Tool Inventory lists?

[driven04]

So I'm sure not everyone does this, but I'm trying to approach some tool investments logically, and looking to define what a "complete DIY tool set" compromises.

Essentially I have two questions, this first and most important is trying to define what tools would be required to have very versatile selection of tools to manage all DIY/home mechanic/ general purpose house work, and the next question is which tools are really worth investing in "the best" or high quality tools, versus which tools are "nice to have, but you'll use it twice, so buy the taiwanese/PRC version.

I was hoping some of you more ****organized members have spreadsheets or some documentation that you'd be willing to share.

Thanks

 

[Bigblockyeti]

If I own something that I am maintaining, I make sure I know exactly what tools are required to maintain that thing. I'm not so **** so as to need a spreadsheet for everything but for example I know which wrench, socket, extension & universal combination I'll need to change the oil on any particular vehicle so that it's the most efficient for me to do.

 

[eschoendorff]

I saved most of my tool receipts but that’s all I have for documentation. As far as where to spend the money for quality? It depends on what you’re doing. Is it mostly home improvement? Is it mostly auto or lawn and garden repair?

For me it’s a bit of everything so I bought the best I could afford for my core tools: hand tools like hammers, wrenches, ratchets, screwdrivers and pliers. From there I bought the nicer stuff when I could find/afford it and went cheap when I thought I could get away with it. Back when I was assembling my core tools, COO was important to me so I bought primarily USA or European made stuff.

Regardless what you do, it might be worth it to spend some money on a decent set of cordless power tools. I wish that I had bough a better kit the first time around...

 

[Professional Tool User]

Tools are on of those things where you are better off buying as you go. You don't want to end up spending all your money on a set of high end tools and find out you're missing something that will make or break you. I'm not organized enough to have a full tool list of everything I own. But from experience, basic hand tools like sockets, pry bars, hammers, and wrenches rarely break, even the cheap ones. And if you choose carefully, even the cheap ones have decent fit and finish. The only basic hand tools I would prioritize spending the extra money on are ratchets, pliers, and screwdrivers up to a certain point. For specialty tools and stuff like power tools that will make your life easier, you are going to have to weigh the cost benefit of buying the tool and whether or not a serviceable tool can be had on a budget. For anything where safety is a concern like snap ring pliers and swivel impacts, I wouldn't hesitate to spend the extra money. And then there's a category of tools like punches and long ratcheting wrenches and will eventually break regardless of brand where ease of warranty is the priority .

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Complete DIY tool sets will vary as much as the different individuals that own them. A broader skilled DIY'er will likely have a larger, more diverse assortment of tools.

I have tools for doing pretty much anything regarding building a house. I can fabricate metal, do wood working projects, work on cars, work on yard equipment, landscape, etc.
My tools range from 1/8" Micro bits to 3/4" drive tools. In addition to mechanic hand tools, I have more home type hand tools, power tools, air tools, masonry, yard, painting, etc.

I don't have a list or a spread sheet, but I know what I have. It's taken me years to amass my current set. For example, I mostly have CM from the 80's/90's and I've upgraded my ratchets and some screwdrivers. Gearwrench would be the second most with Armstrong/Snap on tied for third. Milwaukee is the bulk of my power tools, Senco for air nailers, and Sthil for outdoor equipment.

Starting out I would get a decent socket set with 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive sizes in Std/Met in shallow and deep. I would look at GW and Tekton and go from there. Same goes for a a combination set in std/met. Get some screw drivers from the likes of Wera, Witte, Wiha, PB Swiss, SK to name a few. Get a few pair of pliers. I like Knipex 10" wire cutters. Get some hammers like a claw, ball peen,and sledge. A couple of chisels and punches. Once you have some basics build/add as you need for different projects.
I like to spend a little extra on power tools and opt for the higher end brands. I also like to buy a bigger tool than I think I need. I've bought the smaller models a couple of times and ended up getting the bigger one down the road anyways (hammer drill vs rotary hammer example). That works for me but, may not for the next guy. I like Bosch, Hitachi, Makita, and Milwaukee the best for power tools. For air nailers I like Bostitch, Hitachi, Max, Paslode, and Senco. Yard equipment is Echo, Husqvarna, and Sthil.

Only you can determine what tools and what brands work the best for you. It helps to ask questions when it comes time to buy. First hand trial and error is really the best way to find what works the best for yourself.

 

[RKA]

It’s not an easy thing to break down. Very little needs to be high end. Often times having a selection of similar tools is better than having a single set of high end tools. I’m not saying you should get the cheapest tools made in India either, there is a vast selection of stuff in the middle. There are times when I will grab 2-3 pliers from the drawer are try them for a task, eventually settling on one that is suitable. I could improvise with something else, but it would look ugly and take a lot longer.

But just to leave you with one nugget you can take to the bank, I always get good quality cutting tools (hand tools) and good quality blades for power tools. Working with tools that start dull or dull quickly is no fun at all. And new tools equipped with good blades tend to be designed well from the ground up.

Finally, I understand discounting Chinese made tools, but do take a closer look at Taiwan. Many brands and tools made there are actually pretty good.

 

[LeeG]

I posted a thread about what I use a while back. You can find it here.

What I try to do, when I am not being led astray by the pied pipers here on GJ, is to figure what it is I want to accomplish, then figure out what tools I need to have to do it.

For example, I bought my first welder because I had had a trailer I had inherited from my Dad, and I wanted to make modifications. For the cost to have someone else do the mods I wanted, I was able to purchase a Miller 211 MIG welder. To make a long story shorter, I found I enjoyed welding, so I found new things to make, which led me to new tools to buy.

I use the software I listed above to keep track of what I have, not only in tools, but in consumables. It is nice to know what I have, and where it is. It is shocking sometimes to see what I have spent on things though.

 

[MushCreek]

It's pretty hard to define 'DIYer', especially with this crowd. I designed and built my own house. I've done ground-up auto restorations. I once had to use a Bridgeport mill to modify a part for one of my kid's Christmas presents to be able to assemble it. Even if I were just doing weekend warrior house maintenance, I'd have all of the tools necessary to repair most of the plumbing, electrical, etc., and mechanics tools necessary to do the auto maintenance within my skill set.

I've collected most of my tools 'as needed' over 50+ years of DIY. I did buy a bunch of stuff all at once when building the house.

 

[AS556]

Channellocks, duct tape and a hammer should do it.

Really though a good 3/8 ratchet and metric/SAE socket set, vise grips, 12" channel locks, screwdriver set, hammer, a standard plier set, oil filter pliers, wire strippers and maybe a voltmeter. I think that should cover most DIY home stuff.