Basic Tool set for New Homeowner

[dar24601]

So my brother just put down a down payment on a new home, brand new construction should be finished in august. As a housewarming gift figured id get him a good solid basic tool set. All he has now is bunch of misc. tools he's "borrowed" from me hasn't really needed much of a set since he's always lived in apt. So here's a list that i put together of Basic tool kit for the new homeowner. Anything i'm missing??

Tool Box
Utility Knife
Screwdriver Set Phillips and Flat
Hammer
Set of Pliers (Locking, Slip Joint, Needle nose, Tongue and Groove)
Adjustable Wrench
Duct Tape
Flashlight/worklight
Safety Gear (gloves, glasses, etc)

That's it, i know many of you will say cordless drill, socket set, etc. but i just want to give him the bare bones basics because everyone has different tastes in tools so this way he can build his collection with stuff that he likes not what I like. Also my budget is around $200 dollars and I want to get him Quality Tools i.e. made in USA, Germany, wherever possible. Since I got some time i'm keeping an eye out for sales and i know Fathers Day always good for tool sales.

EDIT
Level
Tape Measure
Stud finder
Painters tape

 

[d.mcfarland]

Level

 

[Marctrees]

Add a full range like 12 or so piece screwdriver set, Craftsman goes on sale SOO cheap

Maybe a basic 3/8 socket/ ratchet set.

For the rest, If he is not a current tool oriented guy, I would just go to Harbor Freight.

Otherwise, it may be like throwing pearls before swine.

He will not have the frequency of use and nuance understanding of a $25 pair of any pliers over a $3 one. Marc

 

[Marctrees]

YES YES - - Level----- , just a cheap 2 footer I would say, and a cheap square, not full size framing.

Tape measure.

HF.

And understand, for myself, I have NO HF tools.

Marc

 

[General Geoff]

Ehh, I'd go with:

10" Knipex Cobra pliers
10" Knipex Pliers-Wrench (replaces crescent/adjustable wrench for 90% of situations)
One standard Vise-Grips
Wera screwdriver set
Estwing Claw, 12oz Ball-peen and 3lb Engineer or Drilling hammer
Quality Zip-Ties

If anything, the claw hammer is going to be the least-used tool by a new homeowner. Few DIY projects involve hammer-driven nails these days, particularly on a new-construction home. I've been a homeowner for over a decade now and I can count on one hand the number of times I've actually used a claw hammer in that time frame.

 

[Marctrees]

Seeing as how this brother has no tools yet, he probably designs websites or sells shoes.

He really needs a 3Lb drilling hammer like he needs a Bosch electric jackhammer.

Not everybody is in "Our world"

Marc

 

[General Geoff]

Seeing as how this brother has no tools yet, he probably designs websites or sells shoes.

He really needs a 3Lb drilling hammer like he needs a Bosch electric jackhammer.

Not everybody is in "Our world"

Marc

Every man needs a BFH.

 

[Marctrees]

Ya, OK, that's true. Marc

 

[e34 brian]

Here's a pretty darn good article on 30 tools everyone should own from Popular Mechanics. give it a read.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/hom...ols-every-man-should-own-the-perfect-toolbox/

 

[katiexoxo]

Don't forget the hand saw.
I wouldn't get the sockets, it's not like a typical houseowner dismantles cars every day?

 

[drink]

You know, years ago I assembled myself a small set of tools to do light work with. I purchased a bunch of made in USA Craftsman tools when they went on sale. It is hard to remember how much was spent but I think I spent about $200 box and all. My set has SAE & metric deep sockets in both 1/4" & 3/8" drive. The standard depth sockets are only in SAE sizes. The sockets range in size from 3/16" to 7/8" and 4mm to 19mm. A few other tools like pliers, screwdrivers, hammer, chisel, socket accessories, wrenches, hex keys, etc. are in the 16" box. It doesn't work on everything but it usually handles a lot of stuff.

 

[Thumper68]

I would add sets of std. and metric hex, torx set, metric wrenches with all the knock down furniture now days those all are needed to put it together, there is nothing worse than trying to put that **** together with the **** tools they come with.

