I’m going to preface this whole post with…
This is for a friend, not for me!!
Ok, now that that’s out of the way, if you were making a kit of new tools for a new homeowner, what would you add?
Taking into account that the homeowner may not be the handiest but he does need to work on some of the basics. Cost is also a factor, we’re not talking top-of-the-line stuff. Some items will only be used a couple of times, not 50 hours a week.
Replies
I'd put a cordless driver at the top of the list. I assume a 12V set is significantly less money than the 24V, 18V, or even 14.4V sets that have been around for a while now. Get a drill bit set and a magnetic driver tip for running screws.
They'll need a saw, too, I suppose. A circular saw is probably the most flexible, but a chop saw is also good for many tasks, and it's also a lot easier to use for beginners; you can get a non-slider, non-compound variety for pretty cheap these days. I think a chop saw could probably handle almost any "handyman"-type task a homeowner would want to do. A circular saw would probably only be used for cutting panel stock, and I'm not sure how often they'd need to do that.
Basic handtools: hammer, nailset, tape, utility knife, level, maybe putty knife and flat bar. Maybe a medium-large crescent wrench for mechanical stuff.
Edited 5/31/2007 2:02 am ET by Ragnar17
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For a new homeowner who would rarely be using the tools, I would not inclue any battery/ rechargable tool. The charge will be gone after long periods of non-use. Here's my list:
16oz Hammer, 6-in-1 screw driver, utilty knife, 25' tape measure, 5-in-1 tool, 1 1/2" putty knife, 10" pry bar, torpedo level, nail set, needle nose pliers, 12" tongue and groove pliers, 8" cresent wrench, GWB saw, set of drill bits (8), magnetic driver bit with telescoping shaft, corded drill, lumber pencil, sharpie marker, duct tape, electrical tape, allen key set and 2 spring clamps. A small hand might can also be included.
Frankie
Flay your Suffolk bought-this-morning sole with organic hand-cracked pepper and blasted salt.
Thrill each side for four minutes at torchmark haut. Interrogate a lemon.
Embarrass any tough roots from the samphire. Then bamboozle till it's al dente with that certain je ne sais quoi.
Arabella Weir as Minty Marchmont - Posh Nosh
Good call Frankie, you only need s cordless driver if you have a specific project.
You need a really complete screw-driver set, you need a really complete pliers set, you need one of those complete socket sets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2; metric, deep and heavy-duty included) and a double set of combination wrenches (bi anssmall sets), two crescent wrenches: 8" and 12", and 1 really big 2 water-pump pliers. I would include a selection of putty/drywall knives, a 16oz claw, a 20 oz framer, and 8 oz ball-pein, and a 2# ball-pein. Everything else, you buy as you need.
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Phill Giles<!----><!---->
The Unionville Woodwright<!----><!---->
Good advice so far. Anyone ever see a kit like this in the stores? I was at target today and I happened to see a kit on an end cap. The tools were garbage. They would last one project each and then new ones would be needed.
I'm surprised this isn't a Craftsman special (Sears would actually be a good fit for this IMO)
Yeah, most of the kits are shiny chrome garbage with too many sockets and such and not enough of the more mundane tools.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
My minimum set would be the scratch awl, a 16 oz claw hammer, three putty knives -- a 3" stiff one (scraper) and 1" and 3" flex -- four screwdrivers -- 2 philips & 2 slotted -- two Crescent wrenches -- 6" and 8-10", one pair medium Vice-Grips, one regular pliers, one ChannelLock maybe 8", one medium diagonal cutter, a utility knife. Maybe a pair of utility shears.Throw in a roll of electrical tape and maybe a roll of strapping tape. Place in an appropriately-sized toolbox so that everything stays together. Include a small "Lock&Lock" plastic container with assorted Piffin screws, nails, brads, etc.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Buy the set of screw-drivers from Sears; I live in the land of Robertson (or square-recess in some places) and can't do without a green and red drivers. Sooner or later you'll need a stubby, or #0, or #4, or offset: buy the set on sale for the price of 4 bought separately. Buy one of those set of precision drivers too; the kind with 30-50 little drivers (including nut-drivers); every piece of electronics we have needs something out that set.
PS, I couldn't do without my Allen key/Torx sets; you need imperial and metric hex wrenches, so that would be 3 sets, each in it's own "jack-knife" style storage handle (don't get loose hex-wrenches or yo'll always be missing the one you need).
