More than twice I've needed a wire brush, and nothing else would do the job. From grilling to cleaning battery terminals (different brush of course) they're super handy.
I have a basic Skil circular saw I bought in college in 1990. My first power tool. I’ve used it on about a million DIY’s over the years and it still rips like brand new. Wouldn’t consider replacing it before it dies. I got a DeWalt circular saw at a yard sale last year and just resold it because I still went to the Skil every time.
Wranglerstar do you hunt all the pawnshops when buying guns that's the only place to get them no reason to buy a new gun when you can buy one cheaper they stay brand new looking for Generations unless they you can't find a certain gun but also pawnshop always have good tools and specialized tools you don't always see for deals
Hey, Cody, I think it would be nice if the next video that you do like this is the 50 (40? 30?) tools that every man should have for when or if the grid goes down and stays down (no more electricity). I know that there would be some redundant crossover with this series, but it would still be neat to see your list for such an event. Keep up the good work!!!
these shovels are great and made in the USA but this shovel was made in Ireland ? LOL just laughed at that. I dont mind things ( of quality ) that are not made in the USA.
@Wranglerstar I know you are a man who takes pride in his work. You brought up extension cords in this video. One not very well known bit of cord handling is proper coiling for storage to prevent damage by twisting. This is caused by improper coiling and is not just something that happens. Not only is it unsightly and makes the cord tangle and hard to handle, it actually destroys your cord from the inside out. That 12ga cord will begin to perform like a 14ga, and eventually fail altogether. These problems are all solved by "over-under" coiling. Look into it, you'll be glad you did.
Angle Grinder! 4.5" angle grinder! I use mine for literally everything in all trades of workmanship/craftsmanship, and hobbies! Plastic, metal, wood, concrete, stone, tile, paint, EVERYTHING! Sharpen, polish, hone, cut, notch, shape, clean, debur, etc etc. Just the other day I used one to help a friend cut the lug nuts off his car because the wheel studs were stripped on the backside, lug nut just spun the stud. Also used it to split the bearing races on the same vehicle. Use it every day. Also makes a great flush cut saw, yeah dangerous, but with great muscle memory it works.
My lovely wife bought me a black and decker super saw cat circular saw. It’s not a worm drive and is heavy at 8.25” but it is fantastic! The weight helps keep it from walking due to the power. I love it.
As an Irish man who's worked in forestry, farming and small mechanical work, a good quality vise grip is a must have too, skimp on quality anywhere else but buy a good vise grip, you'd be amazed just how versatile a tool it it
Im sure these will be part of the list but I will throw these out there just in case: Some type of square, multitool, set of chisels, file/stone, wire brush, flashlight, sawsall, wet/dry shop vac, maybe clamps of some kind? and maybe some PPE like dust mask, ear muffs, goggles? Great video series!
I made my own extension cords. Two 50 foot cords. One cord is just a standard cord and the other has a 2 gang box at the end. All 4 outlets are GFCI protected. If I need some extra length, I just plug in my standard 50 footer as an extension. Works beautifully.
My dad has had a set of 2 Estwing hammers for well over that 14 years (they are older than me.) and they still work and feel like they are straight off the assembly line. They are THE BEST hammers you could ever buy.
Commenting as I'm watching. I was already thinking of the "falling off" story about extension cords when you said it. My brother told me that about welding leads. It also works for air hoses. Of course, it'll hang up whether you have a 3-plug end or not. I also have a bunch of really short extension cords (6 feet or less). I made them up either from a loose cord that came with some piece of electrical equipment, or from damaged cords that I turned into two cords. They are handy for "in-shop" work where you need a cord, but it's a hassle to mess with a long one. The "proper" term is "jillion", not "bazillion". ;o) I would suggest that a bit set that includes hex bits, Torx bits, square bits, etc. would be the thing to get. 30 years ago my grandmother-in-law gave me a tool kit from Costco for Christmas. It had a ratcheting screwdriver handle, SAE and metric 1/4" drive sockets (with a hex-to-1/4" drive adapter), and gobs of bits: phillips, straight, hex (SAE and metric), Torx, and square. It's still my go-to tool kit for lots of the stuff I have to do around the homestead.
For a workshop, A nice solid bench vice, for versatility a set of F Clamps. As a fitter I'd also say correct size spanners and sockets, nothing is worse then when people round the tops of bolts off accidentally.
You’ve got to get a set of Knipex plier wrenches and Cobra pliers. Five inch and 10 inch versions are a great set to have. Will replace all your channel locks and crescent wrenches. Expensive but well worth it!!
In my electrical bag I like to carry a simple AC power detector. You push a button, wave it over a wire, and it beeps if it's hot. Has saved me a few times on unfamiliar electrical systems.
There is almost nothing an angle grinder won't cut, plastic metal wood plexiglass some marble amd concrete type materials they are great, especially a cordless one
The Lutz 88 utility knife has got to be the best one I’ve ever used, durable, blade change is fast and simple, plenty of room for blades, no extra tools needed to change the blades, they’re just great! I️ highly recommend if you’re looking for a good knife to carry for working in the trades.
Must haves for me in my belt are a square (speed or tri), a pencil, and a razor knife which you already covered. I do a lot of framing so the skill saw you mentioned with the hammers, tape and nail punches. I'm not sure if a sawzall was covered but a good one is an oscillating tool like the Bosch Starlock or something similar. It's great in tight places for removing grout, scraping, and a million other things since it has 100 different attachments for the blade.
