18 tools for kids first toolbox

[kehyer]

Hi guys,

I just had a fun idea for my kids (permitting they actually enjoy them). One personality trait I'm trying to transfer over the long haul for my kids is a fix it mentality, and I was thinking of gifting them a tool each year until they leave for college, with the goal of setting them up at that time with the 18 "most generally useful" tools in a small to medium toolbox for their own. I'm trying to fill out the most useful stuff first and avoiding speciality tools and just start with the handy stuff. Some ideas I came up with are below.

So if you could make a list of 18 tools you have most frequently used/most impactful to fix items as they break, what would they be? It doesn't have to be expensive or cheap, just "really darn useful".

-kehyler

tape measure
hammer
linesman pliers
needle nose pliers
flat head pliers that can grab a hex head correctly
crescent wrench & 7'' pipe wrench
good multitool
small, durable, water tight flashlight with common battery
small folding knife with good steel
Milwaukee handheld saw with replaceable blades
small prybar (or/and cats paw)
nippers
screw driver with multiple bits
tweezer set
clamptite & some stainless steel line
punch
voltmeter

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Actually, a pretty good list already. May I offer a couple of tweaks? Since you already have needle nose pliers, a knife and screwdriver and bit sets, I would omit the multitool. You already have better alternatives. I assume by "flathead pliers that can grab a hex head correctly" you mean some sort of straight jaw tongue and groove pliers. I suggest two tongue and groove pliers, one straight jaw and one v-jaw. Such as (1) Channellock #430 and (1) Channellock #422. Or you could go the Knipex Cobra route (which are a v-jaw design) and get (1) 10 inch and (1) 7 inch. Since you list an adjustable wrench, I might add that Channellock sell excellent adjustable wrenches (Irega). A 10 inch adjustable would complement the Channellock pliers quite well. If you go the Knipex Cobra route, a 10inch Knipex plierswrench would be a natural. I believe this maintains the intended 18 piece tool count.

 

[kehyer]

Actually, a pretty good list already. May I offer a couple of tweaks? Since you already have needle nose pliers, a knife and screwdriver and bit sets, I would omit the multitool. You already have better alternatives. I assume by "flathead pliers that can grab a hex head correctly" you mean some sort of straight jaw tongue and groove pliers. I suggest two tongue and groove pliers, one straight jaw and one v-jaw. Such as (1) Channellock #430 and (1) Channellock #422. Or you could go the Knipex Cobra route (which are a v-jaw design) and get (1) 10 inch and (1) 7 inch. Since you list an adjustable wrench, I might add that Channellock sell excellent adjustable wrenches (Irega). A 10 inch adjustable would complement the Channellock pliers quite well. If you go the Knipex Cobra route, a 10inch Knipex plierswrench would be a natural. I believe this maintains the intended 18 piece tool count.

Yah, I did mean the straight jaw tongue and groove. I'll add a v-jaw, that's a good addition.

18 is a rough target. If an extra tool sneak in here or there, well then we'll just have to live with it

 

[larry_g]

It's a dream but the reality that the tool you give in years 5-10 will end up in the sandbox. You have to give them tools that support the needs that they have growing up. Fixing toys, bicycles, motor bikes, RC toys, computers, robotics, or whatever has there interest at the moment. As they age consider giving them kits of wrenches, screwdrivers, test tools, or whatever to support them and their interests. More the plan I used was to give them something to work on and make available the tools necessary to do that work but still the garage tools. As a parting gift give them the tools they need to break away from the garage tools with their own kit.

We had 5 children and each one is an individual that is wholly different than the other. You have to observe them grow and smooth the road they choose, not direct them down the road you think you should have taken.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Meursault74]

kids and tools?

skateboards?



I always wanted one of these when I was a kid. Never had one though. We had a socket set and wrenches when I was a kid so that's what I used to mess with my board.

