Minimalist tool stables

[WR250F]

I see lots of folks here with a massive investment in tools and boxes.

I'd like to see some setups of folks who buy only what they need to handle their needs.

Having $40k invested in tools is great for those who choose to do so, but I'm betting more folks exist who operate from a minimal tool setup.

Not many people need 10 wrench sets and 40 pair of vise grips to repair or build something, let alone 100 or more screwdrivers and hundreds of sockets.

I'm guilty of having dupes for convenience, but I'd like to see some minimalist setups.

Pics would be great

Post em if you got em

 

[scott4]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121179

I didn't list everything, but you can kind of see it in the pics.

I just picked up the wihas, knipex deal, the cman pro pry bars, and a few odds and ends like a center punch and drift pin for Christmas.

All minimal. Not enough room to do "real work," though. I can take out a suspension in there and install a panhard bar. Ill get a larger garage with 220v later.

 

[W650Mike]

Some of the younger guys have shown a few starter sets and boxes in the "Show Your Tool Box" thread.

It's probably safe to say that many members here (myself included) started with modest sets of C-man and hand-me-downs, but that was before digital cameras - hence no pics.

 

[bart1]

That's pretty much what I do. Have a few duplicates, but not too many. Most of my stuff is contained in a Hazet 166N and 190. Welding stuff in a Gladsiator cabinet, some misc stuff on a shelf, and I have a Craftsman box that has trauil tools I need for the Jeep.

 

[JeremyManning]

Here is my minimalist box, not all the tools I own but I can get a lot of stuff in that box and it travels easily. I have some more detailed photos of the box (snap on UT-22) in my profile under albums.

 

[HandyManny]

Truth be told most people, even in a shop environment, can get most jobs done with fewer tools than most guys tend to have.

I think many here have too many tools simply because, well, they like tools. Nothing wrong with that at all.

I tend to have a lot more tools than the average joe simply because of the various jobs I've had in myprevious life, and ended up having to use those tools again from time to time even later in life. I've just hung onto all my stuff and it does come in quite handy for me still.

But really, the average Joe home-owner or weekend mechanic can get away with having a little bit more than the basics and some ingenuity as well. For automotive work that you do yourself you can read a list of advised automotive tools to have. They are listed in any Haynes or Chilton auto manual. They give a good list of what to have for different levels of work or skill sets.

 

[Outlawmws]

Edit: Wow 1400th post!

I have a ton of tools but my road box is a minimalist setup, and was my first relatively complete set of metrics. Before this I got by with one set of metric combination wrenches a set of MAC metric 3/8 drive sockets, and some metric Allen wrenches:

Blow mold box of 90 metric Craftsman tools with a few add on tools, and a 50 cal sized plastic ammo box for consumables and spare parts (Not shown) and one metal box with a couple of oversize sockets needed for the rig, as well as an impact tool I've had forever. I used that box setup to do and engine swap (not R&R, Swap...) and other than needing the occasional drill/power tool and some motor mount welding, never got into my big boxes.

The Box:

Padded to keep the sockets from flying in transit, and the 6" hack swa adn razor blade:

Sockets with a few add on bits, and the opposite side padded:

Loose tools side, top layer, 10 & 12 MM Ratchet wrenches: used those a lot! and other tools like Allens and metric ignition wrenches. (Yes, Ive gotten into those at least once...)

Loose tools Bottom layer, 2 sets of Metric combination wrenches, a fre SAE for the bolt on additions I've made, and in case I need to help someone else on the trail, Snap ring and other pliers, Screw drivers, anti seize, and a couple of larger metric Allens needed for the rig:

Lastly, the tools that did not fit in the Blow mold box; Have to have a 50MM/2" for the hubs, needed the other oversized socket for something else, (Can't remember off the top of my head) a 1/2 to 3/4 drive adapter, and the impact set:

 

[kippieland]

Here is my box...compared with most, I am a minimalist

Just got the Wiha screwdrivers...way better then the Cmans

Main use MM but I have few Std.

 

[kippieland]

Here is my TRUE minimalist box....my travel box has nothing nice in it and is ALL about function!

Sockets

Open-ends and screwdrivers

Hammer and big stuff

Frequently used tools...so I don't have to dig!

I take it every time I go riding...it has served me well!

 

[kippieland]

I see lots of folks here with a massive investment in tools and boxes.

I'd like to see some setups of folks who buy only what they need to handle their needs.

Having $40k invested in tools is great for those who choose to do so, but I'm betting more folks exist who operate from a minimal tool setup.

Not many people need 10 wrench sets and 40 pair of vise grips to repair or build something, let alone 100 or more screwdrivers and hundreds of sockets.

I'm guilty of having dupes for convenience, but I'd like to see some minimalist setups.

Pics would be great

Post em if you got em

Wheres your pics?

 

[JSBriggs]

Some good ideas from the small tool box thread.

View media item 5444

-Jeff

 

[Alchymist]

I see lots of folks here with a massive investment in tools and boxes.

I'd like to see some setups of folks who buy only what they need to handle their needs.

Having $40k invested in tools is great for those who choose to do so, but I'm betting more folks exist who operate from a minimal tool setup.

