Tool Inventory UGH!!!!!

I am looking up values as I go so it is taking a while. Have a laptop on the shelf so it is going directly in to the computer.

I did the first inventory about ten years ago and the list sorely needed updating. Will have to go through the rest of the tools when done moving into the box as there have been quite a few changes there also.

If any of you guys and gals have a free weekend I would suggest doing this and taking the list to your Insurance person. Last time I got a visit from a rep from the insurance company. He just wanted to confirm that what I said was there actually was. Didn't have any arguements when he saw the shop but was glad he came around to confirm.

One other nice thing about doing this is the soft copy of the last inventory was unaccessable so I was glad I had a printed copy to go on. there is a printed copy in my file at the insurance agents also.

Got the idea to do the first inventory after talking with a guy who had a fire. He was adequatly insured but needed to come up with a list of what he had after the fire. He said that was real interesting. Would sift through the rubble and when he could recognize something would try to remember what was next to it on the bench etc.

Just thought I would offer this idea up to the rest of you while there is still some winter left to do this project.

jt

Take picture with digital camera.

Move pictures onto CD/ROM.

Move CD/ROM to safe deposit box.

Kick back and relax.

If only I could practice what I preach. :)

If I hear the auditors are in the shop, I usually lock my boxes and just fade into the woodwork for a few hours just not to have to mess with them. When a stray tool is found in the shop, the witch hunt really begins.

Its all really rather rediculous. I know where my tools are on my own and I sure didn't buy them to scatter around lose them in someone elses shop.

Where can you buy that foam stuff for the drawers, the kind that has the impression of the tool stored there? My dad used to have that in his tool box when he was an aircraft mechanic with the air national guard, and I've always thought it would be handy in the home shop.. You know how we New Englanders are -- "A place for everything, and everything in its place!"

-- Maine Fordson

I could see why that would be such a nasty word. You probably have considerably better shop practice than I do though by necessity.

Easy was wondering what Industry you are in as am I. Let me guess, you work in the aviation industry maybe. Have a friend who's brother worked for the air force as a powerplant mechnic and he said tool inventories were watched there just as close or closer.

jt

Yep, the old aircraft industry is the touchiest bunch you'll ever see about "tool control".

The next step, coming very soon, is that we will not have any tools of our own, but have to share large sets of tools among the shop and "chit" each and every one in and out. Thats due to happen in the next month.

With these changes upon us, I've bought 2 late model large Craftsman rollaways and top boxes lately from people who didn't want to mess with hauling them home or storing them. One set in Red for $130, one set in Indigo Blue for $50. I think maybe I may need a couple more? I should hold out for some Kennedy stuff.....

So saying that, I think inventory of your tools is a great idea.

Charles