Household tool kit as extravagant house gift

[akatsuki]

My best friend is getting married and buying a house for the first time. He is "tool clueless" and I want to get him a really nice toolkit for around the house jobs, etc. He is handy and would appreciate nice stuff but has **** tools, all of which are old and junk hand me downs from his father.

So I'd love suggestions two ways maybe:

1. Cost is no object - PB Swiss hexes, Nepros or Proto or whatever drivers, ??? precision screwdrivers, a nice toolbox to put them in, a great hammer, etc.

2. $300 total - budget constrained suggestions. I'll go this route after I sound out his fiance who may prefer something different and I'll end up splitting into two gifts

 

[General Geoff]

Need more specifics, is he going to be doing any woodworking? Plumbing? Electrical? Masonry? Drywall/painting?

You could spend $5,000 on household tools and still not be fully equipped for every job.

I'd start out with Knipex Cobra pliers in 7" and 10" sizes, a Knipex Pliers-Wrench, an 18v drill/driver combo kit and a comprehensive bit set, a few Estwing hammers (16oz claw, 12 oz ball peen, and 48oz engineer as the "BFH" ), a reasonably reliable digital multimeter, pair of linemans pliers and needle nose pliers from your brand of choice (I like Knipex but Kleins are great too), and round it out with a basic 3/8" socket set from your brand of choice.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Cost is no object = you don't have enough time to wrap everything.
$300 won't go far for a fairly complete household tool kit, even at HF.

 

[Voi]

2. $300 total - budget constrained suggestions.

Two tools I'd want back when we first got married and started remodeling this house:

Cordless impact driver.

Franklin 710 stud finder.

 

[FadedGray]

I'd say at least a cordless drill and a tape measure...

 

[FigureItOut]

Yes, whatever you do, get the Franklin 710 stud finder. To paraphrase Samuel L Jackson: When you absolutely, positively gotta find every stud in the wall, accept no substitute.

 

[jives]

When in my youth and my friends were all getting married, I (or with friends) would always give a filled toolbox for the home. Standard plastic Craftsman toolbox, filled with the basic "in house" tools -- hammer, couple of pliers, screwdrivers, etc. -- and hardware for picture hanging and so forth. Back then it would cost about $50. Best gift ever for these couples, and they really appreciated it. . .even the brides.

 

[crewchief888]

When the wife and I were still dating, our 2nd "date" was actually over .
She lived alone in her apartment, I gave her an inexpensive set of tools, hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, and some picture hanging stuff.
It was a much appreciated gift.

 

[derosa]

12oz estwing framing hammer with rip claw, big enough to drive decent sized nails with extra effort small enough to not slam the fingers hanging pictures.
Good stud finder
Large craftsman screwdriver set that includes the torx driver.
Craftsman 5 piece plier set, still US made, they'll cover the essentials.
Stanley knife with quick change blades.
Larger plastic toolbox with expansion room
25' tape measure.
Set of saw bondhus hex keys, sae and metric.
That should cover the essentials and should be under 300, expand with a set of gearwrench combination wrenches.

Extra splurge would be the ryobi lithium kit. With pliers wrenches aren't as usable for general house work. Think the 6 piece kit with all the above excepting wrenches would be about 400. Not much that won't accomplish.

 

[yamaha0343]

I'll second the good stud finder. He'll be using it a ton for hanging things in the new place.

Good hammer, good drill, pry bars, Channellock pliers, screwdrivers, and a circular saw would be a good place to start. Those were what I used most when I moved into my house.

 

[steveo3002]

if he was a tool guy /capable of manual jobs around the house then he would already have a decent kit , sounds like it might be money wasted if they wont get used

 

[iron block]

One of the "tools" we used most in our first home was a ladder. Changing ceiling lights, painting trim molding, hanging holiday lights on the eves, cleaning gutters, minor tree trimming, climbing on the roof to fiddle with the TV antenna, handing wallpaper, yada yada.

Boring gift, true; but I bet it would get a lot of use.

 

[bbrins]

Sometimes people just need a little nudge in the right direction, nothing like buying your first home to do that, unless your friend or his wife are the type to hire someone to do every little thing, they will likely appreciate some decent tools. Plus tools are more likely to continue to be used for a long time to come, unlike some kitchen countertop appliance that will wind up in the trash the first time it acts up, or maybe gets re-gifted.

I'd start with a decent, middle of the road cordless drill/impact driver set, a few bits, stud finder, level, hammer, razor knife, hand screwdrivers, maybe an assortment of picture hanger hooks, pliers, adjustable wrenches, channellocks, and other things that they will likely put to use when they are settling into their new home. If you want to add a socket set, I seem to remember a pretty good deal on Gearwrench 3/8 and 1/4 sets in the Hot Deals section. Maybe also a tool box with some room to expand.