Lighting is a must, flashlight, drop light or headlamp. Saw horses are extremely useful. And I don't remember if you included a speed square or t square yet. DIY mechanics and woodworkers will benefit with c clamps or any type of clamp. A torque wrench and breaker bar. A 1 inch chisel is handy a lot. Files? Maybe.You added a multi meter. So maybe electrical pliers can be added to that.
How about a set of wood working chisels, maybe a handplane or an electric one. perhaps an orbital sander or belt sander could be good too, so many sanding machines that are useful. love the videos keep it up.
Cody's comment on the crowbar "this is not just for wood working, this is when things go bad" haha never a more true statement. I can't argue with any of the choices so far
I like the channellock pliers that have a little button spring lock on them, easier to lock into the size you want and not rattle around, loose grip, have to re-adjust etc.
For use around the yard, and for burning leaves and even regular fires outside, I have found a good steel heavy prong pitchfork to be invaluable. It's one of the the tools I use the most around my acre and a half wooded lot!
I've got an old multimeter (volt meter) from the 90's, RadioShack brand. Works great. Back then you could buy relatively inexpensive tools and still expect a minimum level of quality.
As far as hex keys go (allen wrench) I use them everyday as a tool and die maker. Bought a set of Ecklind at the local farm store when I started and can't say anything bad about them. A few years later was looking through a friend's snap-on box when I came across his set of allen's. I popped one out of the holder and realized the snap-on brand had the exact same markings on the tool as my set of Ecklind wrenches I'd been using for years.
I am going to say this, as I would add the torx screwdrivers. Now the reason I say I would add those to the list, is a lot of manufacturers are going to Torx head screws, and I am even seeing them in general carpentry with dry wall and even wood screws. As for the volt meter, I would actually go with one that is a volt ohm meter, that also can read mil-amps. My dad had one of those, and he was the Number 1 Equipment installer in the state of Texas for what use to be GTE. I would also go with a volt/ohm meter because sometimes, you do need to know if the ohm's of things will allow it to conduct electricity as metal does break down over time. I would even add a telescoping magnet, just in case you drop something in a hard to reach place.
Ok,I've been straightened out by my wife.Some do have a rounded end.The only ones I've ever seen have a flat end.I think we may be wading through another instance of regional differences.
Knipex are superior to Channel Locks...IMO. I use them daily at work and they do not pinch your hands like channel locks can and grip round objects better.
if you pinched your hand you were not using Channell Locks you were using foriegn made knock offs. I have never been pinched with real Channel Locks only with the junk made over seas mine are 30 years old
I am a General contractor and carpenter in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I Largely agree with the list, Cody. But its funny how we use different tools. For example, you will very very very rarely see a worm drive saw being used by anyone in Canada. The standard seems to be the Makita sidewinder, and the Olfa (yellow) 1 inch razor blade knives. I swear by Stabila levels as well. Sure they're insanely expensive, but at least you know you've got a level that will read true for life, no matter how much you abuse it. I love these videos Mr. Wranglerstar. Thanks for the time and effort. Thumbs up!
i think worm drive is a regional thing for him. i don't see many in east coast usa either. they sell them at home depot but i don't see people ever using them
Great series! Other suggestions would be a compressor and / or generator, a square, survival knife (no doubt you'll have decided on one anyway), chisel, trowel and a vice.
I love my Makita cordless rip saw (Skilsaw) . It's one of my favourite tools , and I also love my Estwings . A 22oz framing model and a 20oz curve claw , for general and finish work . A 6 ft level is very handy also .
I would strongly recommend 1 tool to replace 2 that you have already mentioned and oddly enough they seem to work better than both of them. The Knipex adjustable wrench a little pricey but well worth it it can really replace the channel locks and the regular adjustable wrenches. I also prefer using the 8in. model but the 10in. model is better for versatility
I use my 12v test light ALL the time! I also use my "Widow Maker" on a nearly weekly basis (The one that beeps if the outlet has power). So much faster than setting up my multi-meter. Also, don't just get a "volt meter" get a Multi-Meter that includes a Continuity Tester setting. It has saved me countless hours of tracing electrical issues. Also you can use a T-set or Torx set in Allen screws. So I would have the SAE and Metric T bit set since I can use them in both Torx and Allen fasteners.
Agree with this guy I keep a 30 inch crow bar,36 inch connecting bar,4ft level, torpedo level,8 pound ironworker beater,7 adjustable wrenches, a 16 inch Klein wrench and a couple of spud wrenches for bolting up.
You're wrong about the test light not being useful anymore--it's actually still extremely useful and relevant in modern automotive diagnostics and many technicians use the scope on a rope every day over the multimeter. Simply because it will tell you if a circuit is capable of carrying a load. Let's say a ground wire is partly frayed and is hanging on by a couple strands, you use a multimeter and check for continuity and it shows a path to ground yet that circuit will never work because it can't carry enough current, but you hook a test light to battery positive and probe that wire and the light don't light: there's yer problem.
