Tool Inventory Project

[rcorne01]

After reading the thread about the very unfortunate fire at one of our member's shop, I got to thinking about how difficult it would be to replace my own, small shop.

To that end, I was wondering if I could get some help on a project that came to mind - a shop inventory application of some sort. It will be either in Excel or MS Access. When done, I would post it in the files section so people might be able to use it for their own shops.

I figure we would need to have "detail" information covering: Quantity, manufacturer, date bought, price paid, replacement value, description and either some way to link to a picture or insert one. I also think this will take a little bit but would like to have it finished for the fall.

The list below is a beginning point to identify the most common tools in our shops. Could I please ask our members to add to it? I have created initial categories, so when responding, please use one of the following categories:

Tools for Measuring and Leveling

1. Tools for Measuring and Leveling
2. Power Tools for Cutting and Drilling
3. Hand Tools for Sawing and Chiseling
4. Tools for Attaching Assembling, and Dismantling
   
5. Tools for Finishing Work
6. Pneumatic Tools
7. Miscellaneous Tools

....and here is the starting point:

Tools for Measuring and Leveling

* Steel tape measure
* Torpedo level
* 2' to 4' level
* Carpenter's square
* Plumb bob
* Chalk line
* Combination square

Power Tools for Cutting and Drilling

* Circular saw
* Band saw
* Jig saw
*Scroll saw

* 3/8" variable-speed drill
* Reciprocating saw
* Table saw (Bench saw)
* Cordless drill
* Router
* Radial-arm saw
*Drill Press
*Planer


Hand Tools for Sawing and Chiseling

* Crosscut saw
* Chisel
* Rip saw
* Combination saw
* Hacksaw
* Back saw and miter box
* Keyhole saw
* Coping saw
* Mallet

Tools for Attaching Assembling, and Dismantling

Hammers
* Claw hammer
* Ripping hammer
* Tack hammer
* Ball peen hammer
* Sledge hammer
* Nail set
* Pry bar
* Brads, nails, and spikes

Screwdrivers
* Conventional screwdrivers
* Phillips-head screwdrivers
* Cordless screwdriver
* Wood screws
* Sheet metal screws
* Machine screws

Wrenches
* Open-end wrench
* Box or socket wrench
* Allen wrench
* Locking wrench
* Strap wrench
* Pipe wrenches
* Lag screws
* Bolts

Pliers
* Slip joint pliers
* Lineman's pliers
* Channel lock pliers
* Long-nosed pliers
* End-cutting nippers

Clamps
* C-clamp
* Bar clamp
* Spring clamp
* Hand screw
* Vise

Tools for Finishing Work

Power Sanders
* Orbital sander
* Belt sander
* Disk sander
*Drum Sander

Planes
* Block plane
* Trimming plane
* Smooth plane
* Scrub plane
* Jack plane
* Fore and joiner planes
* Rabbit plane
* Grooving plane

Hand Sanders
* Sanding block
* Sanding cloth
* Sandpapers
* Steel wool

Files
* Single cut
* Double cut
* Rasp

Pneumatic Tools
* Air Compressor
* Quick-connect couplers
* Spray gun
* Air drill
* Blow-gun
* Air ratchet
* Caulking gun
* Air sander
* Stapler
* Air hammer/chisel
* Nail gun
* Impact wrench
* Sandblaster



Miscellaneous Tools
* Sawhorses
*Paint brushes

* Shop vacuum
*Dust collector

[Sully]

Rick,

I think you have a good idea and I'm certainly not trying to dissuade you from pursuing it. However, you might think about using the following existing database as a starting point:

http://www.inthewoodshop.org/software/software.shtml

The 4th link down on that page is:
Woodshop Inventory Database File.


Standard disclaimer applies: I have no affiliation with any of the above, just passing along info that I happened to have bookmarked for future use.

Best,
J

[DavidF]

Add Jointer

Power Tools for Cutting and Drilling

* Circular saw
* Band saw
* Jig saw
*Scroll saw

* 3/8" variable-speed drill
* Reciprocating saw
* Table saw (Bench saw)
* Cordless drill
* Router
* Radial-arm saw
*Drill Press
*Planer
*Jointer

[Bigdog72]

Add power miter saw/sliding compound miter saw

[rywilson]

I would also think that model/serial number would be a column.
In regards to replacement value... wouldn't that only be calculated in the event you were actually replacing it and not during the time of adding the item to the list?

