One of my daughter’s nursery school teachers is going back to school for her grad degree. She’s moving far from home, and since we like her a lot, I put together a small “college” tool kit for her. I did the same for my cousins a few years ago.
See Also: 5 Essential Tools for College Students
And you know what? 5 years later, and my recommendations have largely remained the same. There are very minor differences with this kit.
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These tools should handle a lot of the little tasks that one might come across. For bigger things, well, you need more tools. A kit like this covers the basics for someone who might be leaving home for the first time.
Leatherman Multi-Tool
Perhaps a Leatherman Juice might have been better a little nicer, but I had an unopened Wingman that I purchased a while ago on sale.
Ideally, a good multi-tool should have durable pliers, a usable knife, a small file, and a bottle opener. The Wingman has all of that, plus a can opener, screwdrivers, scissors, and a plastic clamshell package pener.
The Rev is now the entry-price model.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
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Picquic Screwdriver
I’m a fan of Picquic screwdrivers, and some of you turned my attention to the Dash, a more compact version of their multi-bit driver.
This driver comes with (7) 1/4″ hex power bits, in Phillips, square, and slotted sizes.
There are different colors available. I figured the orange would make the driver easier to locate in a drawer or on a desk, and it was also the least expensive at the time.
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See Also: Best EDC Screwdrivers with Bit Storage
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
My wife LOVES the Victorinox Swiss Army knife keychain I have her years ago. I like mine as well, although I don’t always carry them.
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I ordered translucent ruby, which is a fairly neutral classic color. But… I somehow received one of the new 2018 special editions, featuring a London motif. The Amazon sticker said “translucent ruby,” and so I guess a person or machine didn’t know how to classify it.
I was tempted to keep it for myself, but the London colors seemed to make the gift a little cooler.
Buy Now(“A trip to London” version via Amazon)
Fenix E01 LED Flashlight
Here’s another tool time-tested by my wife – the Fenix E01 LED flashlight keychain.
They’re durable, fairly bright, compact, and they have pleasing aesthetics. There are multiple color choices. If you want something brighter, look at the E05.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also: Best Mini EDC Tools
Komelon Tape Measure
This 10-foot Komelon tape measure is long enough for most tasks, and small enough to take with you when shopping for furniture, curtains, laptop cases, or other such things.
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Duct Tape
Duck tape is always handy. There’s a new “transparent tints” style, which seems cool.
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Tool Box
I packed everything inside a Flambeau Tradesman 10-1/2″ tool box, made from translucent clear plastic.
This one has a 50:50 split design, solid latches, and overlapping closure that helps to keep dust and moisture out.
I bought a bunch of these, and have been tempted to custom-order a batch with ToolGuyd branding.
They’re made in the USA and priced at under $5 when you order direct (plus shipping, although shipping appears to be free for orders over $150).
Buy Now(via Flambeau)
Scotty
Good selections for a small dorm room kit. I would add the Stanley 4in1 pocket screwdriver to supplement the Picquic. While I like the little Fenix for pocket carry, I would swap that for something bit more capable for a dorm room.
Stuart
Good idea!!
I have a dozen that I ordered last year at good pricing, and will try to add it to the tool kit later.
I don’t remember having much need for precision screwdrivers, though, aside from hobby tasks. Most small screws can be removed with a Phillips #1, which comes with the Picquic. Now, of course, I use them all the time, on my kids’ toys and their tamper-proof battery compartments.
David Zeller
Eyeglasses?
csroc
I would step up from the E01 as well personally. I’ve been daily carrying an LD01 for over 8 years now and it has a good range of useful output levels. They don’t make it anymore but they do make an LD02 now, however the E05 seems like a it’s pretty close and $10 less so I’d probably suggest going that route if you still want to keep the light very compact but have the option of more light when you need it.
Darth
Great kit. The only thing I would add is a full-size pair of scissors and a carpenters pencil.
Yes I get there is a pair in the Leatherman and the SAK. But ever since I added a full size cheap pair into my toolbox, I have never used a leatherman or SAK (both in my toolbox). It is just too nice to have the full size.
Greg
I think a small hammer would round out the kit nicely. Sometimes you just need to hang something on the wall.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-TH20178J-10-Ounce-Stubby-Claw-Hammer-w-Soft-Grip/17190607
this would probably even fit in that tool box you listed as well.
