Post: #1

in building up your tool shed/kits, what are the basics?

The Ac was throwing engine codes and I had to replace the Throttle Position Sensor. I then realized that I no longer owned any Metric Wrenches.

*trip to wal-mart*

But got me to thinking, what are the basics that every guy needs to fix the stuff that typically breaks?

1. Tools for you car/motorcycle - wrenches, ratchets, torque wrench, jack stands, oil filter wrench

2. Tools for your home - hammer, drill, some kind of saw

3. Tools for your electronic gadgets - soldering iron, wire strippers, really small screw drivers...

What else should be on the starter list?

WIA

Post: #2

I built mine up as I needed stuff. Isn't that the best way?

Jack and jack stands, electrical tape, socket set & 3/4 ratchet, breaker bar, cotter pins, safety wire, safety wire pliers, drill, level, hammer, measuring tape, screwdriver, spark plug wrench, oil pan, rags, ziploc bags, soldering iron, wire strippers, dykes, offset screwdriver, torque wrench, wire brushes, greenie pads, duct tape, allen wrenches.

Utility knife.

Chain tool (if you have a bike/motorcycle).

Post: #3

Off the top of my head:

- Cordless drill / screwdriver with adjustable angle handle for small jobs (Black & Decker makes good ones),
- hammer drill (with perpendicular handle) for heavier jobs,
- adjustable wrench is great versatile tool - have at least two, one large one small, and they can be faster than finding the right sized fixed wrenches for simple home repairs. Make sure at least one is big enough for pipe fitting (i.e. open up a P-trap),
- some trays with various sized nuts, bolts, screws, washers, wall anchors, and other common fasteners
- funnels for oil and other liquids
- mallet
- vice grips
- one of those flashlights with the flexible magnetic base (good for work on car)
- safety glasses and gloves. have some throw away latex gloves for changing out car light bulbs and such.
- one of my best buys is a set of straps and ratchet, to keep in the car. Perfect for strapping larger items to the roof of a car.
- crowbar
- if you have a home with a yard and not just an apartment, you may need some bigger tools like a ladder, axe, saws, sledgehammer, pick.

Also, spend a little extra for quality brands. I've always liked Snap-on, have a great Ryobi drill, and Master Mechanix gloves. Or you can buy the cheaper Sears brand and they'll replace it if it breaks.

Also agree with Lights - don't buy everything at once - you'll build it up as you go.

Post: #4

Duck tape

Post: #5

No cnc milling machine?

How do you get through life?

I seriously like these as a handy tool to have:

http://youtu.be/1_RLWKMXrqk

Post: #6

Quote:Duct tape

Thats better.

Quote:I built mine up as I needed stuff. Isn't that the best way?

Jack and jack stands, electrical tape, socket set & 3/4 ratchet, breaker bar, cotter pins, safety wire, safety wire pliers, drill, level, hammer, measuring tape, screwdriver, spark plug wrench, oil pan, rags, ziploc bags, soldering iron, wire strippers, dykes, offset screwdriver, torque wrench, wire brushes, greenie pads, duct tape, allen wrenches.

Utility knife.

Chain tool (if you have a bike/motorcycle).

Solid.

I love my TIG welder and hammer drill.

Post: #7

Air Compressor

Rivet Gun

Telescoping extension magnet (I still don't have one, keep forgetting about it until I'm working on my truck and end up dropping a nut or bolt into the engine compartment.)

Lightweight Headlamp - illuminates where you're looking while leaving both hands free