PREPS PART 26: BASIC TOOL WORKSHOP

OK, I admit it. I am tool-challenged. Despite a long desire to learn woodworking, I have never had the time or space. OK, I know hammers and nails and screw drivers. But, there's so much more..gardening tools, plumbing tools, woodworking and gosh I am sure there's lots more.

So, to assist all the rest of the tool-challenged folks out there, I am asking you for a primer in basic tools, what they are and what they do. Feel free to add HOW to use them as well.

bump

Almost tooless in Michigan!

I have to concur with LilRose. In my preps, tools and communication are my downfall. In terms of tools, I have hammers, screw drivers, hacksaw, saw,
nails, level, posthole digger, screws, electric drill, and a cheap wrench set.

I need to buy more duct tape,as well as extra screening and glass for windows.
Obviously I seem to have large gaps. Would members be so kind as to make
some suggestions and explanations?

Rox

I like the old non-electric drills. I watched my husband use his the other day, and it looks much easier to handle than the electric. It went right into a metal door slicker than I would ever have expected. They can be used any where without worrying about an extension cord or charged battery.

Not to be a smartass, but you're asking for an encyclopedia. This is a huge subject! Used bookstores are usually great places to find source material - a good publisher to concentrate on is Taunton Press. Pretty much anything they put out is good stuff, both magazines and books.

Try these google searches instead - there are literally thousands of pages written on this.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=home+workshop+tools
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=woodworking+hand+tools
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=hand+tools+home+shop

Also try rec.woodworking, rec.crafts.metalworking, rec.autos.tech, misc.consumers.house, etc. for some more ideas. Also, see if there are some woodworking and tool shops in your area, and ask them about local clubs. One other option that works well for beginners is to check out your local community college and see what they have going as far as shop classes.

CZECKSIX.......we are looking for the BASICS......and it is better to get first hand info from the folks here at TBK who have a working knowledge, than from some dry ol' textbook.
What we want to know is what we need to have to keep things going, do simple repairs etc.
Also, how to use them safely and what to avoid doing.
Come on folks.....how about some advice.

Hi LilRose. As I mentioned in your last tool prep thread, I LOVE TOOLS !! Anyway, I will again post this link to a thread we did about 1 1/2 years ago.......It contains great knowledge and info from the members here at tb.....lots of expertise, common sense use and humor. It is hard for me to explain how I use a tool.......however, if you are ever up my way, stop in and I will be happy to share my limited knowledge. Many times I sit here and read threads and drool over what some of these guys and gals are doing...building....fixing....creating. I wish I could be there with all of them as they work, watching and helping so I could also learn. However, that is the way I learned most of my limited skills.....when things needed to be fixed, created or whatever, I talked to my oldtimer neighbors, listened to their wisdom and then jumped in with both feet. It was sink or swim. Sometimes I sank ; eventually you will swim. Best of luck with your projects. hummer..........who is enjoying the journey. www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=75628

I got to try out my timber falling saw from 1910 that I just restored the other day. Now that was a kick! Nothing like falling a tree with a chainsaw, that is for sure. I love using old school tools, so much fun!

O.k., how about a combination tool like a Leatherman? I carry a 'Wave'
model and find it useful for everything from retrieving a ring from a
garbage disposal to cutting wire, to replacing a washer in a faucet.

I have also been looking at a Victorinox model called a 'Spirit', which is
nicely ergonomic and less bulky than Wave. It has scissors and a saw,
just like my Hunstman swiss army knife-which I am never without.

Actually the most useful item I own is probably a set of tool heads that fit
into a handle, like sockets. I think I paid $2 for it originally, in a Mom and Pop
hardware store. They had a bargain bin with assorted cheap tools.

The handle and 'heads' fit into a nice little sturdy plastic box. It includes various
screwdriver heads with varying widths and diameters; a screw starter and
a spike punch.

My Stepmother used to be very protective of her brass hammer. It was a
small thing, but had several descending sized screwdrivers inside the handle.
My father never took it seriously, but I did. I watched her repair an heriloom
dresser with it. It was just the thing for finishing nails.

I've also got a box of assorted nails, screws and glue and tape.

When considering TEOTWAWKI type scenarios, I've always thought one
should consider what tools would be required to build a secure dwelling
from scratch. Largely because my personal 'trade' skills run more towards carpentry.

A good shingle hatchet; an even better clawhammer; axes-I saw a PBS
special where the resident "toolman" opined that a double blade with a
two-foot shaft was ideal; wood chisels of varying widths; saws; planes; drills;
a level, etc.

Keeping in mind that, even if you do move to a showpiece, laughably fertile retreat farm or fortified mountain redoubt, that, sooner or later, it will be your roof that needs fixing. Or the barn. Or the shed(s)/chicken coop.

What about lubricants? I have a can of three-in-one oil and some WD-40
and silicon stuff for firearms. Is that enough?

YES! Commando, that is the kind of thing I need to know.....how about brackets and braces, a vice,
shims? is that the right word? What are those things that smooth wood? ( not sandpaper! ), and hand drills.
What kind of glue should one have on hand? What kind of saw is good for the basic workshop? Is there a special tool to make angled corners? I know there is but the name escapes me.

And just for kicks and giggles, if there WAS a hole in the roof, how woud you repair it?