That may still be a little bit of a specialty case, as I don't really see the "common man" (since that's what the video is about) diving that deep into diagnosing their own automobile. I fix production copy equipment for a living, so I could go on and on about how I use a multimeter, but ultimately it would not be that useful or interesting to an average person.
zsmorr92 this is true and for the every day homeowner (that’s how I interpret “the common man”), a multimeter is the better choice because you can see when a circuit is powered down for sure. I just wanted to point out that a test light shouldn’t be ignored in this day and age.
I'm enjoying these. In terms of crow bars/pry bars... In terms of "essentialness"... The full size one, because you could pound out a flat bar with a hammer (assuming you can find some steel and so forth), but not so easy to make the big one. And the big ones will rip more stuff open/apart, and are more durable....
On channellocks, I got a set of Craftsman Robogrip pliers a couple decades ago and man, they are the most used pliers I own. I use them things every day. Like you say, it's the little things in life...
I would suggest a wheelbarrow and a 5 gallon bucket. Also a garden rake or something that helps with planting grass seed/cleaning up. Also a good light.
Tools not mentioned in your series {yet} that I would consider making the list.1. Hose, for water and air: water being the more important if an air compressor does not make the list. 2, Rim set tool, sometimes it is the only thing to connect ot cement or stone. 3-16 Angle grinder/ sander / come-along / stud finder/ farm jack / T-square, framing square / Mud hawk / trowel or tape knife / panel lift / Table saw / Chain saw / axe. 17. I would add the big brother to the crow bar and pry bar list and that would be the chisle and point hex bar: this tool IMO is better for busting rock, create, at depth than a matix and has the heft to pry out tree stumps and other heave objects as a lever. Rember with a big enough lever you can move the world. 18, steel cutting shears or cissors. 19, Ditch the pliers for the chanel locks on your list, and ditch the dikes (aka diagnal cuters) keep the needle nose with cutters and add a heaver cutter for locks/ fence instead. I would also ditch the screwdriver since you have a complete cordless drill tool set that you can use manually, I would also ditch the allen wrench set, since I would be adding a cordless impact driver and Impact driver set that would have the most common hex sizes, along with some of the odd ball stuff and adapts well with a socket set. 20. socket set, metric and standard, I like the pass thru kind but these don't work so well with the before mentioned impact driver. Please consider these and thanks for your series and vids keep up the great work. Love the bread knife; board vid can we get one on making the knife it looks so awesome. Thanks.
love these videos, thank you for all the great info over this series. I don't know about how the majority of people buy tools, but most of mine have come from needing to get specific a job done. I just bought my first detached house with a decent yard. It's good to know what I'll need that I don't already own. I definitely need a skill saw and a good rope.
As far as multimeters go I think I use the continuity check at least as often as the volt meter. I get the impression that most of the tools you discuss are for homesteading and woodworking, but I would like to see more metalworking/ electronics tools, like angle grinders, rivet guns, tap and die sets, vices, soldering irons and the like.
Socket wrench set either the ones that go with the rachet or the screwdriver style are super handy when you need it. Great series can't wait to see the rest!
Aye, I'm all for people exceeding in life. But, this comment is as useful as me saying, "I'm currently taking a dump." Literally no context, or representation to this comment. Try harder next time tro............just kidding. God speed to you my friend!
thinredline 437: Did you see what I wrote for you several days ago? It had a LOT of information in it for you. Some people thought it was too much. But there is much to know. We are rooting for you. BUT you need to pay attention and not go in there sounding like a city boy. So here's one thing I will repeat. Learn the deiierences between the words forest, and forestry. Look at their emblems and signs. Do they say forestry service? Or forest service. Your first step is to get that straight. Now go with God's blessing. Many of us hope this is the beginning of something special for you.
One tool I haven't seen on your list that got me through college when I didn't have room to store a lot of tools or a lot of money is a multitool. Most of them act as a pair of pliars, have a screw driver, and a regular head on them. I used the knife on mine, the scissors, sometimes even the can opener. The pliars were actually the most useful feature. I didn't find the multitool to be particularly comfortable to use or as useful as all the tools it replaces independently, but I also only had a cheap one from walmart made in china. I'd put a high quality multitool on my list if I had to make a list of 50 tools I couldn't live without. A multitool may not be the best choice for jobs, but it is very convenient at being one single tool I can keep in my pocket to accomplish multiple tasks without having to dig back into a toolbox to find a seperate tool.
I have to disagree with the fire shovel vs. standard spade. For digging post holes of any depth that fire shovel’s angle will get you fighting the hole. In fact for almost any ditch digger that angle is going to be taking the force strength away from the handle. Might be nice for farmers till style dirt/ soil. The steep sweep of the sides might be nice in roots. Over all though for construction purposes, standard spade. Love this series Cody! I really look forward to them. Could we have another manly manners please? I really miss those, even some of the old ones rehashed would be fine.
Brother Cody, that is a common digging shovel. The best ones have the number 2 stamped on them. In industry, the nickname for that shovel is, the Number 2 Dragline. It's a good thing you like English stuff. The word you kept using was a spade. A spade will likely have a short, D handle; the steel part will be a longish rectangle. Most often used by women and Englishmen.
A good VISE is a tool that you have to have, is just the most useful and indispensable tool to have in the shop, makes the life a lot easier clamping stuff
Grandpa was from Mississippi. He called the wonder bar a reckon bar. Not sure why, but if a claw hammer won't pry it out, I reckon this will. Or, it's time for a materials reckoning. Thanks Cody
8'' level is pretty standard for any general contractor if not the extendable plates levels even. Still not needed and your recommendation is better. Plus you can make a plumb stick with a 2' level for walls. Thanks for the great content!
