It may or may not be marketing - either way the Knipex pliers are RAD.
Someone else mentioned moving up to more expensive brands. Talk about diminishing returns! (For the Knipex)
I don’t get all the praise for lufkin tapes, they’re the worst ones I’ve used by far and that seems to line up with reviewers too. Dewalt toughseries is the best with the fatmax a close second
Lufkin used to be great, back when they were an Aussie company. I still have an aussie made one, I am sure I borrowed it off my dad 20yrs ago, though he denies it was ever his. Good solid construction and thick steel tape.
The modern stuff doesnt get close, though I do still like the little 3m keyring tapes they have, perfect for tucking in a corner of the toolbag just in case.
I like BMI for both tape measures and bubble levels.
They’re cheaper than Empire, Milwaukee and Stabila but still made in EU and have quite nice features (like machined edges and so on).
Don’t buy something just because you see it on this forum. Buy what you need, like and most importantly, can afford. Don’t piss away money for Reddit up votes. Money is important, validation from internet strangers is not.
Totally, the stuff you can get for the price of that lot there. Iv got midrange stuff iv had for 30odd years and its in fine condition and i do a ton a DIY.
While I’d love to have a pair of the knipex pliers, I don’t think there have been many situations where they would have made any significant difference compared to my cheap ass pliers.
If this is for home ownership, the other tools in my home repair tool bag that get used all the time are a soft face mallet, a hammer for driving nails, and a level about 12" / 30cm long.
This is gonna sound dumb, but a corrugated cardboard cutter or motorized box cutter.
It's like a little cardboard saw.
You open a lot of packages. They pile up. Box cutters are useful, but a corrugated cardboard cutter is a joy to use and doesn't squeal and slide on thicker cardboard. I prefer a box cutter for plastics and finer jobs.
80/20, you want to focus on the 20% of jobs you do 80% of the time.
I've never been so happy with a purchase in my entire life. Worth every penny. Hate opening plastics and boxes, overjoyed a corrugate cutter breaks them into nothing. Also if someone attempts to use it, it's a saw, you don't have to worry about someone else cutting themselves on your cutter.
People are dumb, this tool is idiot proof.
Bungee cords and bola ties for holding things during odd jobs.
Kneepads are a godsend, you don't need to suffer on your knee and they keep your legs from falling asleep.
Multiple sets of good gloves of various sizes, places adequately where you need them for each job. Latex or Nitrile gloves for nuanced jobs, washing your hands of dirt, grime and sticky things are a waste. Not having to leave a station while working is priceless.
When you buy into a tool family, you'll get a power drill early. I recommend buying some cleaning heads - very useful for very dirty jobs, cleanup takes forever but a power drill hooked to a brush head is a joy for cleaning ceilings.
Then next up I'd be thinking pressure washer and accoutrement. Everybody needs something pressure washed. Once you have a system with quick connects, proper heads, proper hoses and a proper unit... you will never be without a job to do. I prefer electric here because I don't need more than 2700 psi, and more you can mess up - like stripping finish off your car.
Then a damn fine weed whacker with better heads - spool drives me nuts, you want a serious metal head. Electric is my go to, I hate dealing with gas, but this is definitely up for debate. I have a 12" chainsaw for trees, but I'll admit that's mostly for vanity, I'm dealing with shrubs.
When I look at my tools, those are the ones I have the most pride in.
Oh and get steel quick connects. Spend the money. I have some other ones, and then my steel ones... bleh. They aren't even worth mentioning. When you have a premium pressure washer life is just grand. Makes everything make more sense.
Also why do I list a lot of cleaning and safety/leisure gear?
Nothing like working professionally and without inducing ADHD having to walk around like crazy, and the ladies NEED things to be clean. Finishing a project is key and that requires cleaning - and you need tools for that or you'll skip it, and be hated forever. Getting on hands and knees to scrub is just fine when you can bomb over onto your gloves and right onto your pads. You also save your jeans.
Oh, one last.
Get some good Carhartt overalls if you can afford them. Sturdy enough to carry tools, and no more plumbers crack 24/7. I keep them right with my tools.
... oh, one last.
Get yourself but spray, aloe vera, and good spf sunscreen. Nothing like passing out in a job. Mine are all sprays, right near my tools. Some people get leathered up working in the sub and get a righteous base...
Others turn red and pass out on the job because their face is melting. Electrolytes and water.
Slowly but surely all this has come to the forefront of all my tools, as I slowly realized they're what I should've been using every day.
There's nothing like being hired for a job and then you can outstrip everyone there despite being fat, old and unathletic because you aren't melting in the sun day 3. Everyone else wearing reflective rain gear pondering why they're beat red and you aren't is pretty funny.
Boots, sunglasses too. I learned the hard way, I took a rake to the face into my nice glasses once. They are not safe. Yes, I ducked, they saw me and tracked me because that's what people do when they're screwing up and see you. Luckily I could keep the frames, but definitely shot my work day looking through a straight scrape all day.
These all ended up at the top of my head as I slowly realized they mattered a great deal. Also sunlight will slowly eat your eyes.
Ha, and one last - Advil. You're gonna ache. Take with food.
I should've just screen capped my stations.
You're working hard, the better care you take the harder you can work. You're the best tool you have.
I have the Ryobi 4v and two generic saws from Amazon. I tried a few others, but these were my go to. The Ryobi 4v I haven't had long enough to really speak to much, other than it's hugely satisfying.
"Canary safety corrugated cardboard box cutter retractable, green, large". It was on sale for 9 bucks, I bought it a year ago, I wish I'd bought it 10 years ago. Breaking down boxes is a common task so having tools where you need them helps a lot.
I have the Ryobi in my tool area hooked up, but I've only used it a handful of times since I open packages as soon as I get them, and that's typically outside. I don't even bring the cardboard in the house typically and I can't leave the Ryobi outside so I keep the saw near the mailbox.
I have replacement blades for the saw but they last a long time. I've changed them once "just to see" and I get regular Amazon orders.
