A couple of years ago, I created a quick roundup of DIYer and Homeowner tool recommendations, focusing on the most important 12 tools or so.
I’ve been meaning to follow up that post with an update. A long-time friend of mine recently moved into a new house, and I had the idea of creating a starter tool kit for an upcoming editorial review, and then sending it to them as a housewarming gift. She recently had a baby, and so I have some time to plan and buy until they want to start working on things.
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As I mentioned recently, we have a paid partnership with Home Depot right now, where they send me a bunch of tools for review consideration every so often. The monetary part involves sponsored projects, since I wanted the reviews to be independent from all that.
The review selection has actually been nice, because some of those tools aren’t quite tools or accessories I would ordinarily be interested in. For instance, they sent 3M ear muffs, and I would have skipped that particular model based on its being made overseas. But my Peltors were in another room and I needed something quick, so I used the 3M ear muffs, finding them to be well made and quite comfortable.
Now about that bucket full of tools…
There are several Home Depots close to me, and the nearest Lowes is a too-far distance away to visit casually, and so I’ve been doing most of my tool, accessory, and supply runs at Home Depot.
I’ve been meaning to work out a new “DIYer and Homeowner tool set” post, I want to buy a friend a housewarming tool set, and Home Depot has thrown some sponsor money our way.
So here’s the plan:
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I’m creating a DIYer and Homeowner tool kit, and buying 3 or everything. One as the “example” set I’ll be sending to my friend, who will provide review feedback and commentary as things get used, and 2 more sets for reader giveaways.
I visited my local Home Depot yesterday for a few supplies. They had a few promo displays and so I grabbed a bucket and figured I might as well start my DIY tool kit and giveaway shopping, rather than putting it off some more.
The above is the result of my first outing.
What surprised me at the end of the day was how many Milwaukee tools there were. There are a few Dewalt tools in there too, but not a lot. There are some other brands, such as Estwing, Mayhew, and 3M.
I’m not done yet.
Part of the challenge is balancing anticipated needs and my own preferences.
My friend has a lot of projects on her to-do list, and I’m also shopping with ToolGuyd readers in mind, and so I’m choosing the tool kit and giveaway items based on my own personal decisions.
Milwaukee combination screwdriver vs. Klein? Which would I buy? Milwaukee, so it went into the bucket.
There were 2-packs of Milwaukee 16-foot tape measures on sale, so I grabbed 2 packs. I went looking for Stanley 25′ PowerLock tape measures, but there were a couple and they all showed signs of stressed plastic. So I’ll look for them at a different Home Depot.
I went with 16 oz claw hammers, because that’s most useful in my opinion. If a DIYer is going to be doing demo work, they’ll likely have to make a trip to the store to buy a better bar for what they want to do. I also bought a 12 oz claw hammer for myself.
I debated about brand – Estwing vs. Husky or Crescent, and went with Estwing. Because that’s what I like using for myself.
In a general purpose DIYer tool kit, there are plenty of options, and the choice depends on the user. I have not yet bought better bolt cutters, unless you consider the folded-handle ones I bought.
Years ago I debated about this – Home Depot’s house brand bolt cutters, or HK Porter bolt cutters, back when they still made in the USA. At the time, I was looking to cut a lot of closet-style wire shelving, and went with the Home Depot store brand, despite wanting the HKs.
I spent $15, maybe $20, on the Workforce bolt cutters, compared to $60 for the HK Porter model. That other money was spent on other tools that new projects demanded, giving me added functionality over what was currently in my tool set.
Because of all these decisions coming back at me at once, we were at Home Depot for quite some time. That’s why this was just Round 1, and there’s at least 1 or 2 more shopping visits to go. I’ll need to make a few purchases outside Home Depot though, such as for individually wrapped respirator masks and Bondhus ball hex keys, at the least.
I also don’t know if I’m happy with the tool bag and box selection at Home Depot. They don’t carry the Milwaukee 13″ jobsite work tool box in stores anymore. Maybe a Husky tool bag will be a good fit; I wish I bought some promo Husky bags during the Father’s Day shopping season.
I do want to include Home Depot buckets in the giveaway and DIYer tool kit too, but that might make the shipping fees much more painful due to the bulky size. And I would still want a tool bag as part of the kits – and not just a bucket tool organizer, in case that’s what you’re thinking.
There won’t be any power tools in the kit, although I did send a Dewalt DCD777 brushless drill kit in advance as part of the housewarming gift.