Not many people need 10 wrench sets and 40 pair of vise grips to repair or build something, let alone 100 or more screwdrivers and hundreds of sockets.

I'm guilty of having dupes for convenience, but I'd like to see some minimalist setups.

Pics would be great

Post em if you got em

When you get to retirement age, you won't think you're a minimalist.
Lets see - tool box for sheet metal tools, tool boxes( top & roller) for automotive, tool box(es) for electronics, tool box & bucket for electrical, tool box and cabinet for wood working tools, tool box (2) for machinist tools, too box for drill bits, toolbox for taps and dies, tool box for end mills & saws, tool box for jewelry tools, toolbox for engraving machine/tools, toolbox for plumbing, tool box for HVAC, tool box for O/A stuff, tool box for electrical crimpers, and probably a few more. Not to mention all the cabinets for parts and materials.

 

[kippieland]

Some good ideas from the small tool box thread.

-Jeff

I see you have the most important part....a meow helper!

 

[Outlawmws]

When you get to retirement age, you won't think you're a minimalist.
Lets see - tool box for sheet metal tools, tool boxes( top & roller) for automotive, tool box(es) for electronics, tool box & bucket for electrical, tool box and cabinet for wood working tools, tool box (2) for machinist tools, too box for drill bits, toolbox for taps and dies, tool box for end mills & saws, tool box for jewelry tools, toolbox for engraving machine/tools, toolbox for plumbing, tool box for HVAC, tool box for O/A stuff, tool box for electrical crimpers, and probably a few more. Not to mention all the cabinets for parts and materials.

Sounds an awful lot like my hashup!

(And I'm not retired...)

 

[JSBriggs]

I see you have the most important part....a meow helper!

None of those are mine (but the blue Hazet is Barts). Those are just some examples.

Ive got a mil surplus tool bag I that I use for trips, and throw stuff from my main box in.

-Jeff

 

[Jim85IROC]

My father has had a full career as a body shop owner, with a tool collection that I would consider minimal compared to what most here seem to display. He's got a "tool for everything", but usually those tools are basic tools that he made in order to get the job done. He has rarely bought specialty tools. His main set of tools is housed in a cheap "Stack On" cabinet, and consists primarily of well used Craftsman and SK tools. His socket set is minimal, mainly consisting of 6pt deep and 12pt shallow 1/4" and 3/8" sockets. Until recently, his wrench set consisted of a small set of SAE and Metric combination wrenches, though he did recently add some ratcheting wrenches. Lots of pliers, and of course his hammers and dollies.

I think above all else, my father is proof positive that it's not the tools that do the job, it's the guy operating them.

 

[bart1]

None of those are mine (but the blue Hazet is Barts).
...

It looks much different now, but I don't have a pic. Don't even have a recent pic of the Assistent.

 

[msnow]

I would say I have a lot of tools however since I travel I have to pack for the job so most of the time I only take a small pelican case. The job I am on at the moment has a little bit of everything. The bags on the left are fall protection and climbing equipment the box is hand tools. Packing for a job is like having a minimal collection because you have to think about tools that can do multiple things. I generally knew what the equipment was so I could bring a few specifics but I still don't know everything I am going to run into in the field so I have to be broad. I fly to a lot of jobs so carrying as little as possible is huge help with the airline situation. Enjoy

 

[2manytoyz]

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I've thinned down my home mechanics' tools to fit comfortably in a 4 drawer HF cart.

Granted, I also have a small gangbox containing all of my electrical, plumbing and "other" hand tools.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

bumped and subscribed

 

[gonefirefighting]

For years the only tools I had fit in the saddle bags of my harley. I lived off the bike for 5 years doing rodeo. I will have to post a pic

 

[geologist]

Not many people need 10 wrench sets and 40 pair of vise grips to repair or build something, let alone 100 or more screwdrivers and hundreds of sockets.

Hundreds of sockets are a necessary evil for me. They're the most used tool in my stable.

 

[LincolnCont.]

Edit: Wow 1400th post!

I have a ton of tools but my road box is a minimalist setup, and was my first relatively complete set of metrics. Before this I got by with one set of metric combination wrenches a set of MAC metric 3/8 drive sockets, and some metric Allen wrenches:

Blow mold box of 90 metric Craftsman tools with a few add on tools, and a 50 cal sized plastic ammo box for consumables and spare parts (Not shown) and one metal box with a couple of oversize sockets needed for the rig, as well as an impact tool I've had forever. I used that box setup to do and engine swap (not R&R, Swap...) and other than needing the occasional drill/power tool and some motor mount welding, never got into my big boxes.

The Box:

QUOTE]

When I started in 99' I bought and still have the Standard version of that set. One the best tool investments I ever made, it had great quality sockets (still had the stamped sizes and regular ball detent) and the range covered almost everything you need for the basics (minus metric) and it was only 100 bucks!

 

[Outlawmws]

When I started in 99' I bought and still have the Standard version of that set. One the best tool investments I ever made, it had great quality sockets (still had the stamped sizes and regular ball detent) and the range covered almost everything you need for the basics (minus metric) and it was only 100 bucks!

Yep, that was the other nice part, I think we got that one on sale for even less. Anything close to a buck a tool, if the filler is minimal, was and is a good deal...