Most essential tool

[KSwiss]

I wanted to see what everyone thinks is there most essential tool. This would be the one tool that you could save from a fire if you could only save one tool.

For me it would be my cordless drill. Not only do I use it at least once on almost every project it was also the first power tool given to me by the fiancé... Got to appreciate it so she'll get me more

 

[Joe B.]

I have a set of Knipex 12" Alligator pliers that I carried with me every day when I worked to put myself through college. I have lots of shiny new tools but that is the only tool I have really worn out by using it on my own.

All the other stuff is replaceable.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Leatherman

 

[DoubleA]

My 1/2 ir titanium impact. It works hard for me every day on almost every car. But I wouldn't save it from a fire, I would save the tools I've been given from my father/grandfather.

 

[Gary S]

Leatherman

Agreed. My Leatherman has been in my pocket every day since I bought it 20 years ago. I use it more than any other tool I've ever owned.

 

[Steevo]

1. Beer bottle opener
2. Corkscrew

 

[awdblazer]

ford wrench (hammer)

 

[hifi_hokie]

Cell phone.

Because that's what it is

 

[CORTEZSS69]

My Leatherman that has been in my pocket everyday since the summer of 1992 which I have used twice already today. And my Kobolt 1/4 and 3/8 socket sets that I bought last year on sale DIRT CHEAP,(thanks GJ).which I carry in my go bag in the car. Helped a fellow put a battery in his truck yesterday in the parking at my dealership. I was happy to help and glad I had the tools in which to aid him.

 

[JASTECH]

Leatherman

Similar: Swiss Multi-Tool, went through 3 LM Supertool's.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

my brain is my most essential tool. no other tools work without it.

 

[Mud]

Combine every tool into one and save it!

 

[Holt]

16ft USA made Stanley with auto lock my Dad gave to me.

 

[Zeke]

Aside from a multi tool and picking only a single tool, I'd probably grab a screwdriver. They are in the top drawer and I seem to be in there the most.

You could do a lot with a combo screwdriver an adjustable wrench, hammer and pliers.

 

[bobcatdan]

Leatherman

I gave up on the multitoollong ago, but everywhere I go there is a buck 110 on my belt.

 

[Mud]

rock n' roll Buck

 

[Exceller8]

Similar: Swiss Multi-Tool, went through 3 LM Supertool's.

Yep, SwissTool and SwissTool Spirit.

 

[genevabuck]

Leatherman Charge

 

[Matt472]

Pocket Screwdriver. I feel naked at work without it.

 

[alex71]

1. Beer bottle opener
2. Corkscrew

Corkscrew, I guess... but a beer bottle opener? if you can't improvise a bottle opener, there's something wrong.

you can pop a cap off a bottle using almost anything (corkscrew included). just need a bit of leverage.

 

[IndyGarage]

I carry a leatherman in my pocket all the time, so it get's plenty of use.

Beyond that it depends on the kind of work I'm doing. For small tools, it's probably a toss up between: Cordless drill/driver; small pry bar, screwdriver set or multiscrewdriver; 1/4 socket set; Knipex cobras; medical shears; multimeter; good flashlight; wire cutters; or cordless rotary tool.

If I'm working on wood or the house my compound miter saw is indispensable. I'd have to say one of my most universally used tools is my Jawhorse. Give me that an my set of Milwaukee V28 cordless tools and I can build about anything out of wood.

 

[yost69]

I would not save any of my tools at the shop. I would be standing there with my itemized list and a copy of my receipts to hand to the insurance adjuster when they showed up. LOL

But being a rhetorical question my answer would be my air hammer and my mini sledge. Use them every single day.

 

[KSwiss]

I like the cell phone answer and the itemized list the best so far

 

[Geurt]

Tough call. I would definitely try to roll out my vintage Hazet Assistent. Its packed with my most used tools. If it could be one item, it would be the hammer I inherited from my grandfather. That's one item I could never replace.

 

[03protege]

 

[Murphy4570]

my brain is my most essential tool. no other tools work without it.

Hah! Yep.

The most important tool is the one between my ears.

 

[canuckian]

The USB hard drive that's plugged into my computer. It has the complete backup of model and serial numbers (where applicable) and a digital picture of every tool and piece of equipment that's worth anything in my shop.
But as for just one traditional tool, itd have to be the first Snap On tool I ever bought, a red pistol grip hard handle ratcheting screwdriver. Use that particular one just about every day.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Was a Gerber 450 until they were discontinued.
Now trying to pick between a its replacement 06751 or a DPSF-S30V (better steel?) cuz used 450's won't be available forever....


Oh, Kleins count if they're concealed?

 

[Oldbear]

Leatherman

Same here. I feel uneasy in the morning... until my Leatherman goes on. I only take it off my belt when boarding a plane.

 

[imagine44]

Really could not do without a good #2 phillips screw driver as pedestrian as that sounds.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

10" adjustable spud - not a hell of a lot you can't do with the little guy.

 

[bobcatdan]

Pocket Screwdriver. I feel naked at work without it.

I know that feeling.

 

[uniballer]

Channel locks 420, Somethings are just loose.

 

[ChrisF250]

My estwing 20oz

 

[NWphotog]

Brain>Cell Phone> Anything else I can PU in route to a call but 6 in 1 Screwdriver> Diagonal Cutters>Shipping Knife/Tape> Then it gets murky.

 

[DodgeMech]

Pocket Screwdriver. I feel naked at work without it.

yeah me too...i got a Mac one my driver gave me and a craftsmen one...prolly the most used things in my tool box and they have never even been in it haha

 

[Ksullivan]

I would have to say my 18v dewalt cordless impact, Like some other people said it is obviously replaceable but it has been through a lot with me. I thought it would be a solid idea to drive 3/8"x 6" lag bolts through a 2x12 into wall framing while my grandpa and I were constructing a carport, it worked but needless to say it was very hot when I was done! whoops. It still works well and that was at least 4 years ago!

 

[Gabastone]

I would grab my Matco flex ratchet. It isn't the most expensive tool in garage, but we have become old friends over the past couple years.

 

[805gregg]

I like my Swiss Army Tinker knife, I have a leatherman and 2 Gerber multi tools, they are just too heavy to carry all the time.

 

[toms73novass]

superknife, use it everyday...