What about a combination Square or a speed square. I use my combination Square both for Woodworking and metal fabrication. If your talking about building a home with these tools a speed square would be a must. Keep up the good work I'm really enjoying these videos!
HaHa! That extinction cord story brought back memories. I was a teenager back in the late 70s or early 80s. We were taking a CB antenna off the roof of an old 3 story farmhouse, metal roof, with a lot of pitch. We didn't have any rope so the guy threw an extension cord over the roof for us to hang onto. My feet slipped out from under me and I grabbed for the cord and missed it. I was sliding down, almost to the drop off when my pants pocket caught a nail. That stopped me long enough to reach the cord. That nail saved me from a lot of pain.
A GFCI Outlet tester to check outlets (it simulates using a table lamp). Add a Circuit Breaker Finder, it will generate a signal on the circuit which the tester will trace. Label outlet covers with a circuit breaker number to reduce troubleshooting time.
Great series Cody. Having worked in electronics and as an electrician here in the UK I would agree with a good meter except... With mains power you have to have an earth or neutral for it to work with live connections. Always use a Neon tester (a small insulated Neon terminal screwdriver) to check for live cables. Test it first and if it lights then there is power, possibly fatal therefore BE CAREFUL. Any device that requires a battery to work can fail. A neon wont (if properly tested on a known source first). On Amazon (USA) you can get a pack of 3 for $3. A no brainer at that price. Keep up the good work. Cheers from cold London UK.
Give the knipex Chanel locks a try. I’m a journeyman plumber and there a must for me on the daily. Love the brand almost as much as your videos! Keep em coming!
You should check out the Milwaukee utility knife. The full sized one. It folds, so it can be kept in a pouch or pocket. And it can be flipped open with one hand. Very handy, and well made.
Good stuff Cody. While I disagree on a few of the tools, the idea of having just 50 tools is a stretch . You might want to take that list out to at least 100 tools and that might still make it a stretch. Keep it up and keep them coming!
I know it is counterintuitive but a 'spade' has the flat head. You can look it up if you don't believe me. What you are advocating for is, in fact, a "shovel." Thanks for your great channel!
You have to change the shovel to a razor back shovel. Made in the USA and is only sold at Home Depot. These are the best shovels that I have used and a lifetime warranty!
More than twice I've needed a wire brush, and nothing else would do the job. From grilling to cleaning battery terminals (different brush of course) they're super handy.
Its like a forgotten love. I use them for so many things and so often that I forget about them. Especially if you live in the rust belt.
I have a basic Skil circular saw I bought in college in 1990. My first power tool. I’ve used it on about a million DIY’s over the years and it still rips like brand new. Wouldn’t consider replacing it before it dies. I got a DeWalt circular saw at a yard sale last year and just resold it because I still went to the Skil every time.
I like the Allen wrenches all in a one that flip out personally because all the other sets I have are missing the one I need.
husky
second that. i always need the small ones that get lost quick in the free sets.
Torx can fit into metric Allen heads
Socket sets!!! Extremely useful in every day life, keeping vehicles running putting together various things I use mine every time I work on something
CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE TOOL LIST:
Extension cord: goo.gl/Eq91vB
Skillsaw: goo.gl/87eNer
2' Level: goo.gl/xrP9dh
Crowbar: goo.gl/2B8H5G
Wonderbar: goo.gl/uXvxyc
Fluke Multimeter: goo.gl/bZoBcA
Orcon utility knife: goo.gl/nAfpHj
Allen wrench sets: goo.gl/467bYA
Channel locks: goo.gl/oTKPR8
Estwing hammer: goo.gl/WJS1Dc
Forestry shovel: goo.gl/skoHVR
Wranglerstar do you hunt all the pawnshops when buying guns that's the only place to get them no reason to buy a new gun when you can buy one cheaper they stay brand new looking for Generations unless they you can't find a certain gun but also pawnshop always have good tools and specialized tools you don't always see for deals
Awg
American
Wire
Gauge
Hey, Cody, I think it would be nice if the next video that you do like this is the 50 (40? 30?) tools that every man should have for when or if the grid goes down and stays down (no more electricity). I know that there would be some redundant crossover with this series, but it would still be neat to see your list for such an event. Keep up the good work!!!
these shovels are great and made in the USA but this shovel was made in Ireland ? LOL just laughed at that. I dont mind things ( of quality ) that are not made in the USA.
Wranglermart is down
@Wranglerstar I know you are a man who takes pride in his work. You brought up extension cords in this video. One not very well known bit of cord handling is proper coiling for storage to prevent damage by twisting. This is caused by improper coiling and is not just something that happens. Not only is it unsightly and makes the cord tangle and hard to handle, it actually destroys your cord from the inside out. That 12ga cord will begin to perform like a 14ga, and eventually fail altogether. These problems are all solved by "over-under" coiling. Look into it, you'll be glad you did.
Angle Grinder! 4.5" angle grinder! I use mine for literally everything in all trades of workmanship/craftsmanship, and hobbies! Plastic, metal, wood, concrete, stone, tile, paint, EVERYTHING! Sharpen, polish, hone, cut, notch, shape, clean, debur, etc etc. Just the other day I used one to help a friend cut the lug nuts off his car because the wheel studs were stripped on the backside, lug nut just spun the stud. Also used it to split the bearing races on the same vehicle. Use it every day. Also makes a great flush cut saw, yeah dangerous, but with great muscle memory it works.