 

[Technologyteacher]

Small level
Stud finder

 

[HannibalLecter]

If I wanted to get fancy and buy proper tools and your kids are old enough to trust them with a knife this is what I'd buy
1. Toyo st350 tool box
2.Sola made in England tape measure
3.Vessel ball grip screwdrivers. One flat and another 4, Philips 1,2, Pozi 1,2
4. Opinel no.8 pocket knife
5. NiigataSeiki 30 cm ruler
6.Wera Hex L keys
7.Wera torx L keys
8. Tsunoda needle nose pliers
9.knipex side cutters
11. Files
10.Picard 300g hammer
12.facom 8,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19 collection of 440 combi wrenches
13.engineer ph55 scissors
14.wera 3,4,5,6 T handles
15.Knipex cobra pliers
16. A small prybar yes
17. A test light, not a polymeter
18.Olfa Utility knife

And a wooden level for when they turn up 19, cause I've run out of numbers


Edit, too expensive, scratch that, buy them 18 lollipops lol

 

[tyyost]

From your original list I’d omit the linesman’s pliers and pick a vice grip flavor of your choice. That said, @Larryg had great advice, buy for the circumstances to smooth the road, not to kit them up like your ideal.

I see a variety of house tools mixed with the general junk drawer type stuff and even some keep in the car stuff. In the interest of self disclosure I did this for my oldest when he got his first apartment with a small box and a decent set of quality tools. In six months it was gone, except a pair of pliers in the kitchen and a hammer in the closet…

My advice would be do as you wish, tool buying is fun. My kids see tools like most of the other things they spend money on, a means to an end. Disposable. They are perfectly happy knowing I have what they may need, or buying something if they need it done and can do it. Even our local Walmart has a decent selection of get it done tools. When I buy to gift them things, it’s more of preparedness, some stuff to keep in car, like the 8 in one, flashlight, tape, jumper cables, multi tool, etc.

 

[Ohio Andy]

If they are working on projects, tools for the projects.

 

[Bad Mojo]

I think it is great you are doing this. I am doing a version of this for all the next generation of my family. My parents did a similar thing for my generation and I appreciate and still use those tools today. My mom also did cookware for us and I won't lie I use that a bit more on a daily bases, and it has been great not to need to replace any of that stuff. I love tools, but I have learned to appreciate nice cookware.

How I am handling it is a purchase a new tool every year for them whenever something comes up for sale ideally. On their 18th birthday I'll meet with them and let them pick out whatever tool bag, tool box, bucket they want. I want them to have some choice in the matter, and feel like the tools are theirs. The other requirement is the tools are good to high quality, and shouldn't need to be replaced in their lifetime in my mind these are forever tools. Additionally, I am not buying any power tools because those keep making such large jumps every year. Currently, I am basing the selection off of my tool bag that gets used pulled out for 95% projects.

1. Nut and Bolt Thread Checkers
2. Vampire Pliers
3. Wiha Go Box
4. Top Angled Thin Jaw Adjustable Wrench
5. Wiha ErgoStar L-Key Set
6. Stud Finder W/ Electrical Detection
7. Small Pry Bar Set
8. Knipex Mini Bolt Cutters
9. Utility Knife
10. Quality Pair Of Vise Grips
11. Plastic and Steel Faced Mallet
12. Pair of Torpedo Levels
13. Tsunoda needle nose pliers - Super Narrow
14. Bahco Adjustable Wrench
15. Knipex Cobras
16. Putty Knife/Scraper
17. Vessel Screwdriver Set
18. Pick

 

[larry_g]

Have you considered what tools might be needed if the kid wants to do electronics? What if the kid is an artist/sculptor? Wants to do model work like trains? Each is a whole different tool set and just as specialized.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[matthew]

When my mom left home, my grandfather gave her a tool set of the basics everyone needs. She had more tools than my dad when they met. My dad liked the idea so much that in my youth I received a similar set over a few Chrismases They’re still the basic building blocks of my tool set.

I’d say start with the basics that everyone (even non-tool people) need. And of good enough quality that they’re good if it’s all you have, and good enough to keep as a second set if they become trades or enthusiasts.

I’d buy:
1. A good multi-bit 1/4” screwdriver
2. Long nose pliers
3. High quality adjustable wrench
4. 10” water pump pliers
5. 16oz claw hammer
6. Diagonal cutters
7. Snap blade knife
8. Tape measure
9. Flashlight
10. Tool bag or box

I’d probably say a set of hex keys, one or two flat blade screwdrivers (err prybars…), a small level, and a hacksaw (or handle for recip saw blades) would follow. And maybe a drill and ViseGrip 7WR.