I would also add in a picture hanging set, with all the hangers. I did see a nice box set of 3M command strips I think at HD.

My goto housewarming gift is a gift card to the closest home center.

 

[dogdog]

Everything is fixed with a hammer and duct tapes..

 

[gdocktor3]

Allen and torx wrenches.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bondhis+gorilla+grips
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bondhis+gorilla+grips

 

[Vin]

Caulk gun, electrical tape, voltage and outlet tester, pipe wrench, Teflon tape, wd 40, drill

 

[3footpipe]

Stud finder

 

[brooktre]

The basic set you listed covers many miscellaneous jobs, but don't forget electrical and plumbing. I would also get wire strippers, cutters and a hacksaw (in addition to what Vin recommended).

 

[four.cycle]

my budget is around $200 dollars

Stud finder

^ probably a good idea.

I don't think Knipex pliers are going to allow the OP to work within his stated budget.

I'm not so sure about not needing a hammer. Maybe not a big framing hammer, but something that will work to install picture hangers or give something being assembled a good whack.

As for pliers: something that will cut wire and 1/16" braided cable (used to hang picture frames) - something that will twist that wire (needle-nose.)

A small drill and a few small drill bits comes in real handy. No need to shell out a lot of money for one - I got my last one - a little Makita 1/4" VSR - for $20 bucks on CL (in a box with a couple dozen other items.)

He's not going to rebuild the house and hopefully won't have to start effecting repairs right away. Most people who move into houses just want to hang up pictures, put up shelves, robe hooks, and install doo-dads here and there.

 

[derosa]

I would make the hammer a small one, like 10-12 oz, something he can hang something with that has a claw to pull hangers out with. Get a decent one, cheap ones have a convex striking surface that's good for deflecting off nails and into fingers. Shouldn't need bigger. Make sure the screw driver set has small sizes for batter cover plates as well. Otherwise good basic list

 

[CTyankee]

A simple decent tool belt. Get him a good tape measure not the HF freebee. Same with the utility knife and get a container of blades. A box of pencils. Maybe one of those complete DIY books. A HD gift card for when he finds out you didn't get him something he needs.

 

[Seppala]

Seeing as how this brother has no tools yet, he probably designs websites or sells shoes.

He really needs a 3Lb drilling hammer like he needs a Bosch electric jackhammer.

Not everybody is in "Our world"

Marc

Thanks for making this point. My brother in law's toolbox has one tool in it, the yellow pages.

 

[Gmonkee]

New house, not going to need plumbing or electric for a while.
Very good chance of minor wall and paint touch ups plus tools for whatever he will use to install later himself.

The typical prepared kit from Walmart is an excellent guide of what he will use. One good general purpose plier and a decent adjustable will do for minor in home tweaks.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Get him a pipe wrench. Most used tool at my dad's brand new house. So much build up inside the shower heads and it takes a pipe wrench to take it off to clean


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[T45]

.... So here's a list that i put together of Basic tool kit for the new homeowner. Anything i'm missing??

Tool Box
Utility Knife
Screwdriver Set Phillips and Flat
Hammer
Set of Pliers (Locking, Slip Joint, Needle nose, Tongue and Groove)
Adjustable Wrench
Duct Tape
Flashlight/worklight
Safety Gear (gloves, glasses, etc)

... Also my budget is around $200 dollars and I want to get him Quality Tools i.e. made in USA, Germany, wherever possible. Since I got some time i'm keeping an eye out for sales and i know Fathers Day always good for tool sales.

Craftsman, take a look. for this kit you are looking to buy some of the things they actually do well. You need to shop on sales to get decent/ value prices, but the quality and selection (with warranty ease etc) is all there.

Tool Box - decent rally style box with drawers (sale - $35ish)
Screwdriver Set Phillips and Flat - diamond tip sets (sale - $20)
Hammer - cman relabels vaugn, very decent (sale $10)
Set of Pliers - alot of people like the black handled sets ($45?)
Adjustable Wrench - relabeled usa western forge 3 pc sets (sale $25)

And a good tape measure is worth it, plus headlamp I would add to the wish list if you have some room left over.

