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Suggestions For The Beginner's Toolbox
I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding
gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, circular saw, router? What are the must-have tools? I'd also appreciate recommendations on brand names. I don't think I'll ever buy another Black and Decker product, having been disappointed with everything I've bought of theirs in the last few years. But what brands are the quality but reasonably priced brands, both in power tools and things like screwdrivers and wrenches? Thanks for the input. |
Dear Mr. Fleemo,
All you need to start is a power drill and some screwdrivers. Use your wedding money on something like a bowling ball.. EVERY project will require a trip to the hardware store anyway, so just buy additional tools in the order that you need them. When you do need a particular tool, and only when you need that particular tool, buy (don't borrow) a medium-priced one because cheap ones will break and expensive ones are just a little bit more useful than medium ones. -B "Fleemo" wrote in message om... I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, circular saw, router? What are the must-have tools? I'd also appreciate recommendations on brand names. I don't think I'll ever buy another Black and Decker product, having been disappointed with everything I've bought of theirs in the last few years. But what brands are the quality but reasonably priced brands, both in power tools and things like screwdrivers and wrenches? Thanks for the input. |
Fleemo wrote:
I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, DeWalt or Panasonic. circular saw, Porter-Cable 743K or 347K, depending on your blade side preference. Go quick before B&D has a chance to screw things up. router? I have a Porter-Cable 691 with both the fixed and plunge bases, and love it. Fantastic tool. Don't skimp here. A cheapie router will cause you endless strife. What are the must-have tools? I use my DeWalt 972 cordless drill and my Klein 10-in-1 driver two or three times a week each. I'd also appreciate recommendations on brand names. I don't think I'll ever buy another Black and Decker product, having been disappointed with everything I've bought of theirs in the last few years. But what brands are the quality but reasonably priced brands, both in power tools and things like screwdrivers and wrenches? I have Kobalt (Lowe's house brand; same manufacturer as Snap-On) screwdrivers and wrenches and have no complaints. It's a good quality/price compromise. I'd recommend that you get at least one hand driver that takes hex bits. Thanks for the input. No problem. Have fun. -- Bo Williams - http://hiwaay.net/~williams/ |
"Fleemo" wrote in message om... I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, circular saw, router? What are the must-have tools? Cordless drills are nice, but after time, the batteries will go dead, used or not. Corded can make sense in some cases. I love my Panasonic. Nice power/weight ratio. Also consider Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee. Circular saw. Porter Cable Router Do you really need one yet? DeWalt or Porter Cable, or Bosch. Visit www.partwarner.com for router information and suggestions. Pat is probably the best. The tools you need will be governed by what you want to do. I do woodworking and have two routers. I lived through 35 years of marriage and home ownership without one. If you have a project in mind, sure, get one now. Handy to have: Hand tools such as hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, garden tools, sharpening stones, chisels (Marple blue handle are good), square, assorted drill bits, rulers, tape measure. Get a catalog from Lee Valley. www.leevalley.com Lots of nice tools, project supplies, good ideas. If you have any plans of doing anything in wood, get a Veritas blockplane. Sander. My favorite is the random orbital with hook and loop disks. I have both Porter Cable and DeWalt and like them both. A small compressor is handy. Good for filling tires, operating nail guns, inflating, blowing air to clean out crevices. You already know that B&D is mediocre. So is Skil, Ryobi, most Craftsman. Most tools from Porter Cable, DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee, Delta, Hitachi, Makita are pretty good. Your first project should be to build a work bench. Even a small 24 x 48 would be good for tinkering, but 30 x 60 or 30 x 72 would be better. Good heavy top is important. Double thickness of 3/4" MDF or plywood is good. Mount a vice on one end. Second project is to make some shelves, drawers, cabinets. Be sure to tell young bride you need all of this to assure her happiness when something needs fixing. Find a good tool shop. Home Depot does not carry some of the best equipment. I can get better quality, better selection, better prices at www.coastaltool.com here in CT. I also like Woodcraft stores. |