I guess for most usage, a 3/8 socket set that's really complete is better than the 3-size sampler; although, I get a lot of usage out of my 1/4" set
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Phill Giles<!----><!---->
The Unionville Woodwright<!----><!---->
The request, as I understood it, was for a basic kit for a new HO who didn't have anything. And I understood that the OP wanted to make a gift of this. Both of these strongly suggest a very small, simple (and not terribly expensive) kit, with pretty much the bare essentials for hanging curtains, putting up the can opener, and the occasional toilet repair. And it should all fit in a single small tool box.The stuff some have suggested would take a mechanic's roll-around. Plus a tool novice wouldn't know how to use half the stuff.I can't see the need for sockets in this kit, other than maybe a 1/4" nut driver for the curtain screws that like to be that size. Otherwise the adjustable wrenches and pliers will do fine.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
I couldn't do without the 16+" channel-lock (aka: water-pump wrench - p-traps, radiator caps, ..., even stuck-on jar-lids)
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Phill Giles<!----><!---->
The Unionville Woodwright<!----><!---->
I like Frankie's list. About five years ago, I made up two small tool boxes for my daughters. Nothing fancy - just the basic, inexpensive, hand tools. I also included some assortment packs of small nails, screws, and wall anchors.
They weren't terribly impressed with them as Xmas presents (Uh, thanks Dad...........next!), but they've 'fessed up that they have been real handy for hanging pictures, curtains, etc.
I'm with Frankie on this, hand tools would be all that I'd focus on.
You said not all that handy and that can mean a lot of different things but skill saw and battery tools may never see the light of day with this person.
If they need a skill saw or a battery drill for the one off project let em go to Harbor Freight and pick up a cheapy for the one time they'll use it.
They know you so they can always call you and barrow your power tools!
Doug
Edited 5/31/2007 7:13 am ET by DougU
Chequebook
Adding to Frankie's fine list:
A set of 6-8 types of pliers, Craftsman quality, including electrician's types like needle nose and side cutters to plumber's types like large channel locks. I'd also want a large pair of vise grips. The channel locks and the vise grips will get you through most HO plumbing problems...sink traps and the like. The electrician's pliers will allow you to change a switch or install a ceiling fan. I'd also keep a couple of multi-tip screw drivers in the tool box. Two of the same kind, just flat blade and cross point tips.
I'd have a small handsaw, fine tooth. I'd also have a hack saw.
A couple of folding, plastic saw horses can be useful.
A short ladder with a small platform top is great for changing light bulbs in ceiling fixtures and similar tasks.
To add to the list of basics:
Flashlight
Stud Finder
Caulk Gun
3/4" Chisel - only if replacing a lockset is in the near future.
Work Gloves
Safety Glasses
Other things might be:
One of the basic painting kits Home Depot / Lowes sell that includes the roller tray, frame, cover, paint brush, and a plastic drop cloth.
Wet / Dry Vac
Yeah, right -- "Doc I have this friend who has this burning sensation..."
Anyway, one stupidly simple thing that's way near the top of my list is a good scratch awl. You need one with a large, ball-shaped wood handle and a solid medal shank. This, a hammer (sometimes), and a screwdriver are all you need for 90% of tasks like putting up curtains.
View Image
How about one of these to go along with that ice pick thingy:
View Image
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
That's two things.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Yellow Pages
Not tools, but one of the most useful things for a homeowner to have is an assortment of good screws and fasteners. Maybe you should get one of those organizer boxes, and give the guy 20 or so each of 15-20 different screws, along with a couple pounds of nails, 8s and 16s, and some finish nails.
zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
give the guy 20 or so each of 15-20 different screws
I could just go through my stuff for that, I like that idea. He has nothing right now.
Yeah, I find those things to make a big difference in how many times you have to go to the store or go borrow stuff from someone else.
I'm about to leave to visit family and check up on a rental house this week. It's about a thousand miles away. I'm bringing my full tool belt, a drill/impact driver set, and a box with about 30 different kinds of screws. Anything else I need I'll borrow up there, but those are the basics that I want to have with me.zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
Yeah, and I recommend the "Lock&Lock" plastic "Tupperware-like" containers (available at Target, et al). They lock tightly so they won't pop open like other options.Don't know why a new HO would need a couple of pounds of 16ds, though. About ten nails in several sizes would suffice.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
a couple of pounds of 8s and 16s would be useful for putting together some 2x4 and plywood shelves for the garage or basement or something.
or hanging a lot of big pictures.zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
You gonna supply the wood for the shelving too?
