what tools are *essential* to own?

18 comments

1. Hammer, hand saw, drill, set of screw drivers, set of box wrenches, and a socket set.

   But, there is no such thing as a project which does not require purchasing a new tool. This is a law. That is why projects exist.

2. Buy a plunger before you *need* a plunger.

3. If you are just talking about basic home ownership…

   Drill, and drill bits
   Level,
   Hammer,
   Crescent wrenches
   Pipe wrench
   Manual screwdriver
   Pliers
   Some kind of all purpose saw

   The problem is that once you get the knack of what you can accomplish….you feel ready to tackle bigger projects that require different tools. Car maintenance is its own gigantic list. If you’re looking to actually make things, that’s an even more expensive list (probably starting with a table saw).

4. A good reliable pocket knife. Full stop. Everyone should have one and if you don’t you’re fuckin up. It will literally save your life.

   A lighter. Just have one. You ever run two sticks together to make fire? I have. I’d rather freeze to.death. my house is full of fire making tools.

   Headlamp. Is it night? Or dark? Do you have to do a thing? Bam. Every bag, every vehicle, every room in my house has its own headlamp. They’re just too good not to.

   A fire extinguisher. Never trust the ones your landlord provides and if you own your own house ABSOLUTELY have one on hand. It’s the difference between your overheated dryer being a write off and losing EVERYTHING YOU OWN.

   I’d throw in a basic set of screwdrivers, some needle nose pliers with wire clips, a set of hex wrenches for appliances and furniture, a hatchet or claw hammer, and a crescent wrench.

   If you drive, a set of jumper cables.

5. Maybe buy every tool you need when you need it?

6. Honestly buy anything specialized as you need them. Yes, you will visit the hardware store a lot. You will also spread the cost out over time, not wind up with a bunch of shit you don’t need but spent money on and now have to store.

   Some idea of the projects you’re thinking of would help, because honestly if you’re just thinking of swapping some outlets or fixtures, fixing some knobs and hanging some stuff: a multi-tip screw driver, some standard and needle nose pliers, a light hammer and maybe a cordless drill with a cheap set of bits suitable for occasional use on drywall and wood will mostly have you covered. Throw in a big set of channel locks if you’re thinking plumbing fixtures.

7. Absolute rock-bottom, bare minimum?

   A hex screwdriver with a bit set (bonus points for ratcheting screwdriver), a hammer, a wrench, and pliers. If you have any interest in hanging things on your walls, a level, stud finder, and a drill are also nice.

8. Make a list with projects you wanna do. Then take the ones you can actually do with your current skill level. See what tools you need for them. Go buy the tools. Do the project and repeat.
   My advise is to not buy excessive things just so you can have them and never use them. I made that mistake. My motivation hit me, I bought some expensive shit, did something little and everything is sitting in boxes rn for who knows how much time.

9. A phone or computer with Google. To mayyyyyybe attempt or call a pro

10. Usually around black Friday you can find decent sets with 8 essential tools. The rest you won’t realize you need until you need it.

11. Tape measure

12. That’s like going into a drug store and asking “what meds do I need to stay healthy?” Depends on what you have, friend-o.

13. Williams (Snap On) ratcheting screwdriver (Amazon like 38$). Change out for any bit, it’s magnetic, and it ratchets forward and backwards. I will never use a regular screwdriver again (unless it’s the drinking style).

14. A good multitool to carry with you at all times.

15. Drills (with good drill bits), a jig saw, circular saw, spirit level, assortment of clamps, screwdrivers, wrenches, tape measure, ratchet set, a good hammer, and a square would be my “must haves.”

    For nice to haves, I’d say mitre saw, table saw, palm sander.

    Beyond that, depends what you are into. I use my plunge router every day (I build electric guitars as a hobby), but it’s overkill for most people. I’d say buy what you need as you need it, otherwise you will end up wasting money on things you never take out of the box.

16. I buy as I need. The tools I have at work are more expensive and higher quality. The ones I have at home are Harbor Freight. I won’t use those tools often and my rule is, if they break I buy a better quality tool. So far only my ratcheting screwdriver from HF broke and bought a higher quality one as a replacement.

    For sure, buy a fire extinguisher, tape measure, a ratcheting screwdriver. Screws seem the be the thing that get loose quickest in my house. Tighten them every now then.

17. Pretty much everything has been covered but here’s a few tips:

    While you should buy a proper level, there are level phone apps I’ve found useful in a pinch.

    Recommend having some spackling on hand for when you inevitably mess up a wall.

    Duct tape & gorilla glue for when you mess up other stuff.

18. There is just one tool that I consider indispensable, and that is a decent wireless screwdriver/drill. It’s worth investing some money in. I have my loyal Makita (because it’s powerful and nearly indestructible), and I can honestly say it’s the one tool I use the most by far. That, a bunch of decent quality screw heads, and a set of quality drills.

    Followed in second place by a decent socket/ratchet set.