Your First Tool Kit: Renter
Creating a tool kit can be a daunting task, but Eric Stromer shows you which items to get, if you're a first-time renter or a college student. A lightweight hammer will go a long way, while a utility knife, torpedo level and screwdriver set are other must-haves. For under $100, Eric will show you which essentials will make up the perfect tool kit to have on hand.
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Step 1: Hammers, Tape Measures, Pliers
Choose a lightweight hammer for hanging pictures. Every tool kit needs a rigid tape measure -- try a 7-foot one. A pair of slip-joint pliers are another essential.
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Step 2: Knives, Flashlights, Wrenches
Next, you'll need a good utility knife, as well as a flashlight, which will really come in handy. Pick up a set of Allen wrenches, too.
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Step 3: Levels, Screwdrivers, Tool Tote
You can't go wrong with a torpedo level, and a screwdriver set is another must-have. Of course, you'll need something to keep your tools organized, so try a tool tote or box that will fit your new items.
Step 1: Hammers, Tape Measures, Pliers
Choose a lightweight hammer for hanging pictures. Every tool kit needs a rigid tape measure -- try a 7-foot one. A pair of slip-joint pliers are another essential.
Step 2: Knives, Flashlights, Wrenches
Next, you'll need a good utility knife, as well as a flashlight, which will really come in handy. Pick up a set of Allen wrenches, too.
Step 3: Levels, Screwdrivers, Tool Tote
You can't go wrong with a torpedo level, and a screwdriver set is another must-have. Of course, you'll need something to keep your tools organized, so try a tool tote or box that will fit your new items.
Items You'll Need
- Hammer
- Tape Measure
- Slip-Joint Pliers
- Utility Knife
- Flashlight
- Allen Wrenches
- Torpedo Level
- Screwdriver Set
- Tool Tote
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135 Comments
no cutters, no needle nose, no channel loks, those pliers they chose are the most useless and never used .
December 05 2011 at 2:15 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyas for their one set of allens , most new furniture supplies you with the allen cause its metric sized . better off buying a driver with an assorted set of tips . oh and that crappy assed plastic flashlight is a big waste of money with the D batteries and bulbs that last about an hour .
i'd say his best pick was the hammer and the bag !!!
Speaking as one who has worked with many different types of tools, the most important items for a first took kit are Isopropal alcohol and a big box of assorted bandaids,
December 05 2011 at 12:10 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOne more gotta have tool..vise grips.
December 04 2011 at 8:54 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMy tools would fill truckloads, yet I had to decide what four children would take to college. I found a small kit for under 20 dollars (hardware chain store) that contained most tools they would need. Similar to what was picked above but more. ( 8 in adjustable wrench,12 straight edge ruler, 3/8 socket set, small combination wrenches 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, case included) Price $18, I added a few more items, electrical tape, duct tape, all purpose glue, hack saw and blades, cutting pliers and a small push hand drill set, universal bit set(sq, torx, hex, strait etc.) and a plastic case. Overall the total price was less than $75. Keep in mind these are not tools your service person would use everyday, face it they are in college to get a degree and probably will seldom use them again.
December 04 2011 at 5:44 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyMy children said it was not their first choice when they left for school, now many years they suggest similar items to anyone going off to higher education. I'd say they agree it prepared them for independence, with tools still used today.
A good basic tool kit should include the following:
December 04 2011 at 5:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyBasic rachet wrench set and common sockets
Ajustable wrench and pliers
Basic screw driver set with standard and phillips drivers
Needle nose pliers and side cutters
Med. size hammer
basic set of box end wrenches.
Sears and Husky (Lowe's) offer a great pre assembled set like this. It makes a great gift for any new homeowner on your list. Also a great gift is an auto gift pack that contains: Jumper cables. Emergenct light and some road triangles. and first aid kit, basic tips for changing a spare tire and other roadside emergency tips. This can be a great gift for the first time driver
When one of my brothers got married the three sisters-in-law went together and came up with a "hers" toolbox for the new bride. They used a small plastic tackle box instead of a bulky tool box. It had many of the same things as in the video except no flashlight, smaller hammer, and 3 or 4 screwdrivers instead of the ratchet. They also including wire and hooks for hanging pictures, thumb tacks, various wood screws, several sizes of small nails, couple different kinds of tape, stuff like that. Then decorated the outside of the box with stick-on flowers, etc.
December 04 2011 at 4:49 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Replythe great part about advising beginners is they dont know bad advice. the 1st item should have been a beginners do-it-yourself home guide. p.s. no charge fellas. you both look like beginners . bob villa, look out. lol
December 03 2011 at 11:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyEric looks and sounds like he's had a few before doing this video, his partner doesn't look like he could walk a straight line either. Did any of these two sots mention a good pair of lineman's wire cutters? It is the best tool I have in the drawer. Boy, they make cutting wire coat hangers a breeze which can then be bent and fashioned to use for any number of hooks and holders around the house. Saves money too especially if you are a gardener.
December 03 2011 at 10:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAfter working many years in one of the largest aluminum plants in the country as an industrial mechanic I am reminded of a sign we had in our shop. It read " We have done so much with so little for so long, We are now qualified to do anything with nothing."
December 03 2011 at 10:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyi've been in bulding trades for 25 years, i worked for a contractor that was so cheap, i never worked for anyoen so cheap in my life ,, i mean CHEAP ,, out in the field building bridges on I95 i'd have to get a torch 3/8-1/2-5/8 sheet steel and a grinder and make what i needed to get the job done lmfao !!
December 04 2011 at 5:08 AM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Replylooking back, it taught me to be resourceful which has come in handy, but i still laugh at how cheap they probably still are hahahahahhaha
Nice try wunna be. Right tool for the job. crecent wrench, duct tape, and bailing are only a patch. A hammer does more damage than it corrects. I hope you are paid for hits, and not good advice.
December 03 2011 at 9:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWe had a saying in the navy several years: if you can't fix it, get a bigger hammer. That always seemed to work on the large diesel engines.
December 05 2011 at 12:15 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply