My Grandson is turning 6 on 9/1. He and I are in the shop all the time. I don't get much done, but that's ok. I built him a workbench when he was two and it is equipped with the standard kids plastic tools. He said that for his birthday he wants "real tools". I'll likely make a kit of some of my smaller tools, but what have you all done? Much obliged for any suggestions.
Kids tools
- Thread starter Jackfre
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PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I think I was about 6 or 7 when I got a set of Craftsman screwdrivers and a slip joint pair of pliers... and an adjustable wrench. I already owned a hammer.
I was 8 or 9 when I got a Black and Decker electric drill... that my uncle borrowed and destroyed... but that is another story.
I was 8 or 9 when I got a Black and Decker electric drill... that my uncle borrowed and destroyed... but that is another story.
I still remember as a kid getting a very small claw hammer from my dad's good friend Mr. Cabbage. It was painted red, just big enough for a little kid to get into trouble with... A hammer is a wonderful thing for a wee young man if it's small enough for him to swing it. I wish I still had that hammer. Really, I think any tools you give him will mean a lot, not now and later. Even more if you show him what he can make or fix with them.
I was probably only about 6 or 7 when I got my first set of "real" tools. I got a small red no-name toolbox with a removable tray filled with no-name tools. I was the happiest kid in the world using my brand new cheap tools to take apart everything in sight. I actually held on to MOST of those tools and the box until I lost everything I owned except for 1 laptop in my early/mid 20's.
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P51Boilermaker
Well-known member
I've got a nephew who's 2 1/2 and I've been waiting patiently to buy him tools! I've seen some really cool "lego" style toys that have plastic tools to take apart cars and such. Theres a few different ones. Here's the link
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DR3KWMM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DR3KWMM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
sberry
Banned
matt_i
Well-known member
I went with a 6" channellock, a 6" crescent wrench, a small tack-type hammer and a favorite is a little LED flashlight.
Built a woodworking bench for my daughters at about that age. Small sized saws, mallets, and planes are not hard to find. Got them a lathe and they were turning pens by 8. Put it all behind them when they got to HS, but that's the way it is I suppose. I take pleasure in thinking that long after I'm gone one of them will likely pull out a block plane and improve the fit on the bathroom door.
TractorJeff
Well-known member
LOL!
There were 3 of us "Uncles", we bought craftsman tools every year for our Nephew till his nice Tool Box was filled! He isn't a dedicated Wrench turner now that he is grown up but he does have the capability to fix most basic stuff!
His sisters on the other hand married guys who can't change a light bulb! Now they are building up Tool boxes as they need to keep up on the day to day home maintenance and repairs!
A month after my daughter got married and moved into her new house, she requested a Tool box for home upkeep also as it turns out her husband isn't handy either! She even asked for an Air Compressor for car tires and stuff!
The fellow with the girls, they will come back and take some of that stuff when they get in their 20's as they too will realize the need for them and the memories of the time spent in the Garage!
Bottom line is get him tools he may cherish later in life!
There were 3 of us "Uncles", we bought craftsman tools every year for our Nephew till his nice Tool Box was filled! He isn't a dedicated Wrench turner now that he is grown up but he does have the capability to fix most basic stuff!
His sisters on the other hand married guys who can't change a light bulb! Now they are building up Tool boxes as they need to keep up on the day to day home maintenance and repairs!
A month after my daughter got married and moved into her new house, she requested a Tool box for home upkeep also as it turns out her husband isn't handy either! She even asked for an Air Compressor for car tires and stuff!
The fellow with the girls, they will come back and take some of that stuff when they get in their 20's as they too will realize the need for them and the memories of the time spent in the Garage!
Bottom line is get him tools he may cherish later in life!
The best tool a kid has is an adult who cares. Ok, enough mush, I built my kids a small cabinetmakers style bench out of some spare lumber and ply, put a six inch face mounted vice on it and tossed in a hammer. You know that old saying, when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail! I had little bits of wood all over the place with bent nails sticking out of them. 
