What would you include?

[Chillylulu]

I have 5 children. They're all adults and they are all married except for my youngest. He is 24. I have decided to make tool kits for each of them. I have been thinking and gathering tools for 5 or 6 months. Now its time to clean up loose ends and find what I need to complete the first part of this project.

What do you think should be in a basic home / automotive hand tool kit? I mean, for socket sets, what would they need for most basic repairs? How about for home repairs and for making things?

What do you think?

Here's a framework I am working from (not too thought out yet.)

Automotive Tools
Socket Sets
? Nut Drivers
Specialties
Wrenches
Pliers
Hammers
Screw Drivers
Measuring Tools
Saws & Cutting Tools
Punches
Chisels
Levels

     

[Nolatoolguy]

I really hate to say this but harbor freight is good for this type of stuff. I am not really a fan of cheap imprt stuff, however sometimes it does. When my sister moved to Utah I gave her a few tools I had an got some at harbor freight. There not the best but for my sister who just uses them a few times a year it does fine.



If they don't already have them I would get jumper cables for auto tools. I know you can get cheap short pairs that work just fine but I have a long but expensive pair. I prefer the long ones so I don't have to wory about being right in front of the other car I can be next to or sometimes behind it depending on car. I would also keep a cheap flashlight handy. I have a good streamlight flashlight but I have a few cheap flashlights as well.

I would definitely include a 3/8 drive socket set. Your small 1/4 inch drive sockets can probably be taken care of by thoe bits for your screwdriver. Then a few 1/2 drives.

Wrenches I would have your adjustables, allen, an basic small set of combination wrenches. A pipe wrench would be nice to turn of water if need be depending on the style valve they have.

When it comes to screwdrivers and nut drivers I would do the basic Philips an flathead. Then I would have a screwdriver with the different assorted interchangeable bits. I wouldn't worry to much about the nut drivers, there nice but I don't think there needed at first. Don't forgot the small screwdrivers for electronics an eyeglasses either.

Tape measures I don't really think it matters either, just something basic. If you look at the store you can find some of them have the common increments pre marked so you don't have to read the lines. Maybe a speed square as well. A cheap plastic bolt size refrecne template thing helped me at first, those are handy at times.

Hammers I don't really think it matters at first just something like a 16oz claw that can do everything. It may not be ideal for certain tasks but usually gets the job done.

Milwaukee and a few other brands now have a handle that accepts standard sawzaw blades. Basically it make your sawzaw blade a short handsaw. It sounds and looks stupid but it actually is pretty versatile, for basic use.

I think you really only need a small cheap torpedo level, nothing fancy.

Punches and chisels I wouldn't be to worried about but toss a few in.

Vise grips are probably one of those must have things. A good pair of linesman pliers also do wonders. Along with you can never forgot the wd40 and a roll of duct tape.

[scottg]

  This is a great thought.
  I would try to spy a little if I could.
If the kids are available and you can manage, sneak around and see what they already have. Many people have some tools stashed whether they use them or not. Not much sense duplicating tools, except quality screwdrivers and pliers (if theirs are junk) etc.
   
  I would try to think about what they each wanted and needed and what they were interested in.
People want to buy new faucets. New faucets are mostly crap, but they want/buy them anyway.  The home centers don't even sell replacement faucet parts anymore, because they have truckloads of new faucets on every aisle!!! 
   
  All this means a basin wrench, a crescent, plumbers putty.
Maybe round jaw vise grips for use in a pinch.
Round jaws are more versatile that straight jaws.
 
    Everyone should have a basic VOM and at least a short lesson on how it works. Basic electrical problems do crop up.   
   
  I wish I could help more. But I have to confess I wasn't so much help with my own kids.
I made tool boxes and a selection of hand power tools too.  Either they saw no use at all (called the plumber at the first problem) or they were seduced by shiny Home Depot "on sale today" crap anyway. Modern kids go to those places like lemmings. They can't even perceive of anything else.
  I have one son whose house --is-- a small Target store, and his garage a mini Home Depot, from the look of it all. 
   yours Scott
     

[bear_man]

Well, FINALLY!  scottg finally mentioned Vise Grips!  I once replaced a wheel bearing with vise grips, a shovel and a carpenter's hammer.  And keep in mind that vise grips aren't just automotive tools — I've also repaired a set of tire chains with a pair, plus numerous other (some would say) off-the-wall uses.  When it comes to a tape measure, get one that's accurate and the smaller-the-better, size-wise.  My bus. partner compared tapes one day and discovered that our venerable old Crapsmans agreed with each other and an L.S. Starret try square.  We hit the second-hand shops and bought every one we could find, 'cause modern blades still fit the little boxes.  I still have six, all in 20' lengths, and they're small enough to hold in one hand along with some other stuff; modern tapes are way too Huge.  I'd disagree w/ scottg about quality, however; "Don't buy junk and you won't own junk," as an older-tymer than I taught me, long ago.

[Lostmind]

I would suggest books to show how to use the tools. It doesn't always come natural to people.

[Chillylulu]

I would suggest books to show how to use the tools. It doesn't always come natural to people.

