Tool Cobber – Your Best Mate For Tools
Growing up, it was all about serious tools.
I’m talking about a tough, robust, and reliable kit that stood up to heavy use and abuse — not cheap copies, knock-offs, or the single-use garbage you can pick up at the dollar store.
Fast forward to the future, and Tool Cobber was born — allowing you too to share in the knowledge of the best quality tools Australia can offer.
You see, for my dad, Grandpa Cobber — undoubtedly the original and still the ultimate Tool Cobber — tools were, and always will be, his passion. Not sunshine, surf, and BBQs.
Working his entire life in the tool industry, proudly owning an extensive home workshop, and having an insatiable appetite for all things DIY — you could say he’s always been more than a little obsessed.
So, being immersed in this world throughout my childhood, it was inevitable, I too was going to have the same fervour for tools.
Here’s a cool story …
When I was around 18 months old, and having one of my many screaming fits, my mum told my dad to give me my dummy to calm me down. Apparently unable to find it — or more likely wanting to crack on as soon as possible with his latest woodworking project — he just gave me a nearby wrench to suck on instead.
To this day, my mum swears this is true, although my dad always denied it. He said it was a claw hammer.
Although I can’t honestly remember that experience, what I do recall with fondness are the many stories my dad used to tell me at bedtime. But unlike for most kids, they weren’t Hansel and Gretel or Jack and the Beanstalk — they were more likely to be Husqvarna and Gardner or Jack and the Rotary Hammer Drill.
Surprising as it may seem — he always managed to make these tales exciting, entertaining, and educating. The stories were full of energy, adventure, and thrills — packed with information about the birthplace of the tools (country, town, and factory), the often colourful history of the manufacturer, how to use the tools correctly, and my total favourite — the often gory, bloody, and fatal consequences of careless operation.
Even after he retired, Grandpa Cobber couldn’t stay away from his DIY fascination — taking a part-time job in Bunnings, one of Australia’s largest hardware stores. He didn’t need the money — but simply adored passing on his love, experience, and knowledge of tools to the outlet’s customers.
Not shy in coming forward, he would typically berate them for wrong choices — and, much to the store management’s displeasure, actively talk customers out of buying a piece of kit if he thought it was substandard for the job.
Today, Grandpa Cobber has taken a well-deserved step back from retail, yet his passion — or obsession — for tools is unwavering. Unable to drop a lifetime’s enthusiasm for all things hardware, he now creates the most awesome and unique tool art.
Grandpa Cobber used to quote,
‘To the man who only has a hammer, everything he encounters begins to look like a nail.’
So don’t get stuck with the wrong, inferior, or poor quality gear. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner, hardcore DIYer, or serious trade pro. My reviews, interviews, and how-tos are here to give you all the info you need for using the right tool for the right job — whatever your sphere of building, repair, or demolition interest.
Thank you for visiting Tool Cobber, I hope you find the site entertaining, informative, and helpful.
Tool Cobber’s Team of Experts
Grandpa Cobber
Grandpa Cobber has spent his entire working life in the tool industry, sourcing high-quality tools from all over the world. Now, in his later years, he dedicates his time to restoring tools and giving them to those in need. His passion for craftsmanship also extends to transforming old, broken tools into unique works of art, blending history with creativity.
Learn more about Grandpa Cobber’s tool restoration work and his unique art creations from old tools.
Patrick Stark
Patrick is the owner of Stark Services, a successful pest control business, where his commitment to quality service has helped it thrive. Previously, he worked as a skilled diesel mechanic, gaining extensive experience working on heavy machinery.
With a passion for continuous learning, he enjoys exploring new tools and techniques to stay ahead in both fields. Outside of work, Patrick stays active through his love for fitness, regularly hitting the gym to keep himself energised and ready for his next challenge. He also enjoys designing and building concrete furniture.
You can find out more about Patrick’s pest control expertise at
Jimmy Avati
Jimmy is a professional carpenter, builder, and renovator with a passion for crafting and bringing visions to life. With a love for hands-on creativity, he excels in transforming spaces and creating functional, beautiful designs.
When he’s not on the job, you’ll find Jimmy embracing the outdoors — camping, riding motorbikes and quads, or enjoying hunting adventures in nature. He also cherishes spending quality time with his family, making the most of every adventure and moment together.
Discover more about Jimmy’s professional carpentry and renovation work at www.avaticonstructions.com.au
Pete
Pete, a third-generation carpenter and builder, has been immersed in the world of construction and renovations from an early age. Growing up with a father who consistently flipped houses, Pete developed a lifelong passion for tools and craftsmanship. His expertise is deeply rooted in family tradition, enriched by years of hands-on experience in building and renovations.
Along with his dedication to carpentry, Pete loves the beach, surfing, and 4WD adventures, embracing the excitement of the outdoors.
Reuben
Ruben is a skilled builder and carpenter working within his family business, where craftsmanship and dedication have been passed down through generations. He blends traditional skills with modern techniques to deliver outstanding results, maintaining the legacy while looking towards the future.
Beyond work, his passions include rock climbing, bouldering, skating, spearfishing, and motorbike riding, bringing adventure into every aspect of his life.
Stuart
Stuart is responsible for managing Tool Cobber, ensuring the website stays up to date and helping experts share the knowledge you need to tackle projects, troubleshoot issues, or decide on your next tool purchase.
He’s your go-to contact for becoming an expert on Tool Cobber, requesting custom how-to guides, or having an expert review a specific tool. For any enquiries, Stu is always ready to assist — feel free to reach out!
Tool Cobber Experts
If you believe you have the passion and expertise to be a Tool Cobber, Stuart would love to hear from you. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a business owner who values exceptional quality, the Tool Cobber community welcomes you.
Get in touch to explore exciting opportunities. Become a Tool Cobber!
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