Where to start

[Garagegreenhorn]

Hello, I'm new to the forums and the garage and tool world. A few years ago my wife and I bought our first home. It had some oddities in the garage, like three very large basin sinks with industrial plumbing etc. after asking my neighbors who has lived on the block for a very long time, we learned the original owner was a garage shop man, and he used the garage that way. We found an industrial shop vent in the upper wall, and I knew I wanted to do the same.

So now it begins.

I want to start the tool purchasing and shop developing, this I where I need you more seasoned garagemaholics assistance. Where do I start? I intend to buy a dewalt set of drill and impact driver, but what other necessities should I have as basics to make sure I can do all that's needed on a more regular basis?

I have a corded skill saw (it was my grandfathers) as well as an off brand 18V drill and an old 1960's corded B&D corded drill; and the normal hammer, hand saw, and screwdrivers.

So let me know your thoughts on basic needs.

-GarageGreenHorn

 

[toolaholic]

Bosch jigsaw, A good shop vac, pressure washer,sliding compound miter saw, air compressor, 3/8 socket set first then 1/4 and 1/2 drive socket sets, pry bar set, chisels,torque wrenches,allen(hex key) wrenches,vise grips, pliers, belt sander , random orbit sander etc

 

[toolaholic]

Floor jack and jack stands. Good wrench set.

 

[andywander]

Lathe and mill. Maybe a shaper if you want.

 

[bobemmerich]

Depends on your abilities and what TYPE of work you're going to be doing or plan to do. For general type carpentry stuff, I'd say you're off to a good start.

 

[MFolks]

How about a good security system for your new tool purchases in the garage. And when you do buy tools, carefully cut up and hide the boxes in the recycling bin. Don't advertise what you've got, by leaving the boxes out for possible thieves to see.

The same applies, if you've recently bought a big screen TV, cut up the box.

 

[Outlawmws]

Depends on your abilities and what TYPE of work you're going to be doing or plan to do. For general type carpentry stuff, I'd say you're off to a good start.

This ^^^and definitely spell out what you want to get into, as many fields have only minimal overlap for tools:

Cars?

• Maintenance only or modifications?
• some of us are or have been into actual race car or street rod fabrication and more...

Home maintenance, or home improvements?
What type?

• painting adn wall finishing?
• Plumbing?
• Electrical?

Wood working?

• Many levels here, from fine furnishings, to
• intricate projects line clock casework and other fine detailed work, to
• rough outdoors furniture and the like...

And I've only scratched the surface...

 

[T_Roze]

Beer

 

[Garagegreenhorn]

This ^^^and definitely spell out what you want to get into, as many fields have only minimal overlap for tools:

Cars?

• Maintenance only or modifications?
• some of us are or have been into actual race car or street rod fabrication and more...

Home maintenance, or home improvements?
What type?

• painting adn wall finishing?
• Plumbing?
• Electrical?

Wood working?

• Many levels here, from fine furnishings, to
• intricate projects line clock casework and other fine detailed work, to
• rough outdoors furniture and the like...

And I've only scratched the surface...

Well I'd like to start getting into easy wood working as a hobby, but her blocks and stuff. Also regular house work and house upgrades and updates. Really as far as I can take it outside of automotive. That's not my biggest interest.


And you all have given great information! Thank you all.

Better get that beer now.

 

[outdoorsman310]

hammer, safety glasses, pliers, screwdriver set, wrenches, socket set, food

 

[98ssuck]

Safety gear, a toolbox, a work bench and a beer fridge.

 

[unslow1]

I bought this Dewalt set for $130 at Home Depot last week. All I wanted was an impact driver and battery. This kit was cheaper.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-1...-Kit-2-Tool-DCK235C/100647068?keyword=dck235c

 

[kythri]

Lathe and mill. Maybe a shaper if you want.

As basics?!

