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Building a Basic Tool Kit

Introduction

Before you get started, gather your tools, and lay them out. I bet you have more than you realize.

If you are joining this with little to no tools, start here. If you have been at this a long time, either skip over it or skim it to make sure you got it all. 

(note: I do NOT receive any incentives, financial or otherwise, for these recommendations.

Shopping for Tools

First, you need to think about how rough you might be on your tools. 

  • Are you usually rough with stuff? Invest in higher quality tools (Craftsman, better Harbor Freight sets)
  • New to tools? Start with more affordable options, but avoid the cheapest

 

You might want to buy higher quality IF you think you might be a bit harder on the tools. Are you strong? Someone who uses force? Someone who uses tools for uses perhaps outside of their intended purpose because it’s just too much to go get the proper tool in that moment??? Example: would you use the side of a wrench as a hammer if you didn’t have the hammer right there? My favorite tip is to go to reddit.com/r/Tools/ or Buy it for life: Durable, Quality, Practical (reddit.com) and do a search for what I am looking for. You could also look out for Craftsman, the better quality sets at Harbor Freight. I recommend going into a store for things you use with your hands to make sure you like the fit and weight of them.

If the above doesn’t describe you and you are just starting out, feel free buy cheaper (Harbor Freight can be a good deal). That said, you don’t want to just go with the cheapest you can find either. Nothing like starting a task only to have to stop because your tool broke.

Tip: I highly recommend going to garage sales, estate sales and even looking at sites like Craigslist and looking for older tools. Just know what things are going for before you go as some estate sale managers overprice tools. You can often find great prices at garage sales and craigslist.

Safety First

Safety glasses: the best ones are the ones you will actually wear. Wear glasses? You can now buy safety glasses with a prescription in them! 

 

Ear protection:  for when using power tools (or if you are working with someone who complains….just kidding, I think).

 

Dust mask and/or face masks. use the soft dust masks (all those kn94s you have left over from COVID are handy!) when doing dusty projects, sawing, or even when using chemicals. Use a proper respirator when using toxic chemicals or other dirty work in closed spaces or for prolonged times. I highly recommend you buying these sooner than later since you are more likely to use them if they are on hand. 

 

Closed toe shoes. I like my toes ON my feet, thank you very much. 

 

Long pants and short sleeves to protect your skin for certain tasks. 

 

Hair ties for you long hairs out there.

 

Tool belt- yes it can increase safety as things are safely stored on your body. It also reduces the times you have to climb up and down the ladder or get up and down off the floor, which reduces accidents itself but also keeps you from getting tired. All that said, I don’t wear one….

 

Work gloves– These are great when handling rough or sharp materials – but don’t wear them while using hand or power tools! 

 

Lightweight pair of latex or rubber coated gloves. They are thin and flexible enough to allow you to grip objects like plywood. 

 

First aid kit. You can buy a prefilled one or buy a fishing tackle box and fill it with custom supplies. As we live in an area with snakes, I was sure to have a snake kit in mine. While you are at it, put in one for your car too. 

Essential Tools

Screwdrivers

 

Pliers, in particular slip joint pliers (Channel Lock) which are very useful for bigger jobs where you don’t have the right end wrench or socket. Helpful too to get the hose off of a faucet.

 

Socket wrenches

 

Hammer

 

Box Cutter. An easy-to-use box cutter – the kind that don’t require sharpening (just change the blade out). Make sure you find changing the blade easy.  It should be sturdy though – you might find yourself doing something with force and you might find yourself bleeding if it breaks.

 

Heavy Duty Scissors (use these as opposed to the box cutter when you can as they are much safer often faster). Many job sites now use these over box cutters because it lowers the incident of hang injuries.

 

A good tape measure or two. We keep a 10’ in the house and a 25’ at the workbench (ok, actually for some reason, we have a lot of them).

 

A level, at least a 6” one.

 

Stud finder so you don’t turn you wall into Swiss cheese or hit plumbing or electrical wires.

 

A drill with an extra battery. I highly suggest you go to a store and pick them up and pick one that you like the weight and feel of.

 

Sticky stuff.

  • Duct tape. This stuff can be used for so many things (it makes a great cup holder for one, you can use it for temporary window screen repairs, small repairs and more. AND it comes in cool designs and colors.
  • Painter’s tape. Of course, you can use it when you paint, but it’s also handy for marking drill holes or other things that you do not want to use a pencil on. 
  • Electrical tape. It is for insulating electrical connections, but you can also use it to wrap wooden handles, such as labels, color coding supplies, or for marking metal pieces. 
  • E6000 Glue. My favorite household glue. Visit E6000 Glue: Comprehensive Guide on How to Use It

 

Nice to Have Tools

End wrenches (nice to have but not necessarily needed right away)

 

Some kind of saw. There are a lot of different kinds out there but usually you can make do with what you have.

Tool Storage

  • Designate a specific storage space. It can be as simple as a tool bucket to a toolbox or as fancy as a work bench. If you have a small space, the tool bucket might be perfect for you as it holds a lot and only needs a small space in a closet. I love the tool bucket.
  • Repeat after me: the task is NOT done until all the tools are wiped down and put up correctly. Make that your mantra. Write it down and put it where you keep your tools.
  • Repeat after me: the task is NOT done until all the tools are wiped down and put up correctly. Make that your mantra. Write it down and put it where you keep your tools. (See what I did there. I am serious. Put those tools up clean).

As your Skills & Confidence Increases

Thermal Imaging Camera

 

Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter (or VOM).

 

Voltage Tester

Additional Resources

Tips

  • Having the right tools for a job might initially cost as much as hiring a professional. However, this investment comes with distinct advantages. Once the work is done – without juggling someone else’s schedule or being home for service calls – those tools remain yours.
  • While they do require storage space, quality tools often last a lifetime and can even be passed down.
  • Working on your own projects also means maintaining complete control over quality standards. While many contractors are skilled professionals who take pride in their work, they inevitably face time pressures between jobs and profit considerations. By doing the work yourself, you can take the time needed to achieve exactly the results you want, without rushing to meet someone else’s schedule. 
  • Also… you can see it as paying to learn. Yes, mistakes will be made at first but as you grow you will make fewer and less mistakes and in the long run it will be cheaper. 
  • So, don’t feel you need to go broke buying tools. 
  • Do not delay starting because you cannot afford the best tools. 
  • Do not allow yourself to get paralyzed and overwhelmed. 
  • There is no perfect answer so do what feels good to you!