Toolbox Essentials

Thought I would do a bit of a run down of what I consider my ‘Toolbox Essentials’. These are the minimum tools that I consider you must have in a home workshop toolbox.

Everyday tools

These I consider everyday tools, I use these everyday and every week on almost all projects.

  • Full screwdriver set
  • long philips and flathead screwdrivers
  • spanner set ( with optional ratcheting spanners )
  • needle noles pliers big and small
  • adjustable wrenches big and small
  • brush for dusting parts
  • side cutters and wire strippers
  • wire cutters/tube cutter
  • small metal files
  • magnetic torch and maglite torch
  • 2mm-10mm allen wrenches
  • torx wrench set
  • steel rulers and tape measures
  • magnetic grabber for getting dropped screws/bolts
  • clamps
  • safety glasses
  • electrical tape, masking tape and alloy tape
  • shop towel
  • WD-40 and brake cleaner/parts cleaner and electrical cleaner
  • drill bits ( get good ones )
  • drill driver bits
  • dead blow hammer
  • calculator
  • stapler
  • vernier calipers

Power Tools

Power tools are essential for a lot of projects and definitely make up a big part of my toolbox.

  • 18V Impact driver and drill
  • grinder
  • router
  • heat gun
  • jig saw
  • skill saw/circular saw
  • belt sander ( optional bench belt sander )
  • orbital sander
  • electric planer

Woodworking

These are the tools I consider are great to start on woodworking projects. These are on top/supplementary of the everyday essentials.

  • Various clamps ( I also have very big ones for making table/desk tops
  • hammer
  • level
  • sanding block
  • tape measure
  • square
  • PVA glue
  • hand planes
  •  wooden hammer
  • corner clamps
  • sharpening stones
  • chisels
  • dust mask

Car repair

Again, additional to the everyday tools and power tools I would consider these vehicle specific tools essential for a home repair.

  • 3/8″ socket set ( metric mostly )
  • 1/2″ socket set ( metric mostly )
  • long/deep sockets 10mm – 21mm + 32mm for axle nuts
  • 1/4″ torque wrench and 1/2″ torque wrench
  • impact driver adapters for sockets
  • long braker bar ( 600mm )
  • torx inserts for gearbox plugs and diff plugs
  • axle stands
  • jack ( ideally low profile )
  • industrial grease
  • CRC rust penetration oil
  • more brake cleaner
  • rust converter

Metal Work

As I keep going, these are the metal work specific tools I keep on hand.

  • good sharp drills
  • centre punches
  • automatic centre punch
  • step drillbit
  • thread taps
  • hacksaw
  • files
  • wire brushes
  • hole punches
  • rivet gun
  • more clamps
  • tin snips
  • shears

Bike Repair

Last but not least, these are the specialty tools I keep on hand for bike repair.

  • Bike stand
  • bike pumps ( hand and floor )
  • brake bleed kits
  • air pressure gauge
  • chain breaker
  • cassette tools
  • chain whip/pedal wrench
  • shock pump
  • cable cutter
  • disc rotor tool
  • tyre levers
  • chain cleaning tool
  • cleaning brushes
  • bleed block
  • chain cog pin holder tool ( yellow handle )
  • air canister / pump. This is for seating tubeless tires
  • tyre sealant
  • dry lube/chain lube
  • brake fluid