 

[MEngineer]

You can get the Franklin stud finder under a different name from Costco for like $30 instead of $50-60

 

[jd_1138]

if he was a tool guy /capable of manual jobs around the house then he would already have a decent kit , sounds like it might be money wasted if they wont get used

He might be like my BIL -- pretty handy but cheap. lol. I think he has like 3 screwdrivers and an adjustable wrench.

I'd get him a Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi or Ridgid impact driver kit. HD has a Makita one for $59 on sale at least my local store. And then a 75 piece of basics -- sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers. And a level, stud finder, hammer, etc..

 

[bczygan]

My best friend is getting married and buying a house for the first time. He is "tool clueless" and I want to get him a really nice toolkit for around the house jobs, etc. He is handy and would appreciate nice stuff but has **** tools, all of which are old and junk hand me downs from his father.

So I'd love suggestions two ways maybe:

1. Cost is no object - PB Swiss hexes, Nepros or Proto or whatever drivers, ??? precision screwdrivers, a nice toolbox to put them in, a great hammer, etc.

2. $300 total - budget constrained suggestions. I'll go this route after I sound out his fiance who may prefer something different and I'll end up splitting into two gifts

Is every thing junk and should be thrown out? Or will much of it continue to be used because it was his fathers?

I would try to work around what he already has, and uses, especially if it will continue to be used.

To get the most bang for the buck, use the method that gift baskets do.

Buy one big striking item to be the center of attention, and focal point. Then use smaller, less expensive items for filler. Use a large inexpensive plastic toolbox as the holder and background. Place the focal point in the middle of the top, with the top open. Surround it with other items. Fill the drawers with supporting things. Leave the drawers open with things hanging out. Present it to them on a table somewhere with accent lighting and a card, fresh flower arrangement and a bottle of their favorite wine.

It's all about the presentation.

Bill

 

[M6erfan]

good suggestions so far

Which way you go will depend on your friends habits, IMO.

I have one friend who really takes good care of everything he has ("cost no object").

I have another friend who couldn't care less about anything and leaves his **** out in the rain and lets it rust to death ($300 max)

 

[tjpavlov]

i would give a set of vim hex sockets with a nice ratchet. If he ever has to assemble furniture, he'll thank you.

 

[four.cycle]

and hardware for picture hanging and so forth.

There was a thread on this same question just recently.
What's the first thing people do when they move into a house? (After, of course, setting up the bed and giving it a good tryout... )
They hang pictures and put up shelves and hang doo-dads.

Tools required:
Small Hammer
Drill
Stud finder
Tape measure
Small level
...and an assortment of hardware (picture hangers, plastic screw anchors, #10 screws, cup hooks, etc.)

It ain't rocket science.

 

[gdpolk]

Here's what I'd suggest for a basic home kit:

• Tape measure - plain old metal body Stanley is fine
• Stud finder - basic is fine
• Digital multimeter - basic is fine
• Claw hammer - basic one is fine
• 2lb deadblow hammer (tap apart bed frames, furniture, etc without damage) - basic is fine
• Screwdrivers, 6-8pc with a stubby phillips and flat - SnapOn, Williams, Wera, Wiha are all excellent options
• 3/8" drive socket set with 12pt, shallow SAE and metric sockets and a couple of extensions - pick your favorite configuration
• Allen key set - Bondhus is really good
• Headlamp, perfect for when you need to use your hands and need light too - I've been very happy with Fenix but there are other good brands too
• Gloves - I use Mechanix but other similar products can help sometimes
• Pliers: needlenose, slip joint, linesman, arc joint, and vise grip - Knipex, SnapOn, Channelock are all pretty popular (I have a mix of brands of all of these as well as Craftsman and even Pittsburgh. I like the Knipex the best but think the Channelocks are by far the best value for a homeowner and are what I'd recommend first.)
• Adjustable wrenches, 6" and 12"
• Knipex Cobra pliers; these are a luxury item but amazingly useful - for these style of pliers Knipex are by far the best, Craftsman has some that I believe Knipex makes that are exceptional as well, otherwise Irwin has some knockoffs that are good enough but not as nice as the Knipex/Craftsman
• small, aluminum body torpedo level
• Tapes: Duct, electrical, teflon
• quality box - I really like cantilever boxes for my grab and go home kit because it allows me to be very well organized but also just open it up and everything is on display without digging
• drill and a few basic drill bits: cordless is more convenient IF they will keep a cell charged, otherwise I'd recommend one with a cord. Corded isn't as mobile, but it will always work. I would always recommend having a basic corded drill on hand and then adding a cordless option later if desired. A basic corded Dewalt and basic extension cord will last most homeowners a decade or more, isn't too expensive, and can be really useful.

