Starter Toolboxes

[sleetdawg]

Hey guys, I'd like some input. I've been buying and setting back hand tools for a number of years to give both my boys starter toolboxes when they turn 16 and 18 this year. The idea is to have a little better than the basics for home/apartment/auto repair. Not for a profession, just better prepared for self sufficiency.

Rather than focus on brands, I'd like your feedback on this list. I've been looking at it too long and have lost by objectivity

Would you add, change, or delete anything?
Would you be more specific on the specs for something on the list?

==========================================
Screwdrivers
==========================================
- Multi-bit driver handle
- Flathead screwdriver set
- Phillips screwdriver set

==========================================
Bits
==========================================
- Phillips, flathead, allen, torx, and security assortment
- Extra phillips bits
- Drill adapters and extensions

==========================================
Hammers
==========================================
- Claw hammer 16oz
- Dead blow hammer
- Tack hammer

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Pliers
==========================================
- Needle nose pliers
- Channel lock /adjustable pliers - small, medium, and large
- Diagonal cutting pliers
- Slip Joint pliers
- Crescent wrenches - small, medium, and large
- Vise grips - small. medium, and large
- Small plier assortment
- linesman pliars

==========================================
Sockets
==========================================
- Metric and SAE
- Standard and deep sockets
- 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2"
- Socket sizes TBD
- 1/4" ratchet
- 3/8" ratchet
- 1/2" ratchet
- Adapters
- Extenders
- 1/2" breaker bar

==========================================
Combination Wrenches
==========================================
- Standard: 1/4”, 9/32”, 5/16”, 11/32”, 3/8”,
7/16”, 1/2”, 9/16”, 5/8”, 11/16”, 3/4”, 13/16”,
7/8”, 15/16”, 1”
- Metric: 8mm - 22mm

==========================================
Allen Keys
==========================================
- Standard folding set
- Standard keys w/ ball end
- Metric folding set
- Metric keys w/ ball end

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Drill Bits
==========================================
- Drill bit index for jobber length
- Jobber size twist drill bits - 1/16" to 1/2" in 1/64" Increments (29 bits)
- assortment box of smaller

==========================================
Other
==========================================
- 25' tape measure
- 10' or 12' tape measure
- Utility knife and blades
- Torpedo level
- Carpenter level
- Cordless drill
- Flashlight
- Putty knife
- Small crowbar
- Nail punch set
- Awl and hook set
- Wire stripper and crimper
- Speed square
- Tin snips
- Multimeter
- Wire brushes
- Safety glasses
- Non contact voltage detecter
- Ear plugs
- Shop rags
- nitrile gloves
- Sharpies, pencils, and pencil sharpener
- Organized container of misc hardware/fasteners

==========================================
Saws
==========================================
- 15" hand saw
- 12" hacksaw
- Extra hacksaw blades

 

[B_Nabs]

Few suggestions:

-I would take a rip hammer over a claw hammer any day.
-I notice you don't mention Robertson/square drive screwdrivers. I guess you guys don't have many there in the US. Here in Canada (especially in electrical) they are indispensable.
-Lineman's pliers
-Wire strippers
-Tin snips
-Speed square

Sent from my SM-G975W using Tapatalk

 

[Tas biker]

That's a really good start.

What would they be working on??? My tools are geared toward my metric motorcycles so i've added a few speciality tools, etc. For example, trickle chargers, fork oil measuring gauge, spark plug gap gauge, quickcar fluid air gauge, just to name a few.

 

[81turbota]

Other - Decent, basic multimeter

 

[bulwnkle]

Maybe ad sone wire brushes, a bundle of shop rags, some nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a dead blow hammer.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[jdunn01]

+1 on the digital multimeter with sound for test wiring and trouble shooting electrical problems. Use mine all the time.

 

[Brownsfan]

Wire strippers and crimping tool. Multimeter as said above.

 

[LOW1]

A combination and or try square?
Sharpie markers?
A corded jig saw and a cordless drill?
Knipex type adjustable pliers?

Very nice of you to do this for them

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Welcome to garagejournal!!
So what kind of box will you use for these generous assortments?
IOW - What is the "Toolbox" part?

 

[senlow]

That is a pretty good starter tool list. I'll suggest a few changes:

Delete:

• Folding Allen wrench sets. I haven't used any of mine for years.
• Rubber mallet. Supply a dead blow hammer instead. Dead blows are much better and are reasonably priced.

• 15" crosscut hand saw. Will that ever be used?

Add:

• Non-contact voltage detector.

• Small (10' or 12') tape measure. A big 25' tape is overkill in many cases. I believe that a person should have several tapes. It's a tool that is constantly being misplaced, so having multiples will allow a project to continue when one tape measure is misplaced.

• Two levels are better; a torpedo level and a larger one, say 24"-36".

• A cheap DMM. The cheapies work for almost everything that most people will need, and it's no big deal to replace.

• Safety glasses, ear lugs, nitryl gloves and other PPE.

• A good corded drill. This is, after all, a basic tool kit.