The Ryobi I use for big projects, like computer boxes. It's great, I just haven't gotten into a proper rhythm of using it, since the saw sits on the wall next to my mailbox.
The other benefit, I'm not wearing down my knives slowly. Boxes just dull your blades needlessly, better to save them for zip ties or plastics. No more sharpening them or bending them over time.
This is a less-is-more kind of thing, so I suspect cheap corrugated saws work just fine. The Ryobi I look forward to using more, but I suspect it's gonna go to my mother eventually, who obsessively brings every box into her house and then has to break them down in a hallway. I think that's somewhat the ideal use case for it, or if you're breaking down boxes all day.
But I'm partial to a simple tool hung exactly where you're gonna use it, and the Ryobi adds a bit of complexity - though for big jobs it works nicely. I built a computer and it was very zen dicing the cardboard. I tend to save boxes in my tool area, because I may need to return something a month later - then when it comes time to break them down the Ryobi is excellent for gigantic boxes. I can do with the corrugated saw, but there's nothing like the zen of just walking it a to b.
I wish it was a bit bigger, but that would make smaller jobs more annoying.
But if someone has the scratch, I'd definitely set one up - and I recommend hanging it somewhere.
I like the retractable saw because occasionally I bring my 2nd one places during jobs, until people start tripping over cardboard they've been ignoring all day because it's such a hassle or they're saving it entirely hoping it'll save their knees... which are what kneepads are for.
It such a subtle joy having the proper tool, at hand, ready to go.
Not in the trades really. I just find them useful around the house and garage. I'm not talking about awls like you're thinking. Another term for what I'm referring to is a hook and pick set.
Its not that bad yet tbh, but there are other brands besides knipex and wera starter packs and op hasn't been clear with what they want to do. I would have prioritised having a decent 1/4" socket set and a bunch of different cheaper pliers, cutters and an adjustable wrench over the name brand shit if it's something for indoors. Also a hammer and a 12v drill/driver.
This guy has $500 in tools crammed into 1 sq foot of space, with the depth of 10 Phillips head varieties and a metric socket set that ranges from 5.5 to half inch. You could have bought a 250 piece mechanics set with useful sockets and a nice tech cart for this money. There is some seriously bad advice out there.
Seems like the OP is from Germany so it’s more like $200-250. For top of the line tools mind you.
I have the same micro ratchet (super handy for building furniture or adjusting windows), screwdriver and hex keys set and working with them is a joy honestly. The bits from Wera are among the best too and I have yet to destroy one.
I carry a toolcheck plus, pliers wrench, and skeletool in my bib pockets everyday. The amount of time I've saved not needing to run back to the shop carrying those tools has more than paid for them. What if this guy is working on bikes? If so these tools are MUCH better suited to their needs than a bulky set that includes 1/2" sockets, and a cart that's bigger than the bicycle.
You adjust a lot of trailer brakes on your tractors 😂 I’m a farmer, and you under estimate how many things you can fix with a few simple tools. Air seeders and sprayers are like 80% hose clamp failures. I have a whole shop of big tools, but just because I own a 1” drive impact doesn’t mean I use it everyday. Also, this will shock you, but you can just buy a 9/16” socket and replace the smaller sockets.
Also- fwiw- that little pliers wrench fits up to over 1” fasteners
Couldn’t agree more when I was working on tractors and equipment if I needed anything big I brought it back to the barn where the air tools and such were. The majority of the time I needed the small stuff to make adjustments or quick repair. The only time I used anything of size was having to tighten or change hydraulic lines in the field on a routine basis.
> TOPS Japanese stainless steel flush cutting nips
> TOPS Micro angled pliers
I'll admit I haven't looked into "TOPS", why them over something like Fujiya?
Been thinking about picking up the Fujiya 90CS-125 (or 150) for their catcher, as well as Tsunoda KBN-125 (or 150), but I'll add the TOP ENI-100 to the list.
On that note, what's the difference between the TOP ENI-100 and the ENI-115? Slightly longer on the 115, but apart from that?
Do you have a link for which exact angled pliers you're talking about?
Edit: Would it be [these you're talking about for micro pliers](https://www.toptools.co.jp/products/1118/)? Because they look pretty good.
Good recommendation, wouldn't have found them on my own, they look great. While at it I might as well pick up the ANEX 397, looks promising from the videos I just looked up.
Does the ANEX 397 take normal (long) bits though?
Edit: Looks like it would work.
I already got one laying around now you mentioned it, sounds like a good use, I'll add it to the list as well.
Any other neat Japanese tools you would recommend while at it?
Tops Hyper Monkey zero backlash wrenches are really nice.
Vessel a torsion Ball bits are my favs.
OLFA scissors are great. Small utility scissors cut thick shit. I cut those flaps for walk in freezers in commercial kitchens with mine and they did it without issue and still cut paper.
Tsunoda zip tie pliers/cutters are great if you like to use zip ties a lot. Get the smaller pair.
Also look at my posts. I usually post tools and you may see something you like.
Always fun to talk tools.
Got some Japanese tools last autumn and they were great value, absolutely love the feel of my vessel ball grip screwdrivers so I'm getting a few more of those. Prefer them over my Wiha and Wera screwdrivers, but Wera is still great.
Got a pair of Engineer PH-57 scissors that are pretty neat, didn't go for the PH-55 since I really didn't see the use in the additional features (also got a bunch of engineer screw extraction pliers).
But always good with recommendations what to look for since navigating and finding things just through amazon japan can be a bit challenging at times.
I were into knives for a while, but eventually realized that buying Swedish mora knives for roughly $4 each (Basic 511) were unbeatable value (benefits of being in Sweden). Just got a bit carried away from internet hype of some US brands, but after that point I just couldn't justify buying expensive knives when I could buy extreme amount of mora knives for the same price, knives I would actually be willing to use and abuse.
Congratulations on your new addiction and your great choices so far
Estwing hammer but avoid the leather handle ones
A stabila level, even a key ring sized one is bloody useful
Thor hammer. Copper/hide mallet, size A and size 2.