But I am guessing your question is about mechanics tools, which others have already suggested, I'd go with a combo screw driver, the ones where the bits and shaft interchange for slotted/crossed screws and small hex heads, then a small adjustable wrench, set of hex key (allen) wrenches and maybe even a small starter socket set.
As I build my garage, I need to start outfitting my 15 yo with real tools too for working on project cars etc.
You're going to have a blast and so will they. Good to see people thinking about this stuff.
But I am guessing your question is about mechanics tools, which others have already suggested, I'd go with a combo screw driver, the ones where the bits and shaft interchange for slotted/crossed screws and small hex heads, then a small adjustable wrench, set of hex key (allen) wrenches and maybe even a small starter socket set.
As I build my garage, I need to start outfitting my 15 yo with real tools too for working on project cars etc.
You're going to have a blast and so will they. Good to see people thinking about this stuff.
CN Spots
Well-known member
Thanks for the flashback. My dad gave me a wooden box full of kid sized tools when I was little. Looked like this:
I thought they were the best tools in the world at the time.
My parents underestimated the damage I could do with them.
I thought they were the best tools in the world at the time.
My parents underestimated the damage I could do with them.
Chris4x4Gill2
Well-known member
Lowes / HD have small hammers and screwdrivers that they use in their kids crafts lessons. You can buy those as well. I got my son a set because the small size was a better fit for him. It had a larger head than a tack hammer so it was easier for him to hit the nails as well.
Other than that, he has a plastic tool box - he puts his stickers on the outside, a small tape measure, several small pliers, screwdrivers, a level and some random stuff he found in the garage
Other than that, he has a plastic tool box - he puts his stickers on the outside, a small tape measure, several small pliers, screwdrivers, a level and some random stuff he found in the garage
TK-421
Well-known member
I don't know if you can still find them, but one of the coolest tools I remember getting my hands on when I was younger was a little hammer, where you could unscrew the head and there was a flat headed screwdriver underneath. Maybe your grandson might like cool little two in one tools like that if you have any to spare, or can find some used ones online or at a shop.
My Grandmother gave me a small Craftsman toolbox with a small saw, screwdrivers, etc. For some reason, I was most interested in the small bag of allen keys. I still have some of these tools and think of her when I use them.
rlitman
Well-known member
There is a picture of me at 3, turning something on a watchmaker's lathe.
My kids have made jigsaw puzzles on the scroll saw by the time they were 4. I have a step stool in the shop they can use to reach the table, and a deadman switch foot pedal for it.
Thanks for the flashback. My dad gave me a wooden box full of kid sized tools when I was little. Looked like this:
I thought they were the best tools in the world at the time.
My parents underestimated the damage I could do with them.
Ah, memories. I HAD THAT EXACT SET! The chisel blade was as dull as the handle, the clamp would spread with less clamping force than I could exert with my fingertips, and the square was loose and could be set at nearly any angle. But I still loved it.
I had one of these when i was about 9. Man that thing was awesome. Dunno where it went but it was made out of brass.
Omg I used to have one of those! No idea where it came from or where it went. I haven't even thought about the thing in over 30 years.
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JohnDeere1
Banned
I have a 2 year old daughter who loves tools more than toys and is always down for hanging in the garage or going tool shopping she has had a few sets already 1 is a Mac plastic tool set in a red little Rubber and plastic Mac box made by Ertl it's kinda rare but they make it in John Deere which is the same set sold at tractor supplys. Next was my 10 year old sons from my previous marriage he out grew it but it's made by Play School and called cool tools and all are made of metal and has many different tools in a neat box with 2 drawers and a lift out tray I love that set. 3rd and most recent I gave her a little Homak box and filled it with the good stuff Snap on, Matco, and Blue Point a complete little basic set I made it out of my extras and a bunch of it was tools i had got dirt cheap from my wife's idiot friends whom were not tool smart. I'm hoping the set stays with her through life when she's bored with it I'll just save it for her when she's older and moves out. My Son could care less about tools it's all about video games which he has a huge problem with but he don't live with me. I also have a 8 month old whom also lives tools but for now shares her sisters toy ones and I'd say I'll be building her a set next. It's a special feeling you get having a child that enjoys what you do boy or girl it don't matter. Would like to restore a car for my Son but I doubt I could get him away from games he has a mild form of autism.
klassenl
Well-known member
Garage sales and the buy and sell groups. You can find boxes full of random but good stuff for cheap.
