I suck at limiting what I collect. There are certain things I really like.
S-K tools, Plomb Tools, Craftsman Crown logo tools fron the 1960-1964 catalog, egg beater hand drills, unique ratchets, Stanley planes, steel levels, and about 25 other categories.
But I will still buy a stupid 1970's Thorsen socket set for a good price. More change in my pocket than brains in my head, I suppose.
I spent the whole day yesterday pulling out boxes of wrenches and sorting them by manufacturer. There were literally thousands (well more than a thousand, but probably less than two) wrenches. Just the combination, doe, and dbe types. Multiple from over 30 manufacturers, and a box of single goofy or unidentified manufacturers. Almost all domestic.
I told myself years ago that I wasn't going to collect Snap On tools. Two months ago I bought a vintage top tool box and its almost full, just with Snap-On and Mac metric tools. I got it because the deal was great. Along with the other great deals there that day I spent another $300 on. But its O.K., $60 was spent on a 3/4" S-K socket set. 22 more sockets to house.
Last year I bought two of the Milwaukee tool boxes at Home Depot, right around fathers day. In December I bought a wide Craftsman box set. All those, in addition to the two I already had, plus the Snap-On box. Just for my "users," except one stack that holds the 1960 Craftsman stuff. I was thinking about buying another wide set yesterday.
I can't even handle a wrench well anymore since nerve loss has progressed so far through my hands / arms. Being out of the shop just left time to attend more estate sales.
Chilly