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The Daddy will you fix my....Tool Kit

dchawk81

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I'd replace the impact driver with a drill/driver combo. I'm not sure how good of a drill the impact is.

Maybe I missed it, but is there a stud finder?

Also, the bag is great, but for something that's going to live at someone else's house, I'd have picked one without any outside pockets. Get one that everything can go inside and be zipped up. Less likely of something falling out as the owners of the house keep moving the bag from shelf to shelf as it's always in 'their' way.
Stud finder joke:

Point it at yourself and make fast loud high pitch beeping sounds. Like a metal detector going nuts.
 
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legenddc

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I think that's about everything, if not a little more, than I keep in my tool bag to work on things around the house.

You could do what my father in law has done for his other son in law, get him tools for Christmas so he doesn't have to bring as much over if he has to fix something.

I used to have to line up projects for my father in law to do when he came to visit. Not because I couldn't do it, but because he wanted to be useful. Now that our kids are older he's off the hook and gets to play with them instead. Now he'll line up a project or two for me when we come to visit.
 

rust in the eye

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Take away their Man Cards until they learn how to fix simple ****. You failed to teach them when they were at home, so now you have to teach them at their home. And they can buy the damned tools!
"We live over six hours away from our two adult daughters. "
@OP You look very well prepared to me, excepting that pathetic excuse for a hammer but there will always be something. ratflinger's post does have some merit in that even with that second X chromosome they may be educable. You know, teach a (wo)man to fish...
Every once in a while my wife surprises me. While she is as disinterested in fixing things(but excells at breaking them)as could be it seems she is observant and has, on ocassion, suggested or executed a fix she's seen me do.
 
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ratflinger

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"We live over six hours away from our two adult daughters. "
@OP You look very well prepared to me, excepting that pathetic excuse for a hammer but there will always be something. ratflinger's post does have some merit in that even with that second X chromosome they may be educable. You know, teach a (wo)man to fish...
Every once in a while my wife surprises me. While she is as disinterested in fixing things(but excells at breaking them)as could be it seems she is observant and has, on ocassion, suggested or executed a fix she's seen me do.
Yes, I was harsh, but both daughters are married, and besides, why is it wrong to expect women to be able to do simple repairs. Even with a heavier ceiling fan will their husbands refuse to help? I could see the OP standing there giving pointers and helping a little. Guess the tools could be a Christmas gift. What happens when Dad can't do this anymore?
 

dchawk81

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Yes, I was harsh, but both daughters are married, and besides, why is it wrong to expect women to be able to do simple repairs. Even with a heavier ceiling fan will their husbands refuse to help? I could see the OP standing there giving pointers and helping a little. Guess the tools could be a Christmas gift. What happens when Dad can't do this anymore?
Yeah I mean a ceiling fan is kind of a two person job anyway I'd think. One to hold it and another to wire it and bolt it up. At least, it would be a lot easier that way and when you already have two people in the household you're basically set.

My dad lives about 20 miles from me and I still don't ask him to do stuff. I'm not a girl but still. OP's girls are married to not a girls.
 

Dave455

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Taking tools to a job, when you’re not sure what the job will be, is one of the toughest things we do.

Even a professional tradesman, will at least know the field in which he’s expected to work, and will probably have packed his truck accordingly.

It’s a more common issue than some might think though. I face the same issues as a landlord, or even just visiting relatives.

Yes, in an ideal world people would do things for themselves, but I think sometimes we underestimate the skill set that we have

I think you’re on the right track. In fact, that’s a much more comprehensive setup than I might take. Below is basically what I take if I’m doing anything at a property (although a few bits have been added since the picture).

Both the Milwaukee and the Silky folding saws have proved very useful, and I wouldn’t be without those. The plastic box is PB Swiss 1/4” bits - I carry Slotted, Pozidriv, Phillips, hex and Torx. This saves me needing to carry a lot of drivers / hex keys.
BDDAD960-0E54-43D9-A9B4-F95E0CB1856D.jpeg

I’ve pretty much reached the same conclusion as yourself re the impact driver. Perfect for dealing with fasteners, but carrying a few hex shank drill bits saves me needing to carry an additional drill. In fact, I’ve added more drills since this picture was taken - nothing much bigger than about 1/4“ is needed though.
058C3B28-9AE9-4434-9AEB-CD10C64F273F.jpeg
 
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legenddc

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I don't understand all this hate and bashing of people for not doing things themselves. I enjoy doing repairs and fixes but other's don't. I don't look down on my brother in law because he hires things out that I would do myself. He works a lot and doesn't want to spend his free time fixing things. If he wants to hire it out let him. He can certainly afford to hire people.

Or is everyone here growing and hunting all of their own food and sewing all of their clothes?
 

dchawk81

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I don't understand all this hate and bashing of people for not doing things themselves. I enjoy doing repairs and fixes but other's don't. I don't look down on my brother in law because he hires things out that I would do myself. He works a lot and doesn't want to spend his free time fixing things. If he wants to hire it out let him. He can certainly afford to hire people.

