Reddit reviews STANLEY Mechanics Tools Kit / Home Tool Kit, 65-Piece (94-248)

Tool Kit, best graduation present I ever got for college. Besides that, really depends who you are. I would recommend a board game for when you need something to do with roommates. From Settlers to Catan, Boss Monster, or a deck of cards any thing that can get a group of people playing.

• Screwdrivers
  
  
• Needle nose pliers
  
  
• Sockets
  
  
• Electric Drill
  
  
• Putty knife and spackle
  
  
• Level
  
  
• Hammer
  
  
• Work gloves
  
  
• Stud finder
  
  
• Tape Measure
  
  
• A good, small flashlight--keep one in the car and one in the home
  
  
• A toolbox to store it all
  
  
  Specifically for my truck I have:
  
  a flexing spark plug socket like this one and spark plug pullers
  
  An OBD II Scanner
  
  Auto jack(s)
  
  An oil pan and an oil filter wrench or other tool that makes the filter easier to remove
  
  And, of course, jumper cables, a poncho or two, some spare water bottles and all that good stuff that stays in the truck too.
  
  
  Edit: Honestly, this is a great place to start--Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit
  
  

Don't fight over any of it. Your freedom is worth 10 snowblowers. Your happiness is worth a dozen tool sets, but, this is a kit I got my wife a few years back. I NEVER use it, so she ALWAYS has what she needs - it's a great start!

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-94-248-65-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494875518&sr=8-3&keywords=tool+kit

Do not bother getting copies of the old keys made. Plan on rekeying or replacing the locks the day you close. Even good people sometimes lose keys or lend one to somebody they shouldn't.

This brings me to the other must have: a basic tool set and one of those big books of home repairs. You may well eventually want to get a cordless drill/screwdriver; you'll be shocked how handy one can be.

Go the speed limit in the right lane, not the left lane (on highways only). The left lane is for passing cars going slow in the right lane. People WILL tail you and honk at you if you are going slow in the left lane when you have room to get over in the right lane.

If something happens to your car, you should try doing your own research first. Google the model and make and the problem. Sometimes it will be a common problem among your type of car, and it will possibly be an easy fix. Also, try to make some friends who know at least a little a bit about cars. Make sure to check your oil regularly and check your tire pressure and life. Don't buy replacement parts from a dealership if you can avoid it. Salvage yards are cheap and will get any part you need for your car, even if it's a cracked piece of plastic you want to replace.

A general tool set will work for now until more complicated things come around. If you plan on buying something non-grocery related, check to see if it's cheaper on Amazon. Many times it is. Here's the #1 tool set on Amazon.

Message me if you have questions or problems. I'm a pretty good handyman.

Sturdy step stool ($40) - not the rickety tubular kitchen chair ones, I mean one where you can stand on the top. a Buy it for Life item, not inexpensive, but safe. https://www.amazon.com/Louisville-Ladder-AS3002-6966014-2-Foot/dp/B00182TWL2

Leatherman multi tool (around $50), which i keep in the junk bowl because I can never find a screwdriver fast enough. Pricey new, less expensive when you buy it second hand or in a pawn shop. they don't really break, but you do have to clean and oil them once a year. https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Wingman-Multitool-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005DI0XM4/

Cordless drill (under $50), mine basically has the screw driver bit in it 90% of the time. the rest of the time I drill lots of pilot holes. pay attention to the battery... if you can get one with a battery that is shared by other tools in the line, then it is easily replaceable and if you buy another tool in that line you can swap batteries. I like to have 1 battery in the charger and one in the device. https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-Cordless-Driver-BDCDD12C/dp/B0111N8L7I/

Spirit, bubble or torpedo level. (under $10) the Hanging kit usually contains just the wires and hooks, but you need a small spirit level for hanging pictures and shelves evenly. doesn't matter the brand they all work the same https://www.amazon.com/WilFiks-Leveling-Resistant-Different-Visibility/dp/B07M62GJYP/

Small tool boxes vary in quality. I don't know if this is for you or someone else. But don't buy anything unless it's a NAME BRAND, cheap metal tools bend and can break with too much torque. Even the Stanley line that Walmart sells isn't fabulous, but it's better than a nameless brand. I don't like SETS of tools, but you need to start someplace, buy GOOD tools one at a time, I love finding $$$ tools at thrift stores. https://www.amazon.com/STANLEY-94-248-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/(i bought a cheap socket set 4 years ago to replace my stolen ones and they already have rust)