Stuart
I considered the Handi-Hammer, but it seemed like a stretch. I never met anyone who used nails in their dorm rooms, and in some cases we had block walls. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/nupla-handi-hammer/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Greg
Guess I never did dorm living, but all the apartments I’ve lived in were nail friendly. I hadn’t seen that handi-hammer before, neat concept
Andy Ringsmuth
Well, the hammer comes into play for more than hanging things on the walls. Young single girl, right? What better tool to use when she sees a big creepy spider on the floor?
csroc
A hammer is a must, maybe not in a dorm (maybe it varies) but in an apartment for sure. Bare walls are boring!
csroc
Flat pack furniture too, you often need a hammer to nail in those crappy cardboard back panels.
Schill
Maybe if IKEA furniture could be involved, a Pozi Drive screwdriver is not a bad idea. They can be a lot easier to use than philips. Picquic has a pozidriv bit set which is available from Amazon.
Maikeru
I was thinking that as well! At the very least a tack hammer since that will do the trick for flat-pack furniture and lightweight picture hanging (I’d recommend the Ook—or similarly built offerings from other brands—pro picture hangers since they leave smaller holes which can be more easily repaired).
Patrick H.
I second this. I had a small 8 or 6 oz craftsman or Stanley hammer I kept in my dorm in college. That thing was borrowed more than a couple times.
Dennis
I like the list, but I think I would include zip-ties, they have thousands of uses and always come in handy.
After that I might consider an adjustable wrench, and also a Milwaukee Inkzall marker.
If you love tools the list can be endless. The hard part is deciding where to stop.
Taras
I second the zip tie suggestion. A good addition that’s still pretty small is the Bondic adhesive kit. A UV cure acrylic pen that comes in really handy when you need to repair plastic parts. Saved me quite a bit of scratch back when I was younger.
Schill
If possible, I’d consider replacing the duct tape with gaffer tape. It’s more expensive, but it’s a lot nicer to work with and a lot cleaner and easier to remove.
Jim Felt
Totally concur on the gaffers tape. Duck tape is at best second rate HVAC tape. And nowhere near as useful or friendly as the film/video gaffers.
JR
Nice gift and nice kit. I would add a small hammer as well. Sometimes things need a controlled tap and it beats using the wrong tool, like the back of a screwdriver.
JAYoung
One of my Nikon F cameras has a dent in its bottom from a 1970s college need to drive a nail to hang a picture. Not recommended.
fred
Try doing that with a modern camera – there would be more than a dent!
My 1960’s college photography days used a Leica M3 (double stroke) for candid’s – and a Linhof Tecknika IV for the daily newspaper. The Ultrablitz flash (aka potato masher) looked like it could do as a hammer as well – but it was plastic and not up to driving nails.
Framer joe
For my 3 girls headed to college,they got a small tool box filled with needed supplies.
Small hammer,4-1 screwdriver,Leatherman, scissors,duct tape, adjustable wrench, small socket set, electrical tape, flashlight,knife, etc…not a set number but enough to do most things.
All three still have the tool box,minus a couple items…..
Framer joe
They also make great presents….
Evadman
Add blu tack and swap out the duct tape for gaffer tape.
Not in the tool kit, but include a extension cord, zip ties, and a pair of diagonal cutters if the leathermans can’t cut off a zipped tight zip tie. I bet I went though at least a thousand zip ties during my 4 years. Get a mini-fridge instead of renting one (if your college does that) the rental ones I had experience with never got cold; was a very common complaint at my college.
A lot of what you need will depends on the dorm. Every dorm has different rules about what you can and can not do
Paul K
A straight backed tape measure instead. One with very clear bold lettering saying “For inside measurements add XXX”. It’s a useful ability, easy to learn, that surprisingly few people have.
fred
Our firstborn went (1990’s) to a large state land-grant university – where move in day (10,000 + or – freshman) was a sight to behold. They were very well organized – and had provided a suggested packing list (male and female slightly different) that included tools. Beyond the hammer, tape measure, combination screwdriver, and flashlight – a rubber door stop was listed. While not exactly a tool – it was really handy for move-in and move out days.
fred
I forgot to mention that if a bike is being brought out to college – then a small bike-road-kit (multitool, pump, tire levers, patch kit, road wrench, cone wrenches) would be useful.
Lauren
Include the hammer. Even in the dorms, we were allowed to nail or tack stuff into the walls as long as we filled the holes before move out.
Yadda
Nice gift Stuart. All thoughtful choices. I will go shopping at Flambeau. Lots of nice choices there.
Jared
I think your selection is a clever and thoughtful selection of what needed in a kit like this.