Or is everyone here growing and hunting all of their own food and sewing all of their clothes?
Hiring things out is fine. Daughter calling daddy because hubby is incompetent is another.
 

rust in the eye

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Man, this is a rough crowd.
Just perhaps.... the sons in law are incompetent and their wives know it. Plenty of guys that try but just ain't got it. Doesn't make 'em pussies.
Another thought..... Given all the trouble and not inconsiderable expense "dad" has gone to to prepare for these tasks I suspect he rather enjoys doing these things for his girls. A nice way to show his love(and feel needed) after the chicks have flown the coop.
 

ajchien

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Los Angeles, stuck on the 60 freeway.
Man, this is a rough crowd.
Just perhaps.... the sons in law are incompetent and their wives know it. Plenty of guys that try but just ain't got it. Doesn't make 'em pussies.
Another thought..... Given all the trouble and not inconsiderable expense "dad" has gone to to prepare for these tasks I suspect he rather enjoys doing these things for his girls. A nice way to show his love(and feel needed) after the chicks have flown the coop.


LOL. This reminds me of a story my sister told me. Our father went over to her place to help with some electrical. At one point, he apparently told the son in law “come on, man up, 120V just gives a little tingle that’ll go away in less than a day!”
 

Bubba Fett

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Eastern NC
i keep my bags for the task not the tool, so one bag for plumbing, one for electrical, one for wood, one for mason etc. so if i had all my bags i have duplicate tools, but everything i need to wire a house is in one bag. so the electrical are heavy with kleins, but i dont need kleins for automotive or wood
I kinda do that too. Saves time, because you don't have to go look for a tape measure, screwdriver, or whatever.
 

no704

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Set of step drills. Didn’t see an electrical crimping tool. Used to have a small laser level with a powered suction cup that was very handy for hanging stuff. Drywall anchor kit.
 
OP
H

hdv32

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Paragould, Arkansas
Looks good to me; very complete, perhaps over-complete, but that's a matter of taste.

One factor when putting together things like this is the distance to the nearest Home Depot or similar. I put together a kit for my Mom's house miles outside a remote village knowing that the nearest home store was a 30-40 minute journey, so I wanted to cover a lot of home-type situations. But I didn't need to cover any car stuff, at least nothing more extensive than the tool kit I always have on hand in my car or motorcycle.

If I were putting together a kit for someone who lived five minutes from supplies and tools, then it could be a lot more basic.



Anyway, from the contents of this kit, I assume your daughter lives someplace you can only reach by helicopter... ;)
Actually one lives in Broadripple and the other outside Wabash…..
 
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MarkH

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I gave each of my daughters a tool kit when they went to college. So I went to the kit vs taking it with me. It included most of the tools mentioned here with expected hardware. I did add as needed.

As they got married the oldest married into a farm family so tools are not a major issue. Lets go to his dads and get it. The other one is becoming more of a surprise. The youngest's husband had never fixed anything. His parents still seem to discourage that. He has found out that many fixes are simple and can be done for much less than his parents paid. He has also gotten burnt on a couple of house upgrades. So he has learned with the daughters help to do many of the changes needed. I may help or guide them if there. Still I think he likes sending the completed photo to his parents with the we did it tag on it. So still occasionally add things but he is adding to the kit they have.

I took him for his first trip to Horrible Freight over Christmas. Evidently he had priced some items before at other places and was looking at HF prices for some items. He was going he was going to be back. It was the case of the old man showing the kid the HF online coupons and to review them even if the project was not happening right now.
 

Meursault74

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Yeah I mean a ceiling fan is kind of a two person job anyway I'd think. One to hold it and another to wire it and bolt it up. At least, it would be a lot easier that way and when you already have two people in the household you're basically set.

My dad lives about 20 miles from me and I still don't ask him to do stuff. I'm not a girl but still. OP's girls are married to not a girls.
I'd guess it would depend on the size of the ceiling fan. I've installed a couple household size ones by myself. Remember put the blades on last after it's up there already.
 

Hannahranga

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Maybe I missed it, but I'd suggest an expanded 1/4 bit set with a "full" set of torx bits and hex bits to use in the multi screwdriver


Good point, don't know if it's the same in the US but 5 point torx bits would be worth adding here as they're the defacto standard for aluminium windows/sliding door setups. Not impossible to find but it's a trip to a tool shop not Bunnings/Home Depot.


The take their or their BF's man cards stuff is gross. Should OP be trying to teach them eh probably but still y'all know some people shouldn't be allowed to own screwdrivers.

Here of all places should also understand the tool snobbery of bringing your own stuff because A it's probably better, B it's what you like C you know what's there.
 
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engineer2

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Daughter texted that she needs to buy a drill. What for? To install a shelf in a closet.
No worries, I'll mail you my old impact driver with a variety of drill and screwdriver bits. Just use the battery from the tire inflator in the car.
No news is good news. I guess she got it done! I'll find out when she calls Sunday.
 
