Everybody spends a lot of time on food, meds, guns and shelter parts of being equipped for whatever may come along.
Being able to repair what you have is becoming a lost ability these days and people just don't spend the time to learn how to do anything mechanical. A large part of being successful at repairs is having quality tools to work with. Crappy tools tend to make things worse and get you hurt.
This is what I consider the absolute minimum tool kit but you would be amazed at the amount of repairs that they will accomplish. I carry gobs of tools on my truck and have a fairly well equipped shop but most of the things I do need no more than these few hand tools.
I wanted to give those that have no real tools a starting point and steer them away from the crap that is out there in most tool aisles. All of these are available at Big Box tool departments, as are the substandard knock-offs. You will pay a little more for these but they will provide years of service if you don't abuse them. I have been using some of the tools in this picture for 30 years.
Left to right, top row.
Channel Lock Pliers: Channel Lock brand and no substitute, usually you can find a 2-pack with the small ones and a large pair. (They are directional, you have to orient them with the direction you are turning or they just slip)
Crescent wrenches: Crescent or Diamond brand, 6" and 10" sizes will cover most things. I don't like the rubber coated ones. (Directional also, the new ones have an arrow on them that shows which direction to turn them for a better bite)
Sockets & Ratchet: 3/8 drive standard and metric and a couple of extensions and a ratchet. You can get the kits with a bunch of other pieces, most of that just doesn't get used. For most people Craftsman is good enough quality, with a replacement policy. The Kobalt tools that Lowes sells would be as cheap as I would go, and only as a last resort.
Hammer: Fiberglass handle, Kobalt makes a decent one.
(Bottom row)
Utility knife and spare blades: It saves a lot of wear and sharpening on your pocket knife. Either folding or retractable.
Wire strippers: Klein or Ideal, DO NOT cut any steel wire with them.
Cutter/Crimpers: Klein or Channel Lock, I have both but prefer the crimp die on the Channel Locks. The cheapies that come in "electrical repair kits" are better than nothing but they really don't make a good solid crimp.
Diagonal Cutters: Klein or Channel Lock, I prefer the jaw shape of the Kleins.
6 in one Screwdriver: I like the Klein model, when you pull the inserts out it gives you 1/4 & 5/16 nut drivers. Their inserts seem to be the best quality.
For individual screwdrivers Klein is my favorite. Craftsman screwdrivers suck, stay away from them.
Again, this is just a start for someone that has no experience with tools.
If you are going to leave them out in the rain or not keep track of them......don't waste your money, buy china crap.
In my world, my tools are just as important as guns and I treat them equally.
Being able to repair what you have is becoming a lost ability these days and people just don't spend the time to learn how to do anything mechanical. A large part of being successful at repairs is having quality tools to work with. Crappy tools tend to make things worse and get you hurt.
This is what I consider the absolute minimum tool kit but you would be amazed at the amount of repairs that they will accomplish. I carry gobs of tools on my truck and have a fairly well equipped shop but most of the things I do need no more than these few hand tools.
I wanted to give those that have no real tools a starting point and steer them away from the crap that is out there in most tool aisles. All of these are available at Big Box tool departments, as are the substandard knock-offs. You will pay a little more for these but they will provide years of service if you don't abuse them. I have been using some of the tools in this picture for 30 years.
Left to right, top row.
Channel Lock Pliers: Channel Lock brand and no substitute, usually you can find a 2-pack with the small ones and a large pair. (They are directional, you have to orient them with the direction you are turning or they just slip)
Crescent wrenches: Crescent or Diamond brand, 6" and 10" sizes will cover most things. I don't like the rubber coated ones. (Directional also, the new ones have an arrow on them that shows which direction to turn them for a better bite)
Sockets & Ratchet: 3/8 drive standard and metric and a couple of extensions and a ratchet. You can get the kits with a bunch of other pieces, most of that just doesn't get used. For most people Craftsman is good enough quality, with a replacement policy. The Kobalt tools that Lowes sells would be as cheap as I would go, and only as a last resort.
Hammer: Fiberglass handle, Kobalt makes a decent one.
(Bottom row)
Utility knife and spare blades: It saves a lot of wear and sharpening on your pocket knife. Either folding or retractable.
Wire strippers: Klein or Ideal, DO NOT cut any steel wire with them.
Cutter/Crimpers: Klein or Channel Lock, I have both but prefer the crimp die on the Channel Locks. The cheapies that come in "electrical repair kits" are better than nothing but they really don't make a good solid crimp.
Diagonal Cutters: Klein or Channel Lock, I prefer the jaw shape of the Kleins.
6 in one Screwdriver: I like the Klein model, when you pull the inserts out it gives you 1/4 & 5/16 nut drivers. Their inserts seem to be the best quality.
For individual screwdrivers Klein is my favorite. Craftsman screwdrivers suck, stay away from them.
Again, this is just a start for someone that has no experience with tools.
If you are going to leave them out in the rain or not keep track of them......don't waste your money, buy china crap.
In my world, my tools are just as important as guns and I treat them equally.
