Here is a hilarious compilation of tactics for obtaining spousal approval .. or at least blissful ignorance. Scroll down to the "justifying new tools" section for a good chuckle.
Now first read that column, before reading on ...
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In the interest of contributing to the woodworker's tool-justification toolbox, I respectfully submit one my own favorite techniques. This almost always works for me (but only if I wait until the LOML is reasonably well rested, and thus in a good mood).
You all know how women can "save" $100 buy buying a $250 item on "sale" for only $150, right? Yes, they apparently really do believe this. Ergo, if I can show a full suggested retail price for a new tool, and then show an eBay (not likely) or Craigslist (more likely) bargain for, say, $0.40 or less on the dollar, the wife is OK with it. At $0.25 or less on the buck, I have actually been urged to "go get it while I still can"!
This tactic works best if not over-used. Which means not more than once every two or three months on average, around these parts. This is usually often enough for screaming Craigslist bargains, as they pop up.
Somehow, I find this tactic most valuable for tools that are large in size, as opposed to large in price.
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BTW, I think I'm actually going to show that article to my wife. Probably on a date night. She'll get a kick out of it.
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As we all know, the more tools in the toolbox, the better. So how do you guys navigate the family tool-purchase minefields?
