SIGforum
What must go in your toolbox?
September 20, 2024, 12:31 PM
YellowJacketWhat must go in your toolbox?
For basic home maintenance
Tape measure
Stud finder
36” level
Socket set and ratchet
Mini sledge hammer
Framing hammer
Pliers
Needle nose
Vise Grips
Flat and Phillips screw drivers
Drywall saw
Hack saw
Duck tape
Electrical tape
Drill
Impact driver
Hammer drill if you have block or concrete walls
Multimeter
Hardware
Drywall screws
Radiator clamps
Zip ties
Drywall anchors
Wire nuts
I'm gonna vote for the funniest frog with the loudest croak on the highest log. September 20, 2024, 12:34 PM
architectI keep several tool boxes for specific tasks, something I hit on when doing network support. So I have a twisted pair box, a co-ax box, an RS-232 box (damn that ages me!), a general-purpose electronics box, a gun cleaning/maintenance box (actually several), as well as a light-duty automotive, and my ancient Craftsman full automotive box. Then there are the power tools, mostly kept in their own carrying case, and the small parts and fasteners that are logically grouped (at least in my own mind) into a variety of carry packs. I may not be the tool guy PHPaul is, but I aspire.
Granted, there is a fair amount of duplication, but it's more important to me to have a tool at hand than to try to save a few $$.
As for Mrs. A., she has learned that it is easier on her to ask me to do it than to borrow a tool, especially since she is incapable of returning the borrowed item to the proper spot (where I last left it).
September 20, 2024, 12:34 PM
selogicDon't forget a set of Hex wrenches . SAE and metric .
September 20, 2024, 12:54 PM
Millironquote:
Originally posted by architect:
I keep several tool boxes for specific tasks, something I hit on when doing network support. So I have a twisted pair box, a co-ax box, an RS-232 box (damn that ages me!), a general-purpose electronics box, a gun cleaning/maintenance box (actually several), as well as a light-duty automotive, and my ancient Craftsman full automotive box. Then there are the power tools, mostly kept in their own carrying case, and the small parts and fasteners that are logically grouped (at least in my own mind) into a variety of carry packs. I may not be the tool guy PHPaul is, but I aspire.
Granted, there is a fair amount of duplication, but it's more important to me to have a tool at hand than to try to save a few $$.
As for Mrs. A., she has learned that it is easier on her to ask me to do it than to borrow a tool, especially since she is incapable of returning the borrowed item to the proper spot (where I last left it).
Yes, unfortunately my wife works from home, whereas I do not. It is not unusual for her to grab a tool during the day and leave it somewhere else without me ever knowing a thing about it. Hence the need for a locked box (and a "sub-box")
_________________________
"Age does not bring wisdom. Often it merely changes simple stupidity into arrogant conceit. It's only advantage, so far as I have been able to see, is that it spans change. A young person sees the world as a still picture, immutable. An old person has had his nose rubbed in changes and more changes and still more changes so many times that that he knows it is a moving picture, forever changing. He may not like it--probably doesn't; I don't--but he knows it's so, and knowing is the first step in coping with it."
Robert Heinlein
September 20, 2024, 01:10 PM
HRKCurious, are you talking portable hand held box or a PHPaul rolling storage box of tools....
Guess it depends on what you are looking to do with it, I'd opt for a smaller cloth carry bag with pockets and slots for tools and have it setup for home projects.
Tools for cars, lawn mowers, etc would generally be used in the garage.
A starting list
Hammer - regular and small
Screwdriver sets both types
Vice Grips - multiple
Allen sets, metric and SAE
Basic ratchet, 1/4, 1/2 drive
Set of Metric and SAE sockets
Spare 10mm socket
Wire cutters
Electrical Tape
Teflon Tape
Pipe Wrench set
Small Electric Drill and Impact Drill.
Set of drill bits
Set of screw driver bits assorted for Drill
Safety glasses
Gloves
Assorted Band-aids
September 20, 2024, 01:13 PM
Ripley..Loctite thread lock, red and blue.
Set the controls for the heart of the Sun. September 20, 2024, 02:54 PM
PHPaulIf you want battery tools, I have Milwaukee for my "serious" work and a pair of Ryobi (drill and impact) for around-the-house stuff. The Ryobi have worked just fine.
The impact gets used a LOT, not just as a nut-driver. Cheap Ryobi attachment kits are fine for that sort of thing. A set of drill bits and a set of Torx bits for driving construction screws. I also like having 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch socket adapters. That way you can use your socket set instead of dicking around with nut drivers.
The "bag" approach is fine up to a point. I have one with all my electrical tools in it and just that stuff is about all I want to lug around.
Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent.
September 20, 2024, 05:42 PM
sleepla8er.
Slight pivot on your question about what goes in the toolbox that is not a tool...
