Is saving things like screws, nuts, and nails that are used helpful in the long run?

Question

My dad likes to save used things from things he finds liked broken down walls in our house...is this more harmful than helpful?

Answer 1

Throwing that extra screw or nut or nail in a bag or jar is free and they really do come in handy. Imagine if you didn't save them and the nearest store (walmart) or whatever is say 10 miles away. That's a minimum of a gallon of gas more than likely for each trip you have to make to go buy a screw etc. So you're saving yourself around $3 just on gas, not to mention the time it takes to go and the price of the screw. And since you have to buy most of these small items in packages of several are you going to use the one you need and throw the others away???? And think about it, something that you need will rarely have a size on whatever you're fixing telling you that need a so-and-so size screw. So you get in your little stash and you keep trying screws till you find one that works. Otherwise you would have to go to the store, by 6 or 8 different sizes, bring them home, try each size, find out you don't have the right one, go back to the store and start all over again. Those little extras are a lifesaver sometimes. Get a little plastic bag or jar and keep the extra things you have and quit bugging us! Lol.

Answer 2

The only harm in it is the clutter you get. If you have the space, don't mind the mess, or can keep it organized, then you might as well.

It's not like they're toxic or radioactive, so later when you need one, just look for it at home instead of going to the hardware store to buy a boxfull when all you need is one. Saves yourself a few bucks every now and then anyway.

Answer 3

My Dad always did this too. His generation was very much of the "waste not-want not" mentality. As long as it isn't interfering with anyone's quality of life, why not? You could buy him one of those sorters with the little drawers or bins if he needs to organize it. If he starts saving stuff like used sheetrock...you may want to get him some help.
I save reusable screws and the like and rarely have to buy them when a minor repair comes up.

Answer 4

NO! saving stuff like that IS helpful
You will need something like that one of these days( usually when the hardware store is SHUT)
I've got literally THOUSANDS of nuts/bolts/nails/screws, etc.
Gotta come in handy one day

Answer 5

I do this myself....some of them i get to re-use - the others just hang around in my toolbox - at least its not big major clutter - but i do have fiddly bits of stuff all over the place and it does get annoying - so i have a throw out - once in a blue moon!

Answer 6

the esay way to find out is the next time you need something old that papa has don,t use it go and buy it from diy store.then you,ll understand why he does it