If you’re a man that likes to put your handy skills to the test, then you might want to continue reading this. Because we’ll be talking about the kind of tools that every man (including yourself) will need in a toolbox. It doesn’t matter if it’s home improvement projects, mechanical repairs, or anything in between it is always a good idea to have the right tools you need. A toolbox is a must-have fixture that you can keep in your garage, basement or any small storage space inside your home.
If you are just starting out with being a handyman and want to know more about the kind of tools you need, we have a list of tools that you should consider buying for your toolbox. If you haven’t bought a toolbox yet, you should probably get one before going any further. But if you already have that taken care of, you can start reading the list down below.
Tools You’ll Need in Your Tool Box
At this point, you should have already purchased a toolbox. Now what do you want to put in it? How many tools will be enough? Let’s begin by taking a look at the first tool:
1. Drill
A drill is an excellent power tool that will allow you to drill holes or fasten screws (if allowable). If you are someone who enjoys woodworking or regular repairs around the house, there’s a good chance that you’re going to need a drill at some point. Drills come in different sizes, levels of power, and more. Most drills come with different sized bits. You can drill small holes or something slightly bigger in size. Drills come in different brand names. Among the more popular on the market are Dewalt and Craftsman.
When looking for a drill, find something that will give you power and durability over all else. That way, you’ll be able to get jobs done fairly quickly. Plus, you will have a drill that will last you quite a while since they are made from high-quality materials that are dang near indestructible.
2. Saw
A saw will definitely come in handy in your toolbox. You can choose a manual saw or an electric-powered saw. But which type do you need? It all depends on the projects you want to do. Your smaller size saws will be your jigsaws. They are versatile and will allow you to cut through wood with such nimble movements and versatility. Of course, we cannot forget the other electric saws light table saws and bandsaws. But the problem is that they won’t fit in your toolbox. So worry about those later.
If you are someone who enjoys plenty of woodworking and carpentry, a saw must be included in your toolbox. How can you live or start projects without it?
3. Tool Vest
What’s great about a tool vest is that you’ll have plenty of pockets that will allow for ample tool storage. What can fit in these vests? Screwdrivers, hammers, nails, screws, wrenches, etc. The list goes on and on. So you might want to consider using a tool vest if you are someone who tends to be a handyman of sorts. Plus, it will save you a trip to your toolbox. Or should we say multiple trips. Your tool vest should be durable, made from high-quality materials that won’t rip easily, and will be able to handle as many tools as possible.
4. Laser Level
Laser levels have a higher accuracy level compared to regular bubble levels. Of course, when it comes to keeping things level like shelves, accuracy is everything. So you want it to be straight, perfect, and on the money. A laser level will guarantee you this 99.9 percent of the time. Plus, they are small and can be able to fit in most toolboxes. If you are someone who likes to hang things on the wall like shelves, you’re going to need a laser level. Plus, bubble levels might be a bit harder to trust these days.
5. Shop-Vac
You’re bound to make some messes when you are putting your tools to good use. There will be plenty of sawdust, debris, and everything in between. And a trust Shop-Vac will get the job done much quicker. A Shop Vac is no ordinary vacuum. It can clean up dust, dirt, debris, and even water. It’s reasonable in size but very durable. No garage, workshop, or toolshed would be complete without the inclusion of a Shop-Vac. Most Shop Vacs can handle up to 5 gallons of contents (and some will handle more than that). Plus, cleaning up with a Shop-Vac is a million times better than a simple broom and dustpan.
6. Screw Gun
If you have a drill that won’t handle screwdriver bits, not to worry. A screw gun will most likely be the one thing that you’ll need. It’s a powerful way to embed or extract screws. Plus, it will run faster than your regular run of the mill manual screws. If you are someone who likes to save time and wants to get a ton of projects done quickly, you’ll want a screw gun in your toolbox. They are powerful and will fit most screw bits. Phillips Head, flatheads, and everything in between you’ll have a trust screw gun that will be perfect for any handyman job, woodworking projects, and so much more.
7. Sander
Sanders come in different shapes and types. But their purpose remains the same. To smooth out any edges and surfaces. It’s a much-needed tool if you are someone who does a lot of woodworking and carpentry. The last thing you want to deal with is rough edges and surfaces. You’ll be able to choose between disk sanders, belt sanders, and others. They will do a much better job of smoothing things out as opposed to doing it manually with pieces of sandpaper. Not to mention, it’s a time saver as well.