TK-421
Well-known member
Pretty sure the one I remember was made out of brass as well, definitely had the right color, presuming my memory serves correctly.
TK-421
Well-known member
I'm pretty sure mom still has the one I remember, I think it was her's and not dad's, but it was like 15-20 years ago, so I'm not entirely sure. Definitely was a neat little tool for a young kid though.
DGersic
Well-known member
Mom had a screwdriver only version in one of the kitchen drawers. I don't recall ever using it for anything, but it was fun to take apart and put back together. Kind of a nesting dolls for tool addicts.
I remember seeing the hammer version later. If I recall correctly, the hammer hart was chromed. Looks like they're available still if you need one.
Search for "brass screwdriver hammer home tool" and you'll find plenty of them.
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Thirdyfivepickup
Well-known member
I had a wooden carpenter's tool box with my name painted on it. I got it when I was probably 6. Had a hand drill, a small claw hammer, a wooden bodied plane, screw drivers and a SK socket set. I busted the claws off the hammer destroying a neighbors tree... I still have the box and I think the plane and hand drill. I bet the hammer is in there too. The box is in storage so I don't know what's in it. It's almost 40 years old.
madmla21
Well-known member
I have a daughter turning 4 here next month and for her birthday we are going to get her a tool and workbench set from Step 2 that comes with durafoam pieces that look like wood that you can put together to make things. She is always wanting to build and get into my tools so I think this is a great way to get her started.
https://www.step2.com/p/real-projects-workshop
https://www.step2.com/p/real-projects-workshop
dsgreen3
Well-known member
I don't know if they still sell this, but when my kids were little Toys R Us sold a Home Depot tool kit that came with screwdrivers one for slotted and one for#2 Phillips screws, small claw hammer, small adjustable wrench, 5" pliers, 5" side cutters. 5" needle nose pliers and a nail apron, and a small tpe measure. I stil luse some of the tools for quick repair jobs around the house.
Granted my grandson is not yet a year old, but I was recently given an old rusty Craftsman toolbox that belonged to my wife's grandfather and it got me thinking. I want to clean up and repaint that toolbox and add some basic tools to pass down.
I remember my grandfather giving me a toolbox with basic tools - hammer, wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers when I was a kid and how much I loved hammering nails.
I remember my grandfather giving me a toolbox with basic tools - hammer, wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers when I was a kid and how much I loved hammering nails.
Shiftless
Well-known member
I built this for my grandson's 2nd birthday. I included a red and black Craftsman plastic toolbox (for his plastic tools) that fits on the bottom shelf. The holes you see on the backboard accept large pegs that little hands can push in and out and rearrange. The smaller holes have 5/16-18 threaded inserts to twist in eye bolts and anything else with those threads. Teaches righty tighty, lefty loosey and builds hand eye coordination.
Just 2x3 framing lumber and some one by stock from Home Depot. Prefinished Birch plywood saves time and looks pretty good.
This bench was such a hit one of the Moms at the party insisted I build a duplicate for her kid so I did. She said I saved Christmas! The $200 she gave me made mine a bit merrier too!
Just 2x3 framing lumber and some one by stock from Home Depot. Prefinished Birch plywood saves time and looks pretty good.
This bench was such a hit one of the Moms at the party insisted I build a duplicate for her kid so I did. She said I saved Christmas! The $200 she gave me made mine a bit merrier too!
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carhunter
Well-known member
When our kids were around 6 they each got a small zippered too bag, a little claw hammer from Home Depot and one of those 4-in-1 screwdrivers (a small functional hammer is kinda hard to find these days). As they got older they would "earn" a new tool when we worked together on a project - tape measure, a variety of pliers, small socket set, bubble level, etc.
They're only 8 and 10 now, but are getting familiar with tools and can help out around the house. I wish they weren't so busy with school and friends - the best lessons I got from dad were often when I was hanging out with him fixing something in the house or garage.
I've always believed that using tools is sort of like a language - you can't just jump in and have a conversation without knowing a few words. When you put in enough practice and build a vocabulary, you can eventually carry on a conversation or write a story. After a few years you might even write a great novel or song.
We're surrounded by people who have no knowledge of tools. Even worse is when they don't respect the work that can be done with tools. This may sound weird, but there's something missing from these folks - its harder to communicate with them. They don't see how things interact, they don't stop to think how cause and effect works.
I don't expect my kids to become tradesmen or mechanics, but a basic understanding of electricity and mechanical things is a critical part of being an adult, and I'd be very disappointed grew up without that.
...getting off my soapbox now LOL
They're only 8 and 10 now, but are getting familiar with tools and can help out around the house. I wish they weren't so busy with school and friends - the best lessons I got from dad were often when I was hanging out with him fixing something in the house or garage.
I've always believed that using tools is sort of like a language - you can't just jump in and have a conversation without knowing a few words. When you put in enough practice and build a vocabulary, you can eventually carry on a conversation or write a story. After a few years you might even write a great novel or song.
We're surrounded by people who have no knowledge of tools. Even worse is when they don't respect the work that can be done with tools. This may sound weird, but there's something missing from these folks - its harder to communicate with them. They don't see how things interact, they don't stop to think how cause and effect works.
I don't expect my kids to become tradesmen or mechanics, but a basic understanding of electricity and mechanical things is a critical part of being an adult, and I'd be very disappointed grew up without that.
...getting off my soapbox now LOL
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jimreed2160
Well-known member
Great idea. I would start with a nice toolbox--large enough for tools but light enough for him to carry. Good starter tools are hammer, pliers, screwdriver set, carpenter's pencil, small square, torpedo level, and coping saw. Take him to the tool store and let him pick out some things. I still like to do that myself.
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
Firebrick43
Well-known member
Don't give em a nail gun. Got ahold of my dads at the age of 10 while we were putting on an addition. Used a box of nails making a map of the USA on the subfloor. When I have to get in the crawl space I still get a chuckle.
fowldarr
Well-known member
I use my kids as an excuse to buy more tools and tool boxes. I regularly hit estate sales and yard sales and pick up quality older tools and boxes. Each of my kids has their own box in the garage, a full set of wrenches (mismatched, but all the sizes are there), each of them almost have a complete set of sockets (still working on metric), hammers, saws, etc. My kids all appreciate it, they use their stuff on occasion, they know if they leave it out it gets put away in my box and they may not see it again for awhile.
My 4 year old loves it the most. He has a vintage SK hand tool box that he lugs around when we are working on projects. Now if I could just convince him that we are not going to paint it blue.
My 4 year old loves it the most. He has a vintage SK hand tool box that he lugs around when we are working on projects. Now if I could just convince him that we are not going to paint it blue.
Jon_E
Well-known member
I inherited a vintage Gilbert #9 tool set in the red metal box, when I was a kid. They were toys pretending to be adult tools, but I made a few things with them before I was old enough to realize what good tools were (this happened in junior high, about age 12). My kids have all had supervised access to all of my tools, so I really haven't given any consideration to giving them their own tools. If any of my kids want to build or fix something, or want my help, I treat it as a learning experience. Bike chain fell off? Here's the wrenches and chain lube, I'll work with you on it. Need a bookshelf for your room? OK, you help me plane and joint the lumber and I'll provide you with all the assistance you need to cut, join, sand and finish it.