Top 20 Tools Every Man Should Have 

You're just like a dad that I never had. Thanks, man.

One of my favorite quotes from my grandpa was "I was too poor to buy cheap tools".

If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

How could you forget the two most important tools - duct tape and cable ties!

A bright little flashlight has proved to be indispensable. I never leave for work without one. I like to have one small enough to fit in my pocket, it's far superior to your phone flashlight.

Best advise a father can give a son: “The time to buy a toilet plunger is not the day you need a toilet plunger.” Similar to the Scout’s Be Prepared Moto.

Personally the greatest addition to my toolbag was a headlight. So many times I've found myself in dark situations where I needed both my hands, far more useful than a flashlight

As a target "young condo dweller who isn't very handy" - this video made me very grateful for my dad, who I realize has been slowly gifting me general purpose tools for years. He certainly had different priorities than you though. When I moved out he gave me a small 'tool' kit with a fastners, hammer, vice-grips, wrench, screwdrivers, WD-40, duct tape, a paintbrush, mini-trowel and putty-filler..... The first tool I bought for myself was, unsurprisingly, a plunger. To be fair I think renters in condos fix blocked toilets, hang paintings and patch small holes in walls a lot more frequently than they're laying decking or drainage systems.

I'm an automotive technician of 10 years, and own probably $70+k in tools, and this video was still entertaining. Awesome advice for the newbies.

If someone is starting out forget the 100 dollar hammer. A 12 dollar stanley is fine. Instead of the pliers snap on please get channel lock. I use a folding pocket knife most used tool. A 11 to one screwdriver instead of two screw drivers. Wire strippers.

In regards to “setting yourself apart.” I’ve had a lot of friends or friends of my wife comment “you(he) know(s) how to do that?” when it came to some sort of repair, wether home or automotive. It’s not just buying the tools but learning how to use them. Through experience, and RU-vid has really become a ‘one stop shop’ to show you how to do things. If you do have to hire a repair person, watch them make the repair and ask a few questions...don’t pester them or hover too much, but try and learn something. The more you’re willing to tackle and try, even if you fail, you’re still learning.

I became a convert to Ballistol several years ago. It was developed by the Germans during WWI as a single cleaner/lubricant/conditioner for steel (firearms), leather and wood. It works well. The woodwinds repairman who services my daughter's clarinet and saxophones (alto and baritone saxes; twin sister is a trombonist) has started using it.

Great list for ladies who live alone and like to DIY!

Fantastic video. A good starting point for many people. Heck it might be a great end point for many of us casual DIYers.

Thank you so much for making this. I am in my first year of college and first year away from home. I started building a tool kit, but your recommendations on what to get helped so much. This has been one of the best videos I have watched in a long time. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

That Hoppes #9 is also a great penetrating oil. I was tearing down my 289 engine and ran out of penetrating oil. I busted my knuckle taking off the exhaust manifold because it was too easy.!

$100 plus hammer???? Come on. I'm a Master Electician and have had the same $20.00 - 20oz hammer for 20 years. For $100.00 the carpenter should come with it. A good hammer is less than $30.00 and will lower the budget big time.

If you’re starting out, PLEASE don’t buy all this stuff brand new without checking Habitat for Humanity, secondhand stores, etc. Some of my favorite screwdrivers are from junk stores. Just beware of buying tools in bad shape.

I have a Promaster van chock full of DeWalt tools that I use everyday, so I second that brand and having one brand is definitely better than various. Makita, Milwaukee and DeWalt all make all the power tools you'll need without crossing over. Also you're right the Mora chisel is controversial when you say you use it to open a paint can! I am going to start a PETA type of group to end chisel abuse lol

TOP 3: Aside from a cordless drill, for a small toolkit or apartment living there's almost nothing more universally useful than these three essentials if you have nothing else in the toolbox: - Irwin 6" long-nose vise-grip pliers ($15) - Husky quick-load 12-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver ($15) - Kobalt lock-back folding utility knife ($10)

Sorry Cody but I disagree i told a women today really men do NOT have arm hair because we either burnt it off over shaved it of testing the Edge of knives.

The best place to start is going to garage sales.

