Min Tool Requirements

[colevalleytim]

I started making a list of tools I require assistants to have because I got tired of them showing up with a bucket of junk and using my tools. Tell me what you think, as a bare minimum. (oh yeah the list is in spanish too)

Thanks


All of the following tools are required every day for work. Tools are to be clearly labeled for ownership, of professional quality and in working order. All tools must be stored in a tool bag or 5 gallon bucket when not in use.

Safety Glasses
Ear protection
Tool Belt
2 Carpenter's Pencils
25' Tape Measure (minimum)
Hammer
Cat's Paw or Nail Puller
Speed Square
Nippers or Dykes
4 in 1 Screwdriver
Chalk Line w/ blue Chalk
Utility Knife
Drywall Saw
1" Chisel
2' Level
Nail Set/Punch
Putty knife/painters tool
Vise Grip Pliers
6" Wrench

[Mbeezo]

not sure exactly what type of work you are doing but I have a couple that I would add.
folding wood ruler
torpedo level
maybe a plumb bob although I do not use mine often I still get it out several times a year to double check things.
plain string/string line for long walls
Vaughn type Super bar
one or two small spring clamp, maybe something that opens up to 2 or so inches for the occasional straight edge clamp system
gloves
kneepads

I know some of them are only occasionally get used but if you do not have them you are going to need them or wish you did have them.

[ericbuggeln]

My assistant has worked for me for five years and is like my little brother. The only tools he owns are my seconds and I wouldnt dare use those. We share all my tools of which he is proficient in using and he takes very good care of all my stuff, just like I taught him Im obviously very lucky. I would rather him using my great tools then using inferior ones bc at the end of the day its my name on the job. How much do guys make hourly to have all that stuff out your way? Eric

[Tom Bainbridge]

Not trying to be picky, but a "handraulic" handsaw might be useful :)

But the point you are making is clearly serious. Since ever I started work in the late 1970's the foreman carpenter always checked out the potential guy's toolbag.

If he didn't have most of what you say, he didn't get "the start"

Oh, and at the time pencils wern't necessary.......... a nail was good enough

[Tom Bainbridge]

And the answer is NO, NO and NO again

You do not get to use somebody else's tools

That will slow TWO men down

[Alaskan Son]

Pretty good list. You almost described my standard tool bag setup to a T. Except I personally would replace the 2ft. level with a torpedo level, and replace the vise grips and wrench with channel locks. I also don't have the drywall saw in my standard setup, but probably should. All in all, its good. Too much more and you would be asking too much, much less, you'll be playing the part of their tool box.

[dlhunter]

Depends on what type of work you do and I found some guys like to use one tool for a task while others would use a different tool for the same task. Basically if they ask to borrow anything you keep in your pouch more than twice the third time they need to buy their own.

[Tom Bainbridge]

one is a mistake, twice is coincidence.......

[Hoover]

Small flashlight
Compass
Cresent wrench
Japanese pull saw/ flush trim saw
I would change the 4in 1 scrmewdriver to an 8 in 1, lots of square drives now
Combination square

[dlhunter]

Lunch money

[Tom Bainbridge]

dhl, you've just made me hungry............. breakfast number one down the local caf at 10 o'clock

double suasage, double egg, double bacon, black, tomatoes, mushrooms, chips and beans, don't forget ketchup and english mustard all washed down with a cup of tea

prefferably how my irish grandmother made tea........... strong enough to tarmac roads with

[S.Joisey]

Beezo-

What do you use the folding wood ruler for?

It's been decades since I touched one.

[ycf dino]

renovations and extensions?
----------------------------------------
Dust masks and good work boots before ear protection and safety glasses.
At least, they will use them.

nice work boots ( even if paid by you) are a good return....

[Alaskan Son]

Definitely safety glasses before boots.

[Mbeezo]

I often find my self using it for things like cabinets and shelves that have to fit pretty tight. I also will use it for doing coil stock bending. Just easier for me to get an accurate measurement when one piece has about 3 or 4 bends in it. Being off the amount of play you have in the end of a retractable blade take can be enough to throw off the piece. I find I still am using both ways of measuring since I rarely have to unfold the one tape much more than once or twice since a lot of pieces are one inch bend then a 4 inch bend then another 3/4 bend with a hem. I use the Stanley for the longer lengths such as the long leg of the window but the details are often done with the folding ruller.