Catalogs are good places to start. Craftsman, Harbor Freight ( for things you
only use once), McFeely's for fasteners, etc. Go online to Amazon.com for collections of trade specific items, like all kinds of stuff for drywall work. For electrical work, buy the new Klein Tools 14, 28, or 19 and 41 piece Journeyman Tool sets. They aren't all that pricey, you will get a ton of use out of them and be the envy of all the electrical DIYers. Try to get a decent sized all year around workshop going as soon as you can. Then buy a good table saw, preferably something like a used Delta Unisaw. Let the project dictate the tools, rent first if not sure. HTH Joe |
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A large tool box, tape measure, socket set, a VS drill , drill bit box
and a 10 and 1 screwdriver. Buy at Sears lifetime warranty no hassle on hand tools. Drill-driver maybe Makita cordless not B&D or Ryobi |
"Fleemo" wrote in message om... I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, circular saw, router? What are the must-have tools? Many good suggestions here on woodworking tools. If you are a homeowner, you will soon run into needing tools for electrical and plumbing. For plumbing, three pipe wrenches, small, med, large, also three adjustable wrenches and a faucet wrench for tightening the nuts up behind the sink. Two sets of Allen wrenches, metric and SAE. For electrical a digital cheapie meter from Radio Shackup, wire strippers, needle nose pliers, assorted screwdrivers. I've had a good set of Xcelite tools in a roll pouch for 40 years. It's their Service Master #99M complete with pliers, screwdrivers, nut drivers. Also, check out Jensen Tools. Bob |
Peter H wrote:
I don't have any advice regarding which tools to purchase, but I've got to say that if your new wife bought into this idea you've got a hell of a catch there !! Hey, I was the catch. I came *equipped* with all the home repair equipment. As for suggestions, I'd start with a set of screw drivers, allen wrenches (more and more screws have allen heads, it seems), a hammer, a hack saw (if you have no yard at all you maybe can skip this), a vise grip, a power drill with bits, a little jab saw, some sandpaper, extension cord, a strong flashlight that doesn't break when you drop it, a slip jaw pliers and a needle nose pliers, a pair of dykes and a wire stripper/crimper. A stiff metal brush (if only to clean your battery terminals) some white grease, liquid wrench, a cutter...I'm blanking on the name...with a razor blade that slides in and out of the handle....and is much bigger than an exacto knife, some blue masking tape, duct tape and electrical tape, and the white stuff you wrap on threads of fluid bearing pipes. Oh, and a plunger. If you have an old house or are renting anything but top stuff, consider a snake. I can't tell you how often I've undone my drain, and when I lived in a dorm, all kinds of males had me come and fix their drains as well. Mommy never told them pull the hair out periodically and to do something when it was getting s-l-o-w. A set of wrenches is more car repair, and bigger things like crowbars and saws are more for remodeling rather than home repair. After the above, I'd fill in as the job required. I advise quality. Cheap tools bust and warp, and as the great John Muir the III said about having good tools, you can hold and admire them while your knuckle stops bleeding. blacksalt who married a carpenter and has two of everything. |
"Fleemo" wrote in message om... I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, circular saw, router? What are the must-have tools? I'd also appreciate recommendations on brand names. I don't think I'll ever buy another Black and Decker product, having been disappointed with everything I've bought of theirs in the last few years. But what brands are the quality but reasonably priced brands, both in power tools and things like screwdrivers and wrenches? Thanks for the input. I don't have any advice regarding which tools to purchase, but I've got to say that if your new wife bought into this idea you've got a hell of a catch there !! Peter H |
Plan for bit storage & identification prior to buying a router.
