Tools

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. Some folks lock into a specific brand.  I have used many over the years! Some excellent & some very marginal. Use discernment and check in with reliable Home-Project folks that you trust. 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!

Here’s My Breakout:

A: Tools that I put in my PROJECT-PAL –my goto 80% of the time

B: My Round-one Support Tools which are often the first to get called out for support

C: My back up support boxes: Plumbing/Electrical and my Small General ReSupply Box

D: Special-Project toolboxes (I like Plano): Painting Support. Occasional-Use Tools. Concrete Tools. Tiling & Grouting.  Yard.

E:   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: Tear mender (for fabric and leather) . Bondo (my #1 fix-it product). Gorilla caulk. Gorilla tape. Duct, Electrical & Masking Tape (3M) Spackle

My power tool list:   (in order of frequency of use)…

Drills(2). Circular saw. Reciprocating-Saw.  Palm Sander. Side Cutter.  Zip saw. table saw, chop-saw, small belt sander, sharpening grinder, Router, sheetrock and deck drill.

Misc. specialized tools:

1/2″ corded drill (for heavy duty drilling tasks) Roto zip, band saw.

My air tool list:

Power nailers, framing nailer, finish nailer(s), crown staplers, roofing nailer.

Some folks are dead set on certain brands & that’s just the reality, like Chevy vs. Audi vs. Toyota.  There are a lot of good tools and a lot of junk as well. Bottom line is to buy good quality at a decent price that will work for your situation. As I show you my selection or others share what they use, keep that in mind.

FYI- There are tools for just about anything you can think of. Some of these are essential for doing specific projects, others are rarely if ever used. My encouragement is to find what works for you. Our posts will give some good suggestions to help guide your choices. Again, if you have certain brand preferences, or simply love to surround yourself with tools, go for it!

The idea here is that you can do many things with a few of the right tools. You can build a house with a circular saw and possibly a Sawzall (Reciprocating Saw) and a couple of drills. With the battery options available one could easily take this perspective off grid and do just fine.

We will share some unique off grid projects down the road in our MISC section.

There are THREE BASIC PRINCIPLES that I apply to tools

1. A place for everything, everything in its place… it’s no good if you can’t find it when you need it.
2. Buy the best the first time, we’re too poor to buy it twice… QUALITY matters.
3. The 80/20 rule… That is 80% of your projects can be done with 20% of your tools – the RIGHT tools versus the ‘Number of tools’.