Popular Post kmealy 11,706 Posted July 31, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 31, 2020 As I'm getting closer to finishing up tool totes for the grandsons, I remembered my mom's maxim that you shouldn't give an empty purse or wallet as a gift. So, I'd like to get them a very minimal tool set to include. I've looked at the usual suspects and they are either too much or very cheap tools. I'd rather get 4 or 5 nice tools than a dozen that won't last. So, I'm wondering what to include. I put together a small set for my daughters when they headed off to college and they still have and use them. - utility knife - tape measure - 16 oz hammer - Pliers or "channel lock" type tool - Multi-tip screwdriver that includes slotted, phillips and square drive at least (I like my Pic-Quic) HandyDan, Cal, Gunny and 3 others 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post John Morris 22,269 Posted July 31, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 31, 2020 adjustable wrench? kmealy, Cal, Gunny and 3 others 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gene Howe 33,676 Posted July 31, 2020 Report Share Posted July 31, 2020 Regular pliers. They are a lot more versatile than Channel locks....IMO. kmealy, Cal, FlGatorwood and 1 other 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post lew 18,254 Posted July 31, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 31, 2020 Their ages might be a factor for tool selection. My wife's favorite tool is a dinner knife- screwdriver, prybar, hammer, etc. I'm glad you are starting your grandkids with proper tools. Gerald, kmealy, HARO50 and 3 others 2 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post PostalTom 1,934 Posted July 31, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 31, 2020 Locking pliers, or "Vice Grips". Cal, FlGatorwood, HARO50 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post p_toad 5,500 Posted July 31, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 31, 2020 pencil, small square kmealy, HARO50, Cal and 2 others 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kmealy 11,706 Posted July 31, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2020 Thanks, good ideas,keep them coming. We plan to add tools over the next few years. They (twin boys) are 16. I am not sure where there interests will lead them. They help out with home remodeling, have done some carving and turning (I recommended their dad get a used Shopsmith from a friend of mine), at school they do robotics, and just took a blacksmithing class this summer. HARO50, FlGatorwood, Cal and 1 other 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AndrewB 2,633 Posted July 31, 2020 Report Share Posted July 31, 2020 My parents bought me a tool kit containing the basic household tools a set of philips heads flat heads of different sizes a couple of wrenches and a set of pliers. Simple but then again I have had quite a few tools already. Cal, kmealy, FlGatorwood and 1 other 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post Cal 7,980 Posted August 1, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted August 1, 2020 That is quite a spread between robotics and blacksmithing. Maybe one of those free multi testers from HF? Or maybe they already have their eyes on a wanted/needed tool and a 20% off coupon for HF would be useful Where's Herb, @Dadio when we need him? Go HF! Gunny, p_toad, FlGatorwood and 2 others 2 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HandyDan 89,168 Posted August 1, 2020 Report Share Posted August 1, 2020 Good choices. I would add an adjustable wrench as John suggested. Gunny, HARO50, Cal and 1 other 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post kmealy 11,706 Posted August 1, 2020 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted August 1, 2020 2 hours ago, Cal said: That is quite a spread between robotics and blacksmithing. Maybe one of those free multi testers from HF? Or maybe they already have their eyes on a wanted/needed tool and a 20% off coupon for HF would be useful Where's Herb, @Dadio when we need him? Go HF! Only problem is they live miles from anywhere. Nearest HF is 3 1/2 hours away. I've also noticed that HF has done away with "freebies" and now offering "cheapies." Their offerings now are a dollar or less and not free. Artie, FlGatorwood, Gunny and 3 others 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
p_toad 5,500 Posted August 1, 2020 Report Share Posted August 1, 2020 22 hours ago, p_toad said: pencil, small square perhaps a combination square instead with two heads. good for centering and squaring and measuring. FlGatorwood, Cal, Larry Buskirk and 1 other 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post FlGatorwood 9,357 Posted August 1, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted August 1, 2020 It seems that you need a good flashlight so often. And, I like to have needle nose pliers in addition to channel locks, vice grips, wire cutters, and all the other tools mentioned. You have a great tool kit there, Keith. If I wanted a durable tool to last for many years, I would give Kobalt a look and I have no idea about what Home Depot has. I quit shopping there. HARO50, Cal, Gunny and 2 others 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kmealy 11,706 Posted August 1, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2020 Since I got a smart phone last year, it's nice always having a flashlight and camera with me. Now, if it only had a knife blade. My old case had the perfect spot for an EDC. Larry Buskirk, HARO50, Gunny and 2 others 2 2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FlGatorwood 9,357 Posted August 2, 2020 Report Share Posted August 2, 2020 Smart phones? Is there really such a thing? They seem dumber, but I like to have the option of all the apps/tools at my convenience if I can remember all the icons. Sometimes, I wish I had a simple flip phone and other times, I am happy to have this ?smartphone?. I work outside most often and in the summer, rain creeps in without warning. So, when the sun begins to grow dim, I pull out the phone and check the weather map. Sometimes, I get my stuff under roof just in time. And, the flashlight comes in handy. It's just a miniature computer with lots of switches. HARO50, Cal, Gunny and 1 other 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kmealy 11,706 Posted August 3, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2020 The other amazing thing is my GPS system will alert me, real time, of delays and if needed, suggest alternate routes to save time. I have found that very helpful at times. (I had the GPS way before the smart phone). Cal, FlGatorwood, HARO50 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post Dadio 7,614 Posted August 3, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted August 3, 2020 Go Harbor Freight Herb FlGatorwood, HARO50, Gunny and 3 others 2 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HARO50 10,452 Posted August 3, 2020 Report Share Posted August 3, 2020 John FlGatorwood 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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