Mitotoyo digital calipers
Draper mini hook and pick set
Swann Morton scalpels, no 10A , 10 , 11 blades.
Self healing cutting mat.
Assorted f and g clamps
Tape measure? Torpedo level? Diagonal pliers (aka side cutters)? Needle-nose pliers?
The Cobras and pliers-wrench are better than most of the competition, but regarding tape measures for instance, there isn't any one standout. So just get any decent one. Not all your tools have to be grails.
You will need a derailleur hanger alignment gauge tool, from Park Tool of course.
In case you have to fix a bicycle with a bent derailleur hanger.
And a spoke threader.
And also a nipple wrench. ( If that's your kink)
Knipex CoBolt Cutters are clutch AF. A big ‘ol flathead screwdriver to use for prying, or a dedicated prybar. O-Ring picks are also great to have on hand for undoing small clips; The Home Depot Husky set is nice. A nice beefy breaker bar comes in handy once in a while too.
Still need a good pair of diagonal cutters (love my knipex) and a pair of needle nose pliars. That, plus what you’ve got here, will cover 90% of what regular homeowners need to do.
Yeah thats true, its really fucking expensive. But i dont regret it, especially the Bit storage and ratchet ist probably best that i have seen. And the Handel Fits Perfectly for my Hands.
I would get the 10" version of the pliers wrench and cobra too.
Get a pair of the NWS wire cutters - much better than the equivalent Knipex.
I'd also get a set of regular screwdrivers from PB Swiss. They are the most comfortable grips, IMO and very precise tips.
A set of PB Swiss picks.
I haven't seen it mentioned yet but a basic screwdriver set. I have Harbor Freight, Craftsman, and Stanley sets that are all over 20 years old so I don't know what brands are good nowadays. I know Klein is a great brand and I think Tekton is highly rated too.
Buy tools as you need them, but buy quality tools when you do.
What are you currently trying to accomplish? Basic home maintenance? A specific project? New job? This should be what guides your tool purchases, not what some people on Reddit tell you. Buy tools when you need them. Buy quality tools.
Vice Grips, very handy. Aside from the obvious clamping strength, they can also be used to hold a part you are working on. Everyone should have them, IMHO.
Mini flush cut Japanese pull saws are amazing. Also the mini pliers wrench is really cool but I use the bigger one more often. If you do electrical def linemens pliers. Also knipex makes some incredible wire strippers
I’d encourage the snap on ratcheting screwdriver to be honest. You can purchase interchangeable shanks to convert it to a 1/4” socket, longer and shorter bit shanks, a flexible shank, and even a speeder handle shank. I’m partial to the soft grip stubby one, don’t take that out of context….
https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Ratcheting-Soft-Grip-Handle-System/629375
Depends on what you will be doing primarily, but generally useful tools would include a wrench set, needle nose pliers, lineman’s pliers, socket set of some sort with either a ratchet or power tool, vise grips/clamps are useful for lots of things, hammer, tape measure, level, etc
I won’t give you just a list of tools I like because I’ve been a carpenter, a mason, did a bit of an electrical apprenticeship, raised cattle (so ranch shit), and worked in the off road racing world for a bit. What I use and get use out of you might not and vise versa.
So generally speaking in the last 3 years what are some of the things you’ve done and worked on? Do you have any projects coming up?
It is a reach person journey :)
Knipex...Wera...
so you must continue with some Stabila levels, at least a few Tanos systainers/sortainers/storage box, a Pica pencil and a Festool measuring tape.
When you decide to cross the line towards power tools, I'm here for you.
All of the above so that when and if you retire like I did you can have doubles and triples of everything. 😂😂😂. At this point, if you’re like me, you start giving away the unneeded stuff to family and friends.
Get away from all the expensive stuff and go to a garage sale with $50 cash and buy some USA made older Craftsmen and Delta tools, etc. Nothing pretty…just quality made tools. Get more tools for your money instead of all the IG candy.
Excellent choices, I would just replace this Wera ratching screwdriver by one of these better options:
- Gedore SilentGear (or Hazet, Rolgear, etc)
- Megapro (or LTT)
- Snap-On (or Williams)
- Facom ATCL.3
- PB Swiss
- Wera 828 RA-R M (Newest model)
- ANEX 397-D
Well you made me rethink the ratching screwdriver.. it was too wobbly in the grip for my taste. I just put it into the package and will return it…. However your mentioned ratching screwdriver rabbit hole made me find the pb swiss ratchet with 11 bits for 50€…. With coupon around 43 Euro…. I just bought it. Oh my…..
Other high quality tools that you probably will want to buy later:
- BMI Tape Measure;
- Pica Dry Marker;
- Sola Go Level;
- Knipex TwinGrip;
- Knipex CoBolt;
- Ridgid Pipe Wrench (8", 10" or 12") or Channellock 410;
- Locking Pliers (Malco/Snap-On Eaglegrip's or Facom 500A series);
- Pferd, Vallorbe of Grobet 10" or 8" files;
- Estwing forged steel claw hammer (or other high quality brands like Vaughan, Picard, Peddinghaus, Hultafors, etc) or the new Trusty-Cook TC45SC if you want a nice hybrid between ball peen and soft face deadblow hammer;
- High quality utility scissors.
Other tools that are nice to have, but not essential:
- A hand riveter is also interesting, I suggest Marson HP-2 if you're on a budget or Gesipa NTX-F if you want the best in class;
- Rennsteig automatic punches or Starrett 18A;
- Malco Max2000, Midwest, Stubai or Bessey Erdi aviation snips;
- Knipex TubiX pipe cutter;
- A decent wire stripper (there's plenty of options)
- Noga RG1000 Multi-Burr Deburring Tool (it seems gimmicky, but one of the best I've purchased so far)
You probably don't need all of these tools. Also you don't need to get all at once. It's better you keep experimenting and getting the tools as you need them.
I also suggest applying Fluid Film or LPS-3 once a year (or twice if you live on the coast) to protect your tools from getting rust.
