Ia there a quintessential tool checklist?

[jholder]

So one of the things I like to do, is to keep a running wishlist on Amazon, of tools that I would like to buy (or receive as a gift obviously). Every so often I'll pop in there and pick one or two items, not because I need them now...but because one day I will need them, and it is almost always better to do the job with the right tool.

With that being said, I was curious if there was a checklist somewhere, that I could check and say "a-ha! I have that, and two of those, but I don't have X Y or Z"... Perhaps a list of tools in decreasing commonality? (For instance, the other day I had to buy a torque angle gauge and a 1/4" 0-100 inch lbs torque wrench. Certainly for a lot of the tools I have, I could simply say "buy a *better* X". (I do have a set of Wiha screwdrivers on the list, unfortunately that is something I've simply never invested in, though its certainly one of the more common tools I use. Also i do have a set of the 80 teeth SO wrenches, and i think that has a better feel than my craftsman)

With that being said, how about a list like this then:
1) Tools one should collect, a little at a time.
2) Tools you should go ahead and "upgrade" because the quality really is that much better.

 

[quattroJoe]

The problem with a list of tools that one should collect is that everyone's list is different. A guy doing carpentry is going to need different stuff than a guy doing automotive.

What I do is keep a running list on my phone of sockets and wrenches I'm missing to fill out my sets, that way if I happen upon a good deal on singles I know exactly what to buy.

 

[PelicanPines]

All of them... you need to collect all of them...

Tools you should upgrade (have the best)... Screwdrivers & Pliers.

 

[Adam.C]

Yes there are such lists. I have one. I started with the required tools for community college auto tech programs. I looked at several schools' lists, compared them, then added and subtracted a few items based on my own experience.

The problem with these lists is that EVERYTHING is recommended/required. These schools recommend full sets of sockets and wrenches, all drive sizes, SAE and metric. The real trick to tool lists is knowing what you don't need, what you might need but can live without, and what tools can substitute for other tools.

Second, you can cut down based on the sorts of projects you intend to work on. I have very few SAE sized tools- just a few basics really. My projects/cars dont require them.

Third,you need to know what quality/brand is essential. I find that for some tools, you really do need snap on or equivalent quality.

What would be helpful would be a list that associates a tool, or specialty tool, with a specific task.

 

[Thumper68]

My list (very short at this point) consists of those tools that I have had to borrow or rent twice, I figure that if I needed it twice then I will need it in the future.

Larger equipment depends on if its electric or gas, I will rent gas equipment vs buying if it's not something that I will use often, a sod cutter is a good example I only use one once or twice a year and it's not worth the maintiance. On the electric side I may only use my big rotarty hammer two or three times a year but since it's electric the upkeep is minimal so I bought one.

Storage space is a issue as well, yes I could use a spring compressor but a good one takes up to much shop space to have one of my own when I can take the strut spring assembly to a shop in the morning and have it back in the afternoon.

 

[bcradio]

My list (very short at this point) consists of those tools that I have had to borrow or rent twice, I figure that if I needed it twice then I will need it in the future.

Larger equipment depends on if its electric or gas, I will rent gas equipment vs buying if it's not something that I will use often, a sod cutter is a good example I only use one once or twice a year and it's not worth the maintiance. On the electric side I may only use my big rotarty hammer two or three times a year but since it's electric the upkeep is minimal so I bought one.

Storage space is a issue as well, yes I could use a spring compressor but a good one takes up to much shop space to have one of my own when I can take the strut spring assembly to a shop in the morning and have it back in the afternoon.

You use a sod cutter once or twice a YEAR? You must be a really good friend or are constantly resizing/reshaping your yard.

 

[Thumper68]

You use a sod cutter once or twice a YEAR? You must be a really good friend or are constantly resizing/reshaping your yard.

They are for side jobs, real good money in building dog runs, prepping for gardens etc.