Bucket organizer. (around $15) If you buy a SET of tools, take the plastic blow molded container and put it in the recycling. You will never bother putting the tools back in and when you get more tools they won't fit. Bucket Organizers are pockets that fit around a 5 gallon bucket. You shove your tools into the pockets and everything else in the middle. And keep it in the bottom of your closet and carry it to where you need the tools. https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-10030-Bucketeer-BTO/dp/B00GK4TOWK

Tack Hammer. (under $15) You won't need a big 22 oz hammer, but a smaller 16 oz one with a normal handled and then a Tack hammer, these have a narrow head and sometimes are magnetic and hold the nail in place. Tack hammers are easier to use for hanging things exactly where you want them. https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-54-304-5-Ounce-Magnetic-Hammer/dp/B00002X1XD

Stud finder.(under $20) uses a battery, and lets you know where the studs are behind drywall. BEST PURCHASE EVER. https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Stud-Finder-Wall-Detector/dp/B07VLDTVFQ/ any brand will work fine.

Digital Infared Thermometer (under $20) Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun - ALSO BEST PURCHASE EVER... works in the kitchen for food and oven temp, fridge temp, and for locating drafts and cold spots around doors and windows. https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-1080-Non-Contact-Thermometer/dp/B00DMI632G

Toilet Plunger - the sort with the extra bit on the end. https://www.amazon.com/Get-Bats-Out-Plunger-Bathroom/dp/B00ODD5MD0 you do NOT want to be waiting around for someone to unblock your toilet. It may be disgusting but scoop out some of what's in the toilet before you start plunging, it's less disgusting than having to mop it off the floor. You want the plunger that makes a seal around the bottom.

BUCKET. (under $10) mine is constantly in use, i keep it in the tub and toss wet things into it. I have gone through EVERY TYPE on offer...I was so sick of plastic buckets, that warped and stained, where the handles ripped out. But the BEST and cheapest one I have ever found is a flat back duraflex bucket for watering horses. Not kidding. Made of a hard polyethylene these things are designed to be flung around and stepped on by 2000 lb animals. https://www.amazon.com/LITTLE-GIANT-Flat-Back-Dura-Flex-Plastic/dp/B000HHLHPS/ these are cheap if you buy them in a feed store, but even with the shipping on Amazon it is WELL WORTH the money. You will need a bucket when you empty the back of the toilet tank to change the flushing flapper or gasket, and you will need it when you empty the commode itself, if you have to change out the wax seal underneath.

Blanket hangers. (6 for $27) yeah this is obscure, but when I moved I lost a LOT of storage space. These saved my sanity. I use them to hang up quilts and sleeping bags in the back of the closet OFF SEASON. I also use them to hang blankets, sheets curtains and stuff once they come out of the laundry aren't quite dry. I didn't even know there was such a thing before now I wouldn't give them up. https://www.amazon.com/Stock-Your-Home-Comforter-Organization/dp/B00EUG51JU

Flashlight. ($30-50) I've written about these before. Until I bought a GOOD one, I had no idea how bad the others were. Cheap flashlights are great to have scattered about in the cellar, or in the junk drawer. but if you really want TO SEE, get a great flashlight. I gifted myself one for christmas one year and I love it. It hangs by the door and if I am going to be out very late or the weather is bad, I shove it in my bag. It will also illuminate Well past the end of the porch and into the yard if I hear a noise. https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Carded-SabreLite-Flashlight-Yellow/dp/B01CKAIYV4 any very good brand will do, but I found Maglites to be dangerously useless.

Buy a homeowner's tool kit, and dump it into a tool bag. That should get you started.

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Happy happy cake day And thank you!

The basics! Multi-driver, channel locks, allen key set, and a utility knife. If you have a little more room then maybe a small socket set.

Something similar to this Stanley set would probably do you just fine. Although I'd probably go Klein's 11 in 1 for a multi-driver to consolidate. =)

I'm a believer in quality. All the stuff I have is going to last until the ends of the Earth.

Anyway...

You can get an All-In-One kit like Kobalt, or Stanley or Craftsman, but the quality doesn't seem there these days. They might be decent so long as you aren't trying to rebuild an aircraft carrier or something, though.

I'd look at this: https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-94-248-65-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE

Get the one with the screwdrivers and wrench. It's $57 for everything you'll likely need. My old Stanley stuff is okay, but I can't speak to the new stuff.

Another alternative is buying top quality individual tools and piecing together your own kit, but the prices can be steep.