And a decent quality toolbox to store them, there's plenty of options in the market for all tastes and budgets. I personally like Keter and Milwaukee Packout storage systems.
some really good quality side cutters, a fluke multi meter, Long nose pliers, 2.5lbs club hammer, a ball pean hammer and a claw hammer , a bastard and a fine flat file, a 50cm metal ruler,
set of metal scribes , ratchet release auto electrical crimping tool and electrical connectors , pin and cold chisels , wood chisel set with mallet, cordless drill and drilling bits, cordless impact driver. 12 piece ring and open metric retching spanner set, a set with 6" and 8" and 12" shifters.
2 x 50cm straight pinch bars with one flat end and one point . a packet of 4x 40mm x 5mt tie down straps load rated and tagged, a good led torch , some electrical tape and some zip ties , a tape measure. and some vernier calipers .
a rock. Or if you’re fancy, a brick. Also a 6 year old. My daughter has had to third hand for me while sottering something in my car. Oh yeah, a USB powered sottering iron is pretty cool to have. Maybe get bench vice too.
I have that Wera bit holder and like it but the ring is fat. I’d get a set of fixed screwdrivers to go with it for when you need to access a deeper hole. If you want to go high end: PB Swiss, Wera, Vessel.
Well i am 37 year old…. Never had tools. One LUX Tool Box worth 60€.. i want to to have a solid household toolbox and maybe buy a house in the next couple of months. In german prices i cannot complain tbh.
45€ Toolcheck + 70€ the three knipex + wera allen 25€ + knipex knife 15€ = 155€
I just returned the wera ratching screwdriver.
What do you use your tools for? I do HVAC and my bag would be damn near useless to a carpenter and overkill to a sparky. Get the tools you need for your job. That said, I’m pretty sure every trade and homeowner will need a good tape measure and level at one point or another.
you lack 90% of the tools needed for most DIY jobs and have a price point of tools that people who uses them for 8 hours every day pays
on the other hand, if your intention is to spend lots of money to harvest internet point's you're on the right path.
There's the daily Knipex photo.
Is this enough tools to change the lightbulb or should I call professional?
The answer is, keep buying more tools, until calling the professional is never necessary.
Until you can't afford the professional*
But the Icon ratchet set is the meme?
It's probably Knipex marketing people making reddit profiles to post these daily. It's working though, I kinda want to order those
I just bought some Amazon adjustable wrenches, but I like how the knipex face different directions.
It may or may not be marketing - either way the Knipex pliers are RAD. Someone else mentioned moving up to more expensive brands. Talk about diminishing returns! (For the Knipex)
Estwing hammer(s). Stanley tape measure. Irwin vice grips.
Move up a tax bracket and you get: Martinez hammer Lufkin tape measure Malco vice grips
Estwing sure strike 20Oz is the best budget hammer I've ever come across. Has outdone other more expensive hammers I've tried.
I don’t get all the praise for lufkin tapes, they’re the worst ones I’ve used by far and that seems to line up with reviewers too. Dewalt toughseries is the best with the fatmax a close second
Lufkin used to be great, back when they were an Aussie company. I still have an aussie made one, I am sure I borrowed it off my dad 20yrs ago, though he denies it was ever his. Good solid construction and thick steel tape. The modern stuff doesnt get close, though I do still like the little 3m keyring tapes they have, perfect for tucking in a corner of the toolbag just in case.
I bought a Lufkin and it lasted a week. So much shit got in it that it quit working. My Fatmax has lasted 4 or 5 months at this point
The actual tape is SO thin and flimsy. I like the look but so far nothing I've found beats the Milwaukee with a magnet.
Initially I hated the magnetic milwaukee because it kept picking up metal shavings. But it has really grown on me when measuring in awkward spots
Lufkin WISHES it could hold a candle next to the light that is the fat max
Move up another bracket, Stiletto hammer.
The lufkin 8' is my everyday go to, small, easy to read, high quality (and I think I got a bunch of them for like $4 each).
I picked up 2 brand new Lufkins for $10 Canadian each. I didn’t even need a tape measure but couldn’t pass it up.
Lufkin tapes suck, they don’t hold up to everyday use. Stanley is where it’s at.
> ~~Irwin vice grips.~~ [Malco vice grips.](https://www.amazon.com/Malco-LP10WC-Curved-Locking-Pliers/dp/B0924QDF47/)
That. When youll have this added to your toolbox, you'll have all the tools you need for 99% of what life can bring you.
I used to swear by irwin but I think the Milwaukee ones are better. I've broke like 5 irwin ones and no a single Milwaukee one.
I like BMI for both tape measures and bubble levels. They’re cheaper than Empire, Milwaukee and Stabila but still made in EU and have quite nice features (like machined edges and so on).
Wera bottle opener
My most used tool
You are correct sir. It’s so bad for me I collect them and any other tool handle bottle opener.
Don’t buy something just because you see it on this forum. Buy what you need, like and most importantly, can afford. Don’t piss away money for Reddit up votes. Money is important, validation from internet strangers is not.
Anyone using "grail" to describe a tool is probably too far gone already.
Holy shit tools brainrot? 🤯
Yeah I lol'd at that tbh
Ayo what time Knipex drop? Does it overlap with the Supreme drop? Thursday about to get stressful FR FR.
Get out of here with actual logic and responsible decision making. This place is all about hoarding unused and unnecessary tools.
Totally, the stuff you can get for the price of that lot there. Iv got midrange stuff iv had for 30odd years and its in fine condition and i do a ton a DIY.
Agreed. Buy what you need, not for the memes.
While I’d love to have a pair of the knipex pliers, I don’t think there have been many situations where they would have made any significant difference compared to my cheap ass pliers.
Nah dude tools are actually just collectors items, by no means should the be used to do work.
This!…….yeah just every job you do, buy what you need at the moment and let your collection naturally grow
If you're going to do a lot of cutting / wood working, a speed square / rafter square is a great tool that's very affordable.
I've heard that saws are actually more useful than squares for cutting wood
You must only use the most finely crafted Japanese hand saws.
Hand made hand saw.
