4

LOL! That just begs for a link to this: http://www.joke-archives.com/dating/mengifts.html

+1. It's definitely worth paying extra for: SDS fitting, a light, 18V (these last longer), light weight, and a spare battery. Or two. – Jeremy McGee – 2010-08-08T20:41:19.200

1I've got a Hitachi 18v Lithium with spare battery. The batteries hold a charge practically forever, and recharge in less time than it takes me to drain the other one. I also have a Black & Decker 14.4v drill that came as part of a kit, but don't really use it. The kit had a light, saw and some other stuff that I use more regularly. – GalacticCowboy – 2010-08-12T16:33:38.890

Does the cordless one emit emf? – Larry Morries – 2011-11-30T01:53:52.530

@Larry: I don't think cordless/corded would affect EMF emissions. As for the question if drills in general do, I'd assume so, unless they're shielded. – Doresoom – 2011-11-30T14:44:41.773

I recently purchased a house and bought the 18v cordless dewault. That thing is a beast and I want to marry it. – Joe Phillips – 2012-07-27T01:43:51.023

5Why cordless? I'm assuming your home has outlets? – Joe Phillips – 2010-07-21T19:45:20.533

Cordless drills have basically replaced hammers in this day and age. Not that you'll never need a hammer, but the times I find myself using one are getting fewer and further between. – jessecurry – 2010-07-23T13:34:23.737

11@Joe - everything is easier with a cordless drill. I have a very nice corded drill and I probably use it twice a year. The cordless one I use all the time. – Eric Petroelje – 2010-07-21T19:46:27.630

6Cordless is nice, but I never get much use out of them. Since I work only intermittently on DIY projects I find the batteries brick out on me after only getting to use them 2-3 times. – JohnFx – 2010-07-21T19:47:40.887

3My Dewalt 14v cordless sits around for months at a time and still holds a charge. It's a beast. – Adam Robinson – 2010-07-21T19:48:52.117

I must say, DeWault makes nice cordless drills. – Joe Phillips – 2010-07-21T19:53:24.260

I have a Ryobi 12V cordless, and my corded drill has gotten very lonely. I keep one battery on the charger, and a fresh battery will last me for a few weeks of intermittent work. – Jared Harley – 2010-07-28T22:04:26.760

I have a DeWalt cordless drill and circular saw 18V XRP. They hold a charge well and are good for anything which is not a huge job. Because the batteries are interchangeable, you can always keep them charged pretty easily. – Cade Roux – 2010-07-21T20:35:34.703

1I have a cheapo 14v cordless ($40) and a cheaper corded hammer ($15). The corded one gets used for hole-sawing, wood-spading, and big holes in hard stuff that would drain the battery of the cordless. Otherwise the cordless is easier (I end up using it mostly for quick screwdriving) – MGOwen – 2010-07-29T05:30:18.033

I have an amazing AEG BS 12; it's tiny and remarkably powerful, I used it to drill all the holes for shelves in our house in brick walls. Battery lasts ages (it comes with 2), and rechanges in 30 minutes. And it looks like a StarTrek raygun :) – Joel in Gö – 2010-08-05T11:28:44.287

We all Gordon Freeman. – Soner Gönül – 2011-08-07T14:45:20.787

26+1 just for the Halflife reference, though it's headcrabs. – Adam Robinson – 2010-07-22T12:06:26.243

Ah! My sleepy head made a headcrab/facehugger hybrid. Fixed. – Ates Goral – 2010-07-22T12:43:02.800

I would add prybars, large and small, used more often than a crowbar on interior work. – bib – 2012-07-15T13:54:52.247

7I can't help but wonder if this is so high in vote counts just because of the Half-Life reference. – Doresoom – 2010-11-18T13:29:28.407

1

I prefer a Fubar, purely for the name :) http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgg/R-100488979/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

6Measure twice, cut once, swear thrice! – Ates Goral – 2010-07-22T07:36:03.927

For distances less than two meters, I prefer to use a measuring stick (http://www.paintbrushesandrollers.com/images/products/630200.jpg).

Just don't cut the measuring tape. That really doesn't make the day any better. – BLAKE – 2011-02-21T03:15:23.717

12Measure once, cut twice! – Joe Phillips – 2010-07-21T20:28:35.610

3@Joe, something's off about that... :-) – Mike Sherov – 2010-07-21T20:39:22.137

I prefer this one: http://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/utility-knives/48-22-1901. Beefy in the hand unlike the Kobalt folder, but because it does fold it's more compact. The gut hook, wire cutters and the one-handed flick open/close mechanism all make it a great general utility knife (though check your jurisdiction; the mechanism may make it illegal as a "switchblade" or "gravity knife".