There might be some funds left over by the time I’m done shopping for giveaway items, but at this rate I’ll likely have to dip into regular ToolGuyd funds.
I do have to say – I’m having a really fun time with this. It’s fun having to make hand tool decisions all over again. Although I have a greater working budget than when I bought my own tools, I find myself still weighing quality over value.
Do I buy a rubber mallet, or not? Without a rubber mallet, one could sometimes get away with using a hammer and block of wood. But if someone has a mallet available, they’re going to use it.
Then it comes down to Estwing white non-marring and heavier head, vs. the lighter black rubber head, vs. much cheaper store brand mallet. I ended up going with the not-outlandishly-priced Estwing black rubber mallet.
As an aside, it seems like every tool has California Prop 65 warnings these days. The same with the screws and other hardware. I think even the stainless steel ones had a warning!
In apples to apples comparisons, I’m trying to go the “buy USA” route, but I’m also trying to go for the better tools. For example, in the case of a Milwaukee multi-bit screwdriver for $8, or Klein for $10, I went with the Milwaukee. I love my Klein multi-bit screwdrivers, but the tips tend to be softer than my Milwaukee’s. I like the Milwaukee one better, so that’s what I bought for the editorial and giveaway kits.
I’ve got more planning to do, and then I need to turn my attention to the upcoming giveaway.
Transparency: We’re using Home Depot paid partnership/sponsorship funds for the DIY tool kit project and giveaway item purchases. Most of the purchases are being made at Home Depot because they carry the brands I like and several stores are accessibly close, but the partnership factors into this as well.
Satch
Stuart, don’t look or worry about the Husky tool bags. So far I have not seen one that was laid out all that great. And the larger ones are really heavy. Unfortunately, finding well made tool bag that is designed the way you want is about impossible. The Veto comes close but is way out of budget for a DIY starter kit. I wonder if the small Ridgid tool case from their system would work? $29 is not too bad.
And good on you for doing this.
Stuart
I’d sooner buy the Dewalt Tough System box for the money, but shipping damage is a risk for some of the support ribs, and it’s a little bulkier than I’d consider for new DIYer use.
I shopped long and hard years ago and bought some good Stanley and Stanley FaxMax tool bags.
Husky bags are very popular, and I’ve found them to be reasonably functional at a good price.
I might just draw from my stockpile of tool bags that come with cordless tools and kits, but I’d like to find a go-to recommendation at the same time.
Brandon
The Husky “Bucket Jockey” is an amazing value, if you’re trying to put this together on a budget and are shopping at Home Depot anyway. $10 between the Bucket Jockey and the bucket itself gets you as much capacity as a much larger tool bag laid out in a *very* accessible format instead of piled into a box. No extending suitcase handle or wheels or zipped pockets, but I just buckle it up through the handle when I take in the car and it’s light enough that I don’t find myself needing more portability other than the handle it already has. Just keep your drill & impact in the bag they came in – I broke the little plastic handle guard trying to lug those around in it.
SS
Second vote for the bucket jockey. I bought it as a $7 impulse on Black Friday and it’s been terrific. Throw the larger stuff in the bucket put the smaller stuff in the pockets. I had a few pairs of pliers, a whole set of spades, a set of drill bits, a set of driver bits, hammer, impact, spare batteries, speed square, level, bunch of miscellaneous screws, all sorts of stuff and all within arms reach and I was trying to figure out what else I could put in the pockets. Fantastic.
Satch
Forgot about the FatMax stuff. They do or at least did have some nice designs.
Tommy
At my Walmart I found a very good Bostich tool bag which is made by Stanley for $20.
Roger
Stuart, I have found the Husky 12″ technician bag to be the best so far. I have a Klein bacpack, Milwaukee backpack, and several others. The Husky has been my everyday bag for 9 months now.
Stuart
Thanks!
That might be a bit pricier than I was aiming for, at least for this kit selection, and maybe also a little specialized.
Ken
I’ve been happy with the Husky 14″ large mouth bag for my basic house tools. The tools that don’t fit in the pockets are either in a roll or a couple of tool pouches in the main pocket. It seemed like at the time it was the only durable option I could find locally at Lowes or HD. Had a CLC bag rip moving it around and the bucket boss and McGuire bags off Amazon didn’t seem much better.
Chris
I’ve been using the Husky 18″ large mouth tool wall bag for 6 months, the outside wall pockets work well for pliers/wrenches/tinsnips/vice grips, the middle wall works well for screwdrivers and smaller pliers (needlenose, wire strippers, etc). Hammer, prybar, combo square and other assorted hand tools go in one of the slots and you could fit a 12v drill and impact on the other side.