 

[theoldwizard1]

When it comes to tool purchase I have a couple pieces of advice

• Take it slow. You don't need to buy everything at one time. You may never need to buy somethings (I rarely use my 1/2" drive ratchet, breaker bar or sockets). Start with the basics. Safety glasses, pliers (you will find that there are many kinds and you will need several different ones), screwdrivers, hammer. Stay away from "gimmick" tools, like 99-in-1 anything !
• You don't need to buy brand name. If you don't mind buying non-American, at Harbor Freight you can get a lot of tools for NOT a lot of money. Sure there are better quality tools, but unless you get the top brands they are all made in China anyway.
• Having a place to work with a bench and proper lighting and a place to store your tools (garage, basement, spare bedroom) will make your hobby much more enjoyable.
• If you are a true rookie, power tools, even battery operated ones, can hurt you quick.

Some metro areas have "clubs" (for lack of a better word) that you can join. They will have classes on wood working, metal working, etc AND will have good quality machines that you can use.

 

[Filson]

When it comes to tool purchase I have a couple pieces of advice

• Take it slow. You don't need to buy everything at one time. You may never need to buy somethings (I rarely use my 1/2" drive ratchet, breaker bar or sockets). Start with the basics. Safety glasses, pliers (you will find that there are many kinds and you will need several different ones), screwdrivers, hammer. Stay away from "gimmick" tools, like 99-in-1 anything !
• You don't need to buy brand name. If you don't mind buying non-American, at Harbor Freight you can get a lot of tools for NOT a lot of money. Sure there are better quality tools, but unless you get the top brands they are all made in China anyway.
• Having a place to work with a bench and proper lighting and a place to store your tools (garage, basement, spare bedroom) will make your hobby much more enjoyable.
• If you are a true rookie, power tools, even battery operated ones, can hurt you quick.

Some metro areas have "clubs" (for lack of a better word) that you can join. They will have classes on wood working, metal working, etc AND will have good quality machines that you can use.

+1!

Take it slow. As projects come up, you'll see what special tools you need. Harbor Freight will be your friend for awhile. Also hit yard sales when you can to see if there is a good deal to be had.

A work bench in your garage is a must. Make it big enough to be comfortable and useable (~8 foot long to start). This will leave room to mount a bench vise, etc.

For basic around the house stuff... Framing hammer, smaller hammer, 3 pounder, dead blow, and a rubber mallet for striking tools. A pry bar and a flat bar. Screw driver set, 3/8's socket set and ratchet, wire stripper/crimp, volt tester, tape measure (25' and maybe a smaller 12'), two levels (smaller one and another that's at least 3', staple gun, plier set, couple vise grips, c clamps, wire brush, counter sink bit and drill bit set, safety glasses and actually wear them please... Items will come up as time goes on. You can probably knock off this list with ~$150 at HF. Start along these lines and go from there over time.

 

[Garagegreenhorn]

Thanks guys. Old wizard, I am a rookie, but not that rookie. I've used power tools such a circular saws, drills, chop saw etc, when demo/remodeling my kitchen. But so much was borrowed tools from father in law and stuff. I just wanted a solid base of advice from others with more knowledge. And you all surely gave me that! Thabk you so much.

 

[andywander]

As basics?!

Well, yeah, if you want to do metalworking.


Since he didn't specify, i just listed what I would want as basics.

 

[cburnscrx]

Where to begin...actually that's exactly what this is about. Sometimes I think it would be fun to start over and buy stuff from the beginning. Then again about 10 years ago most of my tools were stolen and that sucked, so never mind.

I do a lot of house related projects...I am gutting and rehabbing one now, including moving a kitchen and removing walls. I also do a lot of projects that I've put together a travel kit. In my opinion that would be a good starting point for someone just getting started. I'll take some pictures tomorrow

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hello, I'm new to the forums and the garage and tool world. A few years ago my wife and I bought our first home. It had some oddities in the garage, like three very large basin sinks with industrial plumbing etc. after asking my neighbors who has lived on the block for a very long time, we learned the original owner was a garage shop man, and he used the garage that way. We found an industrial shop vent in the upper wall, and I knew I wanted to do the same.

