Ultimate Minimalist Hand Tool Set

[Zinc2005]

Hello All. This is my first post. I joined this forum because I would like to access the wisdom of the community as I assemble the ultimate high quality minimalist tool set.

I am a DIYer, not a pro, but I like to own the best stuff available and am willing to pay for it.

I want to put together a set of un-powered hand tools that can accomplish a majority of household projects. The goal is for the set to have as few tools as possible. An example: If a Knipex PliersWrench can accomplish 90% of what can be done with a set of wrenches this would exemplify the type of tool I want to include in the set.

I have started to acquire a few items but everything can still be returned so please don't be shy in telling me that I made a bad purchase or suggest a superior brand/size.

So far I have:

1 Estwing 13" 1lb steel hammer
3 Irwin Visegrip locking pliers 10wr, 7wr, 6.ln
1 Klein 5 in 1 screwdriver
1 Klein Stubby 5 in 1 screwdriver
6 Klein screwdrivers
1 12" Channellocks Pliers
1 Stanley 25' Tape

What I know I need but need help with brand/size:

Pliers
Wrenches
Saws
Utility Knife

What I need but don't yet realize:

You tell me.

Thanks for your help and happy new year!

 

[kctyphoon]

yea - cant wait to see some of these suggestions.. might as well ask "how overboard can we go with this?"

anyway-- IMHO- one of, if not THE best utility knives around right now has to the be the Milwaukee fastback, or Fastback 2 if you wanna carry an extra blade.. they are the only utility knives ive carried and used everyday that have not fallen apart, and are the easiest one handed use models available.


if you REALLY wanna be minimal, why not just get one of the bigger model Leathermans

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Hello All. This is my first post. I joined this forum because I would like to access the wisdom of the community as I assemble the ultimate high quality minimalist tool set.

I am a DIYer, not a pro, but I like to own the best stuff available and am willing to pay for it.

I want to put together a set of un-powered hand tools that can accomplish a majority of household projects. The goal is for the set to have as few tools as possible. An example: If a Knipex PliersWrench can accomplish 90% of what can be done with a set of wrenches this would exemplify the type of tool I want to include in the set.

I have started to acquire a few items but everything can still be returned so please don't be shy in telling me that I made a bad purchase or suggest a superior brand/size.

So far I have:

1 Estwing 13" 1lb steel hammer
3 Irwin Visegrip locking pliers 10wr, 7wr, 6.ln
1 Klein 5 in 1 screwdriver
1 Klein Stubby 5 in 1 screwdriver
6 Klein screwdrivers
1 12" Channellocks Pliers
1 Stanley 25' Tape

What I know I need but need help with brand/size:

Pliers
Wrenches
Saws
Utility Knife

What I need but don't yet realize:

You tell me.

Thanks for your help and happy new year!

Utility knife: stanley 99e, at HD you can get a 2 pack for $7ish and are pretty much the best one you can get.

Saws: for a hacksaw blades are the most important thing, you can cheap out on the frame but just make sure it is not really really cheap. I have a sandvik 225 that was my dads, probably from the 80's since snap on bought bahco which was owned by sandvik. It is now called the bahco 225 i think.
For wood saws I like irwin, since I got them for free from menards but I also go some sandvik ones as well but since they are rusty they have alot of drag so it is a pain in the *** to cut wood with them

If we are talking really really minimalistic then return all the screwdrivers and get a bit handle and bits. I got a felo insulated one and I like it, you can get long bits for the spaces bit handles since the shaft is bigger.

 

[PugetDude]

Good start.

I'd recommend the Estwing rip hammer over a curved claw hammer. You'll find the rip hammer claws easier to use for pulling nails. I have ~16 Estwing hammers, love each and every one of them. I also like the Vaughn Little Pro finishing hammer for smaller projects. It just feels good in my hand for driving smaller nails.

Pliers- hard to beat Knipex. Channelock for made in USA.

Wrenches- if you're not using them professionally, Craftsman would be a good choice. ...( the haters are sharpening their claws...) Decent quality, always on sale, still have the walk-in warranty.

Saws- it's hard to beat Japanese hand saws and Starrett hacksaws..

Utility knife- I like my old fixed blade Stanley that swings open for quick blade changes. I hate retractable blade knives, they're not rigid enough.

One more note- get a shorter high quality tape measure- no need to drag a 25' tape out when you're only measuring stuff under 8'. I love the 16' Kobalt with magnetic tip and measurements on both sides of the tape; it's become my go-to tape after years of using the 25' Stanleys.

 

[steveo3002]

knipex cobra and knipex pliers wrench would be ideal

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Forgot to mention, buying used tools is the ****, look out for sales.

 

[-Brent-]

I'm no help, unfortunately. But I am interested to see what comes of this thread.

