Starter tool kit recommendations

[Stuey]

I put together a list of the top 12 (+) essential tools for DIYers and homeowners for 2 reasons - I'm in the process of making a housewarming gift for a friend and a tool kit for my brother in law, and b/c some of the lists I've seen recently are utter **** (e.g. $350 Italian step ladders).

Anyways, my list: safety gear, tape measure, utility knife, claw hammer + mallet, adjustable wrench + wrenches and socket set, multi-bit screwdrivers, precision drivers, hex keys, LED flashlight, pliers and cutters, saws, tool box, cordless drill/driver, Shop Vac, and layout tools.

To keep things short, I only wrote a little with tips, recommendations, and reasoning. I focused on the tool types rather than brands and models.

Is there anything obvious that I'm missing? If you were putting together a starter kit, what would you include?

 

[Kylecivicsi]

Need at least 1-2 levels. Maybe a torpedo and a 2 or 4'?

 

[jeffmoss26]

Does Dewalt make those hacksaws? I've always liked Lenox myself.

 

[jdv]

I'd second the level, need a couple of those. Maybe a decent bit kit to go with the drill/driver.

 

[lauver]

A simple 8" torpedo level will do in most DIY/Homeowner applications.

 

[Jwrightkustomz]

Leatherman.

 

[KenB]

Glue (hot, super and/or Elmers), duct tape, WD40 (or 3-in-1), a file and/or fine emery cloth.

 

[JeremyManning]

Spark plug socket

 

[Outlawmws]

What exactly do you mean by "Layout tools"?

Safety equipment, specify it:

Hearing protection
Eye protection (goggles that fit over glasses if you need it) possibly a face shield
Leather and canvas/cotton gloves

For the flashlights, if they are really going to sit in a drawer for emergency use, install Lithium batteries. 10-15 year shelf life in the flashlight

Lose the cordless saws, in general they are a frustrating battery sucker. if they think they need a powoer saw, go corded.


Cordless drill/driver for those that use them a lot. For the once a year guy, get a corded unit. (unless you like the idea for getting maybe 3-4 uses from a reasonably expensive tool before the batteries are useless)

 

[jdv]

I would also add a pry or crowbar.

 

[Stuey]

@KenB, those are good suggestions, but I consider them more supplies. Gorilla glue, super glue, wood glue, hot glue, duct tape, WD-40 are all essential, but were too difficult to include in the roundup.

What exactly do you mean by "Layout tools"?

Safety equipment, specify it:

Hearing protection
Eye protection (goggles that fit over glasses if you need it) possibly a face shield
Leather and canvas/cotton gloves

For the flashlights, if they are really going to sit in a drawer for emergency use, install Lithium batteries. 10-15 year shelf life in the flashlight

Lose the cordless saws, in general they are a frustrating battery sucker. if they think they need a powoer saw, go corded.


Cordless drill/driver for those that use them a lot. For the once a year guy, get a corded unit. (unless you like the idea for getting maybe 3-4 uses from a reasonably expensive tool before the batteries are useless)

I specified eye, hearing, and hand protection in the blog post, but expanded the heading a bit for emphasis, thanks for the suggestion!

I agree about the leather gloves. I do prefer mechanics gloves, but leather ones can be cheaper and more forgiving.

The problem with lithium-powered flashlights is that they cost more and it can be hard for non-flashlight-enthusiasts to find batteries. Replacing the batteries in a Maglite every few years isn't a big deal.

With a corded drill, there's no adjustable clutch for driving screws. But you're right, they do last a heck of a long time and might be better for the long haul.

I also elaborated about basic layout tools in the post - combo square, level, maybe a speed square. Removed the errant mention in the tape measure heading. I attempted to bridge expand that part to include the tools in the PLUS section but decided against it. Forgot to change the title back, thanks for the catch!

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Here are some basic ideas.

http://www1.snapon.com/industrial/Products/Tool_Sets/SetBuildingProgram.nws

 

[Stuey]

Here are some basic ideas.

http://www1.snapon.com/industrial/Products/Tool_Sets/SetBuildingProgram.nws

For a beginner DIYer or homeowner?!!