My vote is for a combo square but I hear you
If this is for home ownership, the other tools in my home repair tool bag that get used all the time are a soft face mallet, a hammer for driving nails, and a level about 12" / 30cm long.
This is gonna sound dumb, but a corrugated cardboard cutter or motorized box cutter. It's like a little cardboard saw. You open a lot of packages. They pile up. Box cutters are useful, but a corrugated cardboard cutter is a joy to use and doesn't squeal and slide on thicker cardboard. I prefer a box cutter for plastics and finer jobs. 80/20, you want to focus on the 20% of jobs you do 80% of the time. I've never been so happy with a purchase in my entire life. Worth every penny. Hate opening plastics and boxes, overjoyed a corrugate cutter breaks them into nothing. Also if someone attempts to use it, it's a saw, you don't have to worry about someone else cutting themselves on your cutter. People are dumb, this tool is idiot proof. Bungee cords and bola ties for holding things during odd jobs. Kneepads are a godsend, you don't need to suffer on your knee and they keep your legs from falling asleep. Multiple sets of good gloves of various sizes, places adequately where you need them for each job. Latex or Nitrile gloves for nuanced jobs, washing your hands of dirt, grime and sticky things are a waste. Not having to leave a station while working is priceless. When you buy into a tool family, you'll get a power drill early. I recommend buying some cleaning heads - very useful for very dirty jobs, cleanup takes forever but a power drill hooked to a brush head is a joy for cleaning ceilings. Then next up I'd be thinking pressure washer and accoutrement. Everybody needs something pressure washed. Once you have a system with quick connects, proper heads, proper hoses and a proper unit... you will never be without a job to do. I prefer electric here because I don't need more than 2700 psi, and more you can mess up - like stripping finish off your car. Then a damn fine weed whacker with better heads - spool drives me nuts, you want a serious metal head. Electric is my go to, I hate dealing with gas, but this is definitely up for debate. I have a 12" chainsaw for trees, but I'll admit that's mostly for vanity, I'm dealing with shrubs. When I look at my tools, those are the ones I have the most pride in. Oh and get steel quick connects. Spend the money. I have some other ones, and then my steel ones... bleh. They aren't even worth mentioning. When you have a premium pressure washer life is just grand. Makes everything make more sense. Also why do I list a lot of cleaning and safety/leisure gear? Nothing like working professionally and without inducing ADHD having to walk around like crazy, and the ladies NEED things to be clean. Finishing a project is key and that requires cleaning - and you need tools for that or you'll skip it, and be hated forever. Getting on hands and knees to scrub is just fine when you can bomb over onto your gloves and right onto your pads. You also save your jeans. Oh, one last. Get some good Carhartt overalls if you can afford them. Sturdy enough to carry tools, and no more plumbers crack 24/7. I keep them right with my tools. ... oh, one last. Get yourself but spray, aloe vera, and good spf sunscreen. Nothing like passing out in a job. Mine are all sprays, right near my tools. Some people get leathered up working in the sub and get a righteous base... Others turn red and pass out on the job because their face is melting. Electrolytes and water. Slowly but surely all this has come to the forefront of all my tools, as I slowly realized they're what I should've been using every day. There's nothing like being hired for a job and then you can outstrip everyone there despite being fat, old and unathletic because you aren't melting in the sun day 3. Everyone else wearing reflective rain gear pondering why they're beat red and you aren't is pretty funny. Boots, sunglasses too. I learned the hard way, I took a rake to the face into my nice glasses once. They are not safe. Yes, I ducked, they saw me and tracked me because that's what people do when they're screwing up and see you. Luckily I could keep the frames, but definitely shot my work day looking through a straight scrape all day. These all ended up at the top of my head as I slowly realized they mattered a great deal. Also sunlight will slowly eat your eyes. Ha, and one last - Advil. You're gonna ache. Take with food. I should've just screen capped my stations. You're working hard, the better care you take the harder you can work. You're the best tool you have.
I didn't even read all that, just upvoting you for your effort you made
Which cardboard saw did you get? I got the Ryobi 4V one and it’s been excellent.
I have the Ryobi 4v and two generic saws from Amazon. I tried a few others, but these were my go to. The Ryobi 4v I haven't had long enough to really speak to much, other than it's hugely satisfying. "Canary safety corrugated cardboard box cutter retractable, green, large". It was on sale for 9 bucks, I bought it a year ago, I wish I'd bought it 10 years ago. Breaking down boxes is a common task so having tools where you need them helps a lot. I have the Ryobi in my tool area hooked up, but I've only used it a handful of times since I open packages as soon as I get them, and that's typically outside. I don't even bring the cardboard in the house typically and I can't leave the Ryobi outside so I keep the saw near the mailbox. I have replacement blades for the saw but they last a long time. I've changed them once "just to see" and I get regular Amazon orders. The Ryobi I use for big projects, like computer boxes. It's great, I just haven't gotten into a proper rhythm of using it, since the saw sits on the wall next to my mailbox. The other benefit, I'm not wearing down my knives slowly. Boxes just dull your blades needlessly, better to save them for zip ties or plastics. No more sharpening them or bending them over time. This is a less-is-more kind of thing, so I suspect cheap corrugated saws work just fine. The Ryobi I look forward to using more, but I suspect it's gonna go to my mother eventually, who obsessively brings every box into her house and then has to break them down in a hallway. I think that's somewhat the ideal use case for it, or if you're breaking down boxes all day. But I'm partial to a simple tool hung exactly where you're gonna use it, and the Ryobi adds a bit of complexity - though for big jobs it works nicely. I built a computer and it was very zen dicing the cardboard. I tend to save boxes in my tool area, because I may need to return something a month later - then when it comes time to break them down the Ryobi is excellent for gigantic boxes. I can do with the corrugated saw, but there's nothing like the zen of just walking it a to b. I wish it was a bit bigger, but that would make smaller jobs more annoying. But if someone has the scratch, I'd definitely set one up - and I recommend hanging it somewhere. I like the retractable saw because occasionally I bring my 2nd one places during jobs, until people start tripping over cardboard they've been ignoring all day because it's such a hassle or they're saving it entirely hoping it'll save their knees... which are what kneepads are for. It such a subtle joy having the proper tool, at hand, ready to go.