My lovely wife bought me a black and decker super saw cat circular saw. It’s not a worm drive and is heavy at 8.25” but it is fantastic! The weight helps keep it from walking due to the power. I love it.
As an Irish man who's worked in forestry, farming and small mechanical work, a good quality vise grip is a must have too, skimp on quality anywhere else but buy a good vise grip, you'd be amazed just how versatile a tool it it
I lucked out this summer at a local flea market. One vendor had FSS shovels made in Ireland for sale two for $15, I bought all of the ones he had.
Im sure these will be part of the list but I will throw these out there just in case: Some type of square, multitool, set of chisels, file/stone, wire brush, flashlight, sawsall, wet/dry shop vac, maybe clamps of some kind? and maybe some PPE like dust mask, ear muffs, goggles? Great video series!
Back in the day a lot of people did build entire houses with a Skilsaw. That’s why nothing was ever square.
My dad can cut it square, blind, with 9 fingers 😂
I made my own extension cords. Two 50 foot cords. One cord is just a standard cord and the other has a 2 gang box at the end. All 4 outlets are GFCI protected. If I need some extra length, I just plug in my standard 50 footer as an extension. Works beautifully.
That flat bar is a god send when doing interior remodeling or flooring
Just used the big crow bar to help dig out the roots from a small volunteer tree. Thankful I had it!
My dad has had a set of 2 Estwing hammers for well over that 14 years (they are older than me.) and they still work and feel like they are straight off the assembly line. They are THE BEST hammers you could ever buy.
My oldest one is 50+ years old . It used to belong to my dad , who like me was a carpenter .
"grab a couple 50's and a 3-way" sounds like my kind of evening.
Chainsaw is #1 for me. The amount of work it saves is immense on our homestead!
Commenting as I'm watching.
I was already thinking of the "falling off" story about extension cords when you said it. My brother told me that about welding leads. It also works for air hoses. Of course, it'll hang up whether you have a 3-plug end or not.
I also have a bunch of really short extension cords (6 feet or less). I made them up either from a loose cord that came with some piece of electrical equipment, or from damaged cords that I turned into two cords. They are handy for "in-shop" work where you need a cord, but it's a hassle to mess with a long one.
The "proper" term is "jillion", not "bazillion". ;o)
I would suggest that a bit set that includes hex bits, Torx bits, square bits, etc. would be the thing to get. 30 years ago my grandmother-in-law gave me a tool kit from Costco for Christmas. It had a ratcheting screwdriver handle, SAE and metric 1/4" drive sockets (with a hex-to-1/4" drive adapter), and gobs of bits: phillips, straight, hex (SAE and metric), Torx, and square. It's still my go-to tool kit for lots of the stuff I have to do around the homestead.
For a workshop, A nice solid bench vice, for versatility a set of F Clamps. As a fitter I'd also say correct size spanners and sockets, nothing is worse then when people round the tops of bolts off accidentally.
You’ve got to get a set of Knipex plier wrenches and Cobra pliers. Five inch and 10 inch versions are a great set to have. Will replace all your channel locks and crescent wrenches. Expensive but well worth it!!
In my electrical bag I like to carry a simple AC power detector. You push a button, wave it over a wire, and it beeps if it's hot. Has saved me a few times on unfamiliar electrical systems.
I'm liking the 50 plus tool selection. Suggestion for bonus video, all 50 tools organized in tool box, tool belt, and work bench set up.
Torpedo level with a magnetic base is great for doing drawer slides in a kitchen! Carpenter here
An angle grinder is an amazing tool. Any sort of metal work will benefit from it.
Absolutely!
There is almost nothing an angle grinder won't cut, plastic metal wood plexiglass some marble amd concrete type materials they are great, especially a cordless one
The Lutz 88 utility knife has got to be the best one I’ve ever used, durable, blade change is fast and simple, plenty of room for blades, no extra tools needed to change the blades, they’re just great! I️ highly recommend if you’re looking for a good knife to carry for working in the trades.
Was gonna say the razor knife was one of my most used tools.
Must haves for me in my belt are a square (speed or tri), a pencil, and a razor knife which you already covered. I do a lot of framing so the skill saw you mentioned with the hammers, tape and nail punches. I'm not sure if a sawzall was covered but a good one is an oscillating tool like the Bosch Starlock or something similar. It's great in tight places for removing grout, scraping, and a million other things since it has 100 different attachments for the blade.
Square, speed square, framing square. We all use them all the time so I’m sure it’s already on your list.
Lighting is a must, flashlight, drop light or headlamp. Saw horses are extremely useful. And I don't remember if you included a speed square or t square yet. DIY mechanics and woodworkers will benefit with c clamps or any type of clamp. A torque wrench and breaker bar. A 1 inch chisel is handy a lot. Files? Maybe.You added a multi meter. So maybe electrical pliers can be added to that.
This is the third time I’ve watched this series I love it
Wire strippers with the built in cripms? Maybe a pair of lineman pliers.- im an electrician, and those two tools can make or break my day.
