What are the essential first tools that should go in a toolbox?

Question

Hi there, I'm just getting in to improving my practical skills and want to try everything from basic, bread-and-butter mechanics through to simple building and household engineering tasks. Bearing in mind I'm an amateur and on a limited budget, what are the first essential tools I need to get my hands on, and would second-hand tools be acceptable? What should I look out for and avoid in tools?

Thanks

Answer 1

Having read through other answers they are all good answers but i think the point is missed.
You require a toolbox full of tools on a budget.
You don't know what you want to buy.
A good tool box is built up over years.
Whatever work you undertake you'll need a steel tape measure. There are only two worth considering Lufkin or Stanley baring accidents they'll last a lifetime (don't get them wet)
Claw hammer with a steel shaft feel the balance when you pick it up ask yourself could i swing this all day.
Handsaw the throw away ones are the best buy one with a medium cut it will do most jobs (cut plastic with it and all its good for afterwards is cutting plastic) I use Stanley.
Hacksaw 10" Eclipse is good.
Spanners I bought combination set of dare I say it Stanley (no I don't work for them) the cost was ridiculously low and still going strong 20 years later.
I could go on forever someone already mentioned screwfix who are good but there is another online tool store i use Axminster Tools exceptional value and real good choice, don't be afraid of their own make they are robust tools.

Will just add a good tool box evolves over many years some tools are bought, some given by friends as presents some bought second hand. Buy them as you need them your skills will evolve with your toolbox.

Hope this helps and good luck

Answer 2

Second hand tools are fine. But, be sure that you are getting a good deal. Power tools from a pawn shop, for instance, are an awful deal.

There are two schools of thought in buying tools. The first kind of buyer will get the cheap stuff because he knows that he will rarely use it. The second kind gets the expensive stuff because he wants it to last forever. I like a combonation of the two. For 'hand' tools, I buy the cheaper sets. You can find wrench sets, drill bit sets, screwdriver sets, etc... All of these will be prepackaged in thier own plastic case, for easy storage. They are handy to have and don't cost an arm and a leg. My socket set, for example, cost me $20 and has handled 95% of my needs. (I had to buy a seperate socket for my spark plugs.)

For 'power hand tools', I invested a bit more. DeWalt has a set of 6 or 7 tools (drill, impact wrench, vacuum, flashlight, reciprocating saw, angle grinder, trim saw) available for about $500. It comes with 3 batteries and a charger, as well as a heavy-duty duffle bag. This is a GREAT deal. The batteries alone are a $300 value. These are 18V rechargables, and they will do most any job around the house. It's a big purchase, but one that will last you a long time.

Other things you might want: miter saw, table saw, air compressor and nail gun....the list is endless. In general, I find that people tend to want a lot of money for used tools, so be careful. I would rather buy a brand new 'off-brand' (Ryobi, Rigid, etc...) than spend the same on a used 'high-end' brand. There is a certain comfort level I have when I buy a tool new. I know it hasn't been abused, and if you are only doing work around the house, they should be fine. When you buy a used tool, make sure that it funtions as it should. A saw shouldn't wobble, for instance. Also, smell it. If it smells of 'ozone' after running for a moment, then the engine is burnt up.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Okay here goes...An adjustable spanner to avoid the need for many spanners, water pump pliers a great second pair of hands, a ratchet screwdriver with various bits and a decent claw hammer not too big and not too small, a multi-purpose saw and a junior hacksaw. A Stanley type knife, a long tape measure and a good pencil. A rechargeable electric hammer drill would also be nice. Apart from the drill all can be purchased very cheaply from a Car Boot sale. For the drill try Wickes or even all of the tools...Best Wishes.

Answer 4

Good second hand tools would be better than cheap new tools. I have broken several cheap tools and had to replace them, doubling my cost. If you find a set of Craftsman hand tools on craigslist or a garage sale or some such they will always work and are guaranteed for life.

My tool suggestions in order of priority:
-Screwdriver set or a 4-in-1, this is a single screwdriver with multiple heads usually two phillips and two flathead
-Hammer - enough said
-Plyers - Plain and needle-nose would be best but you can add the needle nose as you need when money is available
-Crecent Wrench - Start with one that fits your grip and you can get more later
-Tape measure - Planning is key when you start getting more adventurous

I'd call this the most basic set, next you can add items like channel locks, carpenter's square, clamps or a level. Then on to power tools like drills or circular saws.

diynetwork.com has some good info on home projects.

Good luck

Answer 5

Exar Kun you are venturing into a new world.. You will need a survival kit and this is what you need.. Some good scissors, a good solid sharp knife.. A screw driver set. A hammer. Some pliers and some multigrips. A measuring tape. A square. A small wood saw. A hack saw to saw metal. A rechargeable drill with accessories like a lantern. And last but not least a can of ale or two that you can have when you are finished. good luck bud.

Answer 6

All Pod's answers, plus a Stanley (razor) knife, a couple of different clamps and a silicon/glue gun.

Secondhand is fine but only in top condition (like deceased estate or something - not something that's worn out). A hard lesson I've learned is buy the very besttools you can afford provided you are going to use them.

Watch out for ultra cheap stuff. Thickness of the metal is one good indicator in spanners (but not the be all). Buy one or two of a brand you think will be good before you load up your tool box. That way you can change if you find a brand is rubbish. Here in Oz some good brands are Stanley, Sidchrome, Makita and Spear & Jackson (for saws). I think they're all international brands

Answer 7

One tip I would add to the existing good advice. If you are going to buy hand tools that come in sizes (like wrenches and screwdrivers) always buy them in the sets that are on sale. Sears, for example, has their sets of screwdrivers on sale now for about $9.99 for a set of 8. If you bought them individually they would be $3.99 for the smallest and $7.99 for the largest. Even if you don't think you need each size now, the sets are a way to go.

On that subject of Sears and hand tools they have a great warranty on their Craftsman ones (Lowe's has an equivalent one on their Husky hand tools). If these are your first tools, they are going to get bent and messed up (hammering on screwdrivers or using them for prying). After one is a wreck bring it back to the store and they will give you a no-hassle free replacement, anytime for the rest of your life.

Answer 8

I'd say hammer, Phillips and straight screwdrivers, pliers/wrench, tape measure, small saw etc. I put together an awesome tool box for my sons first home and filled it with simple tools from the Dollar Store. He uses them often and the quality was good for the value.

Answer 9

Anything made in china. do not buy ,poor quality steel.
a good drill with a sbs chuck.
chalk line.
small spirit level (make sure bubble is long enough to touch both lines ie not bigger than gap between lines.
A heathy respect for all power tools
second hand tools r ok when u know what u r buying.

Answer 10

The most important tools are the ones you can't buy, knowledge, caution and experience! As for the rest of the tools, there are some good ideas here before mine.