Every battery tool maker, even DeWalt, has changed their battery connection THREE or more times in just the last twenty years, since I have been buying tools. I have a set of DeWalt tools from back in the day of the XR 9.6 volt battery and they still work great, but the batteries are $50 each to buy new ones now. The only tool maker that has not changed their battery connection is Ryobi. Their 18 volt "ONE+" battery system has been upgraded over the years but the old tools will still run on the new batteries because they have not changed the connection between the tool and the battery. The new tools are even being made in a "Brushless" model that is even better than they used to be. If you want something where you can keep expanding your system over YEARS (decades) Ryobi is what you want

I’m starting to gain some independence from my parents and I’ve divided I finally need my own tools. I’m definitely using this video as I guide. Only thins is I can’t find the hoppes anywhere!

The Mora chisel is one of the best tools I've ever bought. So glad you recommended that in the past.

A good quality headlamp, a flashlight is great but a 20-30 dollar headlamp is worth it's weight in gold

I am 73 and been in the ranching farming mining engineering construction business for nearly 60 years. I really enjoy listen to a real day to day person

The best tools = whatever is in my old mans tool box

As additional info, the plunger you showed is a PROPER toilet plunger. The flat ones without the extra lip thingies is for a SINK. There is a difference. .... the more you know........ ;)

Great video Cody. I have been watching you and gathering tools for about 2 years. Gave me a bit of pride knowing that I have all but 2 of the tools in phase 1... thank you for the experience and knowledge.

Definitely recommend for a first cordless tool is the drill/driver. It can drill holes, drive screws, mix paint you can put a sanding or wire brush attachment on it. And if you’re gonna be doing a decent amount of work with it, you will need at least 2 batteries preferably 3. That way you can work, charge and have an extra battery to keep on working.

Note on the Screwdrivers, one thing I was taught with my lil time as an Electricians helper was instead of spending more money on insulated screwdrivers we would take 3M Super 44 electrical tape and wrap the shank with it. I'm not suggesting this will keep you from getting shocked but just wanted to share what journeymen had taught me, look up the rating of 3M super 44 and make your own conclusion. Now yes I have gotten out of the electrician field but I am a certified Hybrid/EV automotive tech and will tell you that if you buy and use these insulated screwdrivers you should ALWAYS check for Knicks and cuts in the insulation before using them on any circuit. Check if the circuit or system you are working on is hot before hand. YOU CANT BE SCARED OF ELECTRICATY, BUT YOU DO HAVE TO RESPECT IT! (also another tip I was told)

Why no Vise Grips ? Estwing hammer would be my choice. For in a car or truck, I like the orange handled multi bit screwdriver. 4 sizes if bits.

My list would be 1. Vise grips 2. Crescent wrench 3. Channel locks 4. Utility knife 5. Regular pliers 5. Side cutters/ diagonal cutters 6.needle nose pliers 7. Philips and spade screwdrivers 8. Set of Micro screwdrivers 9. Good hammer 10. Chisel knife 11. Wood saw 12. Hacksaw 13. Small socket set from 1/4-3/4 with comparable metric sizes 14. Cordless drill 15. Set of drill bits 16. Good set of drive bits with torks, hex security bits and the standard flat and phillips. 17. small level 18. 4way rasp/file 19. Multitester 20. Wire strippers Love your set by the way i applaud you for educating the youth of today and wanting to make men out of them. This is also good for the single female who wants to dabble in fixing her own stuff or dosent have the option of asking a strapping young lad with the skills you teach. Keep up the good work and videos and God bless you for showing your skills to those who havent the resources or knowhow your sir are an asset to humanity. 👍👍

when the hammer is more expensive than the power drill...

In my 10 years of new homeownership and DIY work, a set of Allen wrenches has been essential- especially ones with a ball end so you can use it while tilted to turn fasteners in tight places. I love your DIY videos, keep up the great work!

Channel Lock Pliers were a staple in my tool kit when all I had was a small carry tool box.

Best thing i did was buy my Makita drill and impact combo. I have bought several other tools in the line and they are all awesome.

Painting will be one of the most common tasks and a 5-1 painters tool is amazing even for non paint related tasks. Useful for removing caulk, cleaning your paint roller, prying open paint cans and closing them, scraping, even driving smaller nails in a pinch.

I made an awl a few years ago by grinding an old flathead screwdriver down to a point, ever since then it's been one of my favorite tools, and I find myself reaching for it constantly

I’m 20 and I’m an electrician and man it’s paid off and no one is my age doing it.

Having worked in a trade for 16 years now, I can say this is absolutely true.