Carbide bits last longer than steel. Wear hearing protection. On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 21:07:28 -0600, Bo Williams wrote: I have a Porter-Cable 691 with both the fixed and plunge bases, and love it. Fantastic tool. Don't skimp here. A cheapie router will cause you endless strife. |
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Well, Lots have put in their 2 pennies worth, I shall add one thought EBAY for some of the tools you don;t need right away. Buy quality. Remove "YOURPANTIES" to reply MUADIB® http://www.angelfire.com/retro/sster...IN%20PAGE.html one small step for man,..... One giant leap for attorneys. |
"Fleemo" wrote in message
om... I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, circular saw, router? What are the must-have tools? I'd also appreciate recommendations on brand names. I don't think I'll ever buy another Black and Decker product, having been disappointed with everything I've bought of theirs in the last few years. But what brands are the quality but reasonably priced brands, both in power tools and things like screwdrivers and wrenches? Thanks for the input. 20 - 22 oz ripping hammer, circular saw, an assortment of combination wrenches both metric and standard, adjustable wrenches, "Vise Grip" brand locking pliers, regular pliers, diagonal cutting pliers, adjustable pliers, pipe wrenches, tubing wrenches, 1/2" hammer drill, an electric impact wrench, work bench, saw horses padded with carpet, step ladders, extension ladders, first aid kit, phone in the garage (to call 911 or order pizza and beer..) This is only a basic list of things needed. |
On Sun, 07 Nov 2004 18:16:19 GMT, "Rich"
wrote: "Fleemo" wrote in message . com... I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, circular saw, router? What are the must-have tools? I'd also appreciate recommendations on brand names. I don't think I'll ever buy another Black and Decker product, having been disappointed with everything I've bought of theirs in the last few years. But what brands are the quality but reasonably priced brands, both in power tools and things like screwdrivers and wrenches? Thanks for the input. 20 - 22 oz ripping hammer, circular saw, an assortment of combination wrenches both metric and standard, adjustable wrenches, "Vise Grip" brand locking pliers, regular pliers, diagonal cutting pliers, adjustable pliers, pipe wrenches, tubing wrenches, 1/2" hammer drill, an electric impact wrench, work bench, saw horses padded with carpet, step ladders, extension ladders, first aid kit, phone in the garage (to call 911 or order pizza and beer..) This is only a basic list of things needed. Working alone? (of course you are). Get yourself a couple of "Quick-Grip" clamps. They are a great "third hand" that can be applied to or removed from the work with ONE hand. You might want to consider "reconditioned" power tools. I hear that these are rarely actually reworked in any way, just tested after they were returned to the store (sometimes after some jerk's idea of a "free rental"). I got a Makita hammer drill for about 35% off. It was indistinguishable from new. Don't buy blister packs of 10 screws unless you're absolutely sure you won't need any more of that size again. How can you be sure? You CAN'T. Buy a box. Get some sort of fastener organization system going. This can be as simple as a plastic tray with a handle that can hold the boxes. Start off with three or four sizes of drywall screws and a few sizes of nails. Buy a box of the type of wall anchors that are appropriate for your walls AND the proper screws to fit them. Keep these together. Keep the proper masonry bit for the anchors with them as well for extra convenience. Keep all the extra hardware that comes with anything you buy (knocked down furniture, curtain rods, shelf brackets, toilet repair kit, etc.) All those unused screws, brackets and such can be a real convenience when you need some odd size later. Keep wood scraps too. It's ridiculous to have to go out and BUY a piece of plywood 6" x 12". Good luck. Greg Guarino |
tell you how often I've undone my drain, and when I lived in a dorm, all kinds of males had me come and fix their drains as well. Never had my drain fixed, but I've had my pipes clean often. |
"Greg G" wrote in message Don't buy blister packs of 10 screws unless you're absolutely sure you won't need any more of that size again. How can you be sure? You CAN'T. Buy a box. Get some sort of fastener organization system going. This can be as simple as a plastic tray with a handle that can hold the boxes. Start off with three or four sizes of drywall screws and a few sizes of nails. I used baby food jars. The babies are now 37 and 35, but the jars are still holding my screws, bolts, nuts, etc. Did I say my nuts are in a jar? |
I used baby food jars. The babies are now 37 and 35, but the jars are still
holding my screws, bolts, nuts, etc. Did I say my nuts are in a jar? Yes you did. Your wife probably put them there after 2 babies. Either that or it's just proof that you are married. I tend to use small plastic instant coffee jars. Holds more "stuff" and they don't break when you drop them. Randy http://members.aol.com/rsmeiner |