 

[Empty Pockets]

OP had the right idea. I'd add a set of locking pliers, stud finder and Torx screwdrivers

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[4Kings]

Every homeowner needs one of these...

 

[diggerrick]

Don't forget to provide him a nice convenient place to store his new tools. Something with additional room for hime to expand his tool inventory, but not so large he can't carry the whole box to his project.

 

[Nodakwalleyer]

Tape measure!

 

[ssdave]

A insert bit holder screwdriver, and a comprehensive set of bits.

 

[Sticks McGee]

Some of this is mentioned already:

Level. A good 24" level will cover most needs as a level.

Tape measure

Stud finder

A good screwdriver bit set that covers your basics. Torx, allen, phillips and standard.

Drill bit set. If the screwdriver bit set uses a quick change chuck you can get a small set of drill bits that can be interchanged and fit in the quick change chuck.

8" or 10" adjustable wrench.

Basic set of pliers. Slip joint, channel locks, needle nose, cutters. Decent set of wire strippers

Voltage checker or a basic DVOM

Basic small set of 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive sockets.

I prefer a rip hammer over a claw hammer. Maybe a 16oz

1 small and one medium pipe wrench

A small flat bar with a mostly flat end and the other a 90" end. Good for prying off trim and pulling nails.

A good small work light. I prefer a rechargable and I prefer one over a standard flashlight. Something with a small base so the light will sit and a rotating head to aim it. Magnetic base is ok but with so much wood and drywall it might be hard to find a surface for it.

One of the main things to look at is to imagine scenarios he will most likely encounter as a homeowner.

Hanging pictures. Hanging shelves. Tightening various screws (loose hinge on a cabinet, door knob or drawer pull) Hanging curtains, curtain rods, maybe mini blinds. Installing towel bars, toilet paper holder. etc.

Tools: tape measure, level, pencil, painters tape (I use this a lot to mark things on the wall that I don't want to leave a pencil mark on. It's easily removable without pulling paint off or leaving a residue) A drill with some small drill bits to drill for anchors or predrill into a stud.

A small leak at the supply hoses for a washer. Tool: Channel locks

 

[trainer]

Putty knife, caulking gun.

 

[hedgehog]

Putty knife is a good one, and zip ties go along with the duct tape nicely

 

[Moparman390]

Has everyone forgotten this is GJ? All his tools have to be Snap-On, Proto, SK, or some other tool truck brand, also nothing can be made in China or he will be in for a lifetime of failure, everybody knows that.

Seriously, my brother had nothing for tools and our mother doesn't ever know what to buy him for Christmas, so I had her add in a few things for him. One of those big drill bit sets and bit driver (he has a drill and sawzall she got him a few years ago and a level) that were like $10 at Christmas at HD, a Husky 28 piece combination wrench set that was $20 after Thanksgiving, and the $15 5 piece Craftsman Evolv pliers set from Sears. Next time for his B-Day or Christmas I'll have her buy him one of the screwdriver sets from Craftsman (he has like two screwdrivers already), a the HF SAE and Metric nut driver sets, and one of the 1/4" + 3/8" socket sets from Craftsman, HD, or Lowes. But yeah, I think he's got a hand saw, small toolbox, tape measure and utility knife already. For basic homeowner stuff they just need a few tools to start, if they get into doing lots of repairs and DIY they can upgrade later, just about anything name brand you find at retail will be fine for the average homeowner.

 

[jd_1138]

You mention duct tape, also I'd recommend some mechanic's wire (bailing wire). Good for a quick and dirty fix in a pinch. Like if the carriage bolt falls out of his lawnmower and the push handle's loose. He can wire it up real quick until he gets to the hardware store for another bolt.

A bolt/screw/nut/washer assortment is a good idea. Smaller ones are like $20 and can save a lot of trips to the hardware store. I bought some 10 years ago and still have most of it left. I used it a few weeks ago when I had to put together a bed for the neighbor lady. I needed some bolts/nuts/washers.

