"Essential" home improvement/handyman tool list?

[squall_line]

It's been a long, draining winter.

I'm coming to the realization that I don't have much time these days for woodworking (toddler in the house), my patience isn't really there to work on any sort of project (woodworking, remodeling, or otherwise), and my aptitude just doesn't seem to be moving in any appreciably positive direction.

I amassed an unhealthy amount of Festool products in the last 22 months, and really should start selling off most of it (consumables included, which probably out-cost the tools themselves).

For sure I'll keep my HKC 55, as I've used it for a number of demolition and other random cutting tasks.  And you'd have to pry my CXS out of my cold, dead hands.

Redundant tools are pretty easy to decide to cull from the herd (HK 55 when I also have an HKC 55, for example), but what sorts of things would be considered "essential" to light handiwork tasks around the house?  For sure I don't "need" all 4 Festool routers, even though I have them (and certainly don't need two 1400s), but one of them would probably be handy to keep.  I probably don't need a two DF 500s AND a 700, but I've used the 500 for a lot of things that people might grab a Kreg jig for, so I'll probably keep one of those as well.

I feel like the "basic" list is a drill, a driver, a saw, a router, and a workbench.

Any thoughts?

(The feeding frenzy/listing will probably start around the end of the month, so please don't fill my DMs with tool requests before then.)

 

[grobkuschelig]

I‘d keep the CXS for sure. Same for the HKC.
Routers, you need to match your needs. The 1400 is a nice „one-size-fits-all“. But I‘d never leave my mfk700 behind, since I do many more edges than plunges.

If you have both Dominoes, I‘d keep ‚em both. The toddler will grow larger sooner than later and that way you have all the dream machines in the world to build/adapt all kinds of furniture. [emoji16]

Maybe a larger drill. And a Sander or two. [emoji2373]

 

[Cheese]

FWIW...if this were my problem I'd keep the following for a very, very basic shop that allows for home repair and improvement.
1. A cordless saw that can be used on a track be it HKC or TSC
2. 1 or maybe 2 cordless drills
3. The 1010 router
4. An ETS EC sander or else the RO 125 instead
5. An AGC 18 RA grinder
6. A Sawzall
7. A CT Midi
8. A DF 500

8 tools in Systainers would be easy to store and won't take up much room. Yet there's a flexibility with the tools I mentioned that would allow for some pretty extensive home repair and even home improvement.

The DF 500 may seem odd but it allows "boxes, drawers & doors" to be easily made for particular rooms or for general storage.

Likewise, the RA grinder can cut metals, wire brush rusted items, strip paint and resurface/level concrete surfaces with the correct accessories. Put a different wheel on it and you can sharpen your lawn mower blade.  [big grin]

 

[Packard]

About five years ago, my shower drain backed up on a Friday night. I could choose to not shower until Monday, or to call a plumber (emergency rates on weekends).

I called the plumber.  He showed up with what looked like a heavy duty electric drill with a snake at the end. 

In about 20 minutes the drain was clear.  (I had a 8’ manual drain snake, but it was not long enough.)

The following day I went to Harbor Freight where they had a similar looking (but clearly not as durable) version of the power snake on sale for about $80.00. 

It sits in my basement in the original container unused.  Peace of mind.

My dad used to carry a heavy duty bicycle pump in the trunk of his car.  One day I found my bike tire flat and asked if I could borrow it.  I did.  And it did not work at all.

My dad was very upset.  “I’ve been carrying that pump in my car for years and it does not work?”

I said, “In one sense it worked.  Think of all the peace of mind it gave you while sitting in your trunk.”

“But it does not work.” He said.

“Yeah, it does not work, but the peace of mind was real.” [big grin]

In any case, if you see a power snake on sale, not a bad piece for peace of mind.  It takes less time to snake a drain, than it does to pull out your check book and write the plumber an inflated fee check.

When I get a backed up drain next time, I’m going to shout out, “Gotcha.  You’re not gonna get a ‘emergency fee’ out of me.  I have a power snake!”

 

[luvmytoolz]

In any case, if you see a power snake on sale, not a bad piece for peace of mind.  It takes less time to snake a drain, than it does to pull out your check book and write the plumber an inflated fee check.

When I get a backed up drain next time, I’m going to shout out, “Gotcha.  You’re not gonna get a ‘emergency fee’ out of me.  I have a power snake!”

+1

Many times over the years I've bought what seemed like an insane purchase, only to use it once at some point and immediately more than recoup the cost. So as with my laser level, now I've finished all the big works, I can sell it for a reasonable amount, or just hang on to it as it's more than paid for itself.

Same goes for tools in general for me. With the list the OP has above, I'd maybe be inclined to sell the redundant DF500, the rest would depend on how realistically I expect to never do any form of renovations, repairs, make gifts, etc, etc to determine whether or not to keep some or most of the tools owned.

It would be a dreadful shame to get rid of a bunch of premium tools, only to find circumstances change and you get back into woodwork or have a need for the tools sold off. I've seen that occur with others frequently enough to give me pause about getting rid of some stuff.

I would also add that as the toddler grows, more time will be freed up, and spending time building things with your kids is a very worthwhile exercise for everyone, especially teaching kids how to do things for themselves.

 

[woodferret]

Might also keep an oscillating multi-tool around.  It's that punch list tool.

