Knowing what tools to purchase when you’re a fledgling maker is tough, especially if you’re on a tight budget. And building a tool collection can get downright pricey–the price swing from a cheap version of a tool to the expensive version can be massive. On the March 26 edition of Still Untitled, Adam, Norm, and I came up with a universal list of tools to put in a cheap toolkit for beginners.
You should really listen to the whole show for context, but the short version is that you shouldn’t be afraid to start out with inexpensive or used tools when you start out. I’ve also broken out the optional, but recommended upgrades or enhancements to the kit. Some of the optional items are only applicable to people who are into electronics or woodworking, while some are simply a bit more expensive than we’d put in a beginner kit.
One last note: we almost certainly forgot something important and obvious, so please post our omissions in the comments below. And please, be nice.
- Big Phillips Screwdriver
- Small Phillips Screwdriver
- Big Slotted Screwdriver
- Small Slotted Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Needle-Nose Pliers
- Wiha Jewelers Screwdrivers
- Claw Hammer
- Rubber Mallet
- Adjustable wire strippers
- Wire Cutters
- Soldering Iron
- Corded Hand Drill With Hand-Adjustable Chuck
- 25-Foot Extension Cord
- Set of Drill Bits (aka a Drill Index)
- Hacksaw
- Jigsaw
- Japanese Handsaw aka Ryoba
- Tape Measure
- Awl
- Digital Calipers/Micrometer
- Pop riveter
- Xacto Knife
- Single Edge Razor Blade
- Nail Files
- Adustable Crescent Wrenches
- Socket Set
- Jeweler’s Tweezers
- Plier Tip Tweezers
- Eyebrow Tweezers
- Allen Wrenches
- Scissors for Everything Else
- Clip Lead
- Multimeter (w/ Continuity Tester)
- Spring Clamps (aka Grip Clips)
- C Clamps
- Electrical Tape
- Duct Tape
- Masking Tape
- Doublestick Carpet Tape
- Foam Doublestick Tape
- Elmer’s White Glue
- Contact Cement
- Cyanoacrylate
- WD-40
- 3-in-1 Oil
- Basic Sewing Kit
- Safety Glasses
Optional Tools and Upgrades