XGC Scrappy ill take a look. Thanks🙃
How about a set of wood working chisels, maybe a handplane or an electric one. perhaps an orbital sander or belt sander could be good too, so many sanding machines that are useful. love the videos keep it up.
Cody's comment on the crowbar "this is not just for wood working, this is when things go bad" haha never a more true statement. I can't argue with any of the choices so far
I like the channellock pliers that have a little button spring lock on them, easier to lock into the size you want and not rattle around, loose grip, have to re-adjust etc.
For use around the yard, and for burning leaves and even regular fires outside, I have found a good steel heavy prong pitchfork to be invaluable. It's one of the the tools I use the most around my acre and a half wooded lot!
I've got an old multimeter (volt meter) from the 90's, RadioShack brand. Works great. Back then you could buy relatively inexpensive tools and still expect a minimum level of quality.
As far as hex keys go (allen wrench) I use them everyday as a tool and die maker. Bought a set of Ecklind at the local farm store when I started and can't say anything bad about them. A few years later was looking through a friend's snap-on box when I came across his set of allen's. I popped one out of the holder and realized the snap-on brand had the exact same markings on the tool as my set of Ecklind wrenches I'd been using for years.
I always use my leatherman surge... Talking about versatility! Great tool!
Same here but I have a Leatherman Wave
@@Doobie603 basicly the same but smaller. I just love em.
I am going to say this, as I would add the torx screwdrivers. Now the reason I say I would add those to the list, is a lot of manufacturers are going to Torx head screws, and I am even seeing them in general carpentry with dry wall and even wood screws. As for the volt meter, I would actually go with one that is a volt ohm meter, that also can read mil-amps. My dad had one of those, and he was the Number 1 Equipment installer in the state of Texas for what use to be GTE. I would also go with a volt/ohm meter because sometimes, you do need to know if the ohm's of things will allow it to conduct electricity as metal does break down over time. I would even add a telescoping magnet, just in case you drop something in a hard to reach place.
I gotta say, I've never seen a man look so close at shovel before with so much romance.
This is nit-picking I know,but that shovel you're waving around is not a spade.A spade has a long narrow blade,with a squared off end.
I don't think so. A spade has a pointed end, like the card suit.
Ok,I've been straightened out by my wife.Some do have a rounded end.The only ones I've ever seen have a flat end.I think we may be wading through another instance of regional differences.
I'm not your wife.
A man and his shovel. It's a beautiful thing.
Knipex are superior to Channel Locks...IMO. I use them daily at work and they do not pinch your hands like channel locks can and grip round objects better.
Andrew Branham they are and I have a pair of knopex alligators and they are great.
Andrew Branham you are a smart man
They are mlre expensive but I agree and have them as well.
Absolutely!!! The very best
if you pinched your hand you were not using Channell Locks you were using foriegn made knock offs. I have never been pinched with real Channel Locks only with the junk made over seas mine are 30 years old
I am a General contractor and carpenter in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I Largely agree with the list, Cody. But its funny how we use different tools. For example, you will very very very rarely see a worm drive saw being used by anyone in Canada. The standard seems to be the Makita sidewinder, and the Olfa (yellow) 1 inch razor blade knives. I swear by Stabila levels as well. Sure they're insanely expensive, but at least you know you've got a level that will read true for life, no matter how much you abuse it.
I love these videos Mr. Wranglerstar. Thanks for the time and effort. Thumbs up!
i think worm drive is a regional thing for him. i don't see many in east coast usa either. they sell them at home depot but i don't see people ever using them
Great series!
Other suggestions would be a compressor and / or generator, a square, survival knife (no doubt you'll have decided on one anyway), chisel, trowel and a vice.
I love my Makita cordless rip saw (Skilsaw) . It's one of my favourite tools , and I also love my Estwings . A 22oz framing model and a 20oz curve claw , for general and finish work . A 6 ft level is very handy also .
Definitely a come-along winch and a 25' quality chain with hooks
I picked up an extra long version of that flat bar. It mostly fills both crow-bar niches.
I would strongly recommend 1 tool to replace 2 that you have already mentioned and oddly enough they seem to work better than both of them. The Knipex adjustable wrench a little pricey but well worth it it can really replace the channel locks and the regular adjustable wrenches. I also prefer using the 8in. model but the 10in. model is better for versatility
My bench vise and clamps are something I can’t live without. I use those more then anything.
I use my 12v test light ALL the time! I also use my "Widow Maker" on a nearly weekly basis (The one that beeps if the outlet has power). So much faster than setting up my multi-meter.
Also, don't just get a "volt meter" get a Multi-Meter that includes a Continuity Tester setting. It has saved me countless hours of tracing electrical issues.
Also you can use a T-set or Torx set in Allen screws. So I would have the SAE and Metric T bit set since I can use them in both Torx and Allen fasteners.
Good call on the full multi-meter. That was one of my first tool purchases as a teen.
Agree with this guy I keep a 30 inch crow bar,36 inch connecting bar,4ft level, torpedo level,8 pound ironworker beater,7 adjustable wrenches, a 16 inch Klein wrench and a couple of spud wrenches for bolting up.
You're wrong about the test light not being useful anymore--it's actually still extremely useful and relevant in modern automotive diagnostics and many technicians use the scope on a rope every day over the multimeter. Simply because it will tell you if a circuit is capable of carrying a load. Let's say a ground wire is partly frayed and is hanging on by a couple strands, you use a multimeter and check for continuity and it shows a path to ground yet that circuit will never work because it can't carry enough current, but you hook a test light to battery positive and probe that wire and the light don't light: there's yer problem.
