My best tools are the ones I use, the ones I know how to use [safely], and the ones I’m not afraid to use and abuse. I have bought my fair share of cheap tools, premium tools, and gimmicky tools. But the tools I reach for most? The tried and true mid-range workhorses.
If I had to answer which were my best or favorite tools, I would be up all night and the length of my ensuing essay would crash the server. But if pressed, I’d at least tell you that my NWS pliers and Channellock wide adjustable wrench are the hand tools I most enjoy using.
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What about you? If you had to pick one or two tools, which would you say are your best or favorites?
Bill Verdi
best tool in my mailbox would be one of the three various circuit / voltage testers – no brand loyalty since all three are different makers but no name dollar store ones. Since I am a DIYer, with a new home replacing receptacles, lights, switches and upgrading all of them meant spending more time on electrical work and can’t always cut power to whole house – infant goes ballistic if elmo disappears from tube. So making sure that I am not working on live wirig is a life saver
Jason
I would say the most valuable/useful tool in my toolbox is a 6 in 1 screwdriver. I have several and some are better quality than others. This is closely followed by needle nose pliers and a 8″ or 10″ crescent wrench.
Zac
My multi tool. Im blanking on the name but i love it.
Stuart
Zac, would that be a Leatherman-style multi-tool, or powered oscillating-type multi-tool, seeing as how either one could probably qualify?
Zac
I was thinking leatherman style but now that you bring that up im not sure haha. They are both priceless tools.
Israel David
Screwdriver, highest payback. Least likely to rust from disuse.
James
My favorite tool is my Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool.
Jaquandor
My Klein 11-in-1 screwdriver. Without it, I’m like a Jedi without a lightsaber. Batman without a belt. Harry Potter without a wand. (Not that I’m like any of those things WITH my screwdriver…but about once a year I forget to stick it in my pocket before I leave for work, and I feel naked without it.)
James C
Ditto on the Klein 11-in-1. I’ve had mine for over six years. It looks a little beat up, but it’s always the first screwdriver I go to when I need one.
Also:
-Bosch 1590 EVSK jigsaw – Smile on my face every time I use it.
-Swiss Tech utilikey – Always with me (I don’t like carrying a real pocket knife/multi-tool).
Greg K
The Griots Garage Tamper Proof Bit Set.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/tools/hand+tools/screwdrivers/113+piece+tamper+proof+bit+set.do?search=basic&keyword=Tamper+Proof&sortby=newArrivals&page=1
I keep one in the desk, one in the shop and one in the car. I use the damn things ALL THE TIME. $19 whole dollars, it’s a smoking deal.
I do wish I could find a similar set with better quality bits. I used the T15 drivers to torque down La Rue rifle scope rings to spec, and it twisted the bit. I would gladly pay triple for a similar kit with hardened steel bits.
For $19 though, the utility of having a small kit that can handle nearly any kind of fastener is absolutely worth it though.
Joshua Byrd
The most useful tool that I own is, without a doubt, the 9 inch linesman pliers. From stripping/cutting wire to hammering in nails, these babies are extremely versatile. I’d previously owned an 8 inch pair, but, once I started building my house a few years ago, quickly found that I couldn’t get enough leverage to easily cut the 12/3 wiring that my electrician and I were running. He let me try out his 9 inch Kleins and I was convinced. Clipping the 10/3 wires for the ovens was even a breeze with that extra inch of leverage. Much like a roofing square, there is a lot of hidden usage built into these things that you might have never even thought of.
Esther Shanahan
My brain is my best tool!
greg e
Hard to chose between just one but best (most used 3 non power) 3 thats different.
1 Vaughan BC/SB10 Nail Puller/Scraper Bar 10 in
2 klein 11-1 screw driver
3 Stanley 30-ft tape measure
Maikeru
The handiest tool in my toolbox isn’t in my toolbox; it’s the one that’s always on me. That’d be just about every Leatherman multi-tool I’ve ever carried as my primary one—always on me whenever feasible and thus ever handy in a pinch.
betterOutdoorLivingatHome
A tongue and groove pliers and a ratchet screwdriver with changeable bits.
james
Fein multimaster; how did I ever get along w/o it before; why did I wait so long; others are cheaper, none are better; not even close!
Wera Kompact screwdriver; multiple bits, built in extension, and can also use everything with my drill drivers; no more hunting for torx; square, phillips; Yeah!
The Extractor Pliers – leverage is a beautiful thing – my hands say thank you!
Blaklader work pants; My “knee” surgeon will need to get his next Porsche payment from someone else now 🙂
Tim
My multitool ( sog powerlock) love it.
My various makita/milwaukee cordless impacts (mechanic)
My gearwrench flex wrenches
Tomas
I guess it’s a toss up between “Mr 7 Hands” (A 7 in 1 screwdriver with great tourqe and a flashlight) which I use at work all the time, or my “Midnight Manager Victorinox” on my keychain. With it’s combo of small knife, LED and pen & the fact it’s attached to my keyring it gets almost daily use.