Just looking for some suggestions on rounding out my tools. I'm no novice I've got a fairly sizable collection with most bases covered. I'm just wondering if there are tools that you've discovered that you wondered how you lived without them previously? For example Knipex Cobra pliers, I love these things and changed my perspective on pliers.

Specifics for job type would be helpful....

Woodworking
Automotive
General Household
Metal Working

ect….

Knipex pliers. They serve the same purpose as an adjustable crescent wrench, but are better – zero free play.

I have the 5” model (replaces a 6” adjustable crescent wrench) and a 6” model (replaces an 8” adjustable crescent wrench). There are larger models too. Expensive, but excellent construction & box joint design.

www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-86-03-15...wdiwrjrsL&ref=plSrch

quote:

Originally posted by El Cid 92:
Specifics for job type would be helpful....

Woodworking
Automotive
General Household
Metal Working

ect….

General household work, not specific.

I bought this Knipex 10 piece tool set five years ago to leave in the house for odd jobs. It's pricey, but you won't regret it: You'll get the warm/fuzzies every time you pick one of these tools up.

All you really need is an old butterknife and some cheap, shitty, slip joint pliers. And duct tape. Use the heel of your shoe as a hammer, if the pliers aren’t heavy enough.

At least that’s what my Bride’s tool box had in it.

If you don't have a battery powered drill/driver, get one.

If you do any mechanical work at all, get a set, drill/driver and impact wrench.

I got a killer deal on a set when I worked at the lumber yard. I wanted the drill/driver, charger and the two batteries. Figured the impact driver would be useless.

I was wrong. Very, very wrong. I use the crap out of the impact and the drill/driver sits on the bench unless I'm actually drilling something.

Those super thin, Japanese pull saws! Super handy.

Still
Chainsaw.... no man should be without one

Drywall saw, taping knife, and mud bucket because eventually you'll want to patch a hole or three.

And a chainsaw.

Ball end allen wrenches
Deadblow hammer

WD-40 - if you want it to move.
Duct tape - if you don't.

If you don't have a chainsaw and don't want one cause they are heavy , stinky, difficult to use, and you are only trimming limbs or cutting small trees, I recommend one of the Ryobi 40 volt chainsaws.

I just cut up a small redbud I lost to Florence and it cut through it like butter.

These 3 come to mind right away. I would say the Kreg Jig probably made the biggest impression on me. I have a lot of tools but I just love my K5.

Automatic Center Hole Punch

Kreg Jig Starter Kit

[Insert your favorite brand] Cordless Impact Driver - I like Ryobi One+ cordless tools.

An oscillating power multi tool. They are so handy and have come way down in price in recent years. I like Bosch but there are a bunch of them out there corded and cordless.

A nut splitter. It can save your sanity

One of my favorite tools for working in tight spaces is this Husky Microdriver set from Home Depot. The quality is every bit as good as Snap-On for about a tenth of the price:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hu...WMD16PCSAE/202934673

Do you have a variable speed, random orbital sander?

A Pin Vise and a welding tip cleaner set.

I’ve used my pin vise quite a bit lately and the welding tip cleaner is something I use to unclog and clean tiny orifices and unblock holes.

And get some good hand cleaner.

And of course you’ll need a work bench with a vise.

I just bought a bench top drill press and I’m using it a lot.

Safety glasses. A big pile of neatly folded shop rags.

I have found a magnetic or claw type pick up tool invaluable when working under the hood. They are great for retrieving sockets or nuts that fall into the crevices of an engine bay.
https://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-31000.aspx