The basic toolkit

cgv69 · Jun 22, 2014

Another thread below got me thinking about this. What would you consider the most basic tools? When I say basic, I'm talking bare bones as in no more then say 10 tools that everybody should have? The premise is, say you wanted to put together a basic kit for your wife (so she'll stop using your tools) or maybe you have a kid or young friend moving into there first place and you know they have no tools.

This person probably doesn't work on cars, they just need basic tools for average homeowner type stuff hanging pictures, assembling furniture or accessories (like Ikea type ****), fixing a clogged drain or leaky faucet. Etc..

I haven't fully vetted this out myself but here's what I'm thinking....

Hammer - Probably either an Estwing 16oz curved claw or 20oz straight claw)
Phillips screwdrivers - #1x4" and #2x6"
Flat-blade screwdriver - 1/4"x4" and 5/16"x 6"
6" needle nose pliers - Probably Channellock
6" diagonal cutters - Probably Channellock
6" slip joint pliers - Probably Channellock or Wilde
12" waterpump pliers - Probably Channellock or Knipex Cobra
10" adjustable wrench - Probably Channellock or Knipex Plierswrench if I'm being nice.

Now that's 10 right there but for the intended purpose I would have to add.

12' or 25' tape measure
Utility knife
stud finder
Torpedo or 2' level

So what would your list look like?

ecotec · Jun 22, 2014

I never want to find out!

BK13 · Jun 22, 2014

Hard to argue with your list, though I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be providing people with no tools Knipex! Even Channellocks might be a waste in this instance.

DodgeMech · Jun 22, 2014

8-19 short and deep 3/8 drive, same for 1/4-7/8 3/8 drive short and deep...a ratchet...and about the same sets in wrenches...and a couple of screwdrivers...and maybe a couple pairs of pliers...and a hammer

Doug B · Jun 22, 2014

Your kit is a good basic set-up, but I would switch the 4 screwdrivers for one of theose 6-in-1 flip around deals, then add some combo end wrenches....7/16" ,1/2" ,10mm and 15mm
I agree with needing a tape measure and a utility knife

alpaca · Jun 22, 2014

one of these as well as the 1/4" version
adjustable wrench
needle nose pliers
channel lock type pliers
the screwdrivers and hammers you mentioned
12' or 25' tape measure
Utility knife
stud finder
Torpedo or 2' level

cgv69 · Jun 22, 2014

BK13 said:
Hard to argue with your list, though I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be providing people with no tools Knipex! Even Channellocks might be a waste in this instance.

Well I admit Knipex might be a bit much but I can't buy low quality tools, even if its for someone else. I consider most Channellock tools to be a real value, especially if you shop around and catch a deal or 2.

Doug B said:
Your kit is a good basic set-up, but I would switch the 4 screwdrivers for one of theose 6-in-1 flip around deals.

I considered switching the screwdrivers for a ratching bit screwdriver as that is what I use almost exclusively. Caftsman has one that is inexpesive that seems half decent for the money... http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-ratcheting-magnetic-screwdriver-with-bit-storage/p-00947144000P#reviewsWrap. The problem is, there are time those types of drivers will not fit where they need to go.

I'm a little surprised by the recommendations for sockets and combo wrenches? While nice to have, I don't see them as absolutely needed for the average, non-handy homeowner who just needs the basics for some simple projects. Certainly if the budget is there its a nice add-on

ClineWrench · Jun 22, 2014

I'm almost in complete agreement with CGV's list. The only thing I'd change is swapping the water pump wrench for a pipe wrench.

Other than that, great list. And like others with a tool quality addiction, I couldn't see putting together a kit like this with anything less than craftsman (USA) tools, and other USA brands where craftsman was not available.

doan · Jun 22, 2014

vice grips

Hpozzuoli · Jun 22, 2014

This is the best all in one tool kit I could find. I bought it to keep in my Vette. Only thing missing is the hammer. It's a Blue Point kit.

metaldad · Jun 22, 2014

a hammer is my stud finder

BK13 · Jun 22, 2014

metaldad said:
a hammer is my stud finder

Lol

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Coach James · Jun 22, 2014

For a guy, I like OP's list, but I would include a torpedo level, 12oz hammer instead of a 16 or 20. Hanging pics doesn't require a 20oz hammer. I would also substitute a 6 in 1 etc screwdriver for singles.