My favorite utility knife: http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=RETRACTABLE&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=10-788&SDesc=6-1/2%26%2334;+InstantChange%26%23153;+Retractable+Knife

25...and can be used with one hand – Adam Robinson – 2010-07-22T12:07:03.840

I love how Adam's comment has more upvotes than the answer ;) – Wayne Werner – 2010-07-23T03:41:19.473

1Nah, masking tape is all you need. – Vebjorn Ljosa – 2010-07-28T18:44:33.633

2Super glue will hold way better than masking tape! – Doresoom – 2010-07-29T21:10:58.750

Super glue is amazing liquid skin. – Wayne Werner – 2010-08-02T02:41:18.160

Does a box of bandaids qualify as a "kit"? – Stephen – 2011-07-07T19:45:04.173

I've had mine for a number of years, and lost one of the lead wires. However, I had a wire with clips on both ends. Clip a 16P nail into each clip; one in the socket, the other as your tip. Don't use for anything over 12V, of course! – GalacticCowboy – 2010-08-12T16:37:35.847

Does it also include function to detect emf? – Larry Morries – 2011-11-30T01:54:42.717

1I'm giving this a downvote. I don't think every DIYer needs one of these. I have no idea what one of these even does. – samthebrand – 2012-03-27T17:26:10.683

I disagree; this is a good tool to have if you're doing electrical work. The thing you'd use it for most is to check continuity of wire joins, but checks for proper voltage are useful too. – KeithS – 2012-04-11T20:53:54.970

I've got one of these and never really learned to use it. Mostly I just stick to a voltage tester with an LED. – JohnFx – 2010-09-27T01:11:53.053

Yes, the picture is of a multimeter, not any tester. – XTL – 2010-11-28T11:38:29.070

13Typically referred to as a Multi-meter. – Brad Gilbert – 2010-07-24T03:27:30.003

I think I saw mine migrating through the bathroom yesterday...can't remember how they got there. – Doresoom – 2010-07-22T13:23:04.413

4My wife has requisitioned a few pairs over the years as weed pullers for the yard. Nothing like finding my pliers caked with dirt... thanks, dear! – Jared Harley – 2010-07-28T22:06:14.903

4I'm sure she says the same thing about her good fabric scissors when she finds you've been using them for home improvement tasks, Jared ;) – Wayne Werner – 2010-08-05T15:31:16.590

-1: This is two answers – Novelocrat – 2010-08-05T19:46:52.117

What type of hammers? What type of screw drivers? – Joe Phillips – 2010-07-21T19:53:52.543

2@Joe Phillips - given your name, I assume you were fishing for a specific kind of screwdriver....

I have made do with one simple claw hammer for years now. Screwdrivers really should be bought in bulk, I seem to lose/break them a lot. – Josh Goldshlag – 2010-07-21T19:56:37.480

Wasn't actually fishing but you raise an interesting point. Phillips screwdrivers are the best! But seriously, I don't think it's necessary to have a sledge hammer which is why I asked. – Joe Phillips – 2010-07-21T20:28:09.557

You can get them for about $3 ($1 if you wait for a sale) at harbor freight. The measurement markers aren't as nice as the more expensive variety, but they're just as square. – Wayne Werner – 2010-07-23T03:36:13.267

These come in different sizes, but I like a small (7") one in my back pocket. – Jay Bazuzi – 2012-11-04T22:54:21.173

You can use it quickly cut a straight cut on a 2x4 with a circular saw. Any other uses? – Greg – 2010-11-22T21:53:56.313

Pardon the ignorance, but what do you use this for? – Portman – 2010-07-29T19:22:25.173

3@Portman: It's like a protractor for DIY projects/construction in general. – Doresoom – 2010-08-03T19:21:41.160

Aka mole grips - superb name. – Umber Ferrule – 2011-12-13T13:13:16.413

This tool can do everything...but usually it breaks something in the process. – Malfist – 2012-06-26T12:09:14.067

Also called "the wrong tool for every job". – XTL – 2010-11-28T11:39:18.600

I deliberately bought a small vice-grip to stop me over-using it. – staticsan – 2011-01-04T23:46:51.843

Does the cordless one produce emf? – Larry Morries – 2011-11-30T01:55:33.713

2Sure it's on the must-have-list, but as a replacement for a circular saw? That's just crazytalk. The two saws have totally different uses. – Commander Keen – 2010-10-06T12:33:28.480

@Commander Keen: I'm not so sure that they're totally different. Yes, you can do things with each that you can't do with the other, but a miter saw can do just about anything that a circular saw can (save for, as noted above, cutting large sheets like plywood). Is there something I'm forgetting? – Adam Robinson – 2010-11-01T18:35:32.730

@Adam: What else do you use a circular saw for? I prefer a plunge saw, and have sold my circular saw though. – Commander Keen – 2010-11-03T13:32:01.703

