Which hand tools for tool boxes?

Some small assortments of hardware (screws, nails, etc.) Nail set, pliers, channel locks, cresent wrench, small level, stud finder….

Oh, Tape measure.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

The hardware is a great idea! Thanks.

-- Karen - a little bit of stupid goes a long way

Your welcome. I put a set together for my daughter when she went off to college. I really like this little drill/driver set….

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-LCT203W-10-8-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Two-Piece/dp/B001DNMUZG/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1315098244&sr=8-11

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

in the hardware kit I suggest picture hanging hardware along with hollow wall anchors. (the screw in type)

-- "You may have your PHD but I have my GED and my DD 214"

I am in the process of creating what I refer to as the “Move Out” tool kit for my two sons that I will give to them when they move out “permanently” for the first time (I don’t count the dorm at college where my oldest lives at the moment). I am including the same things you have listed. Basic wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, hammer, pliers & drill. In addition, I am planning to include some chisels (with strong instructions not to use them for a pry bar), a block plane, coping saw and a tool box sized hand saw. A lot of items could be built with that little tool kit.

Doc

-- Hey, woodworking ain't brain surgery. Just do something and keep trying till you get it. Doc

I hope they have learned from Mom :-)
yes a set of screwdrivers + a set of torxs-cerwdrivers , pliers , a handsaw .. yes a handsaw .. you never know
square and a ruler , don´t forget a pensel :-) , hammers one small pen and a medium claw, level , Voltmeter
or testpen , the smart electric thing that can find electric wires and plumming/watertubes in the walls

okay the wishlist is long you know all about that yourself :-)

but a deasent handdrill is usualy the first powertool every DIY got and today I presume its a 12-14V
screw/boreing drill that becomes most handy and a set of screwbits and drillbits to it remeber the note to them about there is different drillbits for different materials like brickwalls ,wood , metal ,

as the toolfreaks most of are its hard to ristrict ourself … LOL
but I´m sure you will make a very fine toolbox to them

good luck with it
Dennis

Most people less mechanically inclined will reach for plyers, screwdrivers, hammer, tape measure, and level. Utility knives and a hack saw might be useful as well. Anything else gets too involved…my wife, for example, doesn’t know what to do with wrenches and socket sets.

I’ve given socket sets to guys as a graduation gift simple because they generally have cars and small machines to play around with. If they have no automotive needs, then I’d stick with tools for household use.

Yeah, hopefully you’ve taught them a thing or two!

-- jay, www.allaboutastro.com

Somehow, I totally missed cutting tools! (I know, bad woodworker, go time out in the shop for an hour!) Multimeter might come in handy too.

Dennis, you’re right it is hard to narrow this list down to ‘just a few’’ tools.

Between me and their mechanic father, they didn’t stand a chance of not knowing basic ‘toology.’ lol

Jay, a socket set sounds like a great graduation present. Way better than the usual cheap pen set.

-- Karen - a little bit of stupid goes a long way

if they are that good with tools then consider cheisels and a few plane´s as Doc say :-)
and just to avoid disastre with the cheisel throw in a small/medium pry bars wih instructions … LOL

I would include a combination screwdriver with a lot of tips like trox, Lionel Robins as well as slotted and Phillips. I would disagree on the Makita driver. If it is very seldom used, it is a waste of money and the batteries need to be kept charged to keep them in good shape. A corded electric drill will be a lot cheaper and work when it is needed. If I didn’t use battery drill and drivers on top of ladders all the time, I wouldn’t by one for home or in shop use.

-- Bob in WW ~ "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence

Ah you MUST include one of those flexable reach grip tools, you know the thing you push the button at one end to open and close the little wire fingers. Great for getting things out of the drain or the heat register. Get a real good one.
Now guys, WayneC mentioned a stud finder. Do you really think thats a proper tool to give young ladies???? HAHAHA
MIKE

-- See pictures on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/44216106@N07/ And visit my Facebook page - facebook.com/MTEnterprises

All great suggestions guys!

I’ll most likely go with a corded drill because of the charging issues. It’s also cheaper. I’m doing two of these.
And more band aids!

They don’t really need a stud finder, the studs keep finding them : (

-- Karen - a little bit of stupid goes a long way

Band aid.
A little set of watchmakers screwdrivers for fixing glasses and opening electronics.
Best thoughts,
Mads

-- MAD F, the fanatical rhykenologist and vintage architect. Democraticwoodworking.

Box cutter, or a utility knife… more band aids….

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

A little level for hanging pictures and other.
A pencil.

-- MAD F, the fanatical rhykenologist and vintage architect. Democraticwoodworking.