For $30, it’s an extremely well made bag. I carry mine around with 60-70 pounds of tools in it around multiple times per day and the handle stitching shows no strain or tearing.
Chris
Great idea!
I did this for my brother and sister in law when they bought a house.
Basic stuff like a hammer, level, combination square, tape measures, Wonderbars, etc.
All the small stuff I figured they would need as they replaced trim, painted rooms, etc.
Tom
Having 4 younger siblings I have got them toolkits or drill when they move out make the transition from dorm->apartment. One is about to buy a house and I was thinking of gifting him my current power tool set so I can justify a new brushless one.
Derek
I miss the days where you could just go load up on some Craftsman tools. I’m only 32 so don’t think I’m some old timer, just sad to see how things have changed so quickly.
As a diy homeowner I used to carry my dad’s old metal Craftsman toolbox everywhere when I had to do a project. Once I got a tool bag/tooltote I would just start loading up that with what I needed and keep everything in the old box.
I’m interested to see what you pick out for this.
Stuart
Me too. There are some Sears Craftsman stuff I’d still buy.
Gary
Which Sears Craftsman tools/accessories would you still be willing to buy?
Stuart
Vaughan-made hammers, Gearwrench-made swivel ratchets. Maybe some other stuff, but I’d have to think about it.
Steven
the Craftsman screwdrivers (with the hard plastic clear handles) are all ive been using the past 35 yrs. i’ve even bought a couple of their 23 pc sets that were on sale for like $25
Tom
You can still order the 13″ red box online from HD. Since you can return to the store for free it is a good way to be able to check things out without having the return mail hassle or cost. I might do that to check it out.
I did that for my Dewalt tstak boxes. I ordered 5 different boxes, figured out that 2 worked for me, and returned the other 3 to the store. Shipping was free so getting them delivered and returned was free and painless.
Nate
Husky 10″ All Purpose Tote is my bag of choice. It can definitely carry a bunch of tools.
Grady
Stuart, great idea, and great job! I have done the same for friends and family in the past, but on a smaller scale. Would love to be in the running for the giveaway when it starts.
Dave
Great Idea, I love the husky tools, but do believe that the craftsman brand had more prestige to it.
Yadda
Neat idea! I look forward to reading more as you work your way through the process of this giveaway.
Tom
Look forward to seeing where this goes – I also like buying tools as gifts for new homeowners and I’ve never been happy with the prepackaged kits and never had the patience to think through it for myself.
On the husky tool bag thread – I’ve got a number I’ve picked up over the years. I find they’re good for carrying a set of tools to a location for a specific task, but not for overall organization.
As a semi related question – I also see these posts as an opportunity to upgrade my own basic tools – I’ve paid up for tools I use all the time, but there are a lot of basics where I still have really poor quality tools I bought right out of college. Some of these should just go in the garbage can, but others still are good enough that someone could get more use out of them. Anyone have good ideas on where to donate used tools (various hand tools, a set of Craftsman cordless, maybe a few corded power tools). I’m in Chicago…
JByrd
Donate to your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
ktash
You didn’t mention it, but I’m suggesting a particular bucket seat lid to go on the bucket. I have this and use it all the time. It cost more than other seat lids (and I’ve tried them) but is actually comfortable and extremely sturdy. https://www.amazon.com/Custom-LeatherCraft-EasySeat-Lightweight-Plastic/dp/B00023S8JA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500490821&sr=8-3&keywords=bucket+seat+lid
So I have my tools in the bucket and need to be able to reach things to work on them at intermediate heights without bending or stooping. Say, installing a doorknob. Something I’d always replace if it got lost.
ktash
If you are getting a speed square, carpenter’s square, etc, you could also take your own, more expensive/accurate square with you and check it for square. I’ve done this at Home Depot with their Empire Speed Squares. It’s likely that someone new to this won’t have a good square, but it can make a difference in some projects. You could also include a note that it was checked for square, so they know they can trust it. It’s amazing how much the Empire Squares I checked varied.
Stuart
Was that recently that you saw the variations?
ktash
in the past year or two
Stuart
Hmm. Were they singles? 2-packs? Blue?
I wonder if this was before Milwaukee started upgrading Empire’s equipment and processes.