On Sun, 07 Nov 2004 22:15:20 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote: "Greg G" wrote in message Don't buy blister packs of 10 screws unless you're absolutely sure you won't need any more of that size again. How can you be sure? You CAN'T. Buy a box. Get some sort of fastener organization system going. This can be as simple as a plastic tray with a handle that can hold the boxes. Start off with three or four sizes of drywall screws and a few sizes of nails. I used baby food jars. The babies are now 37 and 35, but the jars are still holding my screws, bolts, nuts, etc. Did I say my nuts are in a jar? I'm sure my dad didn't invent this idea, but he had the jar lids nailed into the BOTTOM of a shelf. That way the jars hung below the shelf and could be removed with a twist. I've got a few of those plastic compartment trays instead. I don't know if it's a better idea, but we still lived in an apartment when my daughter was a baby and didn't save the jars. Greg Guarino |
Here are essentials: Screw drivers, pliers, needle nose pliers, side
cutters, Vice grip pliers, chisels, 10' tape measure, combination square, claw hammer, nail set, crosscut saw, wrench or socket set, putty knife, block plane, rasp, hacksaw, toilet plunger, level, utility knife, duct tape, various screws/nails. If you have any money left over: corded power drill, shop vac, circular saw, awl, framing square, trouble light, backsaw, pip wrench, various clamps. bench olane, chalk line, staple gun, vise, grinder, propane torch (great for starting the charcoal BBQ). Also, consider some safety items: fire extinguisher, goggles, respirator, ear muffs or ear plugs, rubber gloves, first-aid kit. A sturdy solid work bench should be one of your first projects. Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, DeWalt are usually good brands for power tools. Congrats on your marriage! On 6 Nov 2004 18:10:38 -0800, (Fleemo) wrote: I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, circular saw, router? What are the must-have tools? I'd also appreciate recommendations on brand names. I don't think I'll ever buy another Black and Decker product, having been disappointed with everything I've bought of theirs in the last few years. But what brands are the quality but reasonably priced brands, both in power tools and things like screwdrivers and wrenches? Thanks for the input. |
On Sun, 07 Nov 2004 22:37:50 GMT, Greg G
wrote: On Sun, 07 Nov 2004 22:15:20 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" wrote: "Greg G" wrote in message Don't buy blister packs of 10 screws unless you're absolutely sure you won't need any more of that size again. How can you be sure? You CAN'T. Buy a box. Get some sort of fastener organization system going. This can be as simple as a plastic tray with a handle that can hold the boxes. Start off with three or four sizes of drywall screws and a few sizes of nails. I used baby food jars. The babies are now 37 and 35, but the jars are still holding my screws, bolts, nuts, etc. Did I say my nuts are in a jar? I'm sure my dad didn't invent this idea, but he had the jar lids nailed into the BOTTOM of a shelf. That way the jars hung below the shelf and could be removed with a twist. I've got a few of those plastic compartment trays instead. I don't know if it's a better idea, but we still lived in an apartment when my daughter was a baby and didn't save the jars. Greg Guarino I dislike when I drop a glass, but I like to see what's in the container. I have replaced all the glass jars with recycled clear plastic Parmesan cheese containers. They are larger and lighter too. Peanut butter jars are good too. |
"Fleemo" wrote in message om... I recently got married and would like to spend some of our wedding gift money on a collection of good quality tools. I'm a novice handyman and looking for suggestions on the essential tools in a handyman's garage. Cordless drill, circular saw, router? What are the must-have tools? I'd also appreciate recommendations on brand names. I don't think I'll ever buy another Black and Decker product, having been disappointed with everything I've bought of theirs in the last few years. But what brands are the quality but reasonably priced brands, both in power tools and things like screwdrivers and wrenches? Thanks for the input. Before I got married, my future wife bought me a Makita cordless drill. That tool has paid for itself over and over again as we remodel our house. This is a decent drill, but the Dewalt cordless drill is probably better. Don't buy tools until you need them. What you need depends on what project you are doing. I have been on a molding kick as I have been remodeling bedrooms. So the miter saw has been priceless. A portable air compressor also is great tool for bradnailers or shooting texture on walls. Every project you do yourself pays for the tools you use. |
Man! I completely struck gold!!!
Thank you all for sharing a bit o' your wisdom here. I'm blown away by the great suggestions, and I got a handful of belly laughs to boot. You guys are great. You've also made me realize I need to focus on the work space as well, which I'll ask about in a new thread. A thousand thank yous! -Fleemo |
MUADIB® wrote in message . ..