I did this for my kids and they both really appreciated it.

 

[ZRX61]

20oz ball pein hammer & a 3-4lb cross pein/sledge.




I have this pair, they have never failed to hit what they were aimed at:


https://www.toolsid.com/performance-tool/3-lb-cross-pein-and-3-lb-sledge-mpn-m7040b.html

 

[matt_i]

Stanley 25' tape measure (you have) and #2 pencils. Very few projects start without them!!

Common electrical projects often involve **** splices and electrical tape. Plus a pliers to crimp them.

 

[sleetdawg]

Wow guys, keep em coming!

Added:
- Lineman’s pliers
- Wire stripper and crimper
- Speed square
- Tin snips
- Multimeter
- Wire brushes
- Safety glasses
- Dead blow hammer in place of mallet
- Fixed cross cut saw - meant hand saw
- Non contact voltage detecter
- Smaller 1’’ or 12’ tape measure
- Clarified level was a torpedo level
- Carpenter level
- Ear plugs
- Shop rags
- nitrile gloves
- Sharpies, pencils, and pencil sharpener
- Organized container of misc hardware/fasteners

Not added (they are good ideas, I just have to draw a line somewhere)
- Robertson./square drive screwdrivers - I’ll have square drive multi bits.
- Cordless drill, adjustable pliers - already on the list
- Corded drill
- Corded jig saw

 

[sleetdawg]

Welcome to garagejournal!!
So what kind of box will you use for these generous assortments?
IOW - What is the "Toolbox" part?

I’m waiting until I get everything and see the volume to decide for sure. I can’t a get them rolling chests for logistical reasons. I might pass down a couple of metal craftsman toolboxes, and add a second box to each if needed. Honestly, that’s the hardest part :-D

 

[fasteddie]

A cheap digital caliper. Really the only way to get accurate inside and outside diameters on hardware and parts. I use my cheap HF caliper all the time.

 

[Smokenarrow]

Stud finder
Ratchet wrench set; metric

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[TheLawnRanger]

A 3/8" breaker bar comes in handy at times.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I would add a medium (12-16 oz) ball peen, and either a heavier one OR a 2 1/2# striking hammer.

No corded tools, but make sure the cordless are good quality and heft (and the brand is expandable) so it all runs on the same platform. (I like DeWalt 20v, but YMMV).

Tool boxes are important, and unless there's a real pressing reason not to, a 26" chest / top box (used) or even a job cart is a huge start. I *still* work out of my Red/Silver Craftsman slider box I got in the 70's... and it takes up as much floor space as my cantilever Kennedy box.

 

[PelicanPines]

Assortment of scissors
Assortment of hemostats
Assortment of tweezers

FWIW... I have 72 drawers of cheap craftsman tool boxes.

 

[bob from indiana]

Thread chaser, a hook and pic set, a couple of metal files, a wood rasp.

 

[jgromada]

Heavy duty stapler
You mentioned cordless drill but how about a small 1/4 impact for bits
vise-grip type plier
long tweezers that lock (actually called hemostats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W1Y9YU/?tag=atomicindus08-20)
Most of the other stuff i thought are already mentioned

More stuff will come up

 

[logical]

Edit: Nevermind...misread OP thinking torx was missing.

I did the same basic thing for my son but over about 5 years of replacing and donating stuff my Dad bought me and scouring Ebay I built it 99% USA Craftsman. He's way past 18 now but still single and bouncing from apartment to apartment so it's all in a Craftsman combo In my basement waiting for his first garage.

Oh wait...how about a set of tiny screwdrivers ?


Sent from my garage.

 

[PelicanPines]

The assortment of Hemostats ... should include a Needle Driver... it has shorter tips and really holds stuff.

 

[four.cycle]

I just did this. The kid didn't even own a decent screwdriver.
What you see in the photo is just a start. Definitely not "comprehensive" by any means. The proverbial "basic starter".
I'd forget about "tack hammer" and put a decent hefty ball pein in the mix.
Hack saw. Pry bar.

No matter how many items you put on that list, you're going to think of half a dozen more tomorrow. I'm already rounding up more stuff to add to the package he opened up last week.

We went up to Harbor Freight and got him a spiffy chest on wheels. Big enough to hold it all, and it has a lock on it to keep his 4-year-old boy out of it.

 

[Crabman]

Jab saw.

Pozidrive bits for their IKEA furniture assemble after they get married!

Great list and idea, good luck.

Bruce

 

[JeffBama]

A telescoping magnet for all the parts you drop in an engine bay.

 

[ZRX61]

FFS guys! It says "STARTER toolboxes".. At this rate he's gonna have more stuff than a 20year veteran mechanic.. LOL!

 

[MarvinBerry]

FFS guys! It says "STARTER toolboxes".. At this rate he's gonna have more stuff than a 20year veteran mechanic.. LOL!

Yeah I have to wonder at 16 & 18 if they can actually use even half that stuff...if tools & building fixing is a part of their lives already.