Two tools I use the most: multimeter and magnetic bowl. The multimeter is so amazingly useful! I've been able to fix electronics, lights, and a bunch of other stuff that would have been replaced if I hadn't been able to troubleshoot it with my meter. The magnetic bowl lives in my toolbox and is almost always with me when I'm doing projects. It keeps hardware organized, I can magnetize screwdrivers, and it's by far my most used tool.

I had never seen or heard of the 4 in 1 hand file before. I picked one up the other day after seeing this video and I have used it a few times this week already on home diy projects. Super handy thanks!! I second the hoppes gun oil, it’s all I use

The stanley 6 1/2” retractable carpet knife is the one i keep close by. Its tool-less, doesnt rattle, ergonomic and you CAN retract the blade with the twist of a thumb screw. Uses the rectangular dual sided blades which are thinner but sharper. The knife can store extra blades inside the handle and secure with a rubber o ring so no rattling. The orcons ive seens had a leather sheath on someones belt.

I think the best hammer i have owned is by far is my estwing 22 oz framing hammer. It is durable and will do anything ive used it for framing to mechanic work in A pinch.

Looking forward to part 2! It's interesting to listen to your opinion on tools. I come from an automotive background so my choices would certainly be different, however I find my tool set lacking when it comes to doing things around the house. I actually found myself in home depot the other day staring at their wall of hammers about to make a purchase, but I decided against it simply because they offered way too many choices, and I wanted to make the best choice for me. One thing that has always stuck with me was a mantra my German metal smithing teacher back in high school would repeat over and over. "Always use the biggest hammer to complete the work".

I'm a cashier at home depot, and I was able to affirm that the 25' dewalt tape measure they were buying for dad was indeed a quality tape measure and they were very thankful!

The only thing that I disagree with in this list is the "inexpensive" adjustable wrench. I have had Crescent, Craftsman, Kobalt and Husky adjustable wrenches slip on nuts and bolts and round the heads. My solution was to step up and spend the bucks on the Bahco black finish adjustable wrenches when I put together my latest kit for my truck last summer. Over the last 4 months, I have used these wrenches around the Pennsylvania condo and the Kentucky Compound making sure there was not a situation they would fail and round off a nut or bolt and so far, I have had zero issues. They have worked perfectly in every situation they have been placed. Also note that these Bahco are the same wrenches that are sold under the Snap On name but for a little bit lower price. The only other adjustment that I would make would be to include a #1 Phillips screwdriver in addition to the #2. Most electronics today use #1 head screws and what "jack of all trade" should be handy in repairing a PC as well as a toilet. For pliers, go Channel Lock and get a whole set for the price of that one pair of slip joint pliers from Snap-On. If you get a deal on N.O.S. ViseGrip, you can get all the pliers you need for a 1/3rd of the price of the new line of Craftsman at Lowes as long as you don't mind NewellRubbermaid on the back of the packaging.

I love channel lock pliers

I am so happy I grew up in a family that was hands on, fixed stuff and made stuff themselves! Many young adults today can't hammer a nail!

I just graduated college in Stevens Point Wisconsin, I moved out to Wyoming from Wisconsin and I'm really on my own across the country for the first time, before, Iwas always just a few hours away from my home near Milwaukee. Before I left, I was packing my things, and my dad took me down by the workbench and we went through old tools of his, and one by one he set me up with some variant of every tool here that you mentioned. Now I'm sitting here with a glass of whiskey, shut in during a fall thunderstorm, watching this and missing my father now more than ever. Thanks for making these great videos, you remind me of him in some ways, and are a great example of the man I am trying to become.

I would add vise grips, 440 channel locks, needle nose pliers pipe wrench,pry bar and a 6 in one screwdriver to your basic kit there all very useful

I know you say to always buy the best, but for hammers you don't need a $120 for almost any reason. I've known a bunch of contractors who have had the same estwing for 40+ years and it's almost brand new and $100 cheaper. Don't bother with something that expensive.

You make some good points here about building a tool kit. The key is to start early in life collecting tools. I started when I was about 11 years old. Got a cheap tool box an began putting tools in there. Never left tools out after use. My dad taught me that. I became somewhat obsessive about being able to find all my tools. If I ever loose one, I am a wreck till I find it again. I like what you said about buying the best. Cheaper in the long run. I get many of my tools at pawn shops because they can be purchased for a fraction of what a new one would cost. I enjoy your channel and your commentary. A man is only as good as his tools. You might have the smartest man in the world but if he doesn't have tools, what good is he?