 

[game]

I think I have a decent setup for electronics but have been wanting to get into mechanical stuff. Whats stopping me is my lack of decent tools or should I say lack of any kind of tools.

Here is what Im looking at getting:

Screw drivers (got some Wera kraftforms on the way)
Hex
Pliers
1/4" socket set
3/8" socket set
Combination wrench set. Maybe up to 24mm or should I get up to 32mm?

As for tool storage, I live in an apartment so Im thinking toolbox or toolbag and just haul what I need for a particular job/task.

Planning on getting the 1/4" drive set and combo wrenches first as I have my dad's 3/8" basic socket set with me.

Then add a ratcheting wrench set when I complete that list.

What I learned from building my electronics tool setup is that I buy the best I can afford and not rush it. Buy once cry once and The hunt is half the fun.

 

[shanny19]

I'd love to see some pro's in a few fields list their tools in order of use. That would help guys starting out prioritize their purchases. Do I need a crowfoot set more than a set of stubby combo wrenches? Do I need turbo sockets more than i need a set of flex impact sockets? on and on

 

[jd_1138]

I think most of the trades probably publish some sort of list of basic tools needed for the trade -- along with desirable but not necessarily needed tools.

 

[larry_g]

I would suggest that if your looking at the automotive tools then start here, Snapon sets and look what they include in their sets as they go up in price. I'm not suggesting that you buy Snapon but their tool sets are a perty good list to start from.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[crewchief888]

I'd love to see some pro's in a few fields list their tools in order of use. That would help guys starting out prioritize their purchases. Do I need a crowfoot set more than a set of stubby combo wrenches? Do I need turbo sockets more than i need a set of flex impact sockets? on and on

ive been working at const eq dealers for 30 years, nearly 1/2 of it as a field mechanic.
right now my most common used tools are

3/8" dr cordless impact
1/2", 9/16", 3/4", 13mm impact wobbles
9/16",13mm deep sockets
long 3/8" dr flex head ratchet
mutimeter
1/4" & 5/16" nut drivers
1/8" allen bit & ratcheting handle driver
dykes, wire strippers, crimpers
3/4" ratcheting wrench
1/2", 9/16" 13mm combo wrenches

 

[shanny19]

ive been working at const eq dealers for 30 years, nearly 1/2 of it as a field mechanic.
right now my most common used tools are

3/8" dr cordless impact
1/2", 9/16", 3/4", 13mm impact wobbles
9/16",13mm deep sockets
long 3/8" dr flex head ratchet
mutimeter
1/4" & 5/16" nut drivers
1/8" allen bit & ratcheting handle driver
dykes, wire strippers, crimpers
3/4" ratcheting wrench
1/2", 9/16" 13mm combo wrenches

Very cool....thx

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

It depends. I work at an independent shop, thats takes on EVERYTHING. So one job I'm pulling a clutch out of a BMW, then later the same day, I'm changing u-joints in a 71 ford... I always just try to buy sets that have both..
but generally, 'essential tools' I would think a good range of 3/8s sockets and drivers, screwdrivers, channellocks, a pry bar or two, dykes, and a set of wrenches...

 

[ZRX61]

Just punch "List of required tools" into Google & you'll get countless results. (647,000,000 in my case)
Auto:
http://www.weber.edu/automotive/Required_Tools.html

http://www.pcc.edu/programs/diesel/RequiredToolSetPCC.html

http://www.ehow.com/info_7736099_tools-needed-start-mechanic-shop.html

Aircraft:
http://www.skywest.com/assets/Uploads/Minimum_Tool_List.pdf

http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/co...aviation-maintenance-technology-tool-list.pdf

Woodbutchery:
http://www.mycarpentry.com/carpentry-tools.html

http://www.carpentry-pro-framer.com/basic-carpentry-tools.html

http://www.cmcnl.ca/students/tool-lists/

Gunsmith:
http://www.lassengunsmithing.com/guidebook/tool-list-06.html

Machinist:
https://go.dmacc.edu/programs/toolanddie/Pages/tools.aspx

 

[toolslut6.0]

I am a ag equipment mechanic. I'd say that I use a good metric combo wrench set the most and then probably 3/8s metric sockets. Multimeter is up there too. Maybe a pliers set (slip joint, needle nose, dikes, and locking). Pocket screwdriver with a magnet. Extendable magnet tool. Flex head ratchet. Adjustable wrench.