I've been using ZeRust bags to protect handguns, long-guns, and spare parts for over ten years now.
I've since discovered they have toolbox drawer liners that release an invisible, non-toxic, non-reactive, and odorless corrosion-inhibiting vapor which protects the metal toolbox and the tools it stores. I also use them inside my safe.
They also have a table saw cover to protect it from corrosion.
How it works: (
www.ZeRustProducts.com/rust-prevention-technology/)
Firearm related products: (
www.ZeRustProducts.com/products/product-category/firearms-ammo-weapons/)
Their vapor corrosion inhibitor - VCI bags are great for lining ammo-boxes and for storing small parts.
Tool related products: (
www.ZeRustProducts.com/products/product-category/rust-control-for-parts-tools/)
Vapor corrosion protection lasts about 5 years.
.
September 20, 2024, 06:29 PM
BlackTalonJHPI also use a tool bag for pliers and screwdrivers and wrenches but for other tools/supplies the tote is the way to go.
September 20, 2024, 07:57 PM
smlsigquote:
Originally posted by Milliron:
I’m going to direct that nobody get into this box except me because we aren’t doing this again.
That’s the funniest thing I’ve read all day! Unless you put a padlock on it I’ll bet she’ll be into it within a month…at least that’s what happened to me!
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Eddie
Our Founding Fathers were men who understood that the right thing is not necessarily the written thing. -kkina
September 20, 2024, 08:12 PM
bald1Shocked I am. No one has said spare 10mm sockets yet! LOL
Certifiable member of the gun toting, septuagenarian, bucket list workin', crazed retiree, bald is beautiful club!
USN (RET), COTEP #192
September 20, 2024, 08:43 PM
amalsquote:
Originally posted by YooperSigs:
I shitcanned my conventional toolbox and went with a Rubbermaid box that is in the design of a stool. Holds all I need easily. Now 20 plus years old and still going strong. The ability to sit comfortably while working cant be beat. I dont think its made anymore. Shame. And one of my most used tools is: A 6 inch level.
I have a couple of those Rubbermaids, too; have had them probably as long as you. I like them and use them, but they don't begin to hold all my tools.
September 20, 2024, 08:45 PM
amalsquote:
Originally posted by bald1:
Shocked I am. No one has said spare 10mm sockets yet! LOL
Yeah, those 10's do tend to get a lot of use. And they're such little guys, too; easy to lose.
September 20, 2024, 09:56 PM
NismoKnipex plier wrenches and Cobra pliers and a Klein 10 in 1 screwdriver can cover a lot of stuff.
September 20, 2024, 10:11 PM
jigray3Caliper general purpose
Snap-on fine tooth ratcheting screwdriver
“Security” bit set impact rated with the odds ones
2” Chisel Edge Scraper with hammer cap
Plastic razor blades
Oil filter wrench
Claw end grabber,2’-3’
"We have a system that increasingly taxes work, and increasingly subsidizes non-work" - Milton Friedman September 20, 2024, 11:34 PM
SigFanquote:
Originally posted by TRIO:
Tape measure mentioned multiple times. My experience, I have lent, lost or damaged several over 35 years now. On the other hand, I have an olde skool Kline wooden folding ruler that is like new. No on borrows it, no one steals it, it will probably be passed on to any grandchildren some day.
I have an old wooden folding ruler that was my grandfather’s; I may have used it a couple times, but I mostly just like having it to remember him by.
Regards From Sunny Tucson,
SigFan
NRA Life - IDPA - USCCA - GOA - JPFO - ACLDN - SAF - AZCDL - ASA
"Faith isn't believing that God can; it's knowing that He will." (From a sign on a church in Nicholasville, Kentucky)
September 21, 2024, 08:34 PM
Oscars fatherA headlamp. I have a Fenix in mine. No messing with a hand held light and you can point exactly where you're looking.
September 21, 2024, 08:46 PM
Black92LXThis little kit is a must
https://www.harborfreight.com/...-35-piece-58074.html
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If we got each other, and that's all we have.
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You should know I'll be there for you!
September 21, 2024, 10:46 PM
Hamden106With my brothers tools, my fathers tools, my tools, and two more sets of my tools brought home from work when I retired, I have more tools than tool boxes. Snap-on, S-K, Klein, 60+ year old Craftsman, and a lot of misc tools covering automotive, carpentry, plumbing, electrical. I just put back together the Delta contractor table saw that has been in the family since 1964. I need more space than tools now.
I did just find Makita nut driver bits in METRIC!!!!
SIGnature
NRA Benefactor CMP Pistol Distinguished
September 21, 2024, 10:52 PM
Ripleyquote:
Originally posted by Black92LX:
This little kit is a must
https://www.harborfreight.com/...-35-piece-58074.html
^^^^
Security torx drivers? Pretty impressive inclusion.
Set the controls for the heart of the Sun.