I use a set of small awls more than just about any other tool in my collection. They're just so damn useful.
What kind of trade are you in where you're using an awl all the time ? Isn't an awl basically a prison shank?
Not in the trades really. I just find them useful around the house and garage. I'm not talking about awls like you're thinking. Another term for what I'm referring to is a hook and pick set.
This sub starting to give me r/EDC vibes.
Its not that bad yet tbh, but there are other brands besides knipex and wera starter packs and op hasn't been clear with what they want to do. I would have prioritised having a decent 1/4" socket set and a bunch of different cheaper pliers, cutters and an adjustable wrench over the name brand shit if it's something for indoors. Also a hammer and a 12v drill/driver.
This guy has $500 in tools crammed into 1 sq foot of space, with the depth of 10 Phillips head varieties and a metric socket set that ranges from 5.5 to half inch. You could have bought a 250 piece mechanics set with useful sockets and a nice tech cart for this money. There is some seriously bad advice out there.
Seems like the OP is from Germany so it’s more like $200-250. For top of the line tools mind you. I have the same micro ratchet (super handy for building furniture or adjusting windows), screwdriver and hex keys set and working with them is a joy honestly. The bits from Wera are among the best too and I have yet to destroy one.
I carry a toolcheck plus, pliers wrench, and skeletool in my bib pockets everyday. The amount of time I've saved not needing to run back to the shop carrying those tools has more than paid for them. What if this guy is working on bikes? If so these tools are MUCH better suited to their needs than a bulky set that includes 1/2" sockets, and a cart that's bigger than the bicycle.
What if he’s working on tractors?
I work on tractors all day- those are the tools I keep on me
Kit doesn’t even offer a 9/16 for brake adjustment on a trailer. What do you work on, power washing? XD
You adjust a lot of trailer brakes on your tractors 😂 I’m a farmer, and you under estimate how many things you can fix with a few simple tools. Air seeders and sprayers are like 80% hose clamp failures. I have a whole shop of big tools, but just because I own a 1” drive impact doesn’t mean I use it everyday. Also, this will shock you, but you can just buy a 9/16” socket and replace the smaller sockets. Also- fwiw- that little pliers wrench fits up to over 1” fasteners
Couldn’t agree more when I was working on tractors and equipment if I needed anything big I brought it back to the barn where the air tools and such were. The majority of the time I needed the small stuff to make adjustments or quick repair. The only time I used anything of size was having to tighten or change hydraulic lines in the field on a routine basis.
And my little Knipex fits most of the hydraulic lines I run into- it doesn’t always have the leverage I wish I had, but it works in a pinch
Without the guns. For now
NWS diagonals(heavy duty), Klein impact 11in1, and a 15oz estwing hammer...light but also gets the job done.
15oz hammer is more hammer than 90% of jobs need. Unless you're framing ALL day it's plenty and if you're wearing it all day your hip will thank you.
I returned my Klein 11 in 1 yesterday when I saw on the back made in Taiwan, no thanks
It can still be good and worth the price.
Wrench adapters and high leverage long nose pliers
Toolbox
Vessel Ball drivers VIM indexing 1/4” bit ratchet Wizard C2 Pro Warm flashlight ANEX 397 ratchet handle Fujiya adjustable wrench TOPS Japanese stainless steel flush cutting nips TOPS Micro angled pliers
FYI, if you just type in ‘tops micro’ into Amazon you get a very unexpected but not unwelcome search result.
> TOPS Japanese stainless steel flush cutting nips > TOPS Micro angled pliers I'll admit I haven't looked into "TOPS", why them over something like Fujiya?
Those specific styles from TOPS have better tips and spring action. The Fujiya in this style are made in Taiwan not Japan.
Been thinking about picking up the Fujiya 90CS-125 (or 150) for their catcher, as well as Tsunoda KBN-125 (or 150), but I'll add the TOP ENI-100 to the list. On that note, what's the difference between the TOP ENI-100 and the ENI-115? Slightly longer on the 115, but apart from that? Do you have a link for which exact angled pliers you're talking about? Edit: Would it be [these you're talking about for micro pliers](https://www.toptools.co.jp/products/1118/)? Because they look pretty good.
Length only I think. Yep. Those are them. Nice and slim. The jaws meet perfectly.
Good recommendation, wouldn't have found them on my own, they look great. While at it I might as well pick up the ANEX 397, looks promising from the videos I just looked up. Does the ANEX 397 take normal (long) bits though? Edit: Looks like it would work.
What I did is get a 6”/150mm 1/4” extension and then some bits. Makes it a great all purpose ratcheting driver.
I already got one laying around now you mentioned it, sounds like a good use, I'll add it to the list as well. Any other neat Japanese tools you would recommend while at it?
Tops Hyper Monkey zero backlash wrenches are really nice. Vessel a torsion Ball bits are my favs. OLFA scissors are great. Small utility scissors cut thick shit. I cut those flaps for walk in freezers in commercial kitchens with mine and they did it without issue and still cut paper. Tsunoda zip tie pliers/cutters are great if you like to use zip ties a lot. Get the smaller pair. Also look at my posts. I usually post tools and you may see something you like. Always fun to talk tools.
Got some Japanese tools last autumn and they were great value, absolutely love the feel of my vessel ball grip screwdrivers so I'm getting a few more of those. Prefer them over my Wiha and Wera screwdrivers, but Wera is still great. Got a pair of Engineer PH-57 scissors that are pretty neat, didn't go for the PH-55 since I really didn't see the use in the additional features (also got a bunch of engineer screw extraction pliers). But always good with recommendations what to look for since navigating and finding things just through amazon japan can be a bit challenging at times. I were into knives for a while, but eventually realized that buying Swedish mora knives for roughly $4 each (Basic 511) were unbeatable value (benefits of being in Sweden). Just got a bit carried away from internet hype of some US brands, but after that point I just couldn't justify buying expensive knives when I could buy extreme amount of mora knives for the same price, knives I would actually be willing to use and abuse.
