Patterns, Dies, Loose Tools, etc.

Several entities have large investments in such assets which have a relatively short useful life and low unit cost. Evidently, it is a difficult matter, under the circumstances, to prepare a separate account for each such assets although a careful control over such property is necessary. On these considerations, some entities charge off small tools and other similar items to Production Account as and when they are purchased and do not place any value on the unused stock on the Balance Sheet. Nevertheless, a record of issues and receipts of tools to workmen is kept, as a check on the same being pilfered and a memorandum stock account of dies and patterns is also maintained. In other concerns, the cost of tools, dies, etc. purchased is debited to appropriate assets account, and an inventory of the unused items at the end of the year is prepared and valued; the sum total of opening balance and purchase reduced by the value of closing stock, as disclosed by the inventory, is charged off to Production Account in respect of such assets. On the other hand, some concerns carry such assets at their book values at the end of the first year and charge off the cost of all the purchases in the subsequent year to the Production Account on the plea that they represent cost of replacement. The most satisfactory method, however, is that of preparing an inventory of serviceable articles, at the
close of each year, and revaluing the assets on this basis, the various articles included in the inventory being valued at cost. Care, however, should be taken to see that the inventory does not include any worn out or defective articles the life of which has already run out.