The flashlight would be my one criticism though – 13 lumens for about $14? In my opinion there’s many better options available these days since your original “college students” list.
My choice would be the Olight i3e for $10. Save $4 and upgrade to 90 lumens – also a single AAA keychain-sized light.
Stuart
That’s a tough one.
For Fenix, I’d give points for runtime and aesthetics. For Olight, brightness.
The Fenix has been very reliable over the years, and not once has my wife ever asked for something brighter.
There are other models in the $10-$65 range that I’d carry or consider buying. But for this, I thought about what I’d pick for someone that might be used to using their phone as a flashlight. The E01 won out again.
You’re not wrong; I just wanted to flesh out my reasoning a little better.
Jared
That’s fair. My Olight is so bright I rarely reach for one of my full-size flashlights anymore, even if I’m doing some outdoor task at night – but my three year old said he had something in his ear last night. I pulled out my i3e and shone it in his ear to have a look. It was so bright I could barely stand to look at it. Had to cover part of the lens with my finger.
In the same price range a good alternative might be the Olight I1R E0S. It has two modes (5 and 130 lumens), is rechargeable and ipx8 rated.
MikeIt
I’ve put together a few of these over the years for the same type of situation. You want to make sure they can handle some basic tasks on their own. Alot of good suggestions have already been made and I would like add 1. A penny cutter AKA EMT shears for opening those plastic packages without poking yourself. 2. A Husky painters tool for scraping, prying, opening, stuff. You never know when you are going to need one. Also one pointy edge is great for opening taped boxes when you are unpacking. 3. A small level. At some point in time they are going to want to a hang up picture frames or something and a level will help make the job easier. I put all the stuff in a small tool bag so there is room for a few more things down the road like extra batteries for the flashlight. Also if the place they are moving to uses plug fuses in their circuit panel you should include some spares because its very hard to find some after 10pm!
firefly
The wingman have an awesome plastic packages opener.
KokoTheTalkingApe
Wow, I have some really different ideas.
Re putting stuff up on walls: if they can nail into the walls, they need a hammer, some nails (maybe finishing nails or brad nails, for the smaller diameter), and thin braided nylon cord or wire. To stick things to the walls, they should use 3M Command adhesive pads. They are MUCH better than Blu-tack and its equivalents, which lets go in the middle of the night, and can stain both walls and posters.
I’ve gone on before about the desirability of 1″ hex bits instead of the 3″ or the double-ended guys. So I would get them a driver that takes 1″ bits, probably one that ratchets.
I wouldn’t get them a multitool, which in my view is designed for situations where you don’t have the space or weight for better tools, or you are very unlikely to need any tools (I keep one in my messenger bag.) For an apartment kit, a few pairs of real pliers will be stronger, more ergonomic, and cheaper. If they are your kid or niece or nephew, a pair of Knipex parallel jaw wrench-pliers is great. Otherwise an adjustable wrench is probably fine. I’d add a pair of needle-nose pliers.
For moving stuff in and out, a folding dolly is great. It doesn’t take up much space in a closet.
Full-size office scissors are good. I’d add a pair of crash scissors for heavier jobs, because they work pretty well and are really cheap.
I don’t like that tape measure. A 12′ Stanley would be sturdier. No need for a FatMax.
They will likely need a few different types of glue. White glue, super glue (and a bit of instruction on how to use it) and maybe a small tube of construction cement will handle most problems. 2-part epoxy might be good too.
I would throw in a box of nitrile gloves, because they never think of such things. Come to that, some actual work gloves are good for moving too, the cheap stretchy ones that are half-dipped in nitrile.
They will likely need some way to manage cables. Zip-ties are fine, but double-sided Velcro ties are cheap and easier to attach and detach.
A few power strips will be handy. If they are also surge protectors, all the better, because they will never think of that.
A little bottle of goo and adhesive remover will be useful. Lighter fluid works, but goo remover actually works better. Advise them not to huff it.
A small sewing kit for patching clothes or decorating one’s backpack would be good. Include some unwaxed dental floss for a super-strong thread that is easy to handle.
And I would also consider a first aid kit (not a pre-made one, but one with larger amounts and better stuff) and a cleaning kit (just spray cleaner, some scrubbies, maybe some eraser-type cleaners, because it won’t get used often) as supplements/alternatives to a tool kit.
Stuart
My cousin got me a tape measure similar to the Komelon, and I used it for everything. I still use it on occasion, and cannot bring myself to get rid of it.