My kids are familiar with tools, but I really like your idea.  I think something like a handymans general reference would help them a lot. Not only on how you use them, but also to give them an idea on what they can do with tools.

Thanks for your idea -

Larry

[Chillylulu]

I really hate to say this but harbor freight is good for this type of stuff. I am not really a fan of cheap imprt stuff, however sometimes it does. When my sister moved to Utah I gave her a few tools I had an got some at harbor freight. There not the best but for my sister who just uses them a few times a year it does fine.



If they don't already have them I would get jumper cables for auto tools. I know you can get cheap short pairs that work just fine but I have a long but expensive pair. I prefer the long ones so I don't have to wory about being right in front of the other car I can be next to or sometimes behind it depending on car. I would also keep a cheap flashlight handy. I have a good streamlight flashlight but I have a few cheap flashlights as well.

I would definitely include a 3/8 drive socket set. Your small 1/4 inch drive sockets can probably be taken care of by thoe bits for your screwdriver. Then a few 1/2 drives.

Wrenches I would have your adjustables, allen, an basic small set of combination wrenches. A pipe wrench would be nice to turn of water if need be depending on the style valve they have.

When it comes to screwdrivers and nut drivers I would do the basic Philips an flathead. Then I would have a screwdriver with the different assorted interchangeable bits. I wouldn't worry to much about the nut drivers, there nice but I don't think there needed at first. Don't forgot the small screwdrivers for electronics an eyeglasses either.

Tape measures I don't really think it matters either, just something basic. If you look at the store you can find some of them have the common increments pre marked so you don't have to read the lines. Maybe a speed square as well. A cheap plastic bolt size refrecne template thing helped me at first, those are handy at times.

Hammers I don't really think it matters at first just something like a 16oz claw that can do everything. It may not be ideal for certain tasks but usually gets the job done.

Milwaukee and a few other brands now have a handle that accepts standard sawzaw blades. Basically it make your sawzaw blade a short handsaw. It sounds and looks stupid but it actually is pretty versatile, for basic use.

I think you really only need a small cheap torpedo level, nothing fancy.

Punches and chisels I wouldn't be to worried about but toss a few in.

Vise grips are probably one of those must have things. A good pair of linesman pliers also do wonders. Along with you can never forgot the wd40 and a roll of duct tape.

I hadn't even thought about jumper cables, and these kits will definately have them included now.  The ratcheting screwdriver is a newer that covers so many basic tools, another great idea.

I have been buying quality vintage tools for some months for these kits, so I will probably only need to rely on HF for some minor items.  Money isn't so much of a concern as long as I am buying auction and can wait a couple of months, I think.

Thanks for these and your other ideas Neal.

Chilly

[OilyRascal]

Great idea, and one I'd like to someday tackle myself.  From a wood perspective I'd include a square (speed?), and maybe throw a couple school boy pencils in.  FLASHLIGHT.  I reach for 1/4" and 5/15 nut drivers often.  A 6-in-1 screwdriver is handy (or better Milwawkee and others have a 11-n-1 which covers the 1/4" and 5/16 hex).  A string line or chalk box is very handy and on the cheap at sales.

[Analog]

I have found the Following Publication By the International Red Cross to be a good basis for Tool kit contents, It also lists the contents by usage, plumbing, Carpentry, etc.. You can Google   Emergency Items Catalogue, 3rd edition, Volume 1. Many of the items are for European areas but substitutions can be to any area.

[Chillylulu]

  This is a great thought.
  I would try to spy a little if I could.
If the kids are available and you can manage, sneak around and see what they already have. Many people have some tools stashed whether they use them or not. Not much sense duplicating tools, except quality screwdrivers and pliers (if theirs are junk) etc.
   
  I would try to think about what they each wanted and needed and what they were interested in.
People want to buy new faucets. New faucets are mostly crap, but they want/buy them anyway.  The home centers don't even sell replacement faucet parts anymore, because they have truckloads of new faucets on every aisle!!! 
   
  All this means a basin wrench, a crescent, plumbers putty.
Maybe round jaw vise grips for use in a pinch.
Round jaws are more versatile that straight jaws.
 
    Everyone should have a basic VOM and at least a short lesson on how it works. Basic electrical problems do crop up.   
   
  I wish I could help more. But I have to confess I wasn't so much help with my own kids.
I made tool boxes and a selection of hand power tools too.  Either they saw no use at all (called the plumber at the first problem) or they were seduced by shiny Home Depot "on sale today" crap anyway. Modern kids go to those places like lemmings. They can't even perceive of anything else.
  I have one son whose house --is-- a small Target store, and his garage a mini Home Depot, from the look of it all. 
   yours Scott
   

Scott,

Great thoughts, and appreciated.