OP
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hdv32

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Paragould, Arkansas
Allow me to address some of the issues raised. I would rather work on a project than sit around the house so I don’t mind helping out where I can.

First, daughter #1 has no interest in anything mechanical… fortunately son in law #1 is a great guy who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty or try anything in the garage or the house. He has rebuilt a pontoon boat and engine, put in multiple types of flooring, backsplashes etc. I’ve done projects with he and his dad and he rarely makes the same mistake twice. My issue is his tools are scattered everywhere and I spend more time looking for tools than working on the project. I’m well organized and like being able to grab whatever I need quickly. Last trip to their house he and I switched the granddaughters Barbie Jeep over to run on Milwaukee 18 volt batteries.

However, the situation is reversed for daughter #2. She is willing to learn and is great at making sure her car is maintained, hangs pictures, put up backsplash, paint a room and continues to learn more and isn’t afraid to call dad or get on YouTube when she has questions. Son in law #2 has little aptitude or interest in most things mechanical or woodworking related. In fairness to him, he was a collegiate long distance runner and still run’s marathon, is a successful young attorney and works 60+ hour weeks. He learned well from his parents who think the best tool in their toolboxes was their checkbook. Great guy and wouldn’t trade him for a new one. They just shouldn’t live in a house built in the 20’s that always need something.

As far as some of the suggestions, I have a full set of torx bits, allen bits, robertson bits, etc. The tool kit has multiple drivers already. Both homes have full size hammers and 12 inch Channelock 420’s. As well as basic other tools I can supplement my tools with. I’ve added sandpaper, plumbing snake, and a few other things based on your feedback.

Thanks for the advice and keep it coming.
 

mngundog

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Wow, tools that should last a lifetime, well done. I'd add the 1/4 socket adaptors that are missing from your Makita sockets. throw in a stanley 8" molding bar, and I always have extras of the body clip pry tools laying around (if so throw one in, is not skip it). And I'm capable of losing 4 tape measures doing a 30 minute job in a small space, so I have about 20 of them.
 
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duneslider

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The only thing that sticks out to me is the electrical tools. That fact that you are giving them a bag of tools probably means they shouldn't be touching house wiring. (but I guess you might need it when you go to visit)

My daughter turned 16 on Sunday. She got a craftsman ratchet set, Screw drivers, Tow strap and shackles, a knife, battery jump starter, and some wiper blades. :) And she learned how much fun growing up is...

She already used the jump starter at a trailhead to help someone with a dead battery.

I am always a bit shocked at what people don't know about basic house/car stuff. We were at a friend's house in the neighborhood doing a fire and roasting hot dogs and stuff, this guy is in the military and a fairly outdoorsy guy, and it came up during conversation that the outlets and lights on the patio hadn't worked since they moved in five years prior and they were asking if I knew an electrician. I asked if they had checked the gfci, they looked blankly at me, I explained what it looked like and said the gfci for this area is probably in the basement by your electrical panel. The wife walked downstairs and pushed the button and like magic the outlets and lights worked.
 

RPH

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When they moved out on their own I supplied each and every one with an advanced basic kit for them. Much like above. When visiting and asked for help then I know what’s available on site. They all grew up with tools and respect them. They continue to add to their collections.
Made life much easier.
 

Dakotadadv8

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Fortunate my children knows how to use tools and they have their own but OP that is a nice tool kit to help daughter I do the same. Looking forward to offloading my tools to them when I no longer can do it myself as I get older they can visit me to help, THE FATHER WILL YOU FIX....TOOL KIT:)
 

bpwoodworking

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The only thing that sticks out to me is the electrical tools. That fact that you are giving them a bag of tools probably means they shouldn't be touching house wiring. (but I guess you might need it when you go to visit)

My daughter turned 16 on Sunday. She got a craftsman ratchet set, Screw drivers, Tow strap and shackles, a knife, battery jump starter, and some wiper blades. :) And she learned how much fun growing up is...

She already used the jump starter at a trailhead to help someone with a dead battery.

I am always a bit shocked at what people don't know about basic house/car stuff. We were at a friend's house in the neighborhood doing a fire and roasting hot dogs and stuff, this guy is in the military and a fairly outdoorsy guy, and it came up during conversation that the outlets and lights on the patio hadn't worked since they moved in five years prior and they were asking if I knew an electrician. I asked if they had checked the gfci, they looked blankly at me, I explained what it looked like and said the gfci for this area is probably in the basement by your electrical panel. The wife walked downstairs and pushed the button and like magic the outlets and lights worked.

This doesn’t surprise me too much, it seems like most people specialize in something and generally seem to avoid everything else unless they are specifically interested in it as a hobbyist.

The kids with blue collar parents that I grew up with usually can handle most home related stuff without too much concern. Even if they don’t work in the trades. The ones with white collar parents usually just call someone and then complain about the bill.
 
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