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

For a beginner DIYer or homeowner?!!

essential tools for DIYers and homeowners

 

[Stuey]

I don't normally think of several-hundred piece mechanics sets when piecing together starter tool kits.

Although you're right, that is a good place to look for ideas when piecing together an ultimate DIY auto tool kit.

 

[dwm]

Drywall saw (non-powered), for installing rework outlet boxes.

A good quality paint roller and telescoping extension. Bonus: a kit for the extension for removing bulbs from high-up lighting fixtures.

Paint tray. I prefer a beefy plastic one, with or without disposable liners. If it won't stay in place while using, it's useless.

Small paint holder w/ handle for painting trim, etc. I like the ones that have a magnet on one side; I can stick it to my toolbox and fill it with water (for latex) or mineral spirits (for most everything else) and leave the brush in it if I'm working on a multi-day project.
Won't tip over if it's firmly stuck to my toolbox.

Caulk gun.

5-gallon bucket(s).

 

[NUTTSGT]

You made a good starter tool list. It could benifit from a few other things listed. The extras will be determined by what skill the person has and what types of repairs they will have to do in the home. A brand new home will (should) take less work than a older home needing some TLC.

 

[puttsy]

Add a torpedo level (as has already been mentioned) and no doubt a wonderbar or at the very least, a cats paw/mini wonder bar.

You could *probably* lose one of the adjustable wrenches. I've got 1 8" in my dorm room/general use box and up until recently, it was the only "wrench" of sorts I had. (Got 18 cman RP, combo wrenches now too but they are not essential)

Maybe a Vise Grips (10WR). They are invaluable if you are...errr, inexperienced in some tasks.

Maybe lose the Shop Vac too, but we all need a cruddy vacuum so it's a toss-up

You've opened a can 'o worms here though Stuey

 

[ajchien]

Let's see... For the homeowner/DIYer... Other than what you've listed...

Extensions cords
Tape: painters, duct, electrical
Levels
Step ladder
Multimeter
Tire/air inflator

 

[puttsy]

Thanks for emphasising hearing and eye protection though. A lot of people think they are only using tools occasionally and they can bypass these essential pieces. I wear glasses and they've asaved me more than once and, once I switched to ear-muffs from ear-plugs, I am very happy to use them for even the smallest tasks. By trade I am an Audio Engineer so my hearing and fingers are my livelihood, I may be a bit over the top on hearing protection BUT, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) [Thanks DeKalb/Monsanto hybrid-seed-corn companies for drilling that PPE definition into my head while detasseling!) is essential for even the most basic, fundamental jobs.

 

[MAD]

I would also add a pry or crowbar.

+1 - A good 15" flat bar is an essential DIY homeowner tool.

This one is excellent
http://www.amazon.com/Vaughan-B215-15-Inch-Original-SuperBar/dp/B00002N5VN/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1326299937&sr=1-5

 

[Stuey]

Add a torpedo level (as has already been mentioned) and no doubt a wonderbar or at the very least, a cats paw/mini wonder bar.

You could *probably* lose one of the adjustable wrenches. I've got 1 8" in my dorm room/general use box and up until recently, it was the only "wrench" of sorts I had. (Got 18 cman RP, combo wrenches now too but they are not essential)

Maybe a Vise Grips (10WR). They are invaluable if you are...errr, inexperienced in some tasks.

Maybe lose the Shop Vac too, but we all need a cruddy vacuum so it's a toss-up

You've opened a can 'o worms here though Stuey

Let's see... For the homeowner/DIYer... Other than what you've listed...

Extensions cords
Tape: painters, duct, electrical
Levels
Step ladder
Multimeter
Tire/air inflator

You made a good starter tool list. It could benifit from a few other things listed. The extras will be determined by what skill the person has and what types of repairs they will have to do in the home. A brand new home will (should) take less work than a older home needing some TLC.