[rcorne01]

Originally Posted by jwaterdawg

Rick,

I think you have a good idea and I'm certainly not trying to dissuade you from pursuing it. However, you might think about using the following existing database as a starting point:

http://www.inthewoodshop.org/software/software.shtml

That appears to be something like I had in mind. However, when I tried to convert it, there are several missing components that appear to be associated with MS Access 97 (listed as the requirement).

Heaven knows if there is already something out there, I would not re-invent the wheel. I may see if I can debug it. Thanks for pointing it out!

[rcorne01]

Originally Posted by rywilson

I would also think that model/serial number would be a column.
In regards to replacement value... wouldn't that only be calculated in the event you were actually replacing it and not during the time of adding the item to the list?

Replacement value, would also apply to those older tools of which you have no idea what you paid for them - maybe things passed down, or picked up at a yard sale. Ex: A contractor table saw you get at a yard sale for $100. However, if had to go to the local BORG, it would cost you $500.

Serial number - good catch!

[cskipper]

The link below the database one opens an blank excel files with the pertinent columns. Not sure they are all there, but I had difficulty opening the access file.

[RandyJ]

Would various bits be appropriate? i.e. router bits, forstner bits, hole saws,etc.


Also you may want to ADD:

Tools for Measuring and Leveling

*Steel/aluminum rulers/yardsticks/straight edges

Power Tools for Cutting and Drilling

*Biscuit joiner
*Lathe/chucks/tools (can't leave out the Dark Side!)

Hand Tools for Sawing and Chiseling

*Flush cut saws (Japanese type)

Tools for Attaching Assembling, and Dismantling

*Pocket hole jigs
*Tenoning jig
*Center punches
*Nail sets

Miscellaneous Tools

*Metal detector
*Respirator/Face shields
*Air filtration Unit

HTH,

[Travis Porter]

Clamps

F body clamps
K body clamps
band clamps

Tools for Measuring and Leveling
french curves

What about finishing equipment, sprayers, compressors, HVLP guns, etc?

[Vanilla Gorilla]

This is a great thread guys. I have been thinking about this type of thing a lot after a friend of mine's house burned down. Taking inventory of your posessions is a great idea, as sometimes I forget I even own certain things!!!

[Alan in Little Washington]

Replacement value is of no use until the worst happens. It is a moving target and based on what is available at the time - original or new, similar replacement, what a new/replacement costs, and of course what the economy is doing at the time.

[rsitzejr]

I was talking to a co-worker about this today. She suggested this, http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/te...33&ofcresset=1

Access DB template that you can even upload pictures to.

[rcorne01]

There are several inventory applications around, and the one referenced is good as well. What my vision is one that minimizes the amount of typing and subsequent typographical errors. I would like to have drop down selections for categories, and a list of tools in each category, that can be selected or added to as needed. I have done this in the past, (including support of pictures).

Right now I am trying to build the values to put in the selections, and build it with the good ole KISS principle in mind. After all - think of it like the blade guard on a table saw: If it is too much of a pain to use, where does it end up?

I appreciate the additions to date. Thanks everyone - you are going to keep me busy!

[rcorne01]

Originally Posted by Alan in Little Washington

Replacement value is of no use until the worst happens. It is a moving target and based on what is available at the time - original or new, similar replacement, what a new/replacement costs, and of course what the economy is doing at the time.

Very true. What I am thinking of, is two ways to populate it.

1) As time allows. It will give you a rough estimate of the replacement value of your tools.

2) Printing a "shopping list", that in the event of a loss, you can print what you have and have a line/blank spot to enter on a paper report, or go back and populate the field for those things you have loss, to give to the insurance company.

Trying to think ahead. Sometimes it is easier to do at one's leisure than it is in the middle of a crisis. Like any field that will be included, it will not be required. Thanks for your feedback - keeps me on my toes!