Jennifer Murphy wrote:
My son just bought his first house.

Books
Maybe, but only if you know enough to pick out good ones. Between online
sources and the library, he shouldn't need to purchase any.

Chisel Set
Only buy as needed.

Clamps
Start with a basic set. Add more and more and more and more and more
when needed. This would be a good start:
http://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-SET150-6...3916998&sr=1-1

Compressor
Not necessary. He's not doing production work. If he can't swing a
hammer, now is the time to learn.

Drill & Bits
A decent 3/8" _corded_ drill would be good. Make sure it has a keyless
chuck. Cordless are nice, but let him buy his own if and when he feels
the need.

As for bits, you can get a 120 piece drill/drive set for $25.

Extension Cord
A 25', 50', and a tri-tap
http://www.amazon.com/Triple-Tap-Ext.../dp/B002RBCJLI


Gun, Nail
Nope. He has a hammer. If he ends up doing a lot of trim work, he can
get a compressor/nailgun combo.

Gun, Staple
Nope.

Hammers: Claw, Rubber, ???
16oz claw hammer. If he's going to be doing any demolition, a large rip
hammer would be good. Also, for demolition:
- mini flat pry bar
- medium flat pry bar (12")
- wrecking/ripping bar (18-24")

Ladder
2' and 6' would be nice.

Level
2' and torpedo

Multi-Function Tool, Oscillating
They can be handy, but I'd wait to see if he needs one.

Pliers, Assorted
Yep.
Pliers, Vise Grip
Yep.
Sander (Air, Electric)
electric 5" random orbit sander. Hook and loop (velcro) is good. Small
assortment of hook and loop sanding disks.

Saw Horse
One pair. Plastic ones are OK. He can buy or make others if needed.

Saw, Circular
Yep. A good one. Sturdy base, good sight line to blade. Plan on $80-$120.

Saw, Chain
Nope. It's cheaper to rent than buy unless he has acres of woods to
manage or plans on cutting his own firewood. A cheap chain saw will be
nothing but a headache, and you'll feel bad when he cuts his leg wide open.

Saw, Miter
10" compound miter saw.

Screwdriver Set
Yep.

Shop Vac
Wet/dry shop vac.

Socket Set
Perhaps. It's one of those things he can easily buy if he needs to.

Tool Box
One tool box for small hand tools.

Tool Chest
Nope. Storage tubs/totes work fine. He'll want to be able to take the
tools with him around the house, not have to run to the garage every 5
minutes.

Trouble light
A 300 or 500 watt halogen work light and a led flashlight should do it.

Voltmeter, Tester
$5 for a receptacle tester.

Wire Cutter, Stripper
Buy only if needed. Don't encourage people to mess with house wiring
unless they know what they're doing or have a mentor who does.

Wrenches, Allen
Metric and standard sets.

Wrenches, Box
Sure.

Wrenches, Pipe
Buy as needed.

Not mentioned:
- Tool belt. Remember that more pockets is not always better.
- A good 25' tape measure.
- Carpenter pencils
- Chalk line with blue chalk. (red is permanent)
- 2' and 4' aluminum straight edges.
- 7" speed square/rafter square
- Jig saw.
- safety glasses.
- dust masks. Get a box of N95 masks with valves. The valve helps keep
safety glasses from fogging. (If his glasses fog up, he'll remove the
glasses or the respirator.)
http://www.amazon.com/3M-8511-Partic.../dp/B0002YKBV2
- Utility knife. There's only one worth owning, and it's the Stanley 199:
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-10-209...dp/B00002X209/

- If he's going to be doing demolition, he'll want a sawzall (aka
reciprocating saw) Can't go wrong with a Milwaukee.

If you've covered the basics and still feel like you haven't spent
enough, get him a gift card to the local hardware store so he can get
what he needs when he needs it rather than having a tool sit unused.