That list is far beyond starter set & basics IMO. Could probably whack about half of it away & it'd still be enough to cover everyday homeowner ****. Like, as homebody myself I never touch the 1/2 drive kit... Basic $75 1/4 & 3/8 blow mold kit covers 98% of my socket needs.

Especially with kids who might well be headed off to college & keeping stuff in a dorm I wouldn't go overboard. One 8" adjustable wrench should be enough ya know??

I'd say for kids, unless the interest & need is already there if it can't all fit in a 20" plastic box it's probably too much..?

 

[Mattlt]

I like to suggest TWO sets of combination or open-end wrenches. Sometimes you have to hold the bolt head while turning the nut, and it isn't always convenient to get a socket to fit.

This is a great list to have for reference. Even if someone wanted to put together a road box, or a set of tools at the cabin or similar location.

Didn't Sears market technician's tool kits years ago that included some of these non-mechanic's tools?

 

[sleetdawg]

Wow guys, these are some great suggestions. I'll update the list tonight to include everything for reference. Anyone finding this in the future can always whittle the list down.

To answer some of specific questions:

1. I agree that this is definitely beyond starter, but that is OK. You guys through of some things that I didn't that would be great sooner rather than later. Some things I'll drop, and some things I will add. My parents gave me a small set of tools before I moved out, and I still use them to this day. In fact, part of this will include a few tools from my own toolbox, a couple from each grandpa, and even a few from two great grandfathers they never met.

2. My 16 year old will probably significantly add to his tools before he is 18, and my 18 year old will probably not take some of the tools out of the box for years . I'm cool with that. I'm doing this for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to encourage some self sufficiency and pride.

3. I've been sitting tools back when I find sales and deals on reasonable quality items for the last few years. It's probably about 70% complete. I watch for deals around Christmas, Fathers Day, 4th of July etc, and I hawk for deals on local resale page. It's been a lot of fun, and since i am spreading it out over a number of years, not horribly hard on the wallet at once.

4. As for toolboxes, that is still in the air. I'm all over the place. I'll wait until I have the collections close to completion before I decide. They will probably each get two boxes - a traditional metal toolbox small enough to fit in a closet or under a bed, and a larger multi-drawer box or tote system that fit in a closet. I want them to be able to take the tools with them, but I assume it will be many years before they have a garage or enough storage for a wheeled cart. This way, they can at least take the more necessary items with them in one of the boxes even if they have to leave the larger box with us for now.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Few suggestions:

-I would take a rip hammer over a claw hammer any day.
-I notice you don't mention Robertson/square drive screwdrivers. I guess you guys don't have many there in the US. Here in Canada (especially in electrical) they are indispensable.
-Lineman's pliers
-Wire strippers
-Tin snips
-Speed square

Sent from my SM-G975W using Tapatalk

Not sure the need for a speed square or tin snips

 

[ChrisLS8]

I like to suggest TWO sets of combination or open-end wrenches. Sometimes you have to hold the bolt head while turning the nut, and it isn't always convenient to get a socket to fit.

This is a great list to have for reference. Even if someone wanted to put together a road box, or a set of tools at the cabin or similar location.

Didn't Sears market technician's tool kits years ago that included some of these non-mechanic's tools?

Big waste of money for that purpose when a single adjustable will do the same job

 

[Frederik]

A couple of small tyre irons for bikes, and maybe a couple of big ones for prying stuff.

 

[RKA]

First aid kit (or a box of gauze and duct tape). When I was 16-18, I can tell you that would have come in handy weekly (still does from time to time).

And why has no one mentioned duct tape yet??

 

[fasteddie]

And why has no one mentioned duct tape yet??

If he gives them duct tape they will never use any of the tools.

 

[Ohmthis]

My dad did something like this for me when I went to college. I got a blowmolded case of sockets (craftsman 1/2, 3/8, 1/4 with basic wrenches and bits) a set of screwdrivers, a four set of pliers, a ball peen hammer, and a tape measure. The loose tools were in a small metal carry box. I was able to do 100% of what I wanted/needed to do. I built up my tools from that. This is way beyond starter, but you rock as a dad!!! I work industrial maintenance, when I left my last job, I didn’t need my full roll around. I gave it and the tools to my son. He’ll never be in need of anything, but it will be hell for him to take it with him easily! Make sure what ever you get them for storage, make sure it’s lockable. I’ve seen guys get their things stolen from being irresponsible. Remember they are still boys!

 

[PWC Repair]

Everything looks good for a nice start but I have to agree with a couple others....PRY BARS. The basic set from HF is fine. Working on anything from the house to car to landscaping, a prybar comes in handy.
Also that cheapo set of brushes...steel, brass, and nylon. I wear those out on the regular.

 

[geartow]

files ,chisels, prybar , BFH

 

[Com_VC]

300mm Ruler
150mm Ruler
Scribe
Combination Square
Automatic Centre Punch
Centre Punch
Chaulk

 

[ChrisLS8]

What will he use a speed square for? I use one at work daily but only once at home installing new flooring