8. Hammer
Stating the obvious, a hammer should be included in any toolbox. Especially when you want to pound on nails and the like. It’s perfect for all kinds of building projects or if you need to drive something through. A clawhammer is the standard choice, but rubber hammers might also be needed for heavy-duty projects. Not only that, but rubber hammers will also be shock absorbent so you won’t have to feel any discomfort when working on complex projects that require a little bit more elbow grease than usual. Invest in both hammers if you must.
9. Headlamp
There are times when doing projects required two people. That still happens. But one of the tasks that one of your assistants would do is hold a flashlight. With a good quality headlamp, you can still work on projects without having to rely on your free hand or the hand of someone else. Just strap it to your head while you use the tools that your project requires. Plus, it can also come in handy when you need to navigate dark spaces like your garage or attic.
10. Utility Knife
If you are looking for something that can cut through drywall and soft materials with smoothness and ease, a utility knife should be what you need. They are razor-sharp, easy to use, and the blades can be switched out rather quickly. Most of the blades are quite durable and can last you through so many projects. Aside from cutting, you can also use a utility knife for the purpose of scraping off paint, tape from the walls, metal, rust, and more. The sharper the knife, the better job it can do.
11. Pliers
There are plenty of projects that will require you to tighten things. A good set of pliers will definitely do you some good if you need to tighten or pry something. And they come in different shapes and sizes as well. Something to keep in mind when purchasing pliers: the longer the handle, the better the grip. So if you are working on a project that involves the tightening and loosening of difficult nuts and bolts, then obviously pliers with a longer handle will be the best option.
12. Safety Glasses
No matter what project you’re doing, safety is always important. You’re dealing with plenty of dust, dirt, glass, debris, and so much more. And they can be small enough to gain access to your eyes. The last thing you want is to harm your eyes due to flying objects that could damage them. A good pair of safety glasses should be durable, able to cover the top half of your face, and allows you to see clearly while working on a project.
13. Dust Mask
Another piece of safety equipment will obviously be dust masks. You don’t want to breathe in dust, dirt, debris, or any harmful chemicals that may cause short-term or long-term health issues. Even breathing in some fumes can also cause serious illness and even death. A good quality N95 mask will be the best possible type to keep your airways protected while you are working on various projects.
14. Tape Measure
Obviously, a tape measure will be needed if you need to make any measurements. When you need to cut a piece of wood that is a specific length, a tape measure will do you some good. The length of the tape measure shouldn’t matter. If anything, choosing the right one will come down to what you prefer. You can get a standard tape measure or opt for a laser tape measure that has a range of 100 feet.
15. Stud Finder
If you are planning on nailing something to the wall, it’s important to know if you are on a stud or not. An electronic stud finder will come quite in handy and will make tasks a lot easier. You can use this to detect any kind of density or objects that may be hidden in the walls. Once you find a stud, you might have found a spot where you can be able to drive a nail or screw through.
16. Voltage Tester
Let’s say you’re working on a project that involves electrical equipment. When it comes to these kinds of projects, you absolutely play it safe. That’s where a voltage tester comes into play. It will give you an indication as to whether or not there is power running through any outlets or light switches. It will make things easier for you when it comes to operating the circuit breaker or fuse box. Shut one off, go back to the outlet in question and determine to see if any power is going to it or not. If nothing is going off, you are good to go. If there is still detection, try another circuit or fuse until you get it right.
17. Wrenches
Yes, you cannot forget wrenches in your toolbox. You want wrenches that come in plenty of shapes, sizes, and adjustments. Allen wrenches, open-ended wrenches, pipe wrenches, you name it. But you’ll need to determine the type of projects you’re planning on doing regularly. There might come a time when you won’t have a specific kind of wrench a project calls for and you won’t have it. No big deal. Get that wrench anyways and keep it in your toolbox when you are done.
18. Tape (Electrical and Duct)
You can never go wrong with tape. But the two kinds of tape you’ll need for your toolbox will be duct tape and electrical tape. Duct tape is durable and will have the ability to hold things together. Electrical tape will be useful when you need to fix some wiring that isn’t terribly damaged but will still need patching up so you don’t trigger any electrical related fires (or further damage to the wires themselves).
