homeowner tool kit advice

[redman43]

So I'm putting together a homeowner toolkit for storage inside the house so we don't have to go out to the garage to grab tools when they are needed. Much of this is coming from spares I have in my garage set, so it actually helps me to get them out of the cramped tool cart and off the pegboard wall.

Here is what I've come up with so far. Am I missing anything? Keep in mind I am not an electrician or a plumber or someone experienced in any of the trades. I know just enough to get me in trouble, and I know when I am over my head and need to call in a pro. I just want to be prepared for the basics (assembly, disassembly, minor repairs, etc).

screwdrivers (ph/sl/torx/hex), including insulated ph and sl
nut drivers
small wrenches
hammer (12 or 16 oz)
tape measure (16 ft)
stud finder
torpedo level
pliers (slipjoint, linesman, needlenose)
crescent wrench (8 or 10 in)
putty knife
utility knife
wire crimper/stripper
wire connectors
AV crimper/stripper
AV connectors
precision screwdrivers (ph/sl/torx)
zip ties
velcro
wire nuts
electrical tape
duct tape
drywall saw
multimeter
flashlight
soldering gun w/ solder

 

[dwm]

I'd add some tools for fetching things (magnetic and claw). And an inspection mirror or camera if you don't already have a solution for seeing inside hidden areas.

 

[mike13u]

pipe tape and a small square

 

[Outlawmws]

Masking tape, a pencil and a pair of water pump pliers, the bigger the better.

 

[redman43]

Good ideas. Keep em coming.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Joe Mamma]

diagonal cutter pliers

magic markers (like Sanford Sharpies) - I use them for marking all sorts of things

small ruler - I know you have a tape mesure. But you may need to measure things with small increments like small screws. A small ruler may be more accurate and easier.

a can of WD-40, small bottle of oil, and anti-seize compound (I use this all the time, although some people never use it).

small container of blue Loctite

Joe Mamma

 

[boiler7904]

I like having a 12v pocket driver with screw driving bits (and maybe a couple of drill bits), Twin tip Sharpie, blue painter's tape, scissors, rags or roll of paper towel, and anything special that you'd need on a regular basis.

 

[astrodoggie3000]

What is the soldering gun used for? I've never used one in my life.

 

[bibman]

Skip the Soldering Gun. A cheap propane torch is more useful.
5-n-1 Painters tool
No touch AC tester pen.
Vise Grips
Wonder Bar
Safety Glasses

 

[Jeff Ivers]

I am going to wade in here as a contrarian. I have had a detached shop for 20 years and have always kept a simple toolkit in the house. It is a tacklebox size box that resides on an understairs closet floor and contains:
pliers
diagonal cutters
small adjustable wrench
screwdriver assortment
paint scraper (razor blade type)
stud finder
small tape measure
tack hammer
utility knife
torpedo level
assortment of needles, brads, screws and drywall anchors

This kit takes care of the average asembly, picture hanging type tasks. For any bigger projects, I make one (or usually more) trips to the shop, but on those tasks I usually need some type of hardware or speciality tools anyway.

 

[Coach James]

How far away is the garage that you want to keep all that in the house?

Coach

 

[70redbee]

Forget all that stuff.
All you need is duct tape,drywall screws, screwdriver ( for the screws) and a flashlight.

 

[RKA]

I'm going to echo Jeff's comments. No reason to put a shop in the living area of the house. Some basics that fit into a small toolbox that's easily stowed under a cabinet or closet is just fine most of the time. For a "project" you'll never have everything on hand anyway. The only thing that comes to mind that he didn't mention is a compact cordless drill/drill driver (the little 12v ones).

How far is the garage from the house? I guess that might sway me a little bit if it was up the road, over the hill and around the bend next to the post office.

 

[NUTTSGT]

The only things I keep in the house are a hammer, 6-in-1 screwdriver, tape measure and a roll of electrical tape. If I had more, it'd just walk off. Everything else is in my garage.

 

[redman43]

Jeff, you are absolutely right. This is just going to be for your average funiture/toy assembly, picture hanging, light duty maintenance type jobs. I plan on stuffing it all into a small tool box (12 or 14 inches) under one of the kitchen cabinets.

After thinking about this a bit more, I'll pull out some of the more specialized items, downsize some of the others, and add a few from the advice above.

By the way, I have an attached garage that is probably less than 25 feet from where this box is going to live so its not a big deal to go out there when I need something that isn't in the box already. I'll just need to make sure that the garage is organized so I can find it all when I need it. Maybe a secondary small box out in the garage with all the extras.

 

[crewchief888]

i keep "garage stuff" in the garage, mechanics/fab tools all stay out there.
woodworking/remodeling tools stay downstairs.

probably the most used tools in the house are a magnetic tip ratcheting screwdriver, and a small hammer.


we do most of our home remodeling/upgrades in the winter.
i really try to keep that kinda stuff in the house.
it really ***** having to get dressed to go out to the garage for a screwdriver when it's 0 degrees, and all that white stuff on the ground.