Ok, so its might be kind of a strange question. But I am looking for a tool set for our daughter when she moves out this fall. Something a 23 year old could use to hang pictures, adjust a door knob, or any of those first house/apartment things that need to be done. Are there any good kits available??
Tool kit for daughter
- Thread starter 6inarow
- Start date
engineer2
Well-known member
It's something I've done for my kids. I think you are better off putting your own kit together or buying a basic one and then adding to it. I find it's an excellent way to get rid of made-in-Taiwan tools I don't want.
Amazon has thousands of kits.
To any of them, I would add:
outlet checker,
small pry bar for pulling nails
basic automotive tools
OBDII code reader.
Good retractable blade utility knife like a Stanley 10-499
Harbor Freight 5 piece scissor set
This stuff ends up shoved in a closet when not in use and tools never make it back into their proper slots, so I prefer a soft bag over a fitted case.
Amazon has thousands of kits.
To any of them, I would add:
outlet checker,
small pry bar for pulling nails
basic automotive tools
OBDII code reader.
Good retractable blade utility knife like a Stanley 10-499
Harbor Freight 5 piece scissor set
This stuff ends up shoved in a closet when not in use and tools never make it back into their proper slots, so I prefer a soft bag over a fitted case.
Last edited:
AffableCurmudgeon
Well-known member
Is it a house or an apartment? Reason I ask is to ascertain if she would need to do any electrical or plumbing. If it is an apartment and all she needs are just basic tools, I give my tenants the cheap Sears kit that comes in a case. It has screwdrivers, hammer, some sockets, level, pliers, tape measure, hex keys etc.
As a father of very capable daughters, my advice would be to not buy her any pink tools. That is demeaning.
http://www.sears.com/iwork-119-piec...lerId=Sears&prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10
As a father of very capable daughters, my advice would be to not buy her any pink tools. That is demeaning.
http://www.sears.com/iwork-119-piec...lerId=Sears&prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10
Last edited:
engineer2
Well-known member
I agree. Pink tools will get you "the look"
Codejack
Banned
Harbor Freight, baby!
Mix and match the best they have in each category, and you should wind up with a decent set; if they don't have something you like, fill that in somewhere else.
So far, I have used their sockets, ratchets, combination wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, oil filter wrench, snap ring pliers, torque wrench, angle grinder and a few other things.
The quality has varied, but everything has done its job, and the only thing I regret buying are the "magnetic" (only one will pick up a screw) cushion grip screwdrivers; go ahead and get either the hard-handled tool truck knock-offs or the clear acrylic handled ones.
Mix and match the best they have in each category, and you should wind up with a decent set; if they don't have something you like, fill that in somewhere else.
So far, I have used their sockets, ratchets, combination wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, oil filter wrench, snap ring pliers, torque wrench, angle grinder and a few other things.
The quality has varied, but everything has done its job, and the only thing I regret buying are the "magnetic" (only one will pick up a screw) cushion grip screwdrivers; go ahead and get either the hard-handled tool truck knock-offs or the clear acrylic handled ones.
JohnDeere1
Banned
I suggest the original pink brand they carry at Sears you can also get it online they make tool sets and accessories hat are perfect for a woman. Comes with hammer and tape measure ,screwdrivers, and so on and just buy her the other things she'd need. Obviously we're not talking mechanic tools so th I brand is as good as is gets for a woman.
Hey thanks for the help. No I would not get pink tools. This young lady thought it would be cool to learn to ride motorcycles so she took the safety class. She goes to car club with me when she is home. this is for an apartment.
Thanks for the posts
Thanks for the posts
HanShotFirst
Well-known member
Put a 6 in 1 screwdriver in there, just too darned handy around the house.
There are several threads here with good lists.