Well, Lots have put in their 2 pennies worth, I shall add one thought EBAY for some of the tools you don;t need right away. Buy quality. I've already put in about a dime's worth of my own ideas on this topic. But I'd like to add a few words in defense of lower quality tools. There are some types of tools where poor quality will lead to almost instant frustration. Diagonal pliers and cutters come to mind. The Chinese ones bind up even before they rust, and then they rust. But there are other categories of tools that I think every handyman should have a few crappy examples of. Screwdrivers, for example. A good screwdriver with a hardened tip and a nice large, easy-to-grip handle is a lovely thing. But my cheap Stanley yellow-and-black-plastic-handle-that-came-ten-in-a-blister-pack screwdrivers are cheap enough to keep a couple in the kitchen, my electrical tool box, my plumbing tool box, the yard etc. More advantages: While you should get a couple of good screwdrivers in the sizes and styles you will use often, most people don't need the ultimate quality for the #3 Torx. So get an inexpensive set to cover all the less common styles. I also like to have a few screwdrivers that I won't mind opening a can with, or lending to the neighbors. It's good to have a couple of cheap hammers, too. Same criteria: Don't use an uncomfortable hammer to drive dozens of nails, but keep a couple of cheapos in your tool boxes for when a little "persuasion" is required. I found some adjustable wrenches at the local $1 store. They wouldn't stand up to daily use (although they are better than you might expect), but they are just right to throw in my special-purpose tool kits. I keep the Crescent brand one in the shop. You'll have to use your judgment to decide which cheap tools will be useful. Greg Guarino PS: Definitely stay away from the Vise-Grip knockoffs. |
Sorry for coming in late on the thread...
To get first: Basic hand tools: screwdrivers, hammer, tape mesure, level, utility knife, channel lock pliers, needle nose pliers, vise grip pliers and a small "tool box saw" Putty knife, and 8" drywall knife I also recomend one of those "stanley wonder bars" kinda like a crowbar, but flat steel. Power tools: Variable speed drill (pref cordless) Jig saw. To get next: Framing square, Circular saw, chisels, as many differant kinds of wrenches you can find, recipricating saw, another drill, By this point, you will have an idea of what kind of projects you will be doing, and can gather accordingly. One note I will add that is differant from what others have said on here. buy cheap tools to start. For $200.00, you could get one of almost everything, but the cheap models. As the tools wear out or break (and they will quickly) replace them with medium to high end tools. This keeps your inital cost down, and lets you get the better tools over time. this way, you will also have an idea of what you use and what you don't. No sence in buying a $200.00 router and use it once, when you could have had a $30.00 drill, 80.00 router, 40.00 circ saw, and 50.00 of hand tools. when the drill wears out in a year (or less) then spend a hundred bucks for one and use it forever. Meanwhile, the 80$ router can sit on the shelf as well as the 200$ one. email: dallyn_spam at yahoo dot com please respond in this NG so others can share your wisdom as well! |
I'd start with a couple of expensive, high quality books like the
Black n Decker, "Home Repair" and "Home Improvement" books. A "toolbox" is essential, like previous poster mentioned. I like the BucketBoss TM tool organizer check out www.bucketboss.com This sort of organizer makes it easier to get the tools to the project site. I have a great Stanley 15-333 "Folding Pocket Saw" Go to www.stanleytools.com , then click "saws", "specialty saws". It accepts any recipricating or sabre saw to suit the task at hand. Don't buy junk. There's nothing more frustrating than a cheap tool. Mr Fixit eh |
On 11/30/2004 1:42 PM US(ET), Steve Nekias took fingers to keys, and
typed the following: I'd start with a couple of expensive, high quality books like the Black n Decker, "Home Repair" and "Home Improvement" books. A "toolbox" is essential, like previous poster mentioned. I like the BucketBoss TM tool organizer check out www.bucketboss.com This sort of organizer makes it easier to get the tools to the project site. I just bought a red canvas one at HD last week. Fits a standard 5 gallon joint compound tub or paint bucket, or the one that I am using, a 40 lb chlorine tablet container. Various sized pockets, both open end and closed end, and tool loops all over the outside and inside. Cost $10.79 after NY tax. I have a great Stanley 15-333 "Folding Pocket Saw" Go to www.stanleytools.com , then click "saws", "specialty saws". It accepts any recipricating or sabre saw to suit the task at hand. Don't buy junk. There's nothing more frustrating than a cheap tool. Mr Fixit eh |
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