Ktash
Singles. Silver not blue. Mind you, they weren’t way off. They are designed for carpentry not woodworking,and would be ok for many things. Are the blue supposed to be better?
fred
All you need to carry is a sharp pencil. Take the square to the lumber aisle – mark a 90 degree line then reverse the square and see if the pencil line and the square line up.
fred
BTW – I should have said that you need to find a board that has a straight edge.
ktash
Therein lies the problem 😉
Jason
Dewalt 16 inch Tradesman Tool Bag. You can get these for $30 – $35 on Amazon, I don’t know about Home Depot. These are great bags with a ton of compartments. I have a couple. They are excellent bags for a large variety of tools.
Nathan
Interesting ideas. I have done similar for a few people but it gravitated more towards auto repair. so sockets, wrenches etc – and yes I included a rubber mallet and I get my rubber mallets at harbor freight. one of the few things they are good for.
but you get the idea. I look forward to seeing what’s in the completed bucket.
maybe put in a chalk line?
fred
Maybe the basics are a hammer, muti-tip screwdriver, adjustable wrench, tape measure, utility knife, level, and small pry-bar/wonderbar. For measuring/layout you might add a magnetic stud finder (unless you’re feeling rich), a speed square, a metal yardstick, a scratch awl and the chalk line that have been mentioned . For plumbing a force cup and a small snake might come in handy along with a wide-mouth adjustable wrench. For electrical – an outlet/GFCI tester and/or voltage probe would be nice as well as a pair of side cutters. For utility – a flashlight and a pair of multi-purpose shears, For scraping – maybe a putty knife and a couple of broad knives for spackling – you might add some good quality paintbrushes. How about a sanding sponge or two – and some PPE like a dust mask and pair of safety glasses. Considering the adage about not being able to have too many clamps – maybe you might start a newbie off with a pair. Back when I was young, some hand saws and a hacksaw would have been added to the list – but today even a newbie will probably want to but a saw that’s battery powered to go along with a driil/driver.
mattd
a small set of pruning sheers as well as many home owners don’t think of landscaping supplies.
firefly
+ for the pruning sheer.
Stuart
Hmm, maybe. The Sawzall blade holder can be equipped with a pruning blade, but maybe you’re right about small shears.
But that makes assumptions that there’s landscaping around. There might not be.
Stuart
Good suggestions, I’ll give it some thought, thanks!
BikerDad
3′ “wallpaper level” (these have a triangular cross section with a scale on the top, making accurate marking on the wall very, very easy.)
Inexpensive laser level. (Picture hanging and such.)
Empire Tru-Blue 12″ Combination Square
10″ Knipex Pliers-Wrench in lieu of adjustable wrench. Yes, I know, expensive, but much better than an adjustable 98% of the time.
Quick-Grips: The 4 pack, (2 Mini 6″ and 2 Mini 12″ ) should do the trick, otherwise 2x 6″ Mini.
Basic multi-meter for checking circuits and making sure things aren’t live.
Stud finder, more advanced than knocking on the wall or driving exploratory nails through it.
Little itty bitty “wrecking” bar, and a moulding puller.
4 in 1 File
Plumb bob. Handy for when you want the ceiling fan EXACTLY over X.
High vis utility knife. (I’m partial to the DeWalt, but Stanley makes a basic $6 lime green model that rules all in visibility.)
Sanding block and an assortment of sandpaper.
1″ Putty knife and 5 in 1 Painter’s Tool. If only, one, go for the 5 in 1.
Roll of 1″ wide blue painter’s tape or equivalent.
Stool box. The toolbox that doubles as a step stool. And seat.
I realize that the level and the stool box probably aren’t going to make the cut due to shipping considerations, but both are well worth consideration for anybody looking to outfit the basic homeowner/DIY setup without worrying about shipping.
Safety glasses.
magnetic parts tray. (Pick it up at HF for free on coupon with purchase.)
Lauren
Dad gave me a Ryobi drill and a Black and Decker set (similar to http://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER-Drilling-and-Driving-Complete-Home-Essentials-Set-129-Piece-71-91291/204735075) when I moved out. Been using it for 10 years now. Also handed me an old pair of needle nose pliers and a claw hammer. Add basic wrench (Husky working just fine) and ratchet sets, a utility knife, small level, tape measure and a bucket to hold it all and that’s about all you need.
In two years of owning a home, I’ve bought more outdoor items to maintain/improve my yard. Shovels, pruning saws, broadcast spreader, power equipment, etc. I’ve borrowed things from dad to change the house (tiling tools, demolition stuff). If I can’t get the job done with the basics I mentioned above, I’m usually off to Harbor Freight because it’s probably a one-off item.