I use Wera Kraftform Kompakt screwdriver. It has the bits in the handle. Usually, these are junk, but this one is very sturdy. Also, the shaft can be used in a drill. The bits are top quality and don't get spun out. $45.

You'll still want a regular set of screwdrivers because the one I mentioned earlier has a detach bit head and a short shank so it can't fit everywhere. Wera Classic 6-set $25.

For pliers, I get Channellock. They are also very sturdy and don't ruin bolt heads or make themselves hard to use from sloppy fit or slipping around. Crescent wrench $25. Regular pliers $11, needle nose pliers $17.

Plastic Stack On tool box $13. Total $136. Add a hammer and a tape rule and a small level for another $25 and you'll be set for a while. These tools will last forever. Also, a Makita cordless drill at some point. Mine is really powerful and fits my hand and was only $100.

People own homes without knowing how to do shit all the time. It's fine. A willingness to learn is more important than a brain full of knowledge for your average homeowner.

In my opinion, short of taking a class at a place, the best way to learn is by doing.

Find a project that you want to do. Google and Youtube how to do it. Do it.

I have zero interest in automotive, but I have some interest in carpentry, so that's what I'll address.

Figure out something that you want but don't have. Start simple - rectangles and squares are easy to make. Maybe you'd like an end-table? Or a coffee table? Do you need a bookshelf? All of those are made using only rectangles and squares.

A surprising amount of home carpentry projects can be made with "Dimensional Lumber" aka "what you can buy a home depot" and a minimum amount of tools. Just be aware that a 2x4 isn't actually 2 inches by 4 inches when drawing up your plans! (and yes, you need to draw up your plans and develop a 'cut list' so you can get all the cutting out of the way before you start with assembly rather than jumping back and forth)

While things can be done with hand tools, if you have the capability of working outdoors or 'dirty' indoor spaces like a garage, I'd suggest getting at least a circular saw. They're relatively inexpensive and easy to use for short straight cuts - but be prepared to sacrifice a board or two to the learning gods. But if you're going to have to work indoors inside your living spaces, a tarp and hand saws can address 90% of the mess. Either way, though, get a decent drill and a bit set.

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The only real tools that I would say are 'must haves' before owning a home is a generic tool kit and a studfinder. There's lots of prebundled toolkits that have the basics. At the very least, make sure you want a hammer, a screwdriver with interchangeable bits, a set of allen wrenches (both metric and standard), a measuring tape (at least 10 feet long, but longer is better up to a point), a set of wrenches (ratchet is nice, but not alwyas needed), and a spirit level. Basically this but look around, there's lots of inexpensive but decent tool kits out there. Those will be the tools you need the most for non-specialized tasks. You won't be renovating a bathroom with it, but you can certainly install a new toiletpaper roll holder, tighten up a loose cabinet door, hang a picture, and assemble most anything that doesn't come with it's own tools with it.

Oh, and get 3-in-1 household oil. WD-40 isn't a long term lubricant.

Start with a basic tool kit: screwdriver set, hex wrenches, pliers, box cutter, level, hammer, ect.

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-94-248-65-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1495687960&sr=8-3&keywords=Tool+kit

Something like this.

Then i definitely recommend socket wrenches.

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWMT73804-Drive-Socket-Piece/dp/B00WLVV2YE/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1495688089&sr=8-9&keywords=socket+wrench

Next I'd recommend an impact driver. There are going to be times where your drill won't cut it.

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-BDCI20C-Lithium-Impact/dp/B00JJ3QY9A/ref=sr_1_4?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1495688152&sr=1-4&keywords=impact+driver

I purchased a circular saw recently and have gotten a good amount of use out of it. If you don't plan on doing any woodwork then pass on this.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-BDECS300C-Circular-Laser/dp/B01LX8KOAD/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1495688185&sr=1-6&keywords=circular+saw

Probably outside of your price range if you're sticking to $300 but a pressure washer is amazing. I use mine all the time.

Another extra item would be an air compressor. You can use it for tons of stuff such as nail guns.

And then also you'll need all your yard work tools. Loppers, shovels, rakes, trimmers, ect.

Oh man.... All the stuff to maintain your home is so expensive. But I'd start here.

Here it is. this would be a fine collection. Good brand too; certainly we have some of their tools in the family for a generation.

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-94-248-65-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397574412&sr=8-1&keywords=tool+kit

I have a bunch of items listed as highest priority. It was a guitar up until I bought one for myself at guitar center. Now I need things like a stand, picks, a strap, etc.

