A Priceless Hand Tool
By DIY Maven
The duty of a hand tool is a simple one. Its existence is predicated upon helping you get a job done and done well. But sometimes, when a particular person has used a hand tool, it becomes more than just hardware. For instance, a screwdriver once owned by Thomas Edison is going to have more monetary and emotional significance than my handy 4 in 1. Or the Stanley No. 3 level pictured above. It was the only possession my dad had that once belonged to his father. If that seems improbable, it really isn’t. It’s actually remarkable he had anything that my grandfather once owned, as he died when Dad was just a toddler. And now, after my father’s recent passing, this priceless level was handed down to me. It’s a little worn, and its horizontal needs some adjustment–although the vertical is right on the money. I don’t know if I’ll polish it up and get that bubble plumb or if I’ll let it be, looking just as it did the last time my father saw it. What I do know is it won’t be treated like any of the other hand tools in the house. It’s too priceless.
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Self-proclaimed Maven of DIY, I'm up for anything from gonzo rehab to dressing a room. Check...
DIY Maven
Thank you, MHET.
ModHomeEcTeacher
I'm so sorry too. I didn't know this was a recent loss. Lots of warmth and hugs to you.
DIY Maven
Thank you, lilybee.
lilybee
Warm thoughts and condolences DIY Maven.
DIY Maven
My dad worked for the highway department, so the scent I associate with him is hot tar. I love that smell and so do all my siblings! I know, I have to remind myself that I was lucky; I had my dad a long time. But I still wasn't ready to say goodbye. It's been a tough week. To say the least.
ModHomeEcTeacher
Oh my! I know exactly how you feel about your dad's tools. My dad was a custom homebuilder. He had a fold out measuring tape made from wood. I consider it one of the best things I could have inherited from him. My brothers got rings, watches, etc. and I nabbed that measuring stick. My dad died when I was only fourteen so I don't have adult memories of him. One thing I'll always love is the smell of freshly overturned earth--as in digging a basement, the smell of concrete, and the smell of freshly cut wood. I think checking out jobsites was one of the few father-daughter things we did.
To summarize, I have a really soft spot for old tools. Thanks for sharing your level with us.
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