It’s the perfect pocket tape. And no belt clip means that it’s more compact than most 12′ tapes.
For the person who doesn’t know what they might need, the most basic tools can accomplish a lot. Beyond that, tools and supplies can always be purchased on an as-needed basis.
Regarding first aid kits, I still get pre-packaged kits every now and then. The bandages are easily sourced elsewhere, but the other things, like individual cleaners and bacitracin packets, are hard to find.
I actually found a 50-count pack of bacitracin recently, and plan on distributing it among out several smaller kits.
Did I have a box of bandaids in college? I honestly don’t remember. Probably. Maybe I had one of those small all-in-one kits.
These are still my most-used bandages: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/nexcare-waterproof-bandages-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
KokoTheTalkingApe
I will yield on the tape measure. If you like it, that’s good enough for me.
Re purchasing tools and supplies as needed: that might be easy for some students, but not for others. In my personal case, the college didn’t allow most students to keep cars on campus, and the only store that came close to carrying hardware within walking distance was a Woolworth’s. Nowadays kids would use Amazon, but some things you might need immediately. Like nitrile gloves.
Re pre-made first aid kits: they often contain things that aren’t actually that useful, and the things they contain are often not optimal. For example, I have become a die-hard convert to the fancy stretchy, waterproof bandaids. I think they are made out of silicone. They are expensive, but they conform and stick a lot better to difficult areas like knuckles. They also reduce scarring, which I can see on my fingers right now as I type. But those bandaids don’t come in pre-made kits. (Incidentally, povidone iodine is probably a better bet than bacitracin, which probably slows healing and anyway only works on Gram-positive bacteria. I found a tiny bottle of it at my grocery store.)
Actually, now that I think about it, there is probably no need to limit oneself to a “tool kit.” Just get them “Stuff they will need immediately, and might not think to buy ahead of time.” Organize it into “tools,” “cleaning,” “first aid,” etc. if you like. I got my nephew a nice multiport USB charger, and he says it is the most useful thing in his room.
This was fun to think about!
Stuart
My first two years at college, nobody had cars. So if we wanted something, we took the bus to Walmart. If the buses weren’t working, we walked.
If I needed something else, I waited until my parents visited.
Bacitracin was recommended for my kids, and when I had to pick up a new tube recently, the pharmacist was trying to guess why that was. They surmised because it’s less harsh because of fewer ingredients.
I think I was recommended bacitracin too, when I had my lip stitched up.
College students have limited storage space, and so it’s important (and hard) to resist the temptation to plan for too many what-if’s.
fred
My college days – were in some buildings built in the 1890’s when the university (having its charter from the King) had moved to its “new” campus. My freshman year dorm was a building built in 1904. I think that room and board was something like $500 – now its over 16 times that. Wiring was rather lacking – but so were the items that you could plug in (no microwaves or personal computers back in the early 1960’s) The subway was right off college walk – so you could always get to a big department store if you needed anything.
Scott K
That’s a really thoughtful gift and it seems to cover the basics well. I’d also add a small hammer for all of the reasons listed above. I have been using my Wingman for about 4 years and I love it- except for the bottle opener that’s really a can opener. I feel like it just destroys bottle caps and could have been better integrated into another tool or even the handle.
Satch
Stuart, nice idea. While tempting to upgrade tools I will relate my own experiences after just retiring from 31 years in college housing maintenance.
First, I agree with almost all your choices though I would swap out the multi tool for either a EMT style shear, a Klein 2100-7 Telco shears, or the 7 I nch Wiss cutters at Home D. Along with 7 inch pair of Channelocks. No Knipex for kids at their prices.
A retractable utility knife like the DeWalts. Very comfortable. A 6-7 inch needlenose pliers of decent quality but not top shelf. Most of the rest the same as yours. Oh, agree about Velcro strips as others mention.
Now for why you don’t buy good stuff unless YOU know how they will take care of it. I cannot count the number of screwdrivers, knives, small tool boxes, organisers, and other various kit those kids left behind or you’d find it in the yard. Sometimes even just thrown away. They just don’t have a great perspective on how fast those items add up. Again, depends upon the kid.
Scotty
This is an excellent point. All of us want to build a kit with quality tools because we appreciate quality tools. Others often couldn’t care less. My employer recently closed a branch office. When I went onsite to recover network equipment I found the office tool kit tossed in the trash bin.