Honestly with a box that has just this in it I could fix 95% of what might go wrong inside a home.

 

[ez-duzit]

I'd buy one of the Craftsman sets that comes closest to what you have in mind. Plenty good as a general homeowners kit, especially for someone who is presently ill equipped. You can add specific items to this kit to make it more comprehensive.

 

[bushmechanic]

Darn near the most useful thing for a new homeowner (or anyone, really) is a big pack of those Gorilla Hooks and a bunch of Ook stuff. Then, put it all in a large organizer that's fancifully colored or unique in some way so they can't be lost.

 

[tawhite]

Getting old means having nieces and nephews who themselves are getting out in the world. It's nice to help them get started. I like the list from gdpolk, some other things I would think about:

- a couple of saws - one of those pull saws for wood and a good mini-hacksaw
- a small pipe wrench to use with the Cobras
- a few punches and chisels
- a pair of snips or electricians scissors
- several packs of drill bits and common driver bits
- a Speed square or little combination square
- putty knife or 5-1 and a little prybar
- toilet plunger
- ladder
- several cheap flashlights

taw

 

[M_George]

Pick him up a nice tool tote to keep his tools in. They are nice for working around the house.

 

[akatsuki]

Okay. So what I'd like to do is get him a much nicer version of this: WORKPRO W009036A 156-piece Home Repairing Tool Set, Complete Daily Using Tools Are Included in Wide Open Mouth Tool Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BNJWBM6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

All his current stuff is old junk from a previous set like this and will be retired except his drill.

 

[M_George]

The kit on Amazon looks like China cheapies. You can get a decent bag and fill it yourself with good quality tools.

 

[akatsuki]

And that is exactly what I am asking. Which tools are best in class and which ones are good deals

 

[M_George]

You can get this set either on Amazon or at Sears; It will give him the Craftsman warranty as well.
Craftsman Evolv 83 Pc. Homeowner Tool Set W/bag

 

[DaveIRL]

links to tool choice

wd40, vicegrips, duck tape,

 

[Hammer1963]

I will be doing the same soon. I will include some tools for home repairs and general vehicle maintenance. I'm going to do the best bang for buck selection. A Gearwrench ratcheting screwdriver kit, HF Pro screwdrivers and other items in that price range. Definitely a decent claw hammer and an 8-12 oz. ball pien. A kit with wall anchors and assorted fasteners will also be included.

 

[jd_1138]

I will be doing the same soon. I will include some tools for home repairs and general vehicle maintenance. I'm going to do the best bang for buck selection. A Gearwrench ratcheting screwdriver kit, HF Pro screwdrivers and other items in that price range. Definitely a decent claw hammer and an 8-12 oz. ball pien. A kit with wall anchors and assorted fasteners will also be included.

HF has a lot of neat little kits for homeowner type stuff like wall anchors, picture hangers. Also little containers of general hardware assortments like screws, nuts, bolts, washers. They're all in one section in the store. They come in neat little plastic containers. All under the "Store House" brand.

Yeah the Pittsburgh Pro screwdrivers are a good solution for a homeowner. Also, perhaps get them a tarp (free with coupon), handy to have. And the $11 25" breaker bar is a lot of bang for the buck. For someone without an impact wrench, it can be a godsend.

 

[dar24601]

Okay. So what I'd like to do is get him a much nicer version of this: WORKPRO W009036A 156-piece Home Repairing Tool Set, Complete Daily Using Tools Are Included in Wide Open Mouth Tool Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BNJWBM6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

All his current stuff is old junk from a previous set like this and will be retired except his drill.

The question i have for you is would he know/appreciate the difference between "cheap china stuff" and a quality made tool. I'm in a similar situation looking for a nice basic set as a house warming gift for my brother. here's the thread.http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352392. My brother is handy kind of guy but has always lived in Apt. so he has a cheapo tool set. what i keep debating is "yes he'd appreciate channel lock pliers but he'd also be happy with Husky brand" (home depot is closest home center store). If your friend is happy with junk tools then maybe look at getting him a "solid tool set" rather than "best in class"

Ask yourself "why are there so many different tool brands?" answer is cause every person wants/likes different things when i comes to tools. case in point in looking for screwdrivers for my brother i ordered some tekton screwdrivers since they had great reviews. now they feel like a quality tool but i hated the handle. i must hold a screwdriver differently then everyone else cause i could not get used to the handle. as a reference i have SK suregrips that i love.

Now all that said let me try to answer your original question. These are not best in class per say but all quality and will get the job done.