I am in the make your own camp, When my daughter moved into her own place 8 hours from home I took her to HF and HD and we put a kit together, I did not get her any power tools just because she didn't need them in a apt. But she was all set to put all the knock down furniture at IKEA together. LOL
I am in the make your own camp, When my daughter moved into her own place 8 hours from home I took her to HF and HD and we put a kit together, I did not get her any power tools just because she didn't need them in a apt. But she was all set to put all the knock down furniture at IKEA together. LOL
crewchief888
Well-known member
wife has a small box stashed away in an upstairs closet.
small claw hammer
picture hanging "kit"
SO ratcheting screwdriver and bits
channellock dykes
2 pair of channellock needle nose pliers
16' tape measure
skil cordless screwdriver
retractable utility knife
anything else she "needs" is stashed away in the basement reloading room
i find my trim removal bar prybar, and a level laying around the house on occasion....
she's constantly moving/rehanging pictures, removing outlet/switch cover plates.
small claw hammer
picture hanging "kit"
SO ratcheting screwdriver and bits
channellock dykes
2 pair of channellock needle nose pliers
16' tape measure
skil cordless screwdriver
retractable utility knife
anything else she "needs" is stashed away in the basement reloading room
i find my trim removal bar prybar, and a level laying around the house on occasion....
she's constantly moving/rehanging pictures, removing outlet/switch cover plates.
rlitman
Well-known member
I'd call that a good kit, though nowadays, I'd recommend trying out 3M Command stuff for most of your picture hanging needs.
Oh, and a big +1 to the #2 Pozidriv screwdriver for Ikea stuff. After a few minutes of cursing why your Phillips screwdriver fits like **** in their screws, you'll be REALLY glad you have the right tool.
Great list, I'd add some kind of stud finder. I like the simple CH Hanson magnetic one for this application
Utility Knife
I did something similar when my younger brother went off to college. I bought a cheap ($5 on sale) Craftsman small tool bag to hold it all, leaving him the ability to expand and upgrade as he saw fit.
Here is what I put together for him. Most of it was my older stuff, some of it new from Home Depot or Harbor Freight. All good enough to get the job done but nothing to cry over if it grows legs.
- 12 oz claw hammer
- Slip joint pliers
- Channel lock pliers
- Long nose pliers
- Combination (Lineman's) pliers
- Diagonal cutters
- Vice grips
- Adjustable wrench (4", 6", and 8")
- Comprehensive screwdriver set plus less common bits (torx, square, etc)
- Micro bit driver set (for electronics)
- Bondhus metric and imperial hex keys (I couldn't in good conscience buy him cheap hex keys!)
- Bullet level
- 16' tape measure
- Utility knife
Here is what I put together for him. Most of it was my older stuff, some of it new from Home Depot or Harbor Freight. All good enough to get the job done but nothing to cry over if it grows legs.
- 12 oz claw hammer
- Slip joint pliers
- Channel lock pliers
- Long nose pliers
- Combination (Lineman's) pliers
- Diagonal cutters
- Vice grips
- Adjustable wrench (4", 6", and 8")
- Comprehensive screwdriver set plus less common bits (torx, square, etc)
- Micro bit driver set (for electronics)
- Bondhus metric and imperial hex keys (I couldn't in good conscience buy him cheap hex keys!)
- Bullet level
- 16' tape measure
- Utility knife
engineer2
Well-known member
For a first apartmnent isn't this all you need?
LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Cut from a previous thread - The basic toolkit
Worth consideration Speed Square, Stanley Wonder Bar II, Nail sets (protruding trim nails & popping door hinge pins)
Edit to add: Bent Nose Pliers - great for pulling small nails & tacks & holding small nails
Ace® Bent Nose Hobby Plier
Item no: 2004182 | 082901002932
^ 4"
Ace® Bent Nose Pliers (2035087)
Item no: 2035087 | 082901048824
^ 8"
Last edited:
rlitman
Well-known member
kelpaso1
MEMBER EMERITUS
I did this for my daughter a couple years ago when she moved out. I'll add to the list.
Cheap set of SAE and metric wrenches.
Cheap 1/4 drive SAE and Metric sockets.
Allen wrenches sae and metric.
Soft face hammer.
Along with the cordless drill a complete set of bits -torx, screwdriver, nut driver, drill bits
wd-40
Duck tape.
Zip ties.
Roll of thin wire for holding things together.
Work gloves, safety glasses.
Sand paper and a couple files.
Electrical tape.
Pry bar set.
Dollar store assortment kits of screws and nails.