19. Extension Cord
Obviously, an extension cord will be useful when you need to plug in power tools. Besides, the power cords of these tools won’t be as long to begin with. An extension cord should be long. So anything 8 feet or above can be good enough. It might also depend on the size of your workspace. Take that into consideration when choosing a cord length.
20. Wire Cutters
A sharp, durable pair of wire cutters will do an excellent job and can cut through most wires that are slim or slightly thicker in size. It doesn’t matter if they are made from metal or coated with plastic. These will come in handy when you are removing fencing or cutting pieces of wire for hanging objects. As with pliers, the longer the handle the better the grip.
21. Clamps
You don’t have extra hands other than the two you have. So you’ll need some good quality clamps that will hold something together if and when you need something to stay still. This will be perfect if you are using a saw to cut through wood that is a bit lengthy. Plus, it’s a lot better than having someone hold something in place for hours on end. Even some high-quality plastic clamps will do a good job keeping things tight when you are working all day long on your project.
22. Vise
If you have a workbench, you can easily attach a vise to it. Like clamps, it will have the ability to hold things in place when you need to use both hands. Most vises are small in size and will be enough to fit most workbenches. Vises are sturdy, high quality, and will last you quite a while. Depending on the material, most of them will last you decades assuming they don’t rust or corrode.
Things To Consider Before Buying
Before purchasing tools for your toolbox, it’s important to take things into consideration. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Budget and Quality
It’s important to get a good idea of what your budget will be. You may purchase toolsets, individual tools, or even power tools that you can keep nearby. If money is going to be a bit of an issue, it’s important to make the determination of how much of it you are going to spend on tools. Keep in mind that cheap will not cut it. While it might be easy to purchase something because of the low price, the quality will be subpar. Find the best quality that will fit your budget and you will get the best value possible.
What Projects Do You Plan On Doing?
Will it be general handyman work? Mechanical work? Construction? The tools you’ll choose will depend on your intent. Most of the time, your tools will be pretty much useful for most projects unless directed otherwise. A clawhammer might be useful for carpentry, but a rubber hammer would be more appropriate if and when needed for mechanical projects.
Should You Buy Tool Sets?
Wrenches and screwdrivers are often sold in sets. If you want to purchase them that way, it will save you a ton of money. Alternatively, you can purchase some screwdrivers individually if you feel that it is necessary. Also, you may want to look at different brand names so you get a good idea of what’s available and whether or not if they are of good quality.
Warranty
When it comes to tools, things can and will go wrong with them. So it’s always a good idea to know what tools come with a good warranty. A lifetime warranty will always trump others (2-year warranty, 1-year warranty, etc.). Brands like Craftsman, Dewalt, and Stanley are known for providing and honoring lifetime warranties to their customers. Plus, they are known for developing high-quality tools at affordable prices.
Power Tools Or Manual Tools?
If you plan on purchasing multiple tools, it’s always a good idea to get a good mix of both manual and power tools. Keep in mind that some projects can require something simple like a manual tool that can be operated by hand. If you are looking for something that can be done with speed and accuracy, a power tool might be something to invest in.
Tips To Keep In Mind When Using Tools
When doing projects, it’s always a good idea to know a few things in order to make every project a success. These are some tips to make yourself aware of:
1. Safety First
Of course, safety is important. A good pair of safety glasses, ventilator mask, gloves, and even a hard hat (depending on the project) will be useful when it comes to the projects you do. You want to protect yourself from serious injury or accidents. The better protected you are, the less you’ll have to worry. Make sure everything is well fit and stays in place so you don’t have to spend a lot of time adjusting it.
If your project deals with electrical systems, you’ll need to cut the power. Shut off your circuit breaker or fusebox so you are able to work with electrical wires safely. Failure to do so can leave you at risk of electric shock, which will cause serious injury and even death.
Also, if you have people helping you on a project it may be wise for them to keep a safe distance if and when necessary. Especially when you’ll be using different types of tools that may cause sparks or dust to fly around. Plus, falling objects can also pose a safety hazard.
