After my father-in-law passed away, my brother-in-law, who was given the responsibility of overseeing the distribution of his estate, came up with a brilliant way to deal with all of the items that had not been specifically designated to go to one of the seven children.

Every item in his house was photographed, numbered and posted on an Internet site. Then the family was given time to decide what they wanted. Ties were decided by a drawing. It worked out great.

One of the listed items was labeled "old toolbox". It was a nondescript metal box, typical of the 1940s and 50s, that my son wanted. When we went to pick it up, my arm was nearly yanked out of its socket by the weight.

Later, when my son and I opened the box, it became apparent why it was so heavy. Of course it was filled with old tools, including forged iron wrenches, giant rasps, a Stanley brace and some auger bits.

My grandson wanted to see it in action so we chucked up a 1" bit and tried to bore a hole through a 2x4. It didn’t go well at first. After a bit of sharpening and a turn by my son, a hole was drilled with a lot of effort. It made me remember how it used to be. No, they don't make them like they used to. But that might not be a totally bad thing!

D.D.