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
OK, As a DIY who doesn't do this everyday, but does use this stuff for alot of different things, here are my suggestions:
Bosch PS10-2 I Driver - Can sit in the toolbox for months and still drive screws long enough for the other battery pack to be topped off. Slow start feature helps drive screws easily, angle ability for getting into those tight spots that remodeling/ repairs are all about. Lots of money, but worth every penny for its features, size, power, and charge longevity.
EZ Smart Guide rail system, 100" - This prevents him from needing a tablesaw. A $20 gun case will be needed so he can store it when not in use.
Biggest channel lock wrench you can get - More usefull than it should be.
Great Stuff Pro 14 Foam Gun - This is sooooo handy for all of the little things around the house. Insulation, sound deadening, airblock, adhesive, filler, fireblock. A can of the orange foam, a can of the cleaner, and a source of more foam when he needs it.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Parenting has always been a mix of sage life advice and inexcusable laziness.
You forgot to list the MultiMaster.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
You know, I like putting mildly harmful substances in my body... but there are some things I stay away from because they would be TOO good.
A Multimaster is TOO good.
I was thinking a Rotozip would be handy though. You can use it as a router, for drywall, and even do flush cuts. I don't use it enough to put it on the "have to have" list.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Parenting has always been a mix of sage life advice and inexcusable laziness.
Toss in a few sheets of sand paper, a can of WD-40, some wood glue, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get the fix it marks & handprints off the wall & a really good extension cord along with the tools
Go for sanding sponges, very useful.
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Phill Giles<!----><!---->
The Unionville Woodwright<!----><!---->
Go for sanding sponges, very useful.
*******************
And for all kinds of things. Even getting a little bird poop off the deck when friends are on the way & you don't want to soak things down :-) Bobbi
Is duct tape a tool?
Who needs a slot screwdriver when you have a chisel handy?
Seriously, I'd like to include one of those real short levels--comes in handy hanging pictures.
Tri-square.
"Roger Staubach for President"
Yeah, I'd put a small torpedo level even in my small kit.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
KISS,
16oz Vaughn finish hammer.
Utility knife
1/4" flat screwdriver
#2 Phillips
6" slipjoint pilers
12" Channel Locks
6" and 10" crescent wrenches
8" pipewrench
Hacksaw w/ 18TPI blade
10" wood rasp
1 12" bar clamp
Assortment deck screws in black and silver
Assortment good picture hangers
1 lb each, 8d and 16d VCS's
1 lb 6d box nails
Small box ea, 4d, 6d, and 8d finish nails
Hose clamps
1 package assorted sandpaper grits
Small can good spray lube
10 ea business cards with your number
Electrical tools
Plug in GFCI tester
Plug in outlet tester
1 business card to your favorite electrician
Plumbing tools
1 roll emergency plumbing repair tape
Package of hose washers
1 business card w/ emergency number
For the assorted fasteners, you could stock up an organiser instead of buying 1lb, etc., boxes.
SamT
Praise the Corporation, for the Corporations' highest concern is the well being of the public.
Pretty good list. I still don't understand why one needs a pound of several sizes of nails. Better to have an assortment of about 10 nails each of various sizes, and if the guy needs more he takes one to the HW store and says "I need more of these".You left out the scratch awl, though. Single handiest tool you have have as a new HO, after a screwdriver. With just the scratch awl and screwdriver you can do most curtain rod installation, etc. Hardly even need a hammer.Another handy tool I forgot to mention is a repairman's reamer, one with as broad a flair as you can find (many are too narrow). With the scratch awl and reamer you can create any size hole you need in drywall.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
I still don't understand why one needs a pound of several sizes of nails. . .Those two, 8, and 16d are the most commonly used of all sizes. They work for many uses.You left out the scratch awl. . .Mostly, 'cuz I can't remember the last time I owned one. A 16d works good enough if I need a pointy.I figured that Madson's friend would not be remodeling anything that would need holes in DW. Hang some pictures, nail a loose piece of trim, curtains, maybe build a planter box. I doubt he would ever use 80% of the supplies, but, JIC, a lb of 16ds is what, a dollar 2.98?Except for some substitutions of tools, instruments, and supplies more suitable for a highly educatted and exptensively experienced person, like mwah, that's what I carry in my E-bag.SamT
Praise the Corporation, for the Corporations' highest concern is the well being of the public.