2. Have Different Size Tools Available
When the instructions call for a ½ inch wrench, then you’re going to need that size. It’s always a good idea to have different tools that come in various measurements and lengths. The same also applies to screwdriver heads (flat or Phillips). Screws, nails, nuts, and bolts come in different size measurements. And you’d be crazy to just have a wrench or screwdriver that is only suitable for one size. Of course, one size doesn’t always fit all.
3. You Don’t Need To Be An Expert To Use Tools
Think you need to be Mr. Crafty in order to use tools? Nope. No need. If you know how to use them, that’s good enough. If you are a dad, you can teach your children the basics of using tools so they can learn how to fix things later on in life. If push comes to shove, you can always rely on YouTube tutorials so you know how to use the tools in question properly.
4. Keep Your Tools Nice And Organized
One of the most frustrating tasks is trying to find a tool that you need and it’s hard to locate it. When you are not using your tools, they’ll need to be in the toolbox. Plus, you’ll need to keep them well organized so you don’t have to dig through the entire box just to find it. Keep the tools organized by size. Small size tools go in one compartment, large tools in another, and so on.
5. Lifetime Warranties Are Your Best Friend
Most tool brands will have a lifetime warranty. So if you are shopping for tools, look for it. Besides, lifetime warranties will give you a good idea that the tools are great in quality. They have full faith and confidence that they will last a long time and will be reliable. In the event if things go horribly wrong, they can always allow you to replace them even at little or no charge. Tools with limited warranties may not always be of the best quality.
Hand Tools vs Power Tools: What’s The Difference
The difference between these two tools is pretty self-explanatory. Hand tools require manual hand labor. Power tools will require a power source such as electricity or a battery. The latter will run on a motor and will get the job done much faster. Meanwhile, hand tools will have fewer moving parts. Plus, their designs will be fairly simple.
Pros and Cons of Hand Tools
We’ll be taking a look at the pros and cons of both hand tools and power tools (starting with the former). You’ll need to know what to expect when using these tools that a project calls for. Let’s begin with the pros of hand tools:
Pros
Cons
Pros and Cons of Power Tools
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of frequently asked questions that you can use as a guide when searching for the tools you need for your toolbox. This will also help you get a good understanding of how tools work and which ones will be better for you. Let’s take a look at the following questions:
How Does a Lifetime Warranty Work?
Lifetime warranties will apply if the tools are defected and there is no defined time limit for a buyer to report a claim. If a tool has been discontinued by a manufacturer, the company may keep the warranty intact for a specific time period (i.e.--5 years after discontinuation).
What Kind of Saw Should I Buy First?
If there is one saw that you should consider buying first, a jigsaw will probably be the best one. That’s because it will be useful for straight cuts and even curved cuts. Plus, it’s a power saw that is the easiest to use for beginner level woodworkers and carpenters.
How Much Will a Tool Box Cost You?
It will depend on a few factors. For example, a toolbox small in size will cost less compared to much larger toolboxes. A smaller toolbox can go for a price of no less than $10. Larger toolboxes may go for a price north of $100.
Should I Buy a Corded or Cordless Drill?
A corded drill will always be connected to a power supply. And they will also provide an extra bit of torque compared to its cordless counterparts. Cordless drills will often run on batteries that will need to be charged after every use. The torque levels will be lesser compared to drills with cords.
Is a Longer Level More Accurate?
If you own a bubble level, it’s important to know that the length may determine accuracy. The longer a level, the better the chance it will give you a more accurate reading.
Final Thoughts
Every man has to have a toolbox in their home. It should include a good amount of tools that they’ll need for just about any project or purpose. You’ll never know when things will break and need repair. You might also be inspired to do some kind of building project around the house. No matter what, it’s always a good idea to have high-quality tools at your disposal if and when you need them. You might not always use them, but knowing that you have them handy will give you the confidence in knowing that you are prepared in case the unthinkable happens.
Of course, having your own set of tools will help you save a bit of money. Why hire a handyman when you have the tools to do the repairs yourself? Speaking of money, be sure to find the best cost-effective tools that you can find if you are on a budget. Consider quality over price so you have tools that will last you years or even decades.
If you have yet to purchase a toolbox, consider finding one that will fit your personal needs and preferences. It can be as simple as purchasing a small toolbox that you can use for the purpose of house repairs just in case things break.
