blowers.

Of course, battery-powered ratchets didn't exist when I was in the business. I might look into getting one.

Battery-powered impact wrenches as well...but battery longevity and support are a consideration. I am well set-up with air, so continue to use that.

My current compressor has a 3450 RPM motor, which I don't like because it is so noisy, but it works. I like to fire it up at 7 AM on Sundays, right after my neighbors have gone to bed after their loud, all-night Mariachi parties.

[goodfellow]

My only need for a scan tool was to be able to pull OBDII codes if the MIL was on.

But now, with multiple networks operating in the vehicle you need to be able to see much more.

Honestly, why do taillight bulbs need to be on a network?

SMH.

I'm with you on that front Will. We made the decision as a family to keep out early 2000's cars and just fix them up. Newest cars are the wife's 2012 Traverse and my 2011 Cadillac DTS. Daughter still drives her 2005 Highlander, and my everyday driver is a 2003 Dakota truck. I can maintain those vehicles with the limited skills, diagnostic tools, and abilities that I still possess. I think my wife and I are done buying new cars.

As an aside -- friend of ours bought a new Palisade last year with all the gadgets. It's been in the shop for a total of three months since then. Wiring harness issues have stumped the dealer at every turn. In this last go-round the dealer basically washed his hands of the matter and told him to fight it out with the US corporate office. Absolutely crazy what's happening in the car industry.

[wilbilt]

My only need for a scan tool was to be able to pull OBDII codes if the MIL was on.

But now, with multiple networks operating in the vehicle you need to be able to see much more.

Honestly, why do taillight bulbs need to be on a network?

SMH.

I'm with you on that front Will. We made the decision as a family to keep out early 2000's cars and just fix them up. Newest cars are the wife's 2012 Traverse and my 2011 Cadillac DTS. Daughter still drives her 2005 Highlander, and my everyday driver is a 2003 Dakota truck. I can maintain those vehicles with the limited skills, diagnostic tools, and abilities that I still possess. I think my wife and I are done buying new cars.

As an aside -- friend of ours bought a new Palisade last year with all the gadgets. It's been in the shop for a total of three months since then. Wiring harness issues have stumped the dealer at every turn. In this last go-round the dealer basically washed his hands of the matter and told him to fight it out with the US corporate office. Absolutely crazy what's happening in the car industry.

Agreed. My wife has a 2018 Toyota RAV4 she bought new. I don't like it because it has electric power steering and there is absolutely no road feedback in the steering wheel. She loves it. Whatever.

Living in a rural area, we have rodent issues. Rats, mice, rabbits, gophers, etc. Apparently, newer Toyotas use soy-based insultation on the wiring to comply with the EPS "biodegradable" regulations. Soy is food.

I have seen them referred to as "Soyotas". The critters really seem to like the fuel injector wiring for some reason.

In the cold months, opening the hood after returning home in the afternoon and leaving it open overnight lets the heat out and reduces the temptation for the critters to hang out in there.

[AbiggerGarage]

I had one of those Auto Xray's.  I finally got rid of it after it sat for some time and the batteries corroded.  Had access to the pro one at the shop I used to work at, so no reason to buy.

Then 2020 hit and my boss/best friend passed and a lot more hit my plate.  I bought an inexpensive one that did everything the Auto Xray did, and fixed my issue.  A couple years later, I wanted a more professional one as there was talk about selling the old shop I worked at and I looked at several brands.  I ended up with the Xtool D7, which allowed me to program some stuff.  I suspect it is my last one.

[wilbilt]

I had one of those Auto Xray's.  I finally got rid of it after it sat for some time and the batteries corroded.  Had access to the pro one at the shop I used to work at, so no reason to buy.

Then 2020 hit and my boss/best friend passed and a lot more hit my plate.  I bought an inexpensive one that did everything the Auto Xray did, and fixed my issue.  A couple years later, I wanted a more professional one as there was talk about selling the old shop I worked at and I looked at several brands.  I ended up with the Xtool D7, which allowed me to program some stuff.  I suspect it is my last one.

My old Auto Xray sits quite a bit and I always remove the batteries before putting it away. I have ruined too many things in the past for leaving the batteries in.

[Muddy]

I'm usually a run it till the wheels fall off type of mindset. Unless I see a newer version that has solved issues that I have had.

[Hickory n Steel]

I upgrade when I become unhappy with what I currently have and want something better.

[Uncle Buck]

I did step up to 18V cordless Ryobi years ago. Every cordless tool I own is Ryobi including a compound miter saw that is incredibly convenient. I won't leave Ryobi due to the number of Ryobi tools I own. Once Ryobi started offering Lithium batteries that fixed the only issue I had with their platform. Performance wise every Ryobi tool I have bought have met my needs. Regarding "upgrading" of tools that is not usually a consideration for me. While over half of all the tools I own were used when they came to me, they are virtually always quality tools that I buy once with no reason to upgrade.  Buy quality tools once and very rarely will upgrading be a consideration. Certainly,  something like an old USA made quality brand. You rebuild quality equipment like that if you bought a quality jack, new, or used. Import jacks you toss and replace/upgrade. So ya, I don't really upgrade anything I am the place where tools/equipment/vehicles  go to die!