Starter kit?

[kmealy 9,040]

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)

[John Morris 19,467]

adjustable wrench?

[Gene Howe 30,430]

Regular pliers. They are a lot more versatile than Channel locks....IMO. 

 

[lew 15,451]

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.

[PostalTom 1,492]

Locking pliers, or "Vice Grips".

[p_toad 4,554]

pencil, small square

[kmealy 9,040]

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.

[AndrewB 1,213]

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 6,082]

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!

[HandyDan 72,187]

Good choices.  I would add an adjustable wrench as John suggested.

[kmealy 9,040]

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.

[p_toad 4,554]

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 6,677]

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.  

[kmealy 9,040]

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.

[FlGatorwood 6,677]

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.  

[kmealy 9,040]

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).

 

[Dadio 7,612]

Go Harbor Freight

Herb

[HARO50 8,981]

John