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In April, we offered a list of the best tools for your home toolkit. But for homeowners on a tight budget, the minimum $125 price tag for those items might have been a bit off-putting.
Buying a prepackaged tool kit is a tempting idea. At some hardware stores, you can purchase a 42-piece collection that claims to contain all you need for jobs around your home or office for under $20. By contrast, filling a tool box on your own may seem time-consuming and cost-prohibitive.
There’s some tools to scrimp on and some to splurge on, but it’s always a great idea to have the right tools for the job.
But tool experts say prepackaged sets can lead to wasted money and unnecessary tools. The pieces are often poorly made and won’t last. While it’s OK to buy some things on a budget, quality is a very important consideration when it comes to DIY home repairs. Look for durable materials and recognizable brands. Don’t be afraid to ask a sales associate if you’re unsure.
Here’s how to get everything you need for less than $85.
You don’t have to break the bank to buy good quality tools. But these items are worth investing a little more now to save money in the long run. A well-made and well-cared for wrench, hammer and handsaw will be reliable for years to come. (All prices are approximate.)
Total for these items: $62
Quality is a little less important when it comes to tools you’ll naturally use relatively gently. Before you buy, check consumer reviews and make sure pieces don’t feel flimsy.
Total for these items: $22
Grand total: $84
After you’ve built your ultimate tool kit, you may want to start supplementing it whenever additional funds are available. You may even already have some of these items – masking and duct tape, an LED flashlight and various batteries – at home. Keep them in or near your toolbox so they’re handy when a project arises.
Other suggested purchases: a bucket, stepladder, electrical ladder, carpenter’s square, pry bar and wire cutter.
If you’re looking for even greater savings, keep these two tips in mind when shopping tools now and in the future.
Photo courtesy L Marie
2 Comments
Excellent advise for home tool kit. But if you’re a field engineer or a MacGuyver guy like me, here’s some tips on tools I use daily outside the house.
1. Biggest Swiss Army knife available.
2. Gerber folding narrow nose pliers (with a lot of useful attachments.
3. Android 4 (my preference) & download all the tool software you need. (Metal detector, protractor, 3 way level, plumb bob, unit converter & calculater, light meter, microscopic camera, timer, stopwatch, sound & vibration meter,…).
4. (Optional) Gerber one handed folding knife with serrated edge & Tanto point that clips to your belt. This is essential if you have to cut wet/underwater nylon rope. The serrated blade can cut a metal pen in half.
5. I made for myself a 3 way pen. Black ink, pencil, Xacto knife blade & mounted a small smartphone stylus on the end cap, while leaving the eraser intact.
6. I have a pen with a bright LED light & laser pointer.
7. A small butane blowtorch. (<3" long, 1" wide).
When you don't have your tools with you, these items have proven their worth many times. And you hardly notice their weight or bulk in your pockets.
I’ll add 3 more useful items that I always carry.
1. Bandana (use red for signaling as well).
2. Dental floss with sewing needle & razor blade tucked inside. Waxed floss makes a great knot.
3. Sharpie permanent black marker.