Also a handheld toilet auger/snake is a good idea -- can save a $100 plumber's fee. The local Do It hardware has them for $8. I keep mine hanging on a nail in between the studs in the shed. Don't want a toilet tool in with your others tools. lol

 

[jd_1138]

Don't forget to provide him a nice convenient place to store his new tools. Something with additional room for hime to expand his tool inventory, but not so large he can't carry the whole box to his project.

Home Depot "Homer Boxes" are pretty cheap, $9 each, and will hold a ton of tools. If he later gets nicer toolboxes, the Homer Boxes can be relegated for spare/overflow use.

 

[md21722]

This is garage journal. He needs a 60x40 shop with around $150,000 in Snap On tools & most of the power tools available at Home Depot and Lowes.

 

[Parrothead]

So my brother just put down a down payment on a new home, brand new construction should be finished in august. As a housewarming gift figured id get him a good solid basic tool set. All he has now is bunch of misc. tools he's "borrowed" from me hasn't really needed much of a set since he's always lived in apt. So here's a list that i put together of Basic tool kit for the new homeowner. Anything i'm missing??

Tool Box
Utility Knife
Screwdriver Set Phillips and Flat
Hammer
Set of Pliers (Locking, Slip Joint, Needle nose, Tongue and Groove)
Adjustable Wrench
Duct Tape
Flashlight/worklight
Safety Gear (gloves, glasses, etc)

That's it, i know many of you will say cordless drill, socket set, etc. but i just want to give him the bare bones basics because everyone has different tastes in tools so this way he can build his collection with stuff that he likes not what I like. Also my budget is around $200 dollars and I want to get him Quality Tools i.e. made in USA, Germany, wherever possible. Since I got some time i'm keeping an eye out for sales and i know Fathers Day always good for tool sales.

We actually have this and here's what I'd recommend. We call them kitchen tools

Tool box
Folding utility knife
Screwdriver set, making sure it includes a p3 and stubbies
Locking pliers 7"
8" adjustable wrench
10" groove joint pliers
Wire cutters
Slip joint pliers
Needle nose pliers
Socket set - 1/4 & 3/8 combo set. 6-18mm and 1/4-7/8. Can be mixed and use a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter
Pick set - small
Precision screwdriver set - recommend Husky
Bit holder screwdriver (Husky ratcheting is very nice)
Long hex bits - Harbor Freight (great for replacing door knobs)
Wire stripper - Harbor Freight
Tape measure - at least 12'
Hex drill bits
Allen wrenches - metric and sae
Claw hammer
Ball peen hammer
Non contact voltage tester
Outlet tester
Hand saw
Hack saw
Jab saw
Small bench vise or clamp on vise
9" level AND 24" level
Stud finder

And the biggest thing...Black and Decker Cordless Screwdriver. I have one and LOVE it.

Model LI4000
70 in-lbs of torque
180 rpm
3.6 V
Lithium Ion battery
Adjustable clutch

I can't say enough about this screwdriver and I've used quite a few. Better than the similar Ryobi for sure. Easier to use than a drill for small projects and small.

BLACK+DECKER LI4000 4-Volt Lithium-Ion SmartSelect Screwdriver with Magnetic Screw Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GFINJ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Gmonkee]

Damn....

My house still has areas under construction and I get through basic repairs and upgrades with but a small quantity of tools. Water and light issues included.

Carpentry is the one area with the specialized tools and those are but a few hand tools too.

These 'basic toolkit' threads never fail to get into extreme overkill for the actual talents of the intended user.
He might want the SO truck parked in his driveway but he has no clue what most of it is for.

My sister is far more handy with tools than my wife. Both have the same basic kit each with additions for the interests. My sis arts and crafts then my lady with compu/data cable stuff.

The principal difference is one asks me to check sonething and the other shows me what she did.
I taught a SIL how to change bad outlets and light switches, then she showed her hubby as they made a warehouse into a gym.

