If a tool fails repeatedly, it’s expensive, even if it was cheap to buy.

That $15 set of drill bits that dulls every other use? The sandpaper that clogs in 5 minutes? The clamp that slips? Each failure costs you time, material, and momentum. But without data, you just keep buying the same stuff. In fact, I’m kinda doing this with a set of router bits. I got 100+ bits (I think). It seemed like such a good deal, but I’ve used like 6 of these bits, one or two times each, and they are dull and I’m getting tear out.

The Failure Note

When something fails, write it down:

  • What failed - the specific tool, bit, blade, or consumable
  • What it cost - the price you paid
  • Likely fix -clean, sharpen, replace, or upgrade

That’s it. Three fields. Takes 30 seconds.

Why This Changes Everything

Failure notes are evidence. Evidence makes decisions easy.

Instead of arguing about brands in your head (or online), you look at your notes. “This bit failed 4 times in 3 months. The replacement bit costs $8 more but hasn’t failed once.” Decision made.

Downtime math beats brand arguments.

Maintenance Signals

Maintenance doesn’t need a calendar. Tie it to use signals:

  • Burning during cuts → blade needs attention
  • Slower sanding → paper is done
  • Tearout increasing → bit is dull
  • Worse results → something changed

Bad cuts cost more than blades. Track blade and bit changes and you stop guessing.

Your Turn

Think about the last time a tool or consumable let you down mid-project. What was it? What did it cost you in time? That’s your first failure note.