My highest priority item is probably this toolkit which has been on my WL since I joined RAOA. I have no idea why I still haven't just gotten it for myself considering I could have many times over. We have basically no tools in our apartment, so I'm even more useless than normal when it comes to fixing things.

I REALLY need a new 360 controller. I may or may not have shattered mine a while back, and I'm currently playing with it held together by tape, and sometimes a button or two doesn't work. It's really frustrating.

I also have GT6 listed as highest, because it is honestly my favorite gaming franchise of all time, and I love every one of the GT games.

This thing is listed as highest because I would really like to listen to my own music in the car, but don't have an aux cable. I can get one, but I need a special part (because my car stereo is set up REALLY stupid), and it's $120 and comes from the UK. That item is listed as highest priority too, but it's not on amazon.

By the way, you are awesome :D :D

This is an absolutely beautiful idea for a contest. I have found a few good things in this thread myself. Big smiles all around :D

This is going to seem silly. As a man, I am supposed to be able to fix, build, design, and destroy any number of things. I am bad at everything but the destroy part. Regardless of that fact, everyone who lives on their own needs a set of tools. I have none. I have two screwdrivers, and one pair of (small) needle-nose pliers. I have a PC repair toolkit for work, but that doesn't really help, since I have no sockets, drill, tape measure, level, etc etc. This toolkit seemed to provide the best "bang for your buck" and had great reviews, so I put it on my list. It's probably the thing that's been on my wishlist the longest (was on my private before Christmas), and I have ust never gotten around to buying.

There is something oddly satisfying about owning tools, and acquiring them. A lot of people that already possess a large set of tools would actually enjoy being in your position: starting all over again!

I do think that many people start out a little too strong, trying to anticipate all their needs and buying tools on those perceptions. Often the result are many unused/under utilized tools...when the money could have been spent better elsewhere. The best way IMHO is to acquire a basic starter set...and then acquire tools one or two at a time as the needs arise.

I would also resist the temptation to buy top quality tools (some will take exception to this) at the accompanying high prices. The truth is that most homeowners/DIY people are really not that hard on tools. Moderate quality tools will often last a lifetime. I still own and use a low end socket set I bought 45 years ago. A homeowner has no need to drop a bundle on a SnapOn socket set or high end Bosch power tools.

Good Luck, and have fun!

I would even go one further, and it's something that's without fail for me - A small set of tools. You can buy an "OK" set of tools, in a box set (screwdrivers, ratchet sets, wrenches, etc) for cheap. You don't need to spend $1000 on something, just a basic cheap set. I have one sitting in my car for emergencies, and it's come in handy many times in a pinch! Just found one on amazon for about $35. Super cheap, super handy.

Just stash that kit in a closet or something. Better to always be prepared than to not be!

For the tool kit you want to start with something like this. A kit with just the basics. You will probably also want to get a drill. After that you should to buy your tools based on the project you are working on. You will eventually buy a better hammer and screwdrivers and every thing else in your starter kit, but as a new homeowner this should be enough to get you by until the bigger projects come along.

As for Home Depot and Lowes, they are generally about the same. As /u/twynkletoes said, go for the deals.

Hey, I'm assuming he's just starting so, do not get him a combo set. That's foolish, he doesn't need an impact driver at all. Search for .home repair' and you'll find a ton. Some stuff to get you started:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-94-248-65-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/ref=sr_1_4?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1480266147&sr=1-4

 

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-LDX120PK-20-Volt-Lithium-Ion/dp/B00C625KVE/ref=sr_1_15?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1480266147&sr=1-15

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1621452018/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1118099400/ref=tmm_pap_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=new&qid=&sr=

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EUH4TG/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_multiimp_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-5&pf_rd_r=SN6M6HFB4M7DNW76GTG1&pf_rd_r=SN6M6HFB4M7DNW76GTG1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=de121dcf-3645-4f43-a816-cf12556f7ae3&pf_rd_p=de121dcf-3645-4f43-a816-cf12556f7ae3&pf_rd_i=15469024011

 

sorry i don't have time to format but, good luck!

"Questions like this" is not "this question". In particular, I asked for something that fits together well. A box full of a dozen different things I bought independently will never fit together like, for example, this kit does, and it will never be as easy to use. Bits and pieces will get scattered and strewn around the box and I'll never know if I've misplaced a particular piece unless I go to use it. That link may be a useful checklist for things to make sure the kit includes, but TBH it is exactly what I'm trying to avoid by seeking one that is designed to go together from the get go.