Keep it simple and let the person grow to meet the challenge, or learn to call for help. They will know what or if they need more as time passes.

 

[dar24601]

Thanks for all the suggestion added some to my OP

Add a full range like 12 or so piece screwdriver set, Craftsman goes on sale SOO cheap

Maybe a basic 3/8 socket/ ratchet set.

For the rest, If he is not a current tool oriented guy, I would just go to Harbor Freight.

Otherwise, it may be like throwing pearls before swine.

I'll keep an eye out for sales for sure. He may not be much of a tool guy now but as kids we always had projects. Fixing and customizing our bicycles, building a skate ramp, etc but went off to the "big city" and in apt you call the super or landlord take care of issues. Thinking house in suburbs he'll it'll all come back to him.

Seeing as how this brother has no tools yet, he probably designs websites or sells shoes.

Marc

Close he's a manager at Starbucks and he's working on opening his own restaraunt

Here's a pretty darn good article on 30 tools everyone should own from Popular Mechanics. give it a read.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/hom...ols-every-man-should-own-the-perfect-toolbox/

Thanks for the link

I would add sets of std. and metric hex, torx set, metric wrenches with all the knock down furniture now days those all are needed to put it together, there is nothing worse than trying to put that **** together with the **** tools they come with.

Allen and torx wrenches.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bondhis+gorilla+grips
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bondhis+gorilla+grips

Yeah forgot how much of the new stuff requires hex wrenches, the stuff they include are one time use POS

Stud finder

Just knock on wall isn't that how everyone does it.

The basic set you listed covers many miscellaneous jobs, but don't forget electrical and plumbing. I would also get wire strippers, cutters and a hacksaw (in addition to what Vin recommended).

I thought about that but don't know how many of those issues come up in new construction homes

Craftsman, take a look. for this kit you are looking to buy some of the things they actually do well. You need to shop on sales to get decent/ value prices, but the quality and selection (with warranty ease etc) is all there.

Tool Box - decent rally style box with drawers (sale - $35ish)
Screwdriver Set Phillips and Flat - diamond tip sets (sale - $20)
Hammer - cman relabels vaugn, very decent (sale $10)
Set of Pliers - alot of people like the black handled sets ($45?)
Adjustable Wrench - relabeled usa western forge 3 pc sets (sale $25)

And a good tape measure is worth it, plus headlamp I would add to the wish list if you have some room left over.

Thanks for the suggestions

Don't forget to provide him a nice convenient place to store his new tools. Something with additional room for hime to expand his tool inventory, but not so large he can't carry the whole box to his project.

Figure do what are dad did bucket with one of those bucket organizers

One of the main things to look at is to imagine scenarios he will most likely encounter as a homeowner.

Hanging pictures. Hanging shelves. Tightening various screws (loose hinge on a cabinet, door knob or drawer pull) Hanging curtains, curtain rods, maybe mini blinds. Installing towel bars, toilet paper holder. etc

That's what I'm trying to do but been so long since moving into a new house

We actually have this and here's what I'd recommend. We call them kitchen tools

And the biggest thing...Black and Decker Cordless Screwdriver. I have one and LOVE it.

Model LI4000
70 in-lbs of torque
180 rpm
3.6 V
Lithium Ion battery
Adjustable clutch

I can't say enough about this screwdriver and I've used quite a few. Better than the similar Ryobi for sure. Easier to use than a drill for small projects and small.

BLACK+DECKER LI4000 4-Volt Lithium-Ion SmartSelect Screwdriver with Magnetic Screw Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GFINJ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'll take a look at that screwdriver

Level

Who needs a level when you got the wife telling you when the frame is "straight"

 

[pstemari]

Who needs a level when you got the wife telling you when the frame is "straight"

Actually, most cell phones have a good enough level built in. For Android GPS Status does a decent job. Not great for construction, but for hanging pictures, etc, it's fine.

One thing missing from above is a neon test light and one of the three light outlet testers. Missing grounds in new construction are pretty common, and flipping hot and neutral can be a subtle hazard.

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