I thinks that virtually bare bones basic for modern equipment/ automotive vehicles .

Other guys think that's reasonable?

Charles

 

[Boiler]

I am a ag equipment mechanic. I'd say that I use a good metric combo wrench set the most and then probably 3/8s metric sockets. Multimeter is up there too. Maybe a pliers set (slip joint, needle nose, dikes, and locking). Pocket screwdriver with a magnet. Extendable magnet tool. Flex head ratchet. Adjustable wrench.

I thinks that virtually bare bones basic for modern equipment/ automotive vehicles .

Other guys think that's reasonable?

Charles

Only one screwdriver, and it's a pocket size?

 

[toolslut6.0]

Only one screwdriver, and it's a pocket size?

I was listing my most used tools. I forgot pry bars. Screw drivers I suppose are in the top third most used. I guess I don't deal with a lot of screws. More torx than Phillips or flat blade.

 

[Gmonkee]

I work at an indy bodyshop that covers the mechanical stuff too. Kind of the local guy that does it all.
My boss has the typical spread of wrenches up to 1" or 19mm, a few key larger sizes too. Three drive sizes of metric and SAE sockets and the range of pliers and screwdrivers. Add in allens, torx and a few specialty tools its really not a lot or anything special.

I carry a set of DOE metric wrenches, 6 to 22mm, a small 3/8" metric socket set and a two in one screwdriver as my most used. A folding torx set and a few other small details cover my carry bag, it covers 90% of the jobs I am asked to do without touching the boss' tools.

Its not a lot of weight and does a lot. The boss has all the electronics and the odd big or specialty tools already at the shop, no need to bring mine.

 

[AndrewV]

Dear god. It's way to hard to narrow down what is a basic set anymore realy.
Im a tech at an indy shop to. See everything. Need everything, and more sometimes. Do oil changes, need specialty stuff there. It just goes on, and on.

But adj. wrench, 3/8 and 1/2 inch standard, and metric. Both sets of combo wrenches(the higher the safer). Striking screwdrivers(2 birds with one stone ). Prybars, hex sockets, hammers, it goes on but basics really.

 

[BikerDad]

The Quintessential Tool is Bill Gate's Amex Card.

That said, in a more serious vein, it bears repeating that the work you're doing is going to shape the Quintessential List. I'm pretty sure that the tool list for somebody building model railroads for a living is going to be very different from the list of a heavy equipment mechanic, which will be different from the list of a boat builder, etc, etc.

The basics though, they go by function. And I'm talking really, really basic function.

All tools essentially fall into a few categories.

1. Cutting things
2. Beating on things
3. Holding things
4. Cranking things
5. Measuring things
6. Covering things
7. Joining things

Figure out what thing you're working on/with, and you've got a good start on sorting out what you're going to need to cut, beat, hold, crank, measure, cover and join the thing.

 

[jholder]

You guys are awesome, lots of great ideas and sources here.

I *tend* to lean more towards automotive/metal work, but also bust out the occasion mediocre piece of woodwork.

Of all my tools, the ones that get used the most, would have to be the starter socket set I picked up from craftsman roughly (omg!) 20 years ago.
It's been added to over the years, and I don't think any of the socket wrenches are original (though I only paid for them once...nice).

As an aside, I picked up an aircraft 3x rivet gun a while back for a project, and it has turned into one of the more surprisingly versatile tools I've turned to when i need breaks something free, or pound something into shape.