Beyond that is beyond what everyone needs. A 1/4” socket set is nice. A complete socket set and wrenches starts getting into things that depend on interest and may not have space until out of apartment stage. And may be preferable to pass along heirlooms if you have extra or if a grandparent is downsizing.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

As a kid, we were given various tools. A hammer and a coping saw is the first two I remember. When my father got into leatherworking, he picked us up mallets. Shortly after the hammer, I believe it was a shovel (do things like build birdhouses and dig a post hole to mount them on, or garden.

 

[theoldwizard1]

IMHO, your list is overkill (I know this is GJ) for any kid under 16 ! That would be a nice set for a first time home owner.

I got my own person tool set for Christmas when I was 15. 3/8" and 1/4" socket set with 3/8" ratchet and 1/4" breaker, Imperial only (who heard of metric in the early 60s?). Craftsman (of course).

Over the years that little set grew. Blow mold case for the 1/4" sockets. 1/4" hand driver (with female drive on the handle end). Extensions. Metric. Deep 3/8" (only).

I have only replaced 1 or 2 of those original pieces and it is STILL the most useful tool I have in my collection.

 

[mngundog]

My most used tools is a screw gun followed by ratcheting wrenches.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Really all you need are safety glasses, hearing protectors and appropriate sized gloves, both disposable (nitrile) and rubber dipped gloves. Then many different sizes of hammers. No hatchets! If they want to split wood use a kindling cracker.

Grandson #2 made his own wooden tool box. It has a door knob for a lifting handle (he thought it looked cool) . He prefers to have tools from his great grandfather and sometimes pilfers tools from me.

Grandson #1 and I made a violin from a kit this fall. He prefers to have no tools of his own to look after.

 

[subroc]

1. battery powered drill
2. circular saw.
3. tape measure
4. claw hammer.
5. nail pouch and belt
6. 3/8 drive socket set.
7. wrench set
8. 3 or 4 piece pliers set
9. screwdriver set
10. Allen wrench set
11. flashlight
12. razor knife and razor scraper
13. A 3 foot piece of para cord. Use it to teach them all some knots including a midline loop (these days I am using the Alpine Butterfly, used it today) a square knot, a bowline, a figure 8, half hitch, sheet bend and make sure they practice. They will use them the rest of their life. That will be a real gift.
14. Vice Grips
15. A small wrecking bar or a crowbar
16. couple adjustable wrenches
17. scratch all set
18. bit holder and set of bits

Lists like this can be challenging. Too many things left off a list like this.

 

[jimindm]

I sort of did this last year for my kids at Christmas. All three have bought homes in the last two years. It just seemed when they wanted to do a project or I was there to do something, they just had limited stuff. I guess I just bought them stuff that they could use and I didn't have to take with me.

The op doesn't say how old his kids are or what they are into. I would agree with what others have said about giving them what they might need.

I have three kids and just getting them the basics, in decent quality, was not cheap. I think I have several hundreds in my kits.

If I recall, my list included

Utility knife, with extra blades
8-1 screwdriver
small & med adjustable wrenches
electrical tape
Duct tape
needle nose pliers
medium size water pump pliers
regular pliers
diagonal wire cutters
SAE and metric allen wrenches
small set of drill bits
terry cloth towels
paper towels
nitrate gloves
small container of gritty hand soap
glass cleaner
wd 40
very basic 1/4 drive set with sae and metric
I am sure I am missing stuff.

 

[Beerhippie]

I sort of did this last year for my kids at Christmas. All three have bought homes in the last two years. It just seemed when they wanted to do a project or I was there to do something, they just had limited stuff. I guess I just bought them stuff that they could use and I didn't have to take with me.

The op doesn't say how old his kids are or what they are into. I would agree with what others have said about giving them what they might need.

I have three kids and just getting them the basics, in decent quality, was not cheap. I think I have several hundreds in my kits.