I'm minimal in many aspects of my life, but tool ownership isn't one of them. I do all sorts of home projects and I couldn't imagine trying to limit what I have. My quality of work would probably suffer.

Edit: Welcome to the Garage Journal.

 

[-Brent-]

An LED flashlight may be a good addition to your kit.

 

[d.mcfarland]

A hack saw will do most cutting you should need. The Bahco version is very nice in the hand. Best bet is to splurge a little on the blade.

 

[Zinc2005]

An LED flashlight may be a good addition to your kit.

Good thought on the flashlight!

 

[DJAMiller]

It depends on what type of work your doing but I'd also add a pair of wire cutters in there, personally I love my Knipex cutters as well as a pair of slip joint pliers (snap on talon grips are awesome), needle nose (the talon grips from snap on are again awesome, I have some craftsman ones that work fine and dandy for me though), a pry bar, a flashlight (I have a little streamlight that uses one aaa battery and can clip into your hat), and a box of straight razor blades also always come in handy.

 

[Zinc2005]

Utility knife: stanley 99e, at HD you can get a 2 pack for $7ish and are pretty much the best one you can get.

Saws: for a hacksaw blades are the most important thing, you can cheap out on the frame but just make sure it is not really really cheap. I have a sandvik 225 that was my dads, probably from the 80's since snap on bought bahco which was owned by sandvik. It is now called the bahco 225 i think.
For wood saws I like irwin, since I got them for free from menards but I also go some sandvik ones as well but since they are rusty they have alot of drag so it is a pain in the *** to cut wood with them

If we are talking really really minimalistic then return all the screwdrivers and get a bit handle and bits. I got a felo insulated one and I like it, you can get long bits for the spaces bit handles since the shaft is bigger.

I was under the impression that for many projects it would be fairly limiting to only have a multibit driver because of limited torque. I would love to just have the 2 Klein drivers in my bag if you think this will do the trick 90% of the time. Trying to strike a balance between minimalism and utility.

 

[DJAMiller]

I was under the impression that for many projects it would be fairly limiting to only have a multibit driver because of limited torque. I would love to just have the 2 Klein drivers in my bag if you think this will do the trick 90% of the time. Trying to strike a balance between minimalism and utility.

I use my snap on multi bit ratcheting driver 90% of the time at work, it seems to hold up just fine, the only time I ever really can't use it is if there's a clearance problem or I try not to use it around water where it may get wet (I work on boats).

 

[Zinc2005]

knipex cobra and knipex pliers wrench would be ideal

So I do think I will get the Cobras and Pliers Wrench. Do you think I can then lose the 12" Chanellocks?

What size is most useful? 10"? Insulated, Ergo grip, or regular red dipped?

For the Cobras: Quickset or regular

 

[Tronyadorable]

Buy a AAA subscription, a cell/ with GPS and call it a day

 

[ChrisPace]

I use my snap on multi bit ratcheting driver 90% of the time at work, it seems to hold up just fine, the only time I ever really can't use it is if there's a clearance problem or I try not to use it around water where it may get wet (I work on boats).

Same here, Span On ratcheting full size and stubby screwdrivers are easily the best purchases I made 20 some years ago. Most grabbed tools ever.

 

[abk241]

When I purchased my first Swiss Army knife in the late 60's I had to decide between the model with a # 2 phillips or the one with a corkscrew.
I chose the latter.

 

[Zinc2005]

Same here, Span On ratcheting full size and stubby screwdrivers are easily the best purchases I made 20 some years ago. Most grabbed tools ever.

I don't like bit sets that aren't self contained because I lose the bits and it is a pain to grab for something quick. What I like about the Klein 5 in 1 screwdrivers is that you can quickly switch between bits by pulling out and flipping around the entire shaft. For me this is easier/faster/ less likely to drop a bit. Plus the reality is that I rarely use anything beyond the standard Philips and flat sizes.

 

[Zinc2005]

As far as wrenches are concerned: Is the Knipex Plier Wrench enough to cover the whole category?

 

[mossyboy6]

I remodel houses for a living, with a drill and a circular saw you could build a whole house with the following:

Estwing E3-16S 16oz straight claw
Hyde 02100 Putty knife
Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback utility knife
AMPRO T31009 Screwdriver, saw handle
DEWALT DWHT16063 Chisels
Bahco 9029 R 6" adjustable wrench
Knipex 7401250SBA 10-Inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutters
Knipex 8603180 7-Inch Pliers Wrench
Empire Level E255 6-Inch Pocket Combination Square
Stabila 37424 2' Level
Komelon Premium 12 ft Tape Measure
Tajima CR202B-P Chalk Box (Optional but when you need it, you need it)

 

[-Brent-]

I remodel houses for a living, with a drill and a circular saw you could build a whole house with the following:

Estwing E3-16S 16oz straight claw
Hyde 02100 Putty knife
Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback utility knife
AMPRO T31009 Screwdriver, saw handle
DEWALT DWHT16063 Chisels
Bahco 9029 R 6" adjustable wrench
Knipex 7401250SBA 10-Inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutters
Knipex 8603180 7-Inch Pliers Wrench
Empire Level E255 6-Inch Pocket Combination Square
Stabila 37424 2' Level
Komelon Premium 12 ft Tape Measure
Tajima CR202B-P Chalk Box (Optional but when you need it, you need it)

Hahaha. What was I doing with the big truck and all the equipment? I could've had a Bucket Boss and a Hyundai Elantra.