Thanks for doing these videos. They allow me to think over my own tools in my head. I also like the bits about work ethic and the like. It helps keep me honest and keep going in a commercial industry where quality it's that high. Thanks again, Dan

I really like this set you've put together.

A multi tip screwdriver with a ratcheting action would be more useful for someone first getting out on there own. It's a good substitution for a drill in most situations and gives a lot of flexibility to handle most jobs with a single tool.

This is a really good list of things to buy my kids as they move out on their own. Nice to get someone set up with the basics I appreciate this thank you

I'd mostly agree with this video. I do HVAC, commercial and residential, so I need more field specific tools, but this is a solid home owner starter pack. I'd add a 6 in 1, or 11 in 1 screwdriver.

I’d add some kind of socket set and Allen keys there’s nothing worse than the tools furniture comes with

I love the ending about being on time to work,my dad always told me “if I’m 10 minutes early to work,then I’m 20 minutes late”

I have a toolbox with most of these tools in my classroom and weekly I am in it or other teachers are borrowing tools. Extremely helpful

Mr.W, you are such a great role model for today's youth! In a generation that needs guidance on how to be a Man, it's great that we have guys like you on RU-vid! A lot of Kids don't have Fathers and I think it's awesome that you take the time to try and teach kids as well as adults. Anyhow, you're really doing Gods Work! Thanks and keep it up My Friend! God Bless. -Michael J. (Longtime Subscriber and Fan)

How is everyone glossing over the legend that is eastwing hammers

Great list, I've found a million uses for having a pair of channel lock wrenches, have TWO 12" or 14". I believe that oil company is pronounced hops, like jump, or the grain.

I immediately bought the parachute hw bag -- such a good idea! Thanks so much for showing that!

as a engineer heres my tool bag. 1.socket set,2.allen hex set,3.needle nose,4.punch set,5.crest wrench,6.channel locks,7.side cutters,8.ultity knife,9.combination square,10.metal,electric,blade,latex gloves,11.wrench set,12.drill bit set,13.multimeter,14.wire strippers,15.impact driver,16.portable band saw,17.tape measure,18.brass/bell hammer,18.chissel set,19.pry/crow bar,20.vice grips, oh and get some dam boots and safety glasses

I loved this video!! I always enjoy watching your basic tool suggestions. My boys are in their early 20's and I'm going to recommend they watch this so they can have a good start on being prepared for basic repairs. Adding that part about possibly meeting a girl, at the end of the video, as a nice touch!

I think I’ll really like this series! I want to see if I’ve got any holes in my system. Maybe a good Wranglerstar carpenters pencil would round out a kit?

I'm a teenager and I love working with my hands it's awesome. Now carpentry is mostly fun for me I already have some tools like a drill, a tool box, 2 tape measure, screwdrivers and a tool belt. I'm just starting learning how to read a tape measure. I enjoyed the video Plus when I get more tools their all going to be Dewalt I love that brand

I love your comments about cordless power tools. Highly second planning ahead to keep on one platform. Also love you saying you dont know whats best but the one you're choosing treats you well.

Actually, just personal preference, but I really like the Klein screwdrivers. The Stilettos are still available. Dewalt driver assortment. They come in the same yellow plastic box as the drill assortment.

love these tools videos, that parachute bag at the end was genius.

I'm 45. I have most of what's on your list. A few of the tools I got as hand-me-downs from my father and father-in-law (i.e. they've already lasted a while), but some things, especially the 4-in-hand rasp, I got on my own. I prefer tape measures that do standard and metric measurements, but I do like 25' ones, especially by Stanley. I like screwdrivers with interchangeable bits, but I'll consider getting a few insulated ones. I am MOST INTRIGUED by the pull saw- I think it would suit my needs nicely! All of that said, my wife is actually handy, and will sometimes fight me to do some projects, unless it's minor electrical work, which she leaves to me. We had to re-map our breaker box (crummy older house) and I just don't give a rip if I get shocked once in a while. Granted, I have plug-in electrical circuit testers to double-check my wiring work.

So, I think it's important that you should distinguish the difference between a water closet plunger and a sink plunger. They look similar enough that many people only own sink plungers, and a water closet plunger is MUCH better at unclogging toilets. The plunger you showed was indeed a closet plunger, however, many people will mistake sink plungers as that tool. Just a little plumbing PSA.