I have a pretty good idea on what they have, tool wise.  I think almost their whole generation is big box store infatuated.  I have upgraded some of their stuff as I get something to replace it with.  I told my son in law to go through my spare framing hammers and trade out his generic (Chinese) framing hammer with a better one. I was glad he chose a solid Estwing and a very nice Vaughan.  Their family is living with us as he works toward his degree in dentistry. (They have 3 little ones & because we have been helping to support their family he promised us a 5% discount. lol)

My youngest just completed his third year of an electrical apprenticeship. Any interesting Klein or electrically rated tools I find he automatically gets. He had several years of college already, so when he finishes his apprenticeship he should be a few classes from an electrical engineering degree.  In the last few years he has learned the value of tools and has been phasing out his cheaper tools for better quality tools. I picked up a stahlwille 3/8" socket set & I think he is eyeing that.

I hadn't thought about the plumbing tools. They are now on the list.  I probably have enough propane torch heads to set them up, too. Those are tools we have used regularly over the years.

Vise grips - good for almost any gripping grabbing, pulling, turning, twisting, and for holding stuff together until you are able to make a permanent repair.

Thanks again for your help.

Larry

[bear_man]

Nice to ruminate about everyone's ideas!  I'd add about flashlights: I prefer the venerable old mini-mag because it can be comfortably held in one's mouth; modern stuff keeps creeping up in size.  Oh, and I'd add about framing hammers: Years ago I joined an emergency crew to re-roof a truly remote ranch headquarters.  Somewhere into it, I ran a box of 20d nails with an Estwing and while riding home I was seen massaging my right elbow and fore- and upper-arms deep.  An older guy sitting next to me said, "Your problem is that steel-shanked hammer.  Don't you have a hammer with a wooden handle?"  I said, "Yeah, my 28 oz. Plumb rig-axe."  He suggested I use it the next day and thought that would mitigate my arm pain. "Those steel handles don't absorb the shock, which does the damage."  I tried it and LO!, ram well over a box of 20d and felt fine the next evening.  I still have an Estwing rip hammer that I used for, say, knocking off concrete flash that'd slopped over the top of forming.

[Branson]

>I'd add about flashlights: I prefer the venerable old mini-mag because it can be comfortably held in one's mouth; modern stuff keeps creeping up in size.

Love those mini-mags!   I have one with camping stuff and one in my go-to box for stage hand work (this one goes in a holster so it's always handy).  Last Friday I encountered something really useful.  We had to do a tear down starting at 9:00 pm -- scaffolding, lights, other electrical, and a bunch of other stuff, mostly in the dark.  The mini-mag isn't as convenient 12 feet in the air while clinging to scaffolding.  About a third of the folks working the tear down were wearing LED lights with a strap that went around their heads or hard hats.  Really bright!  I think I might need to get one.

On the other hand, Horror Fright sells a small LED flashlight,  about 3" long, only slightly larger diameter than the mag-light,  and a good deal lighter.  So far, mine seems very dependable, and brighter than the mag-light.

[scottg]

Maglights come with LED bulbs now.  They also sell upgrade LED kits for them, mini and every size, with an end cap that has a switch in it,  but they want too much for them. grrrrrrrrrrr
   Still kind of hard to top a Maglight.  I have a couple of 3C size that are just so reliable!
I keep minis around too. I don't even know how many minis I have. I always pick them up at yard sales when they come around.

  Another absolute essential for me are the old Ever-ready pen lights. The chrome pen with a pocket clip. Doctors used these for 30 years or more. Other trades too.
For putting a little light "down the hole" they can't be beat.

The Harbor Freight type, 3 triple A, LED lights have become a mainstay in my life. I keep plenty of them around.

   Dollar stores sell mini LED keychain flashlights that are surprisingly bright! They use button cells. Button cells used to cost a lot.  But if you order directly from China you can get the cells a dozen for a dollar, free shipping! They are starting to filter down to the dollar stores too, but only in certain sizes. Order direct you can get anything you want.   It just takes a month for shipping heeheheheheh
     yours Scott

[bird]

I would suggest books to show how to use the tools. It doesn't always come natural to people.

You beat me to it! A good reference book is the best tool for someone that doesn't know much about them! It's usually pretty easy to find one in a used book store..... although, I guess people don't go to bookstores anymore.... they all just go online.... sigh..... Handyman puts out a whole house repair guid that's pretty good.
cheers,
bird

[bird]

I can't remember if anyone mentioned a tool that stays attached to me everyday--- a GOOD pocket knife. When I wake up in the morning, I check to see if my wallets in the back pocket, knife in the left pocket, and tape on the right! I don't know if anyone changes their own tires anymore...... but a good long wrench you can jump on to get bolts off tires is nice to have in the car...... for those of us that aren't super strong!
     I can't remember if anyone mentioned glue or bungee cords. Another thing I would add, although, again, I'm not sure if anyone besides me still uses these.... but a good ole fashion miter box! You can do a lot of things with that, assuming you don't have a miter saw. Although, I still grab the miter box my grandfather made and used from time to time.... like most hand tools, they're often quicker then power tools, believe it or not.
      My dad still buys me those little sets of screws/ nuts that come in a little plastic box that have a bit of everything in them. They're nice to have.
Above all, get them a nice hammer...... a new one is no good. I say this largely because the feel of a worn wooden handle is just awesome. There's no two ways about it.
cheers,
bird