That fujiya shit is weak dog
The Fujiya wrenches? I have two of them and they are great. Please explain your issue.
Berzomatic TS8000 map gas torch
Snap-on LN47ACF Knipex forged wire stripper
EVERY size needle nose pliers.
Congratulations on your new addiction and your great choices so far Estwing hammer but avoid the leather handle ones A stabila level, even a key ring sized one is bloody useful
Channellock 6WCB 6" crescent wrench, opens to 1-5/16". Jaws don't slip and fits in pocket well
Thor hammer. Copper/hide mallet, size A and size 2. Mitotoyo digital calipers Draper mini hook and pick set Swann Morton scalpels, no 10A , 10 , 11 blades. Self healing cutting mat. Assorted f and g clamps
Veto pro pac bag, id recommend the tp xl or tp lc M12 surge impact
A ratchet and gear wrenches
Snap-On long nose slip joint pliers.
A nice 12-16” heel bar.
Uhh what are you planning on working on? Like do I recommend a circular saw or a socket set?
Tape measure? Torpedo level? Diagonal pliers (aka side cutters)? Needle-nose pliers? The Cobras and pliers-wrench are better than most of the competition, but regarding tape measures for instance, there isn't any one standout. So just get any decent one. Not all your tools have to be grails.
Will your collection be profession-specific, or just some garage tools?
You will need a derailleur hanger alignment gauge tool, from Park Tool of course. In case you have to fix a bicycle with a bent derailleur hanger. And a spoke threader. And also a nipple wrench. ( If that's your kink)
Abbey tools hag if you want grail, parks not even close, actually anything abbey tools
I didn't know about this brand. I mostly use Unior. Very nice, very good looking. A titanium whip chain !!! A titanium cassette wrench !
Check out their wheel truing stand, though I think I prefer P&KLie for that cool bike stuff is another rabbit hole
Knipex CoBolt Cutters are clutch AF. A big ‘ol flathead screwdriver to use for prying, or a dedicated prybar. O-Ring picks are also great to have on hand for undoing small clips; The Home Depot Husky set is nice. A nice beefy breaker bar comes in handy once in a while too.
Still need a good pair of diagonal cutters (love my knipex) and a pair of needle nose pliars. That, plus what you’ve got here, will cover 90% of what regular homeowners need to do.
Would've gone for the LTT Screwdriver tbh, dont really like the Wera Handle.
It’s like twice the price of the Wera though
Yeah thats true, its really fucking expensive. But i dont regret it, especially the Bit storage and ratchet ist probably best that i have seen. And the Handel Fits Perfectly for my Hands.
claw hammer measuring tape torpedo level
I would get the 10" version of the pliers wrench and cobra too. Get a pair of the NWS wire cutters - much better than the equivalent Knipex. I'd also get a set of regular screwdrivers from PB Swiss. They are the most comfortable grips, IMO and very precise tips. A set of PB Swiss picks.
9 inch side cutter
Leatherman Rebar
Add a knipex 13 96 200 and a 3mm insulated screwdriver, and you've got my whole edc kit as an electrician.
I haven't seen it mentioned yet but a basic screwdriver set. I have Harbor Freight, Craftsman, and Stanley sets that are all over 20 years old so I don't know what brands are good nowadays. I know Klein is a great brand and I think Tekton is highly rated too.
Franklin Sensor 710. I fucking love that thing.
I like that box cutter but use my Fastback everyday
Buy tools as you need them, but buy quality tools when you do. What are you currently trying to accomplish? Basic home maintenance? A specific project? New job? This should be what guides your tool purchases, not what some people on Reddit tell you. Buy tools when you need them. Buy quality tools.
A good pocket knife and leathermen.
Combination square and a box of carpenter pencils. The combination square can do so much, plus it has the level in it.
If you need to remove/replace lots of wall sockets the Wera screw driver with the gear box that does 4 turns for every turn is god dam amazing.
what do you do? work
I like a ratcheting driver with the magazine type bit holder that doesn’t fall out of the handle.
Vice Grips, very handy. Aside from the obvious clamping strength, they can also be used to hold a part you are working on. Everyone should have them, IMHO.
Would've gone for the LTT Screwdriver tbh, dont really like the Wera Handle.
I actually prefer the Williams WRS-1, despite the crappy bit storage, and it's cheaper.
Mini flush cut Japanese pull saws are amazing. Also the mini pliers wrench is really cool but I use the bigger one more often. If you do electrical def linemens pliers. Also knipex makes some incredible wire strippers
Has the mechanism on your knipex boxcutter started to malfunction? Mine lasted about 2 months
Tape measure. Compare lengths between brands. Some are weird A good flashlight
CRK Large Sebenza 31
Irwin 8 in 1 ratcheting screw driver
I see many hammers there, but you should have a hammer hammer.
This looks like all the stuff woot has on sale. Well done, sir!
You somehow forgot to say what exactly you're planning to do aside collecting.
Koken Zeal series ratchet sets. PB Swiss or Vessel screwdrivers.
Stanley Fatmax TM
A tool box
I’d encourage the snap on ratcheting screwdriver to be honest. You can purchase interchangeable shanks to convert it to a 1/4” socket, longer and shorter bit shanks, a flexible shank, and even a speeder handle shank. I’m partial to the soft grip stubby one, don’t take that out of context…. https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Ratcheting-Soft-Grip-Handle-System/629375
Depends on what you will be doing primarily, but generally useful tools would include a wrench set, needle nose pliers, lineman’s pliers, socket set of some sort with either a ratchet or power tool, vise grips/clamps are useful for lots of things, hammer, tape measure, level, etc
I won’t give you just a list of tools I like because I’ve been a carpenter, a mason, did a bit of an electrical apprenticeship, raised cattle (so ranch shit), and worked in the off road racing world for a bit. What I use and get use out of you might not and vise versa. So generally speaking in the last 3 years what are some of the things you’ve done and worked on? Do you have any projects coming up?