So now it begins.

I want to start the tool purchasing and shop developing, this I where I need you more seasoned garagemaholics assistance. Where do I start? I intend to buy a dewalt set of drill and impact driver, but what other necessities should I have as basics to make sure I can do all that's needed on a more regular basis?

I have a corded skill saw (it was my grandfathers) as well as an off brand 18V drill and an old 1960's corded B&D corded drill; and the normal hammer, hand saw, and screwdrivers.

So let me know your thoughts on basic needs.

-GarageGreenHorn

Your needs are based on what you plan on doing. I assume you mean woodworking because none of the stuff you listed are really mechanics tools (outright).

So...first things first is you need a miter saw and a work table/working surface. I don't do woodwork like this (I do it by hand) but you need a miter saw if you want to make good looking finished product because of the angle cuts and ease of cut. As far as accessories:

A decent sander
Fasteners (wood screws + nails + some bolts; depends on what you're building)
Bits for fasteners (they have sockets in many drill kits)
Safety glasses
Rafter's square
Tape measure
Pencils, markers, marking crayons
Ruler or stick
Level
Wood.

Most of this stuff can be had pretty cheap at retail just inspect it before buying it if you get it from a dollar store or 99 cents only store; they usually have a bunch of decently made stuff actually but usually it's a closeout purchase. I've gotten some of the walmart t-squares, safety glasses, fasteners (hooks) and other things at 99 cents only. Dollar tree used to sell a decent mid-size level (rubberized plastic), I have a couple of those; also they sell galvanized (I think) 2 prong hangers that are great for hanging stuff off the walls (5 in a pack). Don't need the best stuff to start out.

Sander and miter saw you should get a good one with a good warranty.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Werner and Little Giant have some good multi-use ladders.. They rate a chapter to themselves as to their versatility and usefulness.

 

[Pumpman1968]

Get yourself a good 4 in 1 screwdriver (such as Klein), a 10" adjustable wrench (Craftsman still USA) and a real pair of Channellocks. You will be surprised what you can accomplish with good basic tools.

 

[Gmonkee]

Make your own bench and tool storage. Its all basic woodworking there and I found it to be rewarding and fun.

Since I've made 8 toolboxes and three workbenches from wood without power tools at all. Recycled materials on most of them just for fun and to keep the costs down.

Keep a very simple kit to cover basic plumbing based on whatever type of tubes the new house uses too. The ability to repair a minor leak or remove a plugged drain trap saves lots of money in service calls.

 

[crewchief888]

if you borrowed tools to do a project, those would be the 1st things to get for yourself...


then pick up what you need, when you need it.

 

[DieselSaves]

if you borrowed tools to do a project, those would be the 1st things to get for yourself...


then pick up what you need, when you need it.

+1 on this. If I have to borrow a tool, that tool goes on my list to own.

 

[Bill T]

Start slow. If something breaks, ask someone you trust how to fix it. Get to know your older neighbor, the retired guy down the street. Most of the time , they are glad to help someone starting out. Besides, you will make a friend, a mentor. Instead of paying $$$ for someone to fix it, spend the money on decent tools and get your new mentor to guide you. Look on Youtube. As long as you use a little common sense, weeding the wheat from the chaf, you can get a lot of great info on the interweb.

 

[diggerrick]

The one tool you GOTTA have for home improvement/repairs is an oscillating multi-tool. Wifey and I have a couple cheapies (Harbor Freight & Menard's Tool Shop brand) that have been worth their cost many times over.

 

[bcradio]

+1 on this. If I have to borrow a tool, that tool goes on my list to own.

Except a tile saw... because I DO NOT want to store one of those for the rare occasion I use it.

