Garage Shop: Tools

i agree. I had a smaller kubota analog clock on the front wall but couldn’t see if from the other end of the garage. It’ll also display inside temp and calendar if you enable scrolling mode. I got lucky and bought one and the remote didn’t work, so the guy refunded my money and I fixed the remote myself so got it for free. I think Amazon may have it too for a little better price. It also comes in different colors, but the red seemed to be the most visible to me

$86 CHKOSDA LED Large Digital Wall Clock, Oversize Wall Clock with 6” Numbers, Remote Control Count up/Countdown Timer Clock, Auto Dimmer, Big Calendar and Thermometer(Red)

https://www.amazon.com/CHKOSDA-Mult...hild=1&keywords=CHKOSDA&qid=1632341975&sr=8-3



https://www.ebay.com/itm/184935464221

 

i honestly find a thin and narrow paint scraper to be one of the handiest tools ever. i would add that in if it was me.

 

I think thats a great idea.

For the ratchet set, I have a very similar one from HF I bought in a pinch when I didn't have my tools on me, and that ratchet has a few false neutrals which can be annoying. Theres a $5 off any Pittsburgh pro ratchet coupon that never expires, so maybe combining that with the a la carte socket sets could get something better for only a tad more cash.

$5 off coupon: https://www.hfqpdb.com/view_coupon/17525

 

Oo good idea on the coupon and a slight upgrade.

The other thought I had was maybe just a set of box wrenches might be a better value for staying under the limit. I'm also debating adding in a cheap stud finder..

 

Like a putty knife type scraper? That's a great idea, I use them all the time.

 

I like that the cheapie big socket kit covers a lot of sizes and the adjustable wrench can cover anything not in there.

i'm currently a college student and I'm trying to think of other around-the-house tools I use, but I think you got a lot of it covered

 

I would also say maybe a pair of small to medium tongue and groove pliers. Can always use them as a hammer too
And a flashlight

 

I got a bunch of different wire strippers. But I just picked up this one off Amazon and I have to say this is the best one I've ever owned. It's not the cheapest but....

KNIPEX Tools - Automatic Wire Stripper, 10-24 AWG

$38 Automatic Wire Stripper 10-24 AWG

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C74WBO?ie=UTF8

 

Oo how did I forget a flashlight I think the plier set I posted in there has a smaller pair of tongue and groove ones, but yeah, I was debating doing a specific larger pair, especially for under sink plumbing stuff where you might need to undo a larger drain pipe nut or something. Good suggestions, thanks!

 

If it’s tools for students, I second the scraper/ putty knife. Instead of tape, I would get some kind of drywall patch. They will be kings if they can patch the hole in their rental at the end of the year. Maybe a sand paper assortment too, that’s cheap. Also a small clamp of some kind might be worth it. You can buy a set and just toss one in each rather than figure for a set for each.

In our shop, students are always borrowing the clamps, the tape measure, a square, and sand paper/files.

 

I would assume people have scissors and flashlight as part of household items, aside from tools, but maybe worth noting as pre-requisites?

Would include gloves and eyeglasses for PPE. An electrical tester if you want to take the next home safety step.

Other basic tools I'd consider throwing on there is a studfinder/magnet and a paint brush.

 

I would go with a headlamp instead of a flashlight. Frees up both hands and can be used as a hand held flashlight if necessary.

 

Both is the real answer, but I would def have a headlight vs a flashlight if I could only choose one.

 

Love the mini-classes idea, and that looks like a solid basic toolset. I just built a similar kit for my kid sister. Couple notes on your list from my experiences, ignore as desired:

PPE is missing. Safety glasses are like $1. HF mechanix knockoff gloves are almost as cheap. Not an OSHA guy, but a little precaution goes a long way.

The HF voyager or bauer/hercules tool bag is less or same price as the toolbasket thing you listed but can be zipped totally closed. Lots of pockets along the inside for dividing things, but keeps them from spilling out if you drop it, etc.

I'd skip the wood glue to save a few bucks to save for something else. It's a cheap add, but gets potentially messy and I can't think of a time I have ever needed wood glue and a younger apartment/homeowner outside of DIY projects. You'd prob also want a clamp to go with it at the very least.

IDk how cheap you can find a multimeter type deal, but at least a hot/not hot gauge would be good. This one will at least tell you if you are about to zap yourself, and can test GFCIs for 4.99: Edit: $6.99 for a multimeter, but prob better off saving $2 if you're making a bare bones toolbag.

 

I got so much free beer in college/early postgrad life cuz I knew how to fix drywall

 

God knows I have skimped on respirators and earpro enough for multiple people, but I draw the line at losing an eye over something stupid, and have been saved by $1.99 eyepro a few times.

 

This thread is a bad influence.

 

Those look like the lockers my dad has in his garage. He got a whole wall of them years ago when they remodeled his old squadron building.

 

This sort of thing should be a standard and required to graduate class in schools. High school at least, maybe a college class.

Good work!