tools

as i look ahead at a possible energy thin future, I decided to put aside a few extra elbow grease type tools.

What brand hand saw is best.

Per my DAD I feel a EWING hammer is superior, but am not sure for a hand saw

Have some Razorback and craftsman garden/yard tools.

What says yee???

I don't think the people who made my hand saws are still in business. You see, these saws are 'hand-me-downs' from my Dad...and they were handed down to him by his Dad.

My advice is to get hammers and such that have wooden handles. If it breaks; it'll be quite easily replaced by you. Also get yourself plenty of files, of every shape and form. Without power, your mills and grinders won't be working, so filing will be the way you get it done. And don't forget to get a bunch of wood rasps. They're great for working round objects. Oh and get a variety of saws, too. You have two basic kinds...the crosscut and the rip. But some jobs will require a short bladed saw, so get some of them too. I would also suggest you get a good supply of chisels both wood and cold...also in a variety.

Later.

What kind of hand saw do you need, crosscut, rip, straight back, key hole, coping, bow, pruning, 2 man, hack or sheet rock?

Not making fun, but that's kinda like asking for advice on what type of firearm is best for this or that purpose. Most peoples responses will reflect their own personal experiences in using the various power and hand tools.

For example, you mentioned the Ewing hammer...they're OK, but from my work in construction, I'd like nothing better than an 18oz titanium framer. Unfortunately, that tool was about $90 last time I checked.

Sandvik used to make exceptional files, but the company was bought-out some years ago. Even Nicholson files have become lesser quality than they used to be. But Cap is right; there is no substitute for a good set of wood and metal files.

Craftsman used to make decent tools, and some still are acceptable. But then some of their power tools, such as their air compressors, are just plain crap.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many branded tools are not made by the company whose name they bear, but by some lesser-quality company such as Black & Decker, whose products leave a helluva lot to be desired. And there's a lot of junk imported from China.

On the other hand, if you can live with lesser-quality stuff, there's always Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, and similar vendors.

One thing that might help you when you settle on a few particular items is to search the internet for user ratings. That'll help you figure out what to look for. For example, does this drill/saw have metal bearings or delrin gears? Are they sleeve bearings or ball/roller bearings? Does that rotary saw have an electric blade brake or not?

Don't be in too much of a hurry. You may have to live with your choices for a long time. (Guess I strayed from your question, which was about hand tools. Sorry.)

Let me add now that you need to get yourself a good supply of hammers...claw hammers, shop hammers, ball peens, and sledges. And wedges...a good variety of them. Vices(no, not that kind) of several different sizes. And an anvil. And then there are clamps...get as many different kinds as you can and as many of them as you can.

And the most important thing you could ever have is a 'catch all' box. If you take something apart and don't intend to put it back together; put all the nuts, bolts and screws in that box for use on something else later. Nails *can* be reused, so save even the old, bent, rusty ones. I have a dozen 3# coffee cans full of nails and my catch-all box I have to use a dolly to move it.

Ropes of different sizes, and several 'block and tackle' sets. And a forge would be a dream come true for me.

Btw, Black and Decker was a very good choice in circular saws back when. I got one back in the '80s and it's still going strong. I also have a couple of drill motors by them that's still drilling away. I had to repack the gear box with grease a while back but still.

thanx

I have covered most of the tools.

I TOTALLY missed the files. Thanks
as far as the saw question I was looking for a (brand) suggestion
I will be getting an additional rip and finish blade saw.

I used today my Dad's B&D skil saw from the late 70's to early 80-81.
Things are not made like that any more

Without the files you can't really sharpen the hatchets and axes either.

Make sure to go garage saling for good tools. Sometimes there are old ladies who sell their deceased husbands old tools, at great prices and really nice ones. Very sad, but true.

OK, then let's talk files. Which ones in particular, and what make(s)? Lots of people read these threads, so fill us in. And please remember most of us don't have unlimited funds and learning by error is not a particularly cost-effective method at this point in time.

my last trip up home I brought back a couple of brace and bit sets that were my dads and grandpas.

You can use a file to sharpen your shovel also.

Rucus, if I could have ONLY ONE file it would be a 16" X 2" Mill bastard. My SECOND file would be a similar sized Rasp. third would be a slightly smaller and finer metal file, and then a 4 way file (about 8" long has 4 different grades of tooth).
Then a Sureform to go with the Rasp.

And a File Card. (which is a 2 X 4" card with short wire teeth along one face, used to clean files that get filled with junk.)

After these, almost ANY fileyou can get for less than 2 bux a file should go into your tool box... Auctions and yard sales SHOULD get you a double handfull of files at a buck or less per each. You ALMOST literally can't haev enough files...

but start with the Bastard and the rasp.

As for files, if you are fortunate enough to personally know a tool and die instructor you might be able to get some files of high quality not available in regular stores. My tool and die instructor/friend/neighbor gave me a bunch of remarkable files a few years ago. Just a thought, in case you might know such a person.

Yo have got to have a bunch of three-corner files...for sharpening your saws. and a pistol-grip saw set to re-set the teeth if you happen to saw into a hidden nail or something. And get a good assortment of files that covers the whole spectrum. Remember, files is how metal-working was done before the machines took over.

And here's another 'must have'...a good hacksaw, with plenty of blades for it...of every kind. They're good for cutting bones in a deer carcass as well as cuttin metal.

Oh, and I did check...some of my saws are made by the 'Stanley Co,'...back when they were 'mail-order' only.

Check out these guys:

http://www.hartvilletool.com/category/520

Thanks for the input. Apologies to savurselvs, wasn't my intention to hijack your thread.

My last purchase was a back up genny, which for me would be essential to accomplishing any challenging job at or away from home.

I have every tool known to man, but the electric/air tools are what I use the most.

Life without a nail gun? Yikes!

I can't remember the last time I used a hand saw, but it was at least eight years ago.

While on the subject of tools, it would be a good idea to get some farm-related equipment, even if you aren't currently farming. You never know, you might be in a few years (or sooner).

I'm at work, but just off the top of my head:

A good scythe (Scythe Supply) and hay rake, plus the proper tools to keep the edge on the scythe

garden tools

fencing tools

whatever you would need to work stone, if there is any where you live

timber-working/logging equipment

hoof-care equipment (rasps and nippers for horses, shears for goats and sheep -- see Hoegger's goat supply catalog for a good pair)

disbudding iron, non-electric -- can get with tips for calves or goat kids

extra wire for cages for rabbits and poultry, fencing for other livestock, fence posts, staples, fencing tools

If you can afford it and have storage space, get some horse-drawn or ox-power equipment, harness, and so on. It will be worth it's weight in gold in a few years, I think, even if you can't keep livestock where you live. Spare bikes and tools to maintain and repair them, too.

There's more, but I need to get back to work.

Kathleen

Find a Simonds file distributor, or google them. Best files made. Nicholson still makes a fair file.

Here's a link to a "Shop Tips" thread I did. File info there, among other things.

http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=3026

Caplock50 said:

I don't think the people who made my hand saws are still in business. You see, these saws are 'hand-me-downs' from my Dad...and they were handed down to him by his Dad.

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But many people are foolish enough not to value the quality hand tools that were handed down to them ..... which is why you can still see them at some yard sales or fund-raising sales. Hand drills too, though I suppose it would take a lot of practice to make them works.

Otherwise you might as well spend the big money for quality, the tool might be needed for the rest of your life.

In addition to the suggestions in the excellent posts above, a small folding pruning saw can be useful for various tasks around a camp, more so than a hatchet or machete. Cutting wood and butchering large game for example.