Johann Hunt
Technology has reshaped the way we tackle home projects, so the old tools we used to rely on before have now become more frustrating than helpful. While a few carry nostalgic charm, many are simply gathering dust in your garage, right? It’s time to remove these 10 tools to make room for smarter options that get the job done.
Manual Screwdrivers
The go-to tool for fastening screws, manual screwdrivers in various sizes have lost their spot as a must-have in the garage. Today, cordless drills with adjustable torque settings have taken over and made it easier to work with a variety of screw sizes and materials.
Crescent Wrenches
Crescent wrenches, or adjustable wrenches, were a common pick for tackling bolts of different sizes. Although flexible, they tend to slip and lack the torque of fixed models. Today’s ratcheting and impact wrenches handle the job with more speed and power.
Old School Jacks
The classic car jack, often operated by a crank handle, used to be the tool for lifting cars for maintenance. However, hydraulic jacks have taken over, and they offer more lifting power with less effort. They’re also safer and significantly faster than manual jacks.
Clunky Corded Drills
Corded drills may have been a staple in every garage once upon a time, but with the rise of cordless, rechargeable models, they’ve lost their charm. Modern cordless drills are more versatile and allow for more mobility, especially in tight spaces, without any hassle.
Vise Grips
Vise grips, also known as locking pliers, used to be the solution for grabbing and holding onto objects when there was no other option. While they still have some applications, they’ve been largely replaced by more precise tools like clamps and ratchet-style locking mechanisms that offer better control and comfort.
Manual Tape Measures
Tape measures have always been essential for measuring materials and spaces, but the manual version with a spring-loaded reel feels outdated compared to newer laser measuring tools. Laser measures can quickly calculate distances and provide more accurate readings.
Gas-Powered Weed Whackers
Gas-powered tools, such as weed whackers, are favored for challenging yard work. Though electric models are eco-conscious and easy to maintain, they can’t match the power and runtime of gas tools, which remain the go-to option for handling more strenuous tasks in large spaces.
Hand-Powered Sanders
Before power tools became a garage staple, sanding was an arduous task carried out with hand-powered sanders or even elbow grease. Today, electric sanders are commonplace. If you’re still using the old manual kind, it’s time to invest in a powered sander to save time by using variable speeds.
The Clunky Power Miter Saw
Older power miter saws used to be the heavy-duty equipment needed for cutting wood at precise angles. The new models, in comparison, are lighter and much safer, providing cleaner cuts with less effort. These upgraded tools are more flexible and controlled when working with materials.
Outdated Workbenches
Older workbenches were often just simple surfaces meant to get the job done. They lacked flexibility and built-in organization. But if you substitute that with smarter designs, you get adjustable heights, built-in power strips, better storage, wheels for easy moving, and more!