SS
I would put a work light in the mix here. I think Home Depot’s house brand HDX has a 300W one that you can hang, clamp, stake to the ground, or put on a surface for like $10. I’ve had a few of their lights and they’ve been fine.
Also, if we’re getting into soft stuff, bulk packs of disposable plastic drop cloths, since you’ll always have to sand something in some weird location, or work in muddy conditions where you can throw one on the floor and chuck it when you’re done.
Nathan S
The last time my mallet head fell off, I bought a Nupla deadblow hammer (with one rubber face) to replace it. I also bought another standard rubber mallet (can’t recall the brand… it’s not labeled), but I haven’t touched it over my Nupla. I really like the Nupla, but it is heavier.
Nathan S
As my aside, I’m in CA for business this week. A co-worker reminded me not to touch anything while here, since everything in CA will obviously give you cancer.
Adam
Just going off that your friend “recently had a baby”, I’d give her diagonal cutters. Opening up packaging of children’s toy is usually harder than any DIY project around the house. Haha. The toys are usually zip-tied so there’s no space to put the tips of scissors in and cut. My wife and I are expecting our third and I’ve learned from Christmas and birthdays, it’s easier if I go out to my shop and get my diagonal cutters to release their toys from the boxes. I know it’s a post about new to DIY and all the readers have that covered. I thought I’d give my two cents towards the parenting side.
Stuart
I included Milwaukee scissors in the kit. I’ve found that they do quick work of zip ties, and each in places where diagonal cutters might be too bulky. They can be used for all sorts of other things, such as many kinds of plastic clamshell packaging.
For bigger stuff that has lots of zip ties, I use pliers to twist and break. (Discussed here: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/cutting-cable-ties/%3C/a%3E%29%3C/p%3E
A lot of stuff these days have easy-twist fastening pegs, but we still encounter cable ties and twist ties with a lot of toys too.
Brien
Great idea and sounds like a lot of fun. I would include a pair of heavy duty scissors. DIYers love scissors! They use them for everything, so a heavy duty pair makes sense to me. Wiss or Milwaukee do a great job.
Stuart
=)
There are going to be straight Milwaukee scissors in every kit. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-jobsite-scissors-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Cris
In addition to what has been said already I’d suggest some minor tweeks — remember this is a homeowner start set, not a full on replacement set for a craftsman or a pro, so with that in mind I’d suggest a pair of straight wiss aviation sheers to cut open those ever maddening blister clam packages, a tape measure that has fractional markings – yes I know some of the tool snobs will scoff but we all know pros who can’t read a tape so why not make it easier for a homeowner who probably has no experiences with one? A bucket buddy liner for the bucket is a lot cheaper and useful then some higher end box/system and holds everything in one place in corner in the closet. A corded drill and depending on their skill sets and comfort a corded saw – again everyone will moan “but what about cordless and everyone is going cordless” – yeah thats true but how often are they really going to be using those tools and do they need to worry about how to charge and keep those batteries?
One thing I didn’t see listed was any sort of repair manuals or books on home maintenance for things like how to hang wall paper, or paint or fix a sticky window ect.
Stuart
I considered Wiss or other brands’ straight snips. I have some general purpose snips and shears that I used to use for all kinds of cutting tasks, but Milwaukee scissors have nearly entirely taken their place for household cutting tasks.
Dave L
EMT shears are cheap and versatile. You can cut light wire and metal, cloth, clamshell packages, cardboard, leather, etc.
firefly
Personally I would get something else in place of the bolt cutter. I have an off brand one that have a slightly deformed jaw. I haven’t had the need to use it in a long time. I think in most case a grinder would work better… Unless you are concern about safety.
fred
Bolt cutters are not on my list for a basic tool kit. But we used ones with angled jaws (18 inch HIT 22-AC18-3) and their end nipper cousins ( 24 inch HIT 22-EC24-1) when doing decking – particularly when ripping out old decks and floors. They cut nearly flush – useful for nipping off nails and screws and salvaging lumber/decking/flooring. Much faster than a recip saw or grinder when doing hundred of nails/screws.
Stuart
Sorry for the confusion – I didn’t include bolt cutters, and don’t plan on it. The discussion was about decisions I made years ago, only serving to be an example of the types of “go basic or go with the premium product” decision I’ve facing with most of the tools going into the DIYer kit.
Noah
Forget about the mallet, black, white or otherwise. Get a dead blow.