A pound of 16ds is a pound, rattling around with several pounds of other nails, collecting dust and cr*p, taking up the space where you should have that scratch awl.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
The first tool I'd give a friend are Vise-Grips locking pliers.
(http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/browse.jhtml?catId=IrwinCat100299)
Couldn't get by without them.
Re screwdrivers: Sometimes a screw is stuck so tightly, I haven't enough strength to turn the screwdrive.
Other times, I have enough strength but handle doesn't; the inside gets stripped out, ruining the screwdriver.
But by clamping the Vise-Grips onto the shank of the screwdriver, and pushing on the Vise-Grips to help it turn, I get a lot more force without damage to the handle. Now I only buy screwdrivers that have *hexagonal* shanks, *not* round shanks, so the Vise-Grips can get a secure hold.
Janet
lenox makes a very nice 9-in-one that has three different nutdriver sizes which are a bit more durable than some of the other brands. I got mine for about $9 from Fastenal
a pair of gloves,
a pair of safety glasses,
a dust mask or two,
a small hammer,
small pliers
flashlight
adjustable wrench
a utlity knife,
a folding rule or tape measure,
a small tin of band-aids,
small bottles of mylanta and aspirin and disinfectant,
tweezers
.
.
.
, wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?
Hey, you forgot the scratch awl!
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
sure did.must be the heat.
.
.
., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?
What would I use a scratch awl for ? I use a striking knife for precise mark-up, a pencil the rest of the time, a centre-punch to mark drill-points, and occasionally a gimlet for emergency holes in drywall.
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Phill Giles<!----><!---->
The Unionville Woodwright<!----><!---->
Well, if you have as many tools as Norm Abrams you probably wouldn't use a scratch awl. But if you only have a few tools (or only want to carry a few), the scratch awl can be used for all of the above. Plus you can use it for "drilling" sheet metal (the resulting hole holds screws better than a drilled hole), use it for a center punch, use it to make a pilot hole through drywall and into a stud.Remember, the idea of this excercise in not to set up Mr New HO with a workshop but to give him a few basic tools that will serve him well.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
What would I use a scratch awl for ? I use a striking knife for precise mark-up, a pencil the rest of the time, a centre-punch to mark drill-points, and occasionally a gimlet for emergency holes in drywall.
The scratch awl is my favorite stud finder when I want to keep the holes small, a #2 phillips works well for larger holes for such things as drywall anchors, but nothing beats a pitcher of gimlets for making some serious holes.
Have gone through this thread and haven't seen one item that i've found to be way more useful than it should be: a small crowbar (apologize if someone mentioned this and i'd missed it).
Something that's plain cast metal and fits in a toolbox. It's one of those items you think you'll never use, and then you'll find yourself using it constantly. And then you'll start looking for projects just so you can use it. Kind of like Fred Flintstone's reciprocating saw.
Oh, and a scratch awl. Comes in useful when you're surrounded by lifers in the prison chow line, and you need to take out somebody's ear drum to show them who's boss (don't ask how i know this)
You can use the stiff putty knife in place of a crowbar in many cases. But, in the pocket next to my scratch awl, I do keep a miniature (6-8 inch) Wonderbar. With a stiff putty knife, mini-Wonderbar, and claw hammer you have 80-90 percent of prying jobs covered, and the Wonderbar doubles as a narrow scraper (with the putty knife as a wide one), reducing the need to use your screwdrivers for this duty.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Edited 6/3/2007 7:51 am by DanH
So, my personal thoughts,
A megapro 15-1 screwdriver, but make them swear not to use it as a prybar
http://www.megapro.net/products/index.php
its super handy
a set of Klien linesman pliers with the uber jaws (so you can cut screws in a pinch)
a set of channel lock end nippers, and show them how to pull nails with it
shark cats paw with the super thin blade on one end and the cats paw on the other
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/hand_tools/shark_saw/prybars.htm?E+coastest
and of course, a silky gomboy (thanks mike smith!)
http://www.silkysaws.com/gomboy240lt.htm
a good jigsaw is really really important too... even though I got the festool I think the bosch 1590 would have made me happy too.
http://www.boschtools.com/tools/tools-detail.htm?H=175981&G=54927&I=55131
I am a big fan of a set of long (6") 1/4" ball detent phillips bits for driving screws too.
I think a set of folding hex wrenches is great too in both metric and sae... the swiss army type. home desperate has them cheep...
Jeff