Written by Elden Lindamood Facilities Manager at Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps
Anybody who has tools undoubtedly has a “favorite” tool. Even people with only a few hand
tools probably have a “go-to” that they reach for time and again. I, of course, have many tools, and many “favorites”, but if I had to pick a favorite-favorite, it would probably be my trusty Sargent & Co. parallel pliers.
Tools can become favorites for many reasons. Some may have sentimental value, having been passed down from a parent or grandparent. Sometimes a tool is deemed to be a favorite simply because you’ve had it for so long, and because it has obtained an aged and familiar patina. A favorite tool may feel good in the hand, or bare the marks of many uses. Maybe it is just a simple tool you found at a yard sale and it is your favorite because you only paid 25 cents for it.
Some tools may possess multiple qualities that make them your favorites. Often times, however, a tool having a particular special quality does not render it a favorite for that one quality alone. I have numerous tools that belonged to my grandfather, but some of them I rarely, or never, have any practical use for. Some tools may be useful and comfortable to use but are cheaply made and they won’t last long enough to become favorites.
So, what makes my favorite pliers so special? I don’t remember where I got them, and they probably came in a box-lot of tools from an auction long ago. They are just the right size for many uses, and the thick metal grips fit my hand well making them comfortable to use. Their parallel jaw function is fairly uncommon, yet superior to the ubiquitous (and often cheap) slip-joint pliers in so many ways. They also have a handy side-cutter that is always sharp despite me cutting many questionable things with it over the years. I like that they are all metal, with no rubber grips or plastic parts that break or wear out. I like the knurled jaws. I like the little channel in the middle of the jaws that is designed to hold wire tightly. I like that there is just enough resistance in the hinge points that they stay closed around small parts when I set them down. The ends of the jaws are sharply square, allowing me to grip things that barely protrude from a surface. They are perfect.
As our crew members start to use different tools, and begin purchasing tools of their own, I expect they will develop preferences for particular examples, for any number of reasons. Maybe they’ll even find one they will deem their favorite, and it will travel with them on the many jobs and journeys to come. I hope they one day look at a tool in their hand and think, “I’ve had these for 40 years”, and it makes them happy.
Comments