basic tools for a home, what do i need?
 

I did a search as I thought I remember reading a similar thread awhile ago, but no luck. I was wondering if the peeps of tfp could help me stock my workshop for basic, and I do mean basic home repair, and building small crap like shelves..etc. I was not sure what is must have interms of tools, are there any saws that I don't need, multi use tools..etc.
I currently have a nice drill and bits...but need everything else. Any ideas on what tools would do a rookie like me. My father inlaw is getting a bit annoyed with the borrowing so...shopping I must go.
thanks for any advise!

Start right there. Are the tools you are borrowing things that you have really found of use, or just things that have been nice to have? Base your priorities on what you have decided there.

As for power tools, beyond the drill you have I wouldn't be without a circular saw and a jig saw.

Of course you will want (or likely have) a good claw hammer. A set of screwdrivers is certainly a must have as well. Pliers and locking pliers (vise grips) should be on you list. Those little flat nail bars are far better for removing nails than a crowbar or claw hammer IMO too.

And I know it sounds nerdy, but my wife's uncle Bill will tell you that safety glasses should be kept handy and worn also.

I'd add a good socket set to that list. And nut drivers are handy as hell and usually pretty cheap.

Skill saw

Clamps (just a good variety of them)

Vise grips; plyers; wire cutters; channel locks other hand tools that are in the same general area as these things.

Saw horses

A good hammer (heavy is better than light, but not too heavy)

Good screw drivers. You need more than just one size phillips head, you know.

A "wonder" bar ... I've used mine so much it's time to get a new one.

A spirit level (at least 2' or 3') and a laser level (for hanging pictures you can't beat it)

A T-square and triangle square

A wet/dry vac

that's all the basic stuff I can think of ... I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

Stuff you might want but don't really need:

Table saw

Bench saw

Air compressor and every tool that you can get for it.

EDIT: a triangle square is actually called a speed square ... sorry, I was just listing things in my head as a I saw them.

thanks! btw what is a "wonder" bar? anything like a mars bar? hehe

A flat peice of steel bent into an L with claws at both ends and a tear drop shaped hole near the end. Invaluable for pulling nails, wrenching things open, or just generally causing destruction. Handy!

Oh, and while we are at it, let me suggest, of you have a bare wall in your utility room or shed, get a peg board to hang all this stuff on. It's an in expensive way to organize and you'll save yourself from buying two of everything because you can't find something.

May I suggest a reciprocating saw? It can be a very handy thing to have around.

And, regarding the Phillips screw drivers, don't all you Canadians use sqaure-hole screws instead of Phillips head screws? Or are my Canadian friends just messing with my head?

Oh...and safety glasses. Let us not forget the safety glasses. :D

I would also add a tape measure....having stuff fit properly is kind of nice.

i think you mean a robertson screwdriver? although i am probably wrong!

thanks again everyone, great idea's and suggestions.

It was my birthday yesterday and I got a ton of gift cards for home depot, canadian tire..etc so it looks I'll be cutting some fingers off in no time.



and the safety glasses. I don't any of us will look at them the same after clavus story. still makes me giggle to this day.

Not mentioned, but almost as important, is a tool chest/tool box to hold them all. so you can easily store all in the same place. things tend to get lost, or "walk away" when they are not easily inventoried in a central spot

Well, since the OP spoke about building a set of shelves, I'd want a router, edge guide and bits for same, perhaps a router table, bar clamps, a 1/4 pad or round RO sander for paint work, or a straight line finishing sander for stain work. Toss in a cordless drill with spare battery and various bits, including a taper set with counterbore and depth stops, good chisels, a dead-blow soft-face mallet, and a shop refrigerator with beer. :D

Monkey wrench or a big ass Crescent wrench for tearing apart sink drains.

Don't forget an multimeter. You can get cheap models for around $20-$30 and are a handyman's best friend for troubleshooting.

thanks again for all the tips I'm hoping for some sales coming up here.

Today I did some minor home repairs, had a leaky faucet in the bathroom, changed out the value, 0 ring..etc whatever you call it, anyway it now does not leak. yeah me!

I guess it really depends on how handy, knowledgeable you are and whether you have the time to do the repairs yourself or not. I do work inside and outside the house. Basic car maintenance (oil change, spark plugs), plumbing around the house (replacing toilets, faucets), wiring (ceiling fan, dimmer switch), yard work (tree trimming, lawn mowing). I'm one of thoese DIY guys so I have quite a few set of tools to say the least.

My brother on the other hand, he has a set of +/- screw drivers, a small hammer and hand saw. He calls his friend or hire someone for something as simple as hooking up home theater speakers.

You can probably go to a HomeDepot or Lowes, or even Walmart and pick up a home hand toolkit, like one of these:
http://hand-tools.hardwarestore.com/...tool-sets.aspx

Before you attack any home project, do some reading and research online if you have never done it.