Everyone's making some excellent suggestions! Looks like I'm going to have to do another roundup at some point.

I do think that two adjustables are needed - one for holding a nut fixed, another for turning the bolt. I suppose pliers can be used, but they might damage or roundoff the fasteners.

 

[HandyManny]

I put together a list of the top 12 (+) essential tools for DIYers and homeowners for 2 reasons - I'm in the process of making a housewarming gift for a friend and a tool kit for my brother in law, and b/c some of the lists I've seen recently are utter **** (e.g. $350 Italian step ladders).

Anyways, my list: safety gear, tape measure, utility knife, claw hammer + mallet, adjustable wrench + wrenches and socket set, multi-bit screwdrivers, precision drivers, hex keys, LED flashlight, pliers and cutters, saws, tool box, cordless drill/driver, Shop Vac, and layout tools.

To keep things short, I only wrote a little with tips, recommendations, and reasoning. I focused on the tool types rather than brands and models.

Is there anything obvious that I'm missing? If you were putting together a starter kit, what would you include?

You are one generous friend and brother-in-law

Actually of those listed I'd skip the Klien combo screwdriver and get an Irwin 9-in-1, it's a much better tool. I own both and the Klien bits are just way too soft.

 

[5lima30]

Good items! One additional one that I find invaluable is an aluminum speed square.

 

[Stuey]

You are one generous friend and brother-in-law

Actually of those listed I'd skip the Klien combo screwdriver and get an Irwin 9-in-1, it's a much better tool. I own both and the Klien bits are just way too soft.

I have both as well, and agree about the Klein being a bit soft and easy to wear. I don't think I've ever used the Irwin one, though. I should make an effort to use it more.

 

[Butters]

Great job!

I don't think I'd consider a shop vac essential to a starter kit (albeit useful). I also agree having a larger adjustable wrench is beneficial, especially for things like plumbing - i.e. drain pipes, etc.

I would also say a headlamp may well be even more essential in this day and age than a flashlight.

 

[Stuey]

Great job!

I don't think I'd consider a shop vac essential to a starter kit (albeit useful). I also agree having a larger adjustable wrench is beneficial, especially for things like plumbing - i.e. drain pipes, etc.

I would also say a headlamp may well be even more essential in this day and age than a flashlight.

If not a shop vac, than at least a small vac that can be abused.

As for flashlights vs headlamps, I often use both. But to start, a full-size flashlight should be a bit more versatile and trouble-free. One example - sweeping over a floor horizontally to locate a dropped small part.

 

[puttsy]

You are one generous friend and brother-in-law

Actually of those listed I'd skip the Klien combo screwdriver and get an Irwin 9-in-1, it's a much better tool. I own both and the Klien bits are just way too soft.

Thanks for the suggestion! Got one of those Irwin's on my "to-do"/"to-buy" list now. I've worn out countless cheap-o multi-screwdrivers (same style, just fewer bits). I used to take computers apart daily and within a short amount of time, the tips of the philips were gone. Now I pretty much use regular drivers but multi-drivers are soo much more convenient!

Good items! One additional one that I find invaluable is an aluminum speed square.

Speed squares are amazing BUT, if you aren't using a circular saw/chop saw (not on the list, with good reason) their use is a bit limited. A simple square or combination square would probably be much more useful to average/below average DIY'er.

 

[cashishift]

Putty Knives

 

[puttsy]

I do think that two adjustables are needed - one for holding a nut fixed, another for turning the bolt. I suppose pliers can be used, but they might damage or roundoff the fasteners.

Fair enough. I don't encounter "bolts" in most of what I do 'generally' but, when I do, I usually have a set of wrenches in easy reach. I like to avoid adjustable wrenches and many see them as "dead tools" but, on occasion we do all run into that scenario of a perpetually spinning bolt I suppose.

I *may* even recommend WD-40 but, as stated earlier, those are expendables. It may not hurt to add an expendables section but, that list could go for ages so it's discretionary.