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yourdaddyjoe · Supporting Member

Tool Envy Syndrome (TES) is a serious condition that afflicts, in varying degrees, nearly all men who are interested in mechanical things. It is very important to recognize and deal with this condition before it becomes serious; left untreated it can lead to a far more serious condition: Inflammation of the Credit Card (ICC). TES is known to strike under the following circumstances:

* Browsing the latest tool catalogs or sale fliers
* Visiting stores such as Grizzly or Harbor Freight (Warning: while much less so than in earlier years, the tool department at Sears can still trigger small attacks)
* Visiting the shop of a friend who has more and/or better tools than you have
* Surfing the web site of someone with a well-equipped shop
* Seeing a well-equipped shop in magazines such as Home Shop Machinist

Tool Envy Syndrome tends to strike young men particularly hard, due its close relationship to a similar conditions: Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) and Air Gun Acquisition Syndrome (AGAS). Over time, in most men, both of these conditions tend to lessen in severity. In fact, it can be shown that gradual accumulation of tools, gear and Air Guns over a period of years can control both conditions while minimizing the risk of Inflammation of the the Credit Card (this is known as the Mature Phase). It has also been widely observed that getting married and having children can moderate the risk; primarily, it is believed, due to counseling from a loving wife and the sobering effect of having lots more bills to pay.

Tool Envy Syndrome cannot be controlled by any known drugs (although its effects can be exaggerated by the use of alcohol). Therefore, treatment is currently limited primarily to counseling methods. The first step is admitting that you have a problem. Here are some additional pointers:

* Avoid situations that are likely to cause an attack
* When visiting tool stores, leave your credit card at home (Warning: in severely afflicted individuals this can trigger emotional breakdown, fits of crying and other irrational behavior)
* Meditate on the fine collection of tools that you already have; recognize that time will make it better
* Find a quiet place. Visualize your ideal shop. Repeat to yourself "It is coming"

I hope you have found this information to be helpful. As a TES/GAS/AGAS sufferer myself (now in the Mature Phase) I felt compelled to pass it on to you.

oddtodd · Silver Status Member

I am so lucky to have a loving wife who understands these conditions in me and allows me to make small token acquisitions to control my conditions. While I still want a 3 in 1 she has promised to allow me to have a fully stocked shop when we move to the new house instead of a small corner of the basement. I figure that in my new house I will have a fully heated shed to use in my use of my acquired collection. I am in the mature phase of this disease also, and am controlling it well.

donec · Senior Member

DaddyJoe, is this the results of quitting smoking or just guilt for showing what you can do and making others want to buy stuff so they can emulate you? Laughing

yourdaddyjoe · Supporting Member

Neither... He who dies with the most toys/tools... wins!

yourdaddyjoe · Supporting Member

My son-in-law found the above on a Mini-Lathe forum... Just had to share and adapt it to the AirGun world...

Mark5043 · Silver Status Member

That's great Joe!...I love it... Mr. Green

My chronic T.E.S. has been kept at a minimum these days,due to a temporary but frustrating condition known a B.A.S.S....."Broke as sh!t syndrome"... Razz

yourdaddyjoe · Supporting Member

yourdaddyjoe · Supporting Member

I stole you line Mark... Hello Face Book...

sniper · Silver Status Member

i'm lucky, so long as i need a tool and have the money,
i can buy anything. Mr. Green

guns on the other hand. Rolling Eyes

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

You only need one tool, A big hammer.

If this doesn’t work then the machine is beyond redemption. so spend the unused tool money on Cigarettes. Mr. Green

Just think that after a week or so with out a cigarette that first drag is heaven, all your worries have disappeared, you feel light headed slightly dizzy and all your will power as shot out of the window. Ecstasy!!! Bouncing Smoker

Al

Slavia · Moderator

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

yourdaddyjoe · Supporting Member

My mind is out for repair... Still waiting on new parts....

Mark5043 · Silver Status Member

Mark5043 · Silver Status Member

Oh boy...T.E.S. happened twice yesterday,while visiting my local Sears tool dept yesterday,as well as the local bike shop searching for a master tool kit..... Rolling Eyes

There was a definite physiological,and mental response...which included nervousness..."credit card anxiety"Justification in spite of evidence that I really don't "need",any more sh!t right now,and mental calculation,on how to gather the acquisitions without taking collateral damage from the wife when I get back home..... Laughing

But I did good...I just looked...no purchases... Razz

Wait!...Performance bike has a 10% off special on tools..... Ahhh!

Oh,and I need pads for my Hayes 9 disc brake calipers,bleed kit,DOT 4......and...and....and....and....and.... Mr. Green