Small wood saw and hacksaw- hey when you need to saw something, nothing else will do.
Mechanics latex gloves.
Small rechargeable LED flashlight.
Surgical tweezers and scalpels.
Crazy glue.
Along with the usual tools and stuff everybody else mentioned I fit all this stuff in a small Stanley 3 drawer toll box and a small duffel type bag with pockets inside and out for about $350 CDN... so about half that in the states.
Plus a lot of this stuff is good for the crafts they like to make.
Cheap set of SAE and metric wrenches.
Cheap 1/4 drive SAE and Metric sockets.
Allen wrenches sae and metric.
Soft face hammer.
Along with the cordless drill a complete set of bits -torx, screwdriver, nut driver, drill bits
wd-40
Duck tape.
Zip ties.
Roll of thin wire for holding things together.
Work gloves, safety glasses.
Sand paper and a couple files.
Electrical tape.
Pry bar set.
Dollar store assortment kits of screws and nails.
Small wood saw and hacksaw- hey when you need to saw something, nothing else will do.
Mechanics latex gloves.
Small rechargeable LED flashlight.
Surgical tweezers and scalpels.
Crazy glue.
Along with the usual tools and stuff everybody else mentioned I fit all this stuff in a small Stanley 3 drawer toll box and a small duffel type bag with pockets inside and out for about $350 CDN... so about half that in the states.
Plus a lot of this stuff is good for the crafts they like to make.
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
What I did is put everything that I didn't require anymore or had duplicates of in a box. My 2 daughters took turns picking items. Both girls had already a few cheaper items they collected after thei Grandmther had passed away. They continually stop by for other items as projects require. I am making notes to what they temporarily need. They are also in the process of taking in garage sales and have purchased skill saws, peg board etc.
jgromada
Well-known member
All the stuff YOU do sets a fine example. I know with my daughter she is not afraid to tackle projects. Originally i was going to help after work, but she went ahead with a friend and replaced a failing radiator on their own! That was a fairly large undertaking.
I agree with the posts here, the specific tools will determine what tools she has. In many cases if its a rented apartment you don't have to worry about maintenance on the apartment itself, but eventually ...........
I think the rule of thumb always is whether it is a tool that is even usable for the task. People may put down Harbor Freight but for the most part their stuff is functional (especially hand tools) and won't cost a fortune.
I agree with the posts here, the specific tools will determine what tools she has. In many cases if its a rented apartment you don't have to worry about maintenance on the apartment itself, but eventually ...........
I think the rule of thumb always is whether it is a tool that is even usable for the task. People may put down Harbor Freight but for the most part their stuff is functional (especially hand tools) and won't cost a fortune.
jives
Well-known member
My wife and I used to by tool kits for our friends when they got married, and two of my sons received them. Basic Craftsman for the most part, also filled with picture hanging hardware.
4Kings
Well-known member
I bought on of these Kobalt kits a few black friday's ago for about $25 and threw in a HF 1/4" ratchet and socket set. Although my daughter gave me a puzzled look when she opened the 
gift she has now said it's on of the most useful gifts she's ever received.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-22-Piece-Household-Tool-Set-with-Soft-Case/50193579
I picked up a small assortment of screws and nails as well a picture hanging kit and zip ties and placed them in the storage box.
gift she has now said it's on of the most useful gifts she's ever received. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-22-Piece-Household-Tool-Set-with-Soft-Case/50193579
I picked up a small assortment of screws and nails as well a picture hanging kit and zip ties and placed them in the storage box.
Last edited:
unlvrebel
Active member
Daddy's cell phone number. Adds one more reason to go and visit and spend time together.
I'd skip the tool bag and get a portable toolbox. The $9 HF Voyager 19" one is good -- has a lift out tray and some storage compartments on top. Hard to find what you need in a toolbag because all the tools are right on top of each other. You have to dig for them or take them all out. With a box, you can glance and see where the tool is that you need.
My general purpose handyman box I keep in the car is a circa 80's all metal K-Mart Benchtop with a removable top tray. Built like a tank -- probably USA. I keep tons of pliers, screwdrivers, stud finder, torpedo level, mechanic's wire, 1/4 sockets, nail puller, small hammer, speed square, tape measure, adjustable wrench, etc. in it.