50sKid Eric O. would approve this message.
Good point
That may still be a little bit of a specialty case, as I don't really see the "common man" (since that's what the video is about) diving that deep into diagnosing their own automobile.
I fix production copy equipment for a living, so I could go on and on about how I use a multimeter, but ultimately it would not be that useful or interesting to an average person.
zsmorr92 this is true and for the every day homeowner (that’s how I interpret “the common man”), a multimeter is the better choice because you can see when a circuit is powered down for sure. I just wanted to point out that a test light shouldn’t be ignored in this day and age.
The fluke will diagnose that problem as well, connect it in series with your circuit and it'll give you a current rating.
I keep a 12 inch channel locks in the kitchen as a convenient in-house tool. It's good for loosening the cap on glue, nail polish, ...
The angle on that shovel is awesome! You don't find those very often anymore.
I'm enjoying these. In terms of crow bars/pry bars... In terms of "essentialness"... The full size one, because you could pound out a flat bar with a hammer (assuming you can find some steel and so forth), but not so easy to make the big one. And the big ones will rip more stuff open/apart, and are more durable....
Cool add for this video, it was not selling or purswading , it was simply about how to care for and dispose of your lithium ion batteries.
Thanks for making this series. I've really enjoyed it so far. I have most of these tools, so I guess there's no more excuses for home repairs.
I've had really good luck with the razorback spade shovel. I know this is an older video but Im rewatching the series.
I like the Kobalt flip utility knives. Theyre so nice. I can even carry it as a pocket knife.
On channellocks, I got a set of Craftsman Robogrip pliers a couple decades ago and man, they are the most used pliers I own. I use them things every day. Like you say, it's the little things in life...
We call em wonder and flat bars over here on the east coast also. Enjoying this little series of videos
Vise is an absolute must! Please have this on your list!
I would suggest a wheelbarrow and a 5 gallon bucket. Also a garden rake or something that helps with planting grass seed/cleaning up. Also a good light.
Tools not mentioned in your series {yet} that I would consider making the list.1. Hose, for water and air: water being the more important if an air compressor does not make the list. 2, Rim set tool, sometimes it is the only thing to connect ot cement or stone. 3-16 Angle grinder/ sander / come-along / stud finder/ farm jack / T-square, framing square / Mud hawk / trowel or tape knife / panel lift / Table saw / Chain saw / axe. 17. I would add the big brother to the crow bar and pry bar list and that would be the chisle and point hex bar: this tool IMO is better for busting rock, create, at depth than a matix and has the heft to pry out tree stumps and other heave objects as a lever. Rember with a big enough lever you can move the world. 18, steel cutting shears or cissors. 19, Ditch the pliers for the chanel locks on your list, and ditch the dikes (aka diagnal cuters) keep the needle nose with cutters and add a heaver cutter for locks/ fence instead. I would also ditch the screwdriver since you have a complete cordless drill tool set that you can use manually, I would also ditch the allen wrench set, since I would be adding a cordless impact driver and Impact driver set that would have the most common hex sizes, along with some of the odd ball stuff and adapts well with a socket set. 20. socket set, metric and standard, I like the pass thru kind but these don't work so well with the before mentioned impact driver. Please consider these and thanks for your series and vids keep up the great work. Love the bread knife; board vid can we get one on making the knife it looks so awesome. Thanks.
I think a quality pair of work gloves is a must for this list!
I have used a flat bar to remove automotive door panels. Works great.
love these videos, thank you for all the great info over this series.
I don't know about how the majority of people buy tools, but most of mine have come from needing to get specific a job done. I just bought my first detached house with a decent yard. It's good to know what I'll need that I don't already own.
I definitely need a skill saw and a good rope.
As far as multimeters go I think I use the continuity check at least as often as the volt meter. I get the impression that most of the tools you discuss are for homesteading and woodworking, but I would like to see more metalworking/ electronics tools, like angle grinders, rivet guns, tap and die sets, vices, soldering irons and the like.
ManWithBeard1990 p
Socket wrench set either the ones that go with the rachet or the screwdriver style are super handy when you need it. Great series can't wait to see the rest!
I have a job interview with the forestry service in Texas tomorrow morning.
thinredline 437 cool hope you get it
Aye, I'm all for people exceeding in life.
But, this comment is as useful as me saying, "I'm currently taking a dump."
Literally no context, or representation to this comment.
Try harder next time tro............just kidding.
God speed to you my friend!
Sherman Brown im currently replyinf to your reply
Good luck hope you get it
thinredline 437: Did you see what I wrote for you several days ago? It had a LOT of information in it for you. Some people thought it was too much. But there is much to know.
We are rooting for you. BUT you need to pay attention and not go in there sounding like a city boy. So here's one thing I will repeat.
Learn the deiierences between the words forest, and forestry. Look at their emblems and signs. Do they say forestry service? Or forest service. Your first step is to get that straight.
Now go with God's blessing. Many of us hope this is the beginning of something special for you.