Hammer -- 16 oz estwing or vaughan

pliers -- i love channel lock Home Depot has a nice 4pc set

Locking pliers -- although no longer made in USA irwin vice grips are getting it done for me.

Hex keys - i use bondhus and no problems with them. my buddy Picked up this tekton set and is happy with them so far.

Precision Screwdrivers - I picked this set up and love it. really comfortable in hand

Scredrivers -- this is a tough one cause lot of good ones out there difference between them is how good they fit in your hand. ive used This williams set and this SK set. both are good most will say the williams set is "better" but the sk fit nicer in my hands. both can be found cheaper elswhere as well.

Level - if only getting one id recommend a 24" rather than the smaller 8" inch one. My dad always bought http://www.empirelevel.com/. been happy with them so never looked at other brands.

Combination wrenches -- Does he do much automotive work? If he doesn't might not really need them. for combination wrenches honestly craftman or husky will work fine for anyone who doesn't do much automotive work. for a step up This tekton set will do.

Socket set -- once again if not doing automotive work any set from sears, HD, Lowes will suit him fine. for a step up I just recently picked up this SK set and love it.

Tool bag/box - Me i don't like bags have always preferred boxes. what you carry your tools in and how you organize them comes down to personal preference. so i'd get something simple and let him choose what likes. I picked this tool box up at costco and is great for a starter kit

In addition might be nice to get him something to work on I picked this up at costco few years ago and I love itPortable work table cause keeps the wife from yelling at me to keep my dirty tools off her counter tops/ dining table/ coffee table

 

[ez-duzit]

Friends do not let friends buy their gifts at Harbor Freight.

 

[Gaessairka]

I checked Harbor Freight and don't see anything similar. The advantages of a molded case are the ability to see if something is missing, and ease of storage. The disadvantage is that you cannot add someting to the kit, wheras with a tool bag you can add an item or two before exceeding the bag's capacity.

As far as losing the screwdrives, i am as baffled as I am disappointed. They have lost no sockets, no wrenches, no pliers, not even any of the tiny bits that fit in the bit driver! Only a couple screwdrivers each from their 15 year old $25 kits. Both sons have had multiple room-mates in college and grad school (plus a spouse and fiancee') so it may be that a friend borrowed a driver and neglected to return it.

Still looking at other options including assembling my own kits for them comprised of discount priced tool sets https://womentake.com/best-women-tool-set/ Wow, wrench sets and socket sets are expensive!

 

[finn]

Good hammer, drill / driver (Bosch goes on sale for $149), set of screwdrivers, selection of pliers, package of drill bits and assorted driver bits, level, laser, quality construction fasteners, gorilla tape, circular, jig, and reciprocating saw, SAE and metric ratcheting combination wrenches, 1/4” and 3/8” drive ratchet set (homeowner set like Crescent is fine).

Don’t get junk, but professional tools are a waste of money for 99% of homeowners (unless they are GJ members). A wide selection of tools is more useful than something like a stud finder, which I have never found to be more than a curiosity.

 

[driftpin]

While I have plenty of domestic name-brand tools, both powered and hand tools, I also have HFT stuff, which has given me good service. Like I suppose many on here who don't have reservations about HFT, you pick & choose what's best for your circumstances.

My last HFT I got was a pair of slip-joint water pump pliers, which have one jaw with an oblique angle in it, perfect for holding larger-diameter pipes. The fit and finish is the equal of anything else I've seen, the jaws are tight, and they worked perfectly. I would never pay say $150 for some European manufacturer product which does the same thing, that's a cost-conscious choice.

Especially for someone who has never displayed the initiative to purchase decent tools, buying 'the best' because 'that's what I would want!' I see as a waste of $$$. Give them a bunch of HFT hand tools and maybe a DeWalt or Makita cordless drill, and they're on their way.

Friends do not let friends buy their gifts at Harbor Freight.

 

[Davefr]

Don’t get junk, but professional tools are a waste of money for 99% of homeowners (unless they are GJ members).

^^Agree 100%.

A wide variety of "good" tools will be way more useful to a new homeowner then a few "boutique" tools like PB Swiss. For all you know he could use screwdrivers as prybars.

I'd take a serious look at the higher end tools at HF. (Doyle pliers, Pittsburg Pro, etc). Sears, HD/Lowes should also be good sources for the basics.

I'm not sure I'd even recommend cordless tools. Maybe start him out with with inexpensive corded and an extension cord. If he's an infrequent user, he'll be frustrated by dead batteries or batteries that have gone bad from sitting.

I haven't seen anyone mention a LED headlamp. They are incredible useful and you can get a 2pc Coast HL at Costco for around $20.