Tools
I grew up on a farm. The primary tool was ….read more simply a pair of pliers. This along with a piece of baling wire allowed one to fix a lot of stuff! It wasn’t pretty but you could create a temporary fix on many problems.
My dad bought a power saw but when he saw the arc when we turned it on, he thought it was defective, so we used a hand saw….
On my first carpentry job with a small framing crew, I was given a list of the tools I needed. One of the items was a rig axe. I had no idea what a rig axe was. After my first day and a nail-holding hand that looked like hamburger; I learned quickly that a rig axe had a needle-sharp head and that you better develop a good aim quickly or find another job. I learned how to fully drive 16 P nails in 2 swings all day long! I still have my rig ax from over 45+ years ago, and it still works. (I have let the head get a little dull… on purpose!)
Here’s the deal: it’s all about the right tools and not the number of tools that makes all the difference. I like the 80/20 rule…… you can generally do 80% of the projects with 20% of your tools!
An army buddy’s dad had sent overseas for a chainsaw that was not available in the United States…. why? His approach was to buy the best the first time because he stated that we’re ‘too poor to buy it twice.’ I have seen a ton of cheap tools collecting dust (WHEN I SAY cheap — I’m referring to poorly made tools— they often attempt to be a look-alike of an actual good tool!!!!)
I ASSURE YOU THAT A collection of the right tools can serve you a lifetime! Do Your Homework!
A question that comes up often is…. should I rent it, or should I buy it? It depends. A specific project can easily justify a new tool…. But if the use will probably be a ‘one-time deal’…. And the tool is pricey…. Rent it if you can. Your available space for tools can be a factor in this formulation as well.
My suggestion is to start with the basics and then let the projects and your joy guide you.
A good practice for tools is ‘to have a place for everything and have everything in its place!’
I have some junk drawer favorites I keep in the kitchen or very handy.
I have a home project caddy that goes with me at almost every project.
I have specific toolboxes for various categories of projects.
I have several ‘supply containers’ that I keep stocked with basics.
I am going to give you my take on tools. I get no kickbacks! I simply am giving my 2 cents worth and please; if you have your favorites that work for you, that’s great… BUT TRUST ME NOT ALL TOOLS ARE CREATED EQUAL…. GOOD TOOLS should last a long, long time!
A: tools that I put in my project caddy
B: my round one support tools which are often the first to get called out for support
C: my back up kits: plumbing flash electrical and my general small supply box
D: special project toolboxes (I like Plano). Paint. Concrete tools. Tiling & grouting. Roofing. Yard.
- MISC—– sawhorses, ladders (step ladders, extension ladders, platforms, vise, levels(s), squares,
F: Occasional use tools: slap stapler, torch, long tape measure, chalk line,
Special go to products Spackle. Tear mender. Bondo. Gorilla caulk. Gorilla tape. Duct Tape(3M)
My power tool list: {ROCKLER TOOLS}
Sawzall. Drills. Circular saw. Side cutter. Palm Sander. Zip saw. Router. Sheetrock and deck drill, table saw, small belt sander, sharpening grinder.
Misc. specialized tools:
Roto zip, band saw, chop saw.
My air tool list:
Power nailers, framing nailer, finish nailer(s), crown staplers, roofing nailer.