 

[crewchief888]

if you borrowed tools to do a project, those would be the 1st things to get for yourself...


then pick up what you need, when you need it.

+1 on this. If I have to borrow a tool, that tool goes on my list to own.

Except a tile saw... because I DO NOT want to store one of those for the rare occasion I use it.

well a little common sense goes a long way.

i need to dig a couple trenches to reroute the sump pump discharges.

i'm not gonna buy and excavator or a trencher....

 

[jhwhite05]

Here's a list to work towards. Hope this helps:

Power Tools:
Circular Saw
10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
Jig Saw
10 Amp Reciprocating Saw
5/8-Inch to 2-Inch 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Pocket Driver with 2 Batteries
cordless drill
Belt sander
Router
random orbital sander
Multipurpose Oscillating Tool
sawzawl
power hand plane
cordless circular saw

Miscellaneous:
safety glass
work gloves
Tool belt (bob’s leather)
pencils
electrical tape
extension cords - 1- 25’ , 1- 50’


Hand Tools:
12-inch Pry Bar
48-Inch and 16-Inch Aluminum Levels
12-Ounce Titanium Milled Face Hammer with a Curved 18-Inch Hickory
25 foot tape measure
framing square
speed square
flat bar
crow bar,
t bevel
combination square
Nail sets,
set of drill bits including paddle bits
torpedo level
assortment of putty knifes
lots of screw drivers.
low angle block plane

razor knife

snap line

chisels

hand saw

cats paw nail puller
 

set of cresent wrenches
set of pliers

set of channel locks
set of lineman’s pliers
needle nose Pliers
Wire stripper

 

[woody 73]

Make it a habit of every day checking your local CL for deals on used tools and soon you will build up a nice woodworking collection.

Way down the road of life you will want a table saw something like the following for starters:

http://columbus.craigslist.org/for/4287761454.html

With a good wheel kit you can move it all around your Man cave. Now you can buy smaller units or if you wish you can buy the larger cabinet saws but they are not cheap; so that is why I suggest a middle of the road saw to start with.

Good luck hunting...

 

[Nick Danger]

I would go the other direction. What's your project?

A new faucet for the bathroom sink? Basin wrench.
Made a hole in the drywall? Drywall saw, mud knives, and a paint brush.
Add a light switch? Fish tape and a volt meter.
Replace the light bulbs in the dashboard? Torx bits.

Some guys here are professionals, or collectors. I'm not. I buy the tools I need for a project. As time goes on, my toolbox builds up.

And every new project is an opportunity to buy a new tool!

 

[crewchief888]

I would go the other direction. What's your project?

A new faucet for the bathroom sink? Basin wrench.
Made a hole in the drywall? Drywall saw, mud knives, and a paint brush.
Add a light switch? Fish tape and a volt meter.
Replace the light bulbs in the dashboard? Torx bits.

Some guys here are professionals, or collectors. I'm not. I buy the tools I need for a project. As time goes on, my toolbox builds up.

And every new project is an opportunity to buy a new tool!

thats what i've been doing since i graduated HS in '76 and started to work as a machinist. since then i've been wrenching on const eq for 30 years, building 4x4's, and doing some racing.

most of my projects involved some remodeling around the house. most of my tool purchases have to do with cutting wood, plumbing and electrical.

 

[Garagegreenhorn]

Man you guys have been a great help! My first major project is going to e building a work bench/table. Something sturdy and capable of mounting a vice too. That way I'll have a solid level surface to work on.

 

[kc-steve]

During the initial stages of acquiring tools, it might be a good idea to buy good ole' used tools of higher quality than low priced cheap new tools. You can afford many more that way and won't have to worry about breaking them as much.

Steve

 

[Garagegreenhorn]

Except a tile saw... because I DO NOT want to store one of those for the rare occasion I use it.

Oddly enough, I own a tile saw. After remodeling my kitchen I found it useful to own for cutting backsplash tiles.