You can get an el-cheapo miter saw on black friday for ~$50. Perfect for light duty use. – Greg – 2010-11-22T21:59:02.647

4This is next on my wish list... – Doresoom – 2010-07-21T21:15:14.557

If you don't have the room for a drop-saw, a jigsaw can do many of the same jobs. – staticsan – 2011-05-23T01:05:48.100

Next to my cordless drill, this is probably my most used power tool. The disadvantage of course is that they are big and expensive. Can't beat them for framing or trim work though. – Eric Petroelje – 2010-08-04T15:28:22.800

Actually most aren't that sensitive, unfortunately. I have one of the ones in the picture, and you have to pretty much stick it into the plug to get it to light. – KeithS – 2013-05-03T18:39:17.427

2Or even just checking to see if there's an electrical cable inside the wall where you're getting ready to drill... – Jared Harley – 2010-07-28T22:08:30.690

And perhaps a flat-head that doesn't slip out of the screw. – Adam Robinson – 2010-07-22T12:05:20.597

Screw Driver Tips: Look for ones with a softer rubber handle. Your hands will thank you when you are trying to drive in several screws in quick succession. Also, look for ones with the black tips, as these are hardened and less likely to get chewed up from regular use. – myron-semack – 2010-07-26T13:06:09.707

Thanks for the links (Doresoom) and the advice (msemack). I'll roll it into the original answer. – Steve Armstrong – 2010-07-26T21:03:36.523

What is a Robertson screw driver? – Joe Phillips – 2010-07-21T20:41:18.030

@Joe : Robertson heads have square sockets http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives

Add a flexible shaft, and ratcheting screwdriver that takes different heads, and you sold me. – JohnFx – 2010-07-21T22:11:25.937

best. tool. evar. – dave thieben – 2010-08-05T17:48:14.660

2A poor man's version would be a jab saw - I picked one up for $10 or so when I needed to put a junction box in my ceiling. – Doresoom – 2010-07-22T15:05:43.077

The more HP the better, and get good, appropriate blades (wood for wood, metal for metal, etc). – BryanH – 2012-07-14T02:15:21.733

This, and a good drill, are the two must-own power tools for any homeowner. The last point on the list is critical; a nice long wood or demo blade will make mincemeat of that dead branch in your backyard, and the "trash tree" saplings that have gotten beyond the ability of your bypass loppers. – KeithS – 2013-05-03T19:21:15.987

True. There are those edge cases where you need to disassemble/reassemble something and having an organized (and sturdy) set of allen keys can save the day. – spoulson – 2010-07-22T19:03:20.167

1The cheap ones that come with Ikea furniture slip and get rounded too easily. They are also too short to be comfortable. I am glad I have one that is longer and of better-quality steel. – Vebjorn Ljosa – 2010-07-22T19:15:38.347

If you can, get the "tamper-proof" set, because they work on both "tamperable" and "tamper-proof". I've run into tamper-poof torx screws in the wackiest places, like the coffee maker(!), kids toys, etc. These are also good for getting into the forbidden area of your phone junction box and looking for things that don't belong th--$#(@& NO CARRIER – BryanH – 2012-07-14T02:11:43.813

1These seem to be useful for grinding down into other, more useful, tools – Joe Phillips – 2010-07-22T21:41:39.037

The Ikea ones are cheap, but then I have 500 of them so they are pretty much disposable. – JohnFx – 2010-07-23T04:01:46.800

I have bought them too. But no use till now. – Shiplu Mokaddim – 2013-01-19T18:10:19.297

You mean NONSTANDARD and metric. :) – Kaz – 2013-03-01T00:26:54.010

I think you mean imperial and metric – MGOwen – 2010-07-29T05:32:18.497

We are not imperialists! – spoulson – 2010-07-29T11:36:38.753

I have a folding "grip it" set like this that covers all of the assorted sizes. I own three of them: Imperial Allen/Hex, Metric Hex, and Torx. http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hand-Tools-Hex-Keys/h_d1/N-5yc1vZas0v/R-100549112/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

10Frankly, I've never had a job where I needed an allan wrench that didn't come with one. I have a drawer full of these from buying cheap furniture. – JohnFx – 2010-07-21T22:12:23.770

Allen keys are probably my most used tool! Look at your bike! – sixtyfootersdude – 2010-08-05T14:42:33.303

How would you respond to the "power miter saw" answer that suggests it can do the job of a circular saw for many projects? – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T15:00:19.630

2@msemack - I would agree. I have a 10" sliding compound miter saw that I use FAR more than my circular saw. But a good miter saw is big and expensive. A circular saw has more utility than a miter saw, and is much cheaper and smaller (easier to store). The disadvantage of the circular saw is speed and accuracy. Much easier and faster to make nice cuts with a miter saw. – Eric Petroelje – 2010-08-04T15:25:57.027