Watching a man tear his mind apart over what he needs in his tool belt, the opinions that can't settle
One tool I haven't seen on your list that got me through college when I didn't have room to store a lot of tools or a lot of money is a multitool. Most of them act as a pair of pliars, have a screw driver, and a regular head on them. I used the knife on mine, the scissors, sometimes even the can opener. The pliars were actually the most useful feature. I didn't find the multitool to be particularly comfortable to use or as useful as all the tools it replaces independently, but I also only had a cheap one from walmart made in china. I'd put a high quality multitool on my list if I had to make a list of 50 tools I couldn't live without. A multitool may not be the best choice for jobs, but it is very convenient at being one single tool I can keep in my pocket to accomplish multiple tasks without having to dig back into a toolbox to find a seperate tool.
flat bar is great for digging up sprinkler heads in sprinkler systems!
You can't forget a good pair of channel locks!!
I have to disagree with the fire shovel vs. standard spade. For digging post holes of any depth that fire shovel’s angle will get you fighting the hole. In fact for almost any ditch digger that angle is going to be taking the force strength away from the handle. Might be nice for farmers till style dirt/ soil. The steep sweep of the sides might be nice in roots. Over all though for construction purposes, standard spade. Love this series Cody! I really look forward to them. Could we have another manly manners please? I really miss those, even some of the old ones rehashed would be fine.
Flashlight or head lamp. Stick magnet for retrieving nuts, screws etc. Narrow file set. Soft and stiff wire brushes.
I live in an apartment but did have my own home, but keep all my tools you mentioned in this video. 😎🤩
Park Tool do some nice Allen Wrenches. Especially the 3 way set, very handy and ergonomic. Use it all the time when working on my bike.
Brother Cody, that is a common digging shovel. The best ones have the number 2 stamped on them. In industry, the nickname for that shovel is, the Number 2 Dragline.
It's a good thing you like English stuff. The word you kept using was a spade. A spade will likely have a short, D handle; the steel part will be a longish rectangle. Most often used by women and Englishmen.
This guy will speak to many of us in my area. And I myself have been taught much. No bull. Instruction.
I think a good vise should make the list. It's for sure one of the most used tools in my shop.
A good VISE is a tool that you have to have, is just the most useful and indispensable tool to have in the shop, makes the life a lot easier clamping stuff
Grandpa was from Mississippi. He called the wonder bar a reckon bar. Not sure why, but if a claw hammer won't pry it out, I reckon this will. Or, it's time for a materials reckoning.
Thanks Cody
My most used tools: 3ft pry bar, 3lb brass mini sledge and vise grips I would also say a good set of wrenches or a good fit all
8'' level is pretty standard for any general contractor if not the extendable plates levels even. Still not needed and your recommendation is better. Plus you can make a plumb stick with a 2' level for walls. Thanks for the great content!
What about a combination Square or a speed square. I use my combination Square both for Woodworking and metal fabrication. If your talking about building a home with these tools a speed square would be a must. Keep up the good work I'm really enjoying these videos!
HaHa! That extinction cord story brought back memories. I was a teenager back in the late 70s or early 80s. We were taking a CB antenna off the roof of an old 3 story farmhouse, metal roof, with a lot of pitch. We didn't have any rope so the guy threw an extension cord over the roof for us to hang onto. My feet slipped out from under me and I grabbed for the cord and missed it. I was sliding down, almost to the drop off when my pants pocket caught a nail. That stopped me long enough to reach the cord. That nail saved me from a lot of pain.
A GFCI Outlet tester to check outlets (it simulates using a table lamp). Add a Circuit Breaker Finder, it will generate a signal on the circuit which the tester will trace. Label outlet covers with a circuit breaker number to reduce troubleshooting time.
I like that candle holder and horse in the background.
Great series Cody. Having worked in electronics and as an electrician here in the UK I would agree with a good meter except... With mains power you have to have an earth or neutral for it to work with live connections. Always use a Neon tester (a small insulated Neon terminal screwdriver) to check for live cables. Test it first and if it lights then there is power, possibly fatal therefore BE CAREFUL. Any device that requires a battery to work can fail. A neon wont (if properly tested on a known source first). On Amazon (USA) you can get a pack of 3 for $3. A no brainer at that price. Keep up the good work. Cheers from cold London UK.
Give the knipex Chanel locks a try. I’m a journeyman plumber and there a must for me on the daily. Love the brand almost as much as your videos! Keep em coming!
You should check out the Milwaukee utility knife. The full sized one. It folds, so it can be kept in a pouch or pocket. And it can be flipped open with one hand. Very handy, and well made.
Good stuff Cody. While I disagree on a few of the tools, the idea of having just 50 tools is a stretch . You might want to take that list out to at least 100 tools and that might still make it a stretch. Keep it up and keep them coming!
I think he's trying to get the new guys or young guys started out for their first shopa. 50 for now. The real number is probably 464 lol.
I say good call on the multi meter. Too useful, and not that difficult to learn the basics on how to use.
Yellow jacket extension cords are the best!!!
Awesome video can't wait for the rest of them.
I also find that a rubber mallet is handy along with a combination wrench set
Don't forget a nice Flashlight! Cant live without one anymore. I'm expecting to get a shoutout on next video now haha!
I know it is counterintuitive but a 'spade' has the flat head. You can look it up if you don't believe me. What you are advocating for is, in fact, a "shovel." Thanks for your great channel!
You have to change the shovel to a razor back shovel. Made in the USA and is only sold at Home Depot. These are the best shovels that I have used and a lifetime warranty!