Building a Toolbox for young daughters.

[JDC]

I have a 4 year old and a 7 year old that want tool boxes like their Dad. Granted, they are little, I figure now is as good a time as any to get them started. Since I have Cman, Proto, SK, Armstrong and Klein, so will they. What should I start them with? Any suggestions from you guys that have done this. I figure they can take it with them to college, first home, like the first set I bought.

 

[kissmeimgerman]

Tape, Screwdriver set, basic socket set

 

[londonsteve]

iron, saucepan, sewing kit

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I don't know what's not dangerous tools. But at the age, I would not get them sharp object.

 

[kissmeimgerman]

iron, saucepan, sewing kit

 

[24X28]

Double box end wrenches. They look like something you have in your box, and they probably won't put an eye out. Plus they're useful, so they can help you out with projects and build confidence.

 

[daveblank]

Get them a screwdriver with changeable tips. They will think it's cool.

 

[honcho]

Lucky you! It's my opinion that the best kid years are between toilet training and about 11, after that it's much harder to adjust their attitudes.

8 oz claw hammer, slip-joint pliers, tape measure, 6 in 1 screwdriver and maybe a 6 inch adjustable wrench. Plan a project where you use all the tools building something for their bedroom or playroom or for what they like to do. Let them paint/decorate.

Have fun, give/get hugs and make sure to everyone takes care of Mom and it will be a good day for everyone.

 

[mopar65]

my grandaughter is almost 8 i have bought 5 old erector sets and her and i have a ball building things together.i built all kinds of things with erector sets when i was a kid so i thought it would be cool for her also.imho lots better than video games.have fun with those kids they won't be young long

 

[kxxr]

Go to the good will or salvation army and get a vcr or 2 and maybe a broken small motor or anything else they might be interested in dismantling. Then, issue them tools as needed for the project. Advise them to think about what they might like to make as they take the thing apart and then help them turn it into something interesting. We made this "VCRCycle from, you guessed it, a vcr. It was a blast. Choose your adhesive carefully. The cycle was much cooler when we first got done but our glue gave out and we lost some of the best little features (the rider and some of the wheel bling fell off). We'll re-do it when we get a better glue.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

That is really cool man,Great job

 

[astrodoggie3000]

When i was about 8 years old, my father bought me the following...

1- 8 inch adj. wrench
2- C-man combos
3- C-man plier set... 3 piece i think
5- screwdriver set

I then proceeded to take my entire bike apart several times, and then later building my own from parts. That fueled the fire for me. All those tools are pretty cheap and will get them a good start. Tape measure is a good idea as well. I think a pair of 10 inch Knipex cobra pliers would take a bike apart by itself.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'm jealous ! I didn't get my first tool set until I was 15.

 

[back2class]

I started one by accident for my 2 year old. He now has a fully loaded 7 drawer Cornwell cart..LOL. I buy and re-sell tools as a hobby and get plenty of decent stuff like K-tool Thorsen, and Stanley that have ZERO resale value. Got tired of selling it for pennies, so I started putting together a set for him when he is older. I kind of enjoy it and got a little more into building his set. Now my policy is to add anything he does not have as I get tools in, before I re-sell. This excludes very high price stuff or real specialty tools. He now has some quality stuff too and a box that is better stocked than many 1st year techs.

In general, common use tools for home and mechanics have to be considered. Needle nose pliers, combination pliers, some adjustables, allen key set, hammer, joint knife, nail sets/punches, 20ft tape, level, 16" channellock, Universal screwdriver, hacksaw, some elec tape, chisel or two, sandpaper, drill, and possibly a basic Craftsman socket and wrench set, though most women I know never tackle things that require more than an adjustable will handle.

 

[rockchucker]

Well...Typical smaller Tools like Hammer, Tape Measure, Nail Set, Saw, Pliers. Small stuff that works with their small hands. Most people think "here is a large Tool and get used to it". If you compare size to size though would you swing around a hammer that is the same size as your leg to pound a nail into a piece of wood? Nope. So find smaller Tools that fit them and are respective size to their bodies and hands.

I still have a few Tools but they are not with my Tool Box anymore. I should return them to my first Tool Box. I still have most of them but keep them with all of my other Tools now.

This is my First Tool Box that I still have. (I keep EVERYTHING) My Pops made it for me when I was 3 so it is 33 years old. I would carry it around with my little Hammer and a bunch of Finish Nails in it on the Jobsite. Pound nails into wood. Smash my finger and blow on it to make the pain go away. lol


I remember Dad made it for me to shut me up one day. It worked! =)


Here...

 

[TheGrooveking]

A few pairs of safety glasses, and wear them yourself when you work to set a good example.

TheGrooveking

 

[sscustom]

maybe some of the plastic tools so they dont hurt them selves

 

[bob ny]

I have a 4 year old and a 7 year old that want tool boxes like their Dad. Granted, they are little, I figure now is as good a time as any to get them started. Since I have Cman, Proto, SK, Armstrong and Klein, so will they. What should I start them with? Any suggestions from you guys that have done this. I figure they can take it with them to college, first home, like the first set I bought.

do i have the tool boxes for you one is american tool chest for junior carpenters the other is junior mechanics tool set they are real old timers with no tools but i have enough tools floating around here to help you out, the boxes are for young children but may be a big hit in college. I will try to get some pictures when i get back from doctors bob w.

 

[GarageEnvy]

I have an 8 year old and two 6 year old daughters. About a year ago they wanted tools like dad. I've given them a couple sets of the free HF screwdrivers. They also have little stubby HF hammers that they find easier to use than the full size ones. I got them plastic rafter squares (the little triangles) so they could make straight lines. I did tape measures and adjustable wrenches too. My thoughts on things like screwdrivers with interchangable tips is don't bother, they'll be lost in a week. All kids are different. I've got a 4 year old nephew that can work an 18volt cordless drill like a seasoned pro. He also has been skateboarding on ramps and riding a two-wheeled bike since he was 3. My daughters aren't ready for the cordless drill yet. The 8 year old has permission to use the handsaws but the younger ones don't.

 

[W650Mike]

rockchucker presents a good idea - build tool boxes as a project. Let them paint and decorate.

 

[Jeff_R]

I find for my kids (daughter - 7, son - 4) that their tools include what they are interested in and working on at the time. I started with hammers/nails and a tape measure. When they were ready for more, I then moved them up to pliers.

Make sure they understand how to use the tools, not just have them... which gives them a proper education and memories. Much more important that what they have.

 

[charle10]

I'd say have them help you out in the garage and see what they like to use. My 3 year old likes to play with ratchets, but if she is trying to get a nut off she needs to use a wrench, or have me hold the socket.

If they want their own box, I'd suggest a small craftsman top box and let them customize it. Start it off with tools that will never go to waste, like a few screwdrivers, a pair of needle nose pliers, a small hammer, measuring tape. After they work with you on stuff you can add more tools accordingly.

 

[mlittle29]

Snap on Ratcheting Screwdriver - Pink handle!

 

[RKA]

maybe some of the plastic tools so they dont hurt them selves

Oh come on! I learned my most valuable lessons...the hard way!

Seriously though...good thread. Don't have kids yet, but my wife follows me around from time to time and insists "she wants to do it!". My only issue is I don't want her creating more work for me (cross-threaded oil drain bolt) and I don't want her putting a nail through her finger. Trust me, she's quite capable of both without even trying. Gotta build some core competencies and as funny as it sounds, the points mentioned in this thread are actually quite helpful! She's got a bachelor's degree in physics, but she still can't work the can opener. We'll get there...it's just nuts and bolts...

 

[kxxr]

Oh come on! I learned my most valuable lessons...the hard way!

Seriously though...good thread. Don't have kids yet, but my wife follows me around from time to time and insists "she wants to do it!". My only issue is I don't want her creating more work for me (cross-threaded oil drain bolt) and I don't want her putting a nail through her finger. Trust me, she's quite capable of both without even trying. Gotta build some core competencies and as funny as it sounds, the points mentioned in this thread are actually quite helpful! She's got a bachelor's degree in physics, but she still can't work the can opener. We'll get there...it's just nuts and bolts...

uhhh, just a thought, but if she's following you around insisting "she wants to do it", maybe she ain't talking about oil drain bolts and nails. Just sayin'...

 

[Monte]