It’s been said that a man’s tools are like old friends, ready to help whenever you need them. You don’t need to see them every day, sometimes going for very long stretches of time before being called upon, but they are there, ready, waiting. It may seem strange to some, but there are times when I just spend time with my tools, looking at them, thinking about what project I may begin. I have some of my fathers tools as well, I see them in his hands. Old tools and old memories.

One of those tools my father used is now mounted in my shop, a memory framed. It’s a folding wooden ruler. Some people called it a zig-zag ruler, others called it a box ruler or carpenters ruler. It was the standard tool for a carpenter before there were retractable steel rules like we use today. I heard that some are now using laser beams to measure inside measurements these days.

When I was young I would get that ruler and play with it. I liked making different shapes and extending it, balancing it on my finger or using it like a fishing pole. My father would catch me and yell at me about that, you’re going to break that! Quit fooling around with that, I need that tool you know. They don’t give those things away. He didn’t wear coveralls, like you often see carpenters and painters wearing, no little side pocket to carry that rule in, but it seemed like he always had it handy. At some point he stopped using that and did get a retractable steel rule. Then I began playing with that! And I got yelled at for that too.

I found that ruler among my fathers things after his passing. I did come into possession of some of his tools. He sold me his machinists tool box when he could no longer work. I have that to this day and it is filled with tools, some of them his. That box is sixty years old. I have a tool box a former employer purchased for me in 1976. I still use it to this day. Old friends and old memories are in both of those boxes. I do have tools that a younger man today wouldn’t have a clue about, what the use is. Those tools having been replaced with more modern technology and no longer needed. Tools like a brace and bit or brake tools for drum style braking systems.

I got thinking about all of this when I picked up a set of dividers. I needed them for an accurate measurement of distance and the ability to repeat that distance quickly. I remembered getting those dividers when I was in high school. I was taking a class called industrial drawing and a complete set of tools was required. That set cost over five dollars back then, a significant cost. We could purchase them through the school to get that discounted price. I do have the set today, although one piece is missing. Still not bad for having them for 57 years. Old tools, old friends and old memories.

A man can learn a lot from his tools. If you take care of them, they will last you a lifetime. They are always ready to help. Tools will do the work, but you can’t force them, you have to treat them right. Friends are like that as well, don’t misuse them. Don’t expect that tool to do the impossible, know the limits. There are limits to friendship as well, know that. If you borrow tools be sure to return them, clean, sharp, and in the same condition as when you borrowed them. Care for them and care for your friends.

Measure twice, cut once. Old advice that still applies to this day. I will occasionally take this ruler down, measure whatever, and think of Dad. As he taught me about tools he taught me about friendship, I wasn’t aware of that at the time. Think twice before you act! Still very good advice. Once something is cut short, it can’t be repaired. Friendships are like that too. You don’t always need the whole toolbox, just the right tool.