If I recall, my list included

Utility knife, with extra blades
8-1 screwdriver
small & med adjustable wrenches
electrical tape
Duct tape
needle nose pliers
medium size water pump pliers
regular pliers
diagonal wire cutters
SAE and metric allen wrenches
small set of drill bits
terry cloth towels
paper towels
nitrate gloves
small container of gritty hand soap
glass cleaner
wd 40
very basic 1/4 drive set with sae and metric
I am sure I am missing stuff.

What's the kid going to do with drill bits but no drill?

 

[ecotec]

My kid uses flush cuts, tweezers, Xacto knives, cutting mats and sanding stuff mostly. He just got into building model kits.

The other day, he borrowed a screwdriver to add RAM to his computer.

As he borrows stuff, I just give it to him. He has a small vintage toolbox now. I will give him bigger ones as he outgrows what he is using.

 

[Banjorear]

The lists mentioned above are really good.

When my boys were young, I built them a small work bench so they can hang out in the garage while I out there working.

Two of the most used items was a small vise and a scrap wood bin that sat neatly under their bench. I also installed peg board and hooks for them to hang their tools. I tried to teach them the importance of putting a tool back use you use it. Seemed to help for they could see quickly if something was missing.

I re-read the OP's post and I think I misunderstood.

Screw gun/drill/hex driver depending what your budget can handle are essential.

 

[WagonHo!]

One of these - 2x I’ve seen little kids crawling underneath pretending to fix cars or such and forget to duck and bonk their heads. The bawling is so much worse than the bubu.

 

[RTM]

We had 5 children and each one is an individual that is wholly different than the other. You have to observe them grow and smooth the road they choose, not direct them down the road you think you should have taken

This is oh so true. My two girls are polar opposites. My older one, in her first college apartment, had better tools than the future SIL. Enough so that the bldg handyman walked away with one. They now have decent tools, but insisted on buying them at HD. Lotsa Ryobi and Husky.

My younger was given a good tool set from Duluth at 6, and I added to it over the years. Stuff she needed as a homeowner, but some crafty stuff too. She just moved overseas, into a rental, and returned a lot of it to me before she left. Once she returns, she'll get a lot more.

Adjust as they grow, as others have said, not for what you think they need.

 

[LOW1]

One of those plastic barbed drain cleaners
toilet plunger
five gallon bucket

 

[d.mcfarland]

One of those plastic barbed drain cleaners
toilet plunger
five gallon bucket

Don't forget a snow shovel and a Kabota tractor.

 

[PlanB]

The original would make a good gift for a first time homeowner.....and my kids are closer to this than the sandbox days.

 

[LOW1]

Don't forget a snow shovel and a Kabota tractor.

Actually snow removal and most anything else that needs done is going to be ignored until dad comes to visit With his toolbox. The crapper, however, must be kept operational In between these visits.

 

[kehyer]

Dad should get Dad a Kubota tractor.

2025 year is gonna be cats foot crowbar for prying.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Skip the pipe wrench and the clamptite (not really needed for a beginner set)

Add

1/4" US and Metric socket set. (3/8" would be when they get a bit older.)
Set of metric combination wrenches (a US set if you think they are going to work on lawnmowers and other outer power equipment)
Metric and US hex/Allen keys
Full set of straight and Philips screwdriver (keep the one with interchangeable bits if they are magnetic)
Replace single punch with an Astro 1600 punch and chisel set
Replace the Milwaukee hand saw with a Japanese folding "pull saw" with coarse teeth. (Once you get used to the "cuts on the pull" these things are amazing !)

 

[Robinson1]

In no particular order

10 inch channel lock style pliers
10 inch adjustable wrench
Multi bit screwdriver
16 oz straight claw hammer
Tape measure
Speed square
Lineman’s pliers
Slip joint pliers
Needle nose pliers
2 inch stiff putty knife or a painters tool
Basin wrench
Folding hex key sets metric and sae
Utility knife
Small set of chisels and punches
Basic set of wood chisels
Flat pry bar
Torpedo level
1/4 drive socket set metric and sae

 

[kehyer]

This year is cats paw prybar.