Tongue and groove pliers are immensely important in a basic kit. Commonly referred to as "Channel Locks". If you mentioned them, I'm sorry I missed it. Irwin makes some fantastic tools for guys on a budget like myself.

My only challenge to this list would be the screw drivers. I think that a bit set would be better; having the ability to choose from a variety of different bits, fitting into one driver, would be better.

Love my Mora chisel knife, clips onto my overall buttons, I always have it handy for either the finest carpentry tasks, or just as a box cutter and sometimes a prying tool or putty knife, very versatile tool.

I would think channel locks would be in there somewhere. I don't even have a set of slip joint pliers simply because I haven't needed them. I use channel locks for everything that I would need pliers for. They just have a better grip to me, and I can work around things with them because of the angled jaws. My channel locks are indispensable for me. I even carry a tiny pair in my pocket wherever I go, just in case. As for being dependable and trustworthy, that's great, but never be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

thank you for sharing your knowledge

I have a Black & Decker drill it is not cordless, but i got it from my father, he bought it in the 70ies and it is still works, no need to replace it. Excellent drill.

Morakniv chisel-knife is something I dont have but definitely will be looking into. Also a decent cowhide parachute bag is a great choice. Nice list 👍🏻

Anyone watching this in Canada should also get a #2 Robertson screwdriver. The Robertson drive screw is just as common, if not more common than the Phillips.

Good list .. while I love that hammer, I'd recommend an Estwing... straight claw...the rest is not bad...good channel 👍

For my battery powered tools I bought a drill driver combo. The drills 2nd speed crapped out and they sent me a brand new drill, 2 2ah batteries, and a hard case. Dewalt is phenomenal because they take care if their customers and when their tools fail they take it personally. After the drill driver I bought a 1/2" impact wrench. I do enough autonwork that happy to have it. Then I bought a sawzall/ reciprocating saw. What a beast. With a few clamps and a flat edge it's a makeshift table saw, miter saw, you name it. I also built a little spray paint can shaker.

Love your work. I think videos like this are great advice for young people starting out and saves them spending money on tools they probably would not need. God bless.

My Colleagues: "i OnLY BuY HiGh QuaLitY toOls" *buys a Chevy*

I would add some of your great organization tips in the form of boxes, bags, buckets... I use DeWalt bags and have them organized into framing, plumbing, electrical.... guess where I got the idea from? Changed my life now I organize everything like this.

Brilliant video... I appreciate this as a 16 year old who was kicked out of a beautiful property up north to live in a townhouse with my mother and stepfather in Florida... and I often get caught doing most of the basic maintenance around the house down here due to my stepfather's lack of willingness to do practical homeowner's work, so this video is a good start that should come in handy down the line...

A lot of people don't think about toilet plungers being used on a sink in a fix or a tub. Might not be my go to but has saved me well in a fix.

I work at a paint store. That paint brush is a great brush for common needs around the house, but if you're painting trim or cabinets with oil based you'll want a natural bristle brush as well.

I can imagine guys in L.A. on the phone with maintenance or something and getting offended of even being asked if he owns a plunger LOL

I bought that double sided chinese pull saw a yr or 2 ago after you recommended it and it's the only hand saw I own now. It's an amazing saw!! You can RIP a 2x4 or cut some crown molding or quarter round for finish work and it leaves a nice clean cut

Very impressive wood shop you have behind you. Thank you. for helping me update my daily list of tools. Most of these I was familiar with, but you helped on my journey of collecting tools as a truck driver OTR. Great information throughout this entire video and reminding our current and future generation of the more important things to focus on. We live in a great day and age, where are men such as myself that grew up without fathers, or any good father figures have to learn these things on their own, and we appreciate any useful information.

True about employment. In my experience we would always hire a guy who didnt know much but was good to get along with and was always there over the prima donna guy who thought he was a gift to all and acted like it. Liked your list except for that big framing hammer. That I would leave until I truly need it. Especially at the prices the good one go for.

Wranglerstar id love to see you do a medium sized project with just a swiss army knife.

I enjoyed checking off the tools that I have accumulated over the years. I realized that I didn't have an awl, so ordered one. Thank you for sharing this!

Newly divorced - he got all the tools, building my tool kit. Thank you so much! 6 in 1 painters tool is something I've been using daily - awesome tool.

If you want the best quality insulated electrician screwdrivers get KLEINS. I normally buy the fat max tapes but just recently grabbed the dewalt also. I call them dummy tapes but it saves time not counting 16ths