Stuart
I have both, and use them for different things. There’s a lot of overlap, and cost-wise a rubber mallet is the better starting point. If someone finds them useful but needs more, they’ll be in a position to buy the dead blow they need or want. Plus, rubber mallets are lighter.
There was a small dead blow at the store, but I couldn’t feel any difference between it and and the rubber mallets. There simply was not enough mass shifting around for it to have much dead blow benefits.
Mr. Gerbik
Get them whatever you feel is a necessity for them & within your budget. If they have none to little experience with tools, get them the easiest ones to use. There’s no need to buy an entire cache of tools. Just keep it simple. Everyone has an opinion on what tools to get. Not all of them are logical for a housewarming gift. Just get what you feel they may need thats within budget.
Tom
If you don’t mind shipping it, I’d say a two foot plastic level from home depot was one of the most used tool when I first bought a house.
Stuart
I plan on including torpedo levels, at the least. I spotted a 2-pack of Empire levels at a not-too-close Home Depot last week, maybe they still have them. I need to pick up something else from that store, so it’ll be worth the trip.
For my friends, I might send them a 24″ level, but if I do I’ll drop-ship via Home Depot or Amazon. It’ll add too much to the packaging complexity not to mention cost.
But thanks for the suggestion, I don’t think I would have thought of it.
Chad Brink
My daughter is moving into her first house this fall and I am putting together a kit for her and her husband. One of the first items I thought of was a decent caulk gun. Keeping up with sealing cracks and exterior waterproofing saves huge amounts of money on the long run over water damage. So… a caulk gun and a tube each of quality exterior and interior caulk. A tube of roofing Black Jack also for emergency shingle repair.
The yeti
I think a 12v drill driver set with a hackzall . Throw in a hammer a level tape measure . Small socket set with adaptors for the impact .
ktash
A flush cut saw is one of the hand tools I use all the time. Here’s the harbor freight version I own. https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-flush-cut-saw-62118.html I use it instead of pulling out a jigsaw for small cuts. It can get into all kinds of small spaces. Also, the tekton clamps are decent and a good price. We have a regional chain meijer that carries a lot of tekton stuff usually on par with and sometimes considerably cheaper than amazon.
Anton
I love that little saw.
Kevin Schneider
Don’t forget the painting supplies! Those are always key for DIY-ers.
Anton
I’ve gotten the 105 piece tool set from harbor freight before for my new homeowner friends. Crappy quality but relatively comprehensive and you can usually get it for about $35. Strangely its missing any metric hex bits or allen wrenches. Need to add hammer and measuring tape though. The 130 Piece is decent too and a couple bucks less but is a little light on the pliers.
While looking at wal mart tools, have you seen they have 12v drill for $24 and 18v drill for $28 both in lithium? I wonder if the price of basic power tools will keep falling.
Dave L
Super glue and Goop. Hot glue gun. Duct or gaffer’s tape. Pop rivet tool.
Dave L
Forgot epoxy-tube and putty.
Joel
I have found that the Husky 14-in-1 painters tool is very versatile and think that it or something like it would be a useful addition to the kit. A file for sharpening garden tools and blades, or for removing burs, and shaping might also be handy.
Brian
You really should include a cheap DMM. EVERYONE needs a DMM at some point. The Kleins are pretty cheap and the Klein clamp meter I have has great input protection.
Pliers: Slip join, needle nose, tongue and groove, diagonal cutters
Wrench: Adjustable 6 inch and 10 inch, basin.
Screwdriver: Standard set, precision set, bit holder and larger bit set(maybe the HF security bit set)
I like your choice in hammers, no need for mallet but maybe a deadblow
Storage: Bucket organizer and a basic red metal tool box. Bags are personal, let them find something they like…bucket organizer is something pretty much any homeowner would find useful.
Rob
I really like the Milwaukee bags and boxes. I’m currently using the Milwaukee back pack they sell at Home Depot for work. I have about 70 pounds of tools packed in and it hasn’t shown any signs of being too much weight. I’m really surprised that it has held up so well with how bad I torture test it at work.
Ken
I have a small torpedo level with a magnetic base that is very usefull. I use mine all the time around the house for hanging and leveling shelves, leveling Appliances like washers and stoves, all kinds of stuff new owners or renters would do.
Paul K
Maybe it’s obvious, but no one mentioned wire strippers. Useful even if you’re not putting in outlets. Anyone who’s ever done it for awhile with a knife instantly goes, “oh wow, right too for the job eh?”
Brad B.
What ever happened to this. Update? Giveaway?