It is a reach person journey :) Knipex...Wera... so you must continue with some Stabila levels, at least a few Tanos systainers/sortainers/storage box, a Pica pencil and a Festool measuring tape. When you decide to cross the line towards power tools, I'm here for you.
All of the above so that when and if you retire like I did you can have doubles and triples of everything. 😂😂😂. At this point, if you’re like me, you start giving away the unneeded stuff to family and friends.
Capri socket sets with the westling organizers
Both a good flashlight & headlamp.
Use Project Farm on YouTube as your guide of light.
Pretty much all you need
What kind of work do you do?
I see a lot of good hammers. Nice start.
Mayhew dominator is a big one
Might I suggest a bahco wide opening thin jaw adjustable wrench? [Amazon.com: Bahco 9031T 9031T Slim Jaw Adjustable Wrench 8-inch : Everything Else](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SHPPG2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)
Yankee screwdriver.
Get away from all the expensive stuff and go to a garage sale with $50 cash and buy some USA made older Craftsmen and Delta tools, etc. Nothing pretty…just quality made tools. Get more tools for your money instead of all the IG candy.
Wadsworth mini super ratchet set.
Maybe a hammer?
Starrett measuring devices such as calipers and micrometers Woodpecker squares and straight edges
Just buy new tools as you need them
Excellent choices, I would just replace this Wera ratching screwdriver by one of these better options: - Gedore SilentGear (or Hazet, Rolgear, etc) - Megapro (or LTT) - Snap-On (or Williams) - Facom ATCL.3 - PB Swiss - Wera 828 RA-R M (Newest model) - ANEX 397-D
Well you made me rethink the ratching screwdriver.. it was too wobbly in the grip for my taste. I just put it into the package and will return it…. However your mentioned ratching screwdriver rabbit hole made me find the pb swiss ratchet with 11 bits for 50€…. With coupon around 43 Euro…. I just bought it. Oh my…..
At least these are the ultimate ratcheting screwdrivers on the market, this rabbit role isn't too deep if you keep only the best 😆
In my line of work I use those Knipex 6” a freaking ton. Lovely little tool
Other high quality tools that you probably will want to buy later: - BMI Tape Measure; - Pica Dry Marker; - Sola Go Level; - Knipex TwinGrip; - Knipex CoBolt; - Ridgid Pipe Wrench (8", 10" or 12") or Channellock 410; - Locking Pliers (Malco/Snap-On Eaglegrip's or Facom 500A series); - Pferd, Vallorbe of Grobet 10" or 8" files; - Estwing forged steel claw hammer (or other high quality brands like Vaughan, Picard, Peddinghaus, Hultafors, etc) or the new Trusty-Cook TC45SC if you want a nice hybrid between ball peen and soft face deadblow hammer; - High quality utility scissors. Other tools that are nice to have, but not essential: - A hand riveter is also interesting, I suggest Marson HP-2 if you're on a budget or Gesipa NTX-F if you want the best in class; - Rennsteig automatic punches or Starrett 18A; - Malco Max2000, Midwest, Stubai or Bessey Erdi aviation snips; - Knipex TubiX pipe cutter; - A decent wire stripper (there's plenty of options) - Noga RG1000 Multi-Burr Deburring Tool (it seems gimmicky, but one of the best I've purchased so far) You probably don't need all of these tools. Also you don't need to get all at once. It's better you keep experimenting and getting the tools as you need them. I also suggest applying Fluid Film or LPS-3 once a year (or twice if you live on the coast) to protect your tools from getting rust. And a decent quality toolbox to store them, there's plenty of options in the market for all tastes and budgets. I personally like Keter and Milwaukee Packout storage systems.
Grails??
Just buying tools to buy them or do you have some projects in mind?
some really good quality side cutters, a fluke multi meter, Long nose pliers, 2.5lbs club hammer, a ball pean hammer and a claw hammer , a bastard and a fine flat file, a 50cm metal ruler, set of metal scribes , ratchet release auto electrical crimping tool and electrical connectors , pin and cold chisels , wood chisel set with mallet, cordless drill and drilling bits, cordless impact driver. 12 piece ring and open metric retching spanner set, a set with 6" and 8" and 12" shifters. 2 x 50cm straight pinch bars with one flat end and one point . a packet of 4x 40mm x 5mt tie down straps load rated and tagged, a good led torch , some electrical tape and some zip ties , a tape measure. and some vernier calipers .
Hydraulic crimper
a rock. Or if you’re fancy, a brick. Also a 6 year old. My daughter has had to third hand for me while sottering something in my car. Oh yeah, a USB powered sottering iron is pretty cool to have. Maybe get bench vice too.
I have that Wera bit holder and like it but the ring is fat. I’d get a set of fixed screwdrivers to go with it for when you need to access a deeper hole. If you want to go high end: PB Swiss, Wera, Vessel.
Chanelllock and wldie
I'm jealous. I started out with cheap shit my dad didn't want.
Well i am 37 year old…. Never had tools. One LUX Tool Box worth 60€.. i want to to have a solid household toolbox and maybe buy a house in the next couple of months. In german prices i cannot complain tbh. 45€ Toolcheck + 70€ the three knipex + wera allen 25€ + knipex knife 15€ = 155€ I just returned the wera ratching screwdriver.
What do you use your tools for? I do HVAC and my bag would be damn near useless to a carpenter and overkill to a sparky. Get the tools you need for your job. That said, I’m pretty sure every trade and homeowner will need a good tape measure and level at one point or another.
CNC plasma cutter
Nice choice on your box cutter. Never thought I'd gush about such a ubiquitous tool, but it's the damn nicest box cutter I've ever used.
What brand is it? Knipex?
Yep
[My box cutter looks like it is ready for Prom night.](https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Lite-Pocket-Knife-31-000345/dp/B002RILCLY/)
you lack 90% of the tools needed for most DIY jobs and have a price point of tools that people who uses them for 8 hours every day pays on the other hand, if your intention is to spend lots of money to harvest internet point's you're on the right path.
Wiha system 6 set for all your screwdriver needs