 

[mossyboy6]

Hahaha. What was I doing with the big truck and all the equipment? I could've had a Bucket Boss and a Hyundai Elantra.

Lets keep in mind the context of the thread. A minimalist tool kit that covers pretty much everything.

I have no plans of getting rid of my shop, large storage unit, two trucks and cubic tons of tools any time soon.

Should you attempt to build a house with what I suggested? God no. Could it be done? Probably, but melting solder joints over a campfire sure would be interesting.

 

[Zinc2005]

Seems like it might be worthwhile to get at least one of the pliers insulated just in case I need to mess around with a wire that is live. I'm thinking insulating the needle nose makes the most sense.

Thinking these Knipex will fill the longnose pliers category nicely and give me that one insulated tool just in case.

http://www.zoro.com/i/G1924072/?utm...hopping_Feed&gclid=CPnqupK08cICFehDMgod7zUAMQ

 

[mossyboy6]

Seems like it might be worthwhile to get at least one of the pliers insulated just in case I need to mess around with a wire that is live. I'm thinking insulating the needle nose makes the most sense.

Thinking these Knipex will fill the longnose pliers category nicely and give me that one insulated tool just in case.

http://www.zoro.com/i/G1924072/?utm...hopping_Feed&gclid=CPnqupK08cICFehDMgod7zUAMQ

I love insulated tools for the handle, but, don't ever work on live electrical. Maybe a Volt pen should go on the list as well. I like to tape mine to the outlet, then flip breakers and listen for the beep to go away.

 

[Nick Danger]

The ultimate minimalist toolkit is a Leatherman, 10" Vise Grips, a claw hammer, and duct tape.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I was under the impression that for many projects it would be fairly limiting to only have a multibit driver because of limited torque. I would love to just have the 2 Klein drivers in my bag if you think this will do the trick 90% of the time. Trying to strike a balance between minimalism and utility.

Limited torque? How hard are you turning fasteners if you would be breaking bit handles? Avoid the type of drivers that you cannot replaces easily like those kleins since they use a bunch to double sided bits of different diameters to be able to include nut drivers in the list of uses. Get a stubby and a regular length bit handle with a bunch of bits of different shapes and sizes. With bit handles you can use any type of regular power driver bit you could possibly want, I like them because if a manage to **** up and cam out on a phillips head causing the mangling of a screwdriver, I can avoid my day being ruined and just change out the bit.

 

[Zinc2005]

I love insulated tools for the handle, but, don't ever work on live electrical. Maybe a Volt pen should go on the list as well. I like to tape mine to the outlet, then flip breakers and listen for the beep to go away.

The handle is just more cushioned? How about combination pliers? Can they fill the category of cutters and basic slip joint or would I be better off with 2 tools?

 

[Brownsfan]

These will cover needle nose, wire strippers, crimper, and cutter as well as some bolt turning. http://jbtoolsales.com/knipex-13818...tion-pliers/?gclid=CIqYnoC88cICFWaCMgodBA0AnQ

 

[kctyphoon]

 

[dutchgray]

Multi bit screwdriver but with a standard Phillips no2 with a long blade and insulated screwdrivers to fit common electrical terminals.
Standard 20" or 22" wood saw.
Vaughan flat bar.
Decent adjustable wrench 6" to 10"
Combination square or 6" speed square.
2" level.
Cheap magnetic stud finder.
Nail set.
1/4" 1/2" 3/4" 1" wood chisels.
Stanley 99e knife and selection of blade styles.
Insulated combination, needle nose pliers and side cutters.
Probably a load more stuff but it really depends on how much diy you want to do.

 

[foghorn1966]

This guy has it down. I would add a pair of Channellock fencing pliers & a small LED flashlight to complete it.

http://www.bevhoward.com/Misc/Tools/

Have a good & safe New Year.

 

[Gmonkee]

Double and triple duty tools are key in any minimalist kit. But the trap is the gimmicky 56-in-1 stuff that supposedly replaces entire sets of stuff. Most miracle tools aren't miracles or tools. But they look cool in the box.

How mechanical do you intend to be? Would the plierwrench and an 8" adjustable get you through most repairs or will you be doing car work too? Lawnmower or any other machines? You may need wrench sets instead.