Satch
Oh btw, the only reason I would forego the multi tool us price. I know some if the nicer Leatherman offerings eclipse 50 dollars pretty fast. They lose that…ouch. A 13 dollar cutter like the 7 inch Wiss shears, well we can manage. If you already have the multi tool then it may be more economical than buying more tools.
One last thing. Strongly suggest to them they keep their kit out of sight and mum’s the word in having it. Roommates become dependent upon borrowing which often turned into ‘liberating’…ahem…items because they were too handy.
ktash
Yes, very thoughtful gift. One thing that this does is give them a starting p oint. Once they get the hang of owning/using tools they can fill in the blanks.
But scissors are a must. I use them everyday, usually more than once. The two types I use most are the kitchen shears like these https://www.amazon.com/BriaUSA-Kitchen-Stainless-Multifunction-Scissors/dp/B01EQM90I0/ Mine came with a good quality knife set, but these are the same.
They are very sturdy and not just for the kitchen. You can abuse them somewhat and they stay intact to cut tape, cardboard, paper, fabric or raw chicken ;). It’s easy to wreck other specialized scissors doing many of these tasks. You can take them apart and use one blade, say to open a box like a box cutter. The other pair is a Harbor Freight $2 utility shears. They aren’t good like those others, but can do a lot of cutting tough things.
fred
I thought to share what had been a son’s college packing list. Being from the 1990’s its a bit dated – but it might be useful – if updated – for those just starting out as freshman this fall.
I posted over on ToolTalk:
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/college-packing-list-tools-and-other-items-some-ideas/1352
Vards Uzvards
If planning to get furniture from IKEA, a combination imperial/metric tape measure might be more appropriate (a 4ft wide desk there will be actually 120 cm wide). Komelon makes nice combo tapes, e.g. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CFJB08/ and at the store one can pick up a rather good 10ft / 3m IKEA-branded tape measure too.
firefly
This is a nice list. I think you did well.
Personally I would given her a solar led lantern or one of those rechargeable emergency nightlite/flashlight combo. Those thing are awesome on a power outage because they can be set to come on automatically. They work as a night light in normal case and double as an emergency flash light. We have a few of those in my house and we love them.
Flotsam
Interesting article. I would chide you for the lack of a proper pair of pliers. and i would second the small hammer idea. While i always like the Leatherman in theory I would much rather have the real version of the tool, like the multi-screwdriver which you did include.
What I got most out of this article was the Flambeau tool box. At that price i may get a few to story small power tools and the accessories that come with them. I am thinking of a B&D Rotary Tool RTX-3 i have.
For an upcoming story suggestion I would like to see a story on an Emergency car kit. What you store and how you store it. Also, occasionally I go to the junk yard to scrounge some auto parts I may need. I have settled on a 5gall bucket highly customized for me, but I am always interested in what people do.
Andy Ringsmuth
A hammer. EVERYONE needs a hammer at some point. And they’re dirt cheap.
But there’s one thing you can’t put in your tool kit that I bet she needs, especially as she’s moving away (meaning she won’t have a social network right away).
Knowledge!
Teach her how to change a tire. I’m not kidding.
David Zeller
What about a knife like this? Not sure what to call it. The blades break off every quarter inch or so to give you a fresh edge.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0732JQK4B/
David
Stacey
I’m going to say 5 is not enough. I would recommend the duct tape and these instead:
$12
Stanley Locking Adjustable Wrench https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OYGZ/
$29
HAMMERHEAD Rechargeable Screwdriver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTMEBRE/
$8
CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IKK0OI/
$10
Screwpop Ron’s Utility Knife 3.0 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UZHT432/
$22.5
Nebo Ultra Socket Combination Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00327HT5W/
$10
Laser level/tape measure) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HI20NAE/
$7
Crescent CMT1000 Odd Job Multi-Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NM6X8A/
$8
Rechargeable LED Flashlight,18650 Battery Included
https ://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSKQGPB/
$15
Vim HBR5 Ratchet
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TSMQWU/
$7
Vim Products Locking Bit Adaptor
https://www.toolsid.com/vim-tools/1-4-square-drive-locking-bit-adapter-mpn-hl414.html
$2
DEWALT DW2541 1/4-Inch Socket Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000225P4/
$14.5
Gerber Dime Multi-Tool, Red [30-000417] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006M9NIEI/
J Shearer
Thank you so much for sharing! I thought I had a good list to start with and scrapped that and I’m going with yours. I appreciate all the commentors and their insight as well! I do NOT remember there being such insightful advice when I went away to college! Thanks again!
Stuart
Thank you, I appreciate it!