A scratch on my calipers from a home build shifted my habit | Tool And Die Makers

Ben Fisher · 2026-02-24T14:00:59.905011+00:00

I always left them out for quick use. Now I put them back in the case right away.

That sinking feeling is the worst. Scratched the blade on my good marking knife last year the same way, leaving it out on the bench. Now everything gets wiped down and put away, no exceptions. Really teaches you to slow down and respect the tools.

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sarah_white8mo ago

My buddy Jake chipped his favorite chisel, same lesson.

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shane5878mo ago

Man, that awful sound when metal hits something it shouldn't. It just sinks your heart, especially when it's a tool you've had forever and trust. Jake must've been gutted. It's the worst feeling, ruining a good piece of steel like that.

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kaih366mo ago

Tools are meant to be used, not babied. A few scratches just show they're doing their job.

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