For years folding Allen and torx sets have gotten me through those tasks, it wasn't too long ago my only wrench I ever used was an 8" adjustable. A basic hammer, pliers and screwdriver beyond that.

Times have changed and my needs with them. But my basic house kit really hasn't changed much. My work tools are common items and not all that heavy when packed up. Well chosen dual purpose stuff goes a long way where I work.

 

[cheechi]

The goal is for the set to have as few tools as possible.

The goal of this forum is to have as many tools as possible.

For the Cobras: Quickset or regular

Quickset as in the spring loaded button to set the groove is definitely the way to go.

The pliers wrench could 'replace' a set of wrenches but as a pliers wrench owner let me recommend against doing that. You will find several uses for a real wrench, especially the box end, in odd places and it's enough to keep them around. Keeping in mind this forum has a lot of auto techs, most of the people you are asking own standard, long pattern, ratcheting wrenches and likely own multiple sets as needed. That's just talking about combination wrenches.

You don't mention a pipe wrench. I own the cobras and would still recommend a real pipe wrench, depending on your pipes get the appropriate size(s).

I know it's outside the scope of your question but I'd still recommend a dremel and oscillating tool. Some jobs **** doing it by hand.

 

[frugalscotty]

A small set of precision screwdrivers will help around the home.

Here is a nice set that includes a bonus pliers Wiha 26190 Slotted and Phillips Screwdriver Set Bonus Pack with Professional 6.3" Long Nose Pliers, 8 Piece

 

[heytrid]

Klein 11 in 1 - use this 99% of the time in both Automation & Controls and also in mechanics, This with the klein stubby multi it covers ALOT.

Saws - get a cheap single sided hack saw blade holder on top of whatever else you get, comes in very handy when you need it and they are not much $$

Wrenches - good quality adjustable (6") can do alot on non-tight fasteners, small enough to get into alot of places, Also have a wrench set in standard and mm (carabiner works good for organizing)

 

[Craptain]

I don't like bit sets that aren't self contained because I lose the bits and it is a pain to grab for something quick. What I like about the Klein 5 in 1 screwdrivers is that you can quickly switch between bits by pulling out and flipping around the entire shaft. For me this is easier/faster/ less likely to drop a bit. Plus the reality is that I rarely use anything beyond the standard Philips and flat sizes.

My Snap On ratchet has the bits inside the handle. I keep #1 and #2 Philips and a couple of sizes of flat bits. And once you use it you will never want a cheaper one. It is by far the best ratchet screwdriver I have ever used. Mine is now about 25+ years old.

 

[Cato]

Hey, I really like your line of thinking. Too many of us have gone overboard and bought one of everything, twice.

Anyway, get yourself a corded dewalt power drill and a corded dewalt circular saw. Also get a little Craftsman or Husky 26" inch home owner's tool chest - they usually go for about $100 on sale. It's important to have a good place to keep all your tools.

 

[rick carpenter]

Welcome Zinc2005!

Be careful when considering a multi-purpose tool that claims to do too many things. Would you rather waste money on something that does a lot of things poorly, or spend wisely on a few more tools that do their one or two things very well? I suggest that a minimalist kit should always have "smart" as a higher consideration than "fewer in number".

Add to your list in order of better suggestions first...
* A non-contact circuit tester such as Klein's.
* Several rolls of blue painter's tape.
* If a flashlight hasn't already been suggested, get a small EDC-size one.
* Like Cheechi said a pipe wrench. Go with an aluminum Ridgid, mine are all steel.
* 'Beater' tools such as a pocketknife, cold chisel, & big old screwdriver (these are "multi-tools"!).

 

[SASORacing]

Get a crescent wrench/ adjustable wrench. Very important, this will allow you to work on nuts and bolts.

 

[EZH]

Here's a few things that have gotten me outta a jam. I keep everything zipped up in a canvas Klein Tools bag.

The Megapro original 15-in-1 screwdriver. They're a couple different models that may suit your industry better but the original is my favorite. 7 double sided bits store conveniently in the handle and include a variety of flathead, Phillips, Torx and square drives. A lot of bases get covered with this one tool. Made in the USA also.

Check it out here>>>>>http://www.megapro.net/product/original-15-1-slotted-phillips-screwdriver-sizes/

Next-

The Channellock 804 4.5 inch adjustable wrench. Don't let the size fool you, these open up to 9/16". I was out in Riverside last year, and only needed this wrench and a 8" when I changed an alternator on a Peterbilt tractor in a Farmer Boys parking lot. Probably saved me $350 or more on a road call. Also worked perfectly a couple days ago when I was putting on a new cab airbag.

Check it out here>>>>http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SBDK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Don't forget to toss in some sort of extendable magnet, it'll save a lot of frustration.

Hope it helps.

Eric