 

[bobtskutter]

When I bought my first house almost 25yrs ago my "tool box" was (all corded power tools)
Drill
sander
power plane
small circular saw
Vacuum cleaner
The hand tools were a box of random screwdrivers, a hammer, a crowbar (pry-bar), a tape measure and a level.  Those tools kept me going for many projects.

But now I've discovered Festool.....TS75, RO125, DTS400, DF500, OF1400, PS420 - what should I buy next?

Bob

 

[luvmytoolz]

When I bought my first house almost 25yrs ago my "tool box" was (all corded power tools)
Drill
sander
power plane
small circular saw
Vacuum cleaner
The hand tools were a box of random screwdrivers, a hammer, a crowbar (pry-bar), a tape measure and a level.  Those tools kept me going for many projects.

But now I've discovered Festool.....TS75, RO125, DTS400, DF500, OF1400, PS420 - what should I buy next?

Bob

ETS EC sander, collated screwgun, multi tool for starters!

OF2200 and DF700 if you really want to treat yourself!

 

[six-point socket II]

Given current circumstances and the whole environment we live in these days, don't sell anything.

Unless you need the cash immediately to put food in your toddlers mouth or a roof over his/her head.

Maybe except the truly redundant tools. And then again, you paid for them, they don't require any additional money for upkeep right now.

The only consumables I would sell, if really not needed right now, are replacement pads for sanders if you have bought some in advance & well before actually needing them. I personally don't "trust" in storing these.

If you haven't already, give the tools a clean-up, lubricate, protect/preserve where necessary and store them.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

Kind regards,
Oliver (who made the mistake of selling a Festool, only to re-buy it at a higher price after realizing even if it's just for "one more job" there is actually no substitute to it, or shall I say there was no.)

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I'm 100% with Oliver on this. Don't sell anything that doesn't have a "shelf life". (sander pads/batteries) with the possible exception of one of the DF500s. I can't see a need for 2 of them?
I maintain multiple routers to cut down on bit/set-up changes in a professional environment, simply for the sake of time. As a homeowner/hobbyist, that's not as much of a factor.
Going with the theory that they don't require anything from you except some space and they can sit indefinitely without suffering any ill effects, I don't see the harm. If you ever do decide to get back into it, the cost will be far greater the second time.

 

[rmwarren]

I'm 100% with Oliver on this. Don't sell anything that doesn't have a "shelf life". (sander pads/batteries) with the possible exception of one of the DF500s. I can't see a need for 2 of them?
I maintain multiple routers to cut down on bit/set-up changes in a professional environment, simply for the sake of time. As a homeowner/hobbyist, that's not as much of a factor.
Going with the theory that they don't require anything from you except some space and they can sit indefinitely without suffering any ill effects, I don't see the harm. If you ever do decide to get back into it, the cost will be far greater the second time.

+1

[attachimg=1]

Just sayin'

RMW

 

[Crazyraceguy]

What are you trying to say Richard? that 20 routers and 36 K-body clamps is excessive?  [embarassed]

I absolutely resemble that remark  [blink]

and I need that shirt.

 

[PaulMarcel]

and I need that shirt.

No, you need this shirt... yw

[attachimg=1]

 

[Packard]

I carry an Oxford “dotted notebook” which has a grid pattern of pale dots (6 per inch). I use it to sketch ideas, cutting layouts for sheet goods, make notes etc. 

To that, I add an 8” steel rule, and a good .7mm lead mechanical pencil and a white eraser in a pen barrel dispenser.

I don’t ever work from plans, so I have to make layouts. 

Notes:  A 6” ruler is too short; a 12” ruler is inconvenient to carry.  Stationary store rulers can be accurate but they rarely have the zero dimension at the end of the ruler.  It is much preferred to have the zero flush with the end of the ruler.  I have the Mr. Pen set (from Amazon).  Accurate and inexpensive, but the edges are sharp enough to cut.  I dressed the edges and corners with a Arkansas wet stone.  A few swipes will make it dull enough to be safe.

Mechanical pencils are a personal preference item. Everyone seems passionate about one brand or the other.  I like the RipTide from Staedtler.

Pencils come with erasers, but you are better served by one of the white erasers in a pen-like barrel dispenser. 

Planning is your most important home improvement too.  I make sketches, notes and to do lists.  Having them in a sewn notebook where the pages are never lost, is an advantage.  I have linked a description of the books I use, but definitely do not buy them from Tops. Crazy prices there.  I buy mine from the supermarket stationary aisle for about $6.00 - $7.00 each and they last me about 6 - 10 months each.  (The linked site sells them for more than twice that, and the supermarket never discounts these convenience items0.
https://www.tops-products.com/oxfordr-dotted-composition-book-10-x-7-1-2.html


Mr. Pen- Machinist Ruler, 4 Pack (6, 8, 12, 14 inch), Metric Ruler, Millimeter Ruler, (1/64, 1/32, mm and .5 mm), 6 inch Ruler, Stainless Steel Ruler  $7.99

Imperial one one face, metric on the reverse (all sizes).

Above, from Amazon.com

 

[Crazyraceguy]

and I need that shirt.

No, you need this shirt... yw

[attachimg=1]

I might be in the running, but I'm not sure that it's a lock.  [wink]