If it's a good looking female, I would give her my phone number and I'll supply whatever tool she needs.

Coach

beatcad · Jun 22, 2014

metaldad said:
a hammer is my stud finder

uhhh....that sounds really gay:supergay:

NorCalWrenchin · Jun 22, 2014

Channellock 430s and 428s. You can do anything with Channellocks. They're hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, eating utensils, extra hands that you dont have to worry about hurting... I can go on and on.

I like Channellocks..

theoldwizard1 · Jun 22, 2014

Every homeowner needs an outlet tester. They are only a couple of bucks.

I would also recommend an inexpensive digital multi-meter. $10-$20 and it should include a audible continuity tester. Look for one a built in voltage detector (ringer).

sonvolt · Jun 22, 2014

Vise grips for sure

Joe B. · Jun 22, 2014

People that have such few tools either have a house and pay others to do the most basic tasks or they are young apartment dwellers. Young people tend to buy a lot of assemble yourself furniture....so they could use a good set of hex Allen wrenches.

For years when I was young I had a hacksaw and a few blades. Hacksaws have a lot of flexibility so they are good for folks without a lot of tools.

sberry · Jun 22, 2014

I can do most of what I got to do with this, about 90%, some days all of it.

foghorn1966 · Jun 22, 2014

The OPs list is almost the exact set-up I supplied my step-kids with when they left home. Exceptions, multi bit screwdriver, std metric & torx folding hex keys, a small toolbox to keep the stuff in & no stud finder.

Gmonkee · Jun 22, 2014

I've set up 4 people with a basic kit for amateur home stuff. Each kit was designed to meet and just barely exceed the actual things the person does.

-base kit-
Two screwdrivers, flat and phillips no. 2
a basic pliers
a basic hammer good enough to put a nail in the wall
a 6" or 8" adjustable wrench
snap off cutter knife
scraper

My wife does computer repair and her kit got a two more sizes screwdrivers, needle nose pliers and a wire cutter. She had some more specific tools already.

My SIL has a son that does light mechanical. they got a run at my box of lesser wrenches to choose what they will use. It was a bit more substantial than I expected. They do use them too.

Her hubby cleaned out the wrenches and socket related stuff. Mostly metric at that.

SIL 2 accepted a WP pliers, she doesn't use much more. She already had a few other screwdrivers but I made sure she had good ones. She uses the hell out her rag-tag collection.

Nobody looked at brands or thought twice about COO, it was all about useful or not. I have not loaned a tool in two years but I have borrowed from them on tiny jobs once or twice since. Their few tools see more use than mine do.

BikerDad · Jun 22, 2014

16' tape, better for the homeowner than either a 10' or 25'.

Rather than 4 screwdrivers, I'd go with this:

Single Xin1 ratcheting screwdriver w/ lotsa tips.

Xin1 Micro-Screwdriver. Needed for disassembling various home gadgets and such.

10" Grayvik Bearclaw

The substitutions allow for an additional tool, which would be some variety of workmut. Having a place to work, that can hold whatever it is that you're working on in place, is of so much value.

Definitely a utility knife, but this is a place NOT to go cheap. Cheap utility knives are grey (easy to lose), and allow the stored blades to sneak out and slice the unwary. I like the DeWalt and Milwaukee knives, Stanley FatMax may be good but I've never used them. Nor is this someplace for a folder. Keep it simple.

10 tools is really too few, even for the most basic kit, although it would make a good seed,especially if it contained a list of the "additional tools suggested." As an example, the average homeowner needs two whackers (i.e. hammers), not one. A 12-20oz claw, and a rubber mallet or dead blow.

The basic toolkit

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