My general purpose handyman box I keep in the car is a circa 80's all metal K-Mart Benchtop with a removable top tray. Built like a tank -- probably USA. I keep tons of pliers, screwdrivers, stud finder, torpedo level, mechanic's wire, 1/4 sockets, nail puller, small hammer, speed square, tape measure, adjustable wrench, etc. in it.
Attachments
Last edited:
jwsia
Well-known member
I have kits started for my 2 sons (9 and 4) and my 2 daughters (3 and 2). With all the extras from estate sales, pawn shops and auctions they will have quite the setup when they leave the house. For the boys I have 2 drawer boxes with tons of 1/4-1/2 socket sets wrenches pliers you name it, good chance its in there. For the girls I have 2 lunchbox style boxes with the removable tray with basic hand tools. My father did kind of the same thing with me when I was in high school. He bought a 6 drawer C-man box full of tools for a couple things that he needed and the rest was mine. I sorted through those tools, made lists of what was missing and spent the rest of my time at home filling in those missing sockets and wrenches. By the time I left the house I had the most impressive tool set in the dorms.
When my wife and I were dating she would ask me to fix things. Many times I was in my work car and only had the crappy little fold out tray of tools that she had picked up somewhere. One of my first gifts to here was a toolbox of much more usable tools, sockets wrenches good pliers and screwdrivers. She looked at me kind of wired when I gave it too her but she still uses it to this day.
When my wife and I were dating she would ask me to fix things. Many times I was in my work car and only had the crappy little fold out tray of tools that she had picked up somewhere. One of my first gifts to here was a toolbox of much more usable tools, sockets wrenches good pliers and screwdrivers. She looked at me kind of wired when I gave it too her but she still uses it to this day.
matt stott
Well-known member
Couple of suggestions:
If she may be buying stuff from IKEA- get a Pozidrive screwdriver or two. #1 and #2 should work for most of their stuff. IKEA does not use phillips screws, and phillips drivers will mess up pozi fasteners.
Get an 18" level. Hanging pictures and potracks and leveling tables and such, a longer level can be helpful.
The lists above cover most of the stuff you should need in an apartment. Good luck!
Matt
If she may be buying stuff from IKEA- get a Pozidrive screwdriver or two. #1 and #2 should work for most of their stuff. IKEA does not use phillips screws, and phillips drivers will mess up pozi fasteners.
Get an 18" level. Hanging pictures and potracks and leveling tables and such, a longer level can be helpful.
The lists above cover most of the stuff you should need in an apartment. Good luck!
Matt
Bessy
Well-known member
Consider this:
Purchase the tools that would be used on common household repairs and whatnot, but don't neglect certain "nice to have" tools or better quality upgrades that you yourself wouldn't tackle a job without (impacting screwgun for instance). The reason I say this, is that in your position as father, you will either be asked to help (or just fix) a project or issue from time to time, or you will see something that needs doing and know that you can tackle it without much thought, much quicker than it will ever get done in your absence.
It's nicer to be able to grab the proper (to a point) tool for the job (16oz claw hammer, or cordless screw gun rather than a simple manual screw driver for instance) than it is to try and repair a dresser or bedframe while simultaneously wishing you had brought your (insert tool here) with you.
Purchase the tools that would be used on common household repairs and whatnot, but don't neglect certain "nice to have" tools or better quality upgrades that you yourself wouldn't tackle a job without (impacting screwgun for instance). The reason I say this, is that in your position as father, you will either be asked to help (or just fix) a project or issue from time to time, or you will see something that needs doing and know that you can tackle it without much thought, much quicker than it will ever get done in your absence.
It's nicer to be able to grab the proper (to a point) tool for the job (16oz claw hammer, or cordless screw gun rather than a simple manual screw driver for instance) than it is to try and repair a dresser or bedframe while simultaneously wishing you had brought your (insert tool here) with you.
This ^ and duct tape and you're done :} Really most have covered the list of basics may want to include a home how too book that lays flat and your done.
Cypher
Hey I had never thought of this great advice thanks!!