What do you lot have in your toolboxes?

[Jackisted]

First things first, hello! I'm new here. Just a little bit of background info, don't want to bore you all now. Basically I am 16, currently going to college, and always been interested in DIY, tools etc. - Odd for a 16 year old I know, but I always like to get stuck in on projects etc!

Back to the point of this thread, I just wanted to know what you lot have in your toolboxes! Daft question I know! But basically, I am trying to build up a good, solid toolkit, and having recently brought a DeWalt toolbox in yellow (very nice!) I have nothing to put in it!

Jack

 

[thompsk]

Dont buy cheap tools in the long run they will inevitably snap or break, save up and buy good quality tools, as to what you want to put in it thats up to you but start off with a torpedo level, claw hammer, tape measure, a selection of screwdrivers of both flat blade and cross head, pliers, hacksaw etc

 

[kkynaston]

Don't forget sky hooks, glass hammers and long weight's

Seriously though, buying good tools will pay off in the long run. You won't be replacing them every 5 minutes unless you loose them, like me

Either that or the SWMBO uses them and blames me when I can't find 'em

 

[^neo^]

Depends what you want to do really?

Builder = trowel, level, tape measure, hammer, screwdrivers
Mechanic = hammer, wd-40 and a roll of gaffer tape

 

[^woody^]

When I left home, and we set up our first place, I had little money and all my tools were the cheapest, no-name tools I could get, just to get me going .... and to stop dad moaning for borrowing me all his!

Some broke early, some did not, but it meant I had tools to do stuff around the house.

As money allowed, the broken tools were replaced and others added. But thinking about it, I still have some of those cheap tools with me now and they still work and get used

However, all my work tools for daily use were 'proper' ones.

Nowadays, I could turn up or a job with my mobile tool chests full of gear and gadgets, and my bro turns up with a hammer, level, saw, chisel, tape and pencil - and still gets the job done.

Moral - don't be a tool junkie, just get the ones you need, not what is in someone else's tool bag

 

[Softus]

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=87406

 

[gregers]

its probably too late in the year,but try and visit a few boot fairs you will be surprised on the sort of tools you can get there for very little money especially from peeps who aint got a clue what there selling then you really get a bargain,stay away from the traders though,they sell all the cheap crap that you can get anywhere.

 

[Softus]

In the time you might spend at a boot fair you could earn as much money as you'd save, and spend it on new tools with warranties.

 

[Thermo]

ever heard of enjoying yourself?

if budgets tight then boot sales are worth a go. They will allow you to build up a good basic tool kit, and in many cases with a little tlc you can end up with better tools than a lot of the crap that is around today. Its a good way for you to learn how to look after the tools as well, eg stripping down an old stanley plane, cleaning it, sharpening it and reassembling it.

When i left home as it were, i had a set of chisels, a plane, a claw hammer, panel saw, mortice and tennon saw, screwdrivers, spirit level, trowel, club hammer, bolster and a black and decker hammer drill. I managed to build a timber conservatory from scrath for my girlfriends parents from that lot.......god knows how id do it now with only those tools!

nice to see someone who has the interest. Always give it a go, and never give up, if its what you like doing. Always think things through first as well!

 

[2scoops0406]

When i left home as it were, i had a set of chisels, a plane, a claw hammer, panel saw, mortice and tennon saw, screwdrivers, spirit level, trowel, club hammer, bolster and a black and decker hammer drill.

Always wondered how you got those confessions out of the villains

 

[2scoops0406]

Back to the original question though, the answer is my sandwiches, oh and a laptop.

 

[Softus]

ever heard of enjoying yourself?

Do you mean like buying good quality new tools? If so, then yes.

Or do you mean thoese things I enjoy doing when I'm not working? If so, then yes, but scratching amongst rubbish at boot sales isn't one of them.

Each to his own. :shrug:

 

[xerxes]

... save up and buy good quality tools ... a selection of screwdrivers of both flat blade and cross head ...

I agree with others, buy good quality and buy them as you need them. Do make sure, though, that you buy Pozidrive screwdrivers if you need those rather than Philips, because "cross head" drivers are not interchangeable.

 

[2scoops0406]

... save up and buy good quality tools ... a selection of screwdrivers of both flat blade and cross head ...

I agree with others, buy good quality and buy them as you need them. Do make sure, though, that you buy Pozidrive screwdrivers if you need those rather than Philips, because "cross head" drivers are not interchangeable.

[pedant]Not entirely true, pozi and pro drive are interchangeable[/pedant]

 

[xerxes]

For what it's worth, here's a kit I made up recently to lend to my brother when he was visiting the country:

small hammer
claw hammer
nail punches
screwdriversozidrive; flat blade
awl
file
back saw
junior hacksaw
pad saw
pliers
long nose pliers
water pump pliers
side cutters
locking wrench
adjustable spanner
hex keys
radiator key
insulating tape
haemostats
pry bar
pincers
tin snips
wood chisels (selection)
scraper
cold chisels (small)
magnet
diamond hones
combination square
level
tape measure
dial calliper
plumb bob
pencils
filling knife
Stanley knife
spare knife blades
drill
drill bits
magnifying glass

The magnifying glass is there because neither he nor I is any longer 16!