I have a 4' level, 2 different 2' levels and a couple of bullet levels (4", 9"). And they all get used pretty regularly. – GalacticCowboy – 2010-08-12T16:50:12.850

+1 I just put in shelving in my pantry that's exactly 47" in width. Too bad all I had was my 48" level and a 12" level. :/ – Doresoom – 2010-07-26T14:41:39.600

6And never buy just one - especially for plumbing. Seems like if you need one you always need two (one to turn something and the other to keep the opposite side from turning) – Eric Petroelje – 2010-07-21T22:20:02.093

Husky has a 14-in-1. http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Paint-Tools/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg1ZbobdZ1z11adg/R-202038673/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

1So that's what that half round is for! I rather like mine, and I found it on the road so that was an even better deal ;) – Wayne Werner – 2010-07-23T20:38:46.953

1Is the half round for cleaning off a paint roller? – dotjoe – 2010-08-05T13:48:05.653

1That is what I have used the half round for... cleaning paint off a roller... but I bet there are other uses too! – Jeff Widmer – 2010-08-05T13:58:59.237

I have two... well three Dremels. I got my first one when I was 16, and it's still going strong. One tip - buy the $13 Harbor Freight rotary accessory kits when they go on sale - it comes with more cutting wheels and they're almost as good as the Dremel ones. Plus it comes with a ton of other accessories. – Wayne Werner – 2010-07-22T03:08:12.863

1Just heed the warning sticker about "...not for home dental use." Unfortunately, I have a friend who actually used one to buff a chipped tooth D-8 – Jay – 2010-09-06T20:59:42.647

What are some things you use it for? – Vebjorn Ljosa – 2010-07-22T19:10:30.543

After cutting something metal, such as carpet threshold trim, you can use it to deburr and polish up the edges. – spoulson – 2010-07-23T11:59:06.900

+1 Love the dremel. When I first bought it I walked around the house LOOKING for projects to use it on. – JohnFx – 2010-07-21T22:09:51.540

Does this overlap with the oscillating tool suggestion? Would a dremmel be better/worse? – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T15:31:15.950

@mwolfe02 See this answer, maybe you won't need the mallet so much.

Usually called a "deadblow". – lecrank – 2012-01-10T22:27:21.620

The deadblow and rubber mallet are slightly different; they do mostly the same jobs, but a rubber mallet is solid rubber and can bounce back when you're really pounding on something. Hence the deadblow, filled loosely with lead shot and thus it has all the bounce of a sandbag. Because the deadblow has a hard shell, though, it can be more damaging to the surface being struck than a solid rubber mallet. – KeithS – 2013-05-03T18:47:52.193

I use mine far more than I use my hammer... – mwolfe02 – 2011-05-06T20:55:40.900

A lot of insurance companies give discounts if you've got one of these in your home. – Doresoom – 2010-07-29T16:48:05.230

3more for fixing cars then normal DIY – Walker – 2010-07-22T08:36:02.863

2There are plenty of hex bolts around the house that need sockets and wrenches: Decks use lag bolts and carriage bolts. Some water and gas line fittings need box end wrenches (sometimes an adjustible wrench won't cut it). etc. – spoulson – 2010-07-22T14:21:39.593

1+1 on the need for shallow and deep sockets. Some things to look for in a socket set: Extensions for all of the ratchets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2). Also, I recommend getting 6 point sockets versus 12-point. I've stripped too many bolts with a 12-point socket! – myron-semack – 2010-09-08T02:08:46.493

2

Use case: Toilet base bolts http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/279/how-do-i-secure-a-toilet-bowl-to-a-tile-floor/297#297

Most important reason you need a good set of socket wrenches is for assembling and tightening all your power tools! ;-) – Bryce – 2012-06-21T17:28:00.733

2Yes, 12 point sockets are typically for engine building and specialty. Emphasis is on obtaining 6 point sockets. – spoulson – 2010-09-29T11:56:28.147

7Image is overkill - a couple of adjustable ones have done all I need around the house so far... – MGOwen – 2010-07-29T05:40:08.547

Agree with @MGOwen, I think a socket set is important, but mine just has 8 or 10 standard sizes in each US and Metric and that's plenty for me. If I didn't own autos with metric bolts then the US set would be enough for around-the-house stuff. – cori – 2010-07-29T12:26:21.433

a good set of chisels is worth its weight in gold. I use mine all the time – Wayne Werner – 2010-08-01T04:18:47.613

1It took a trip to the emergency room (brake cleaner blowback) to cure me of "I don't need no stinkin' sissy eyewear"-syndrome forever. I'm so very lucky I didn't blind myself, and I'm never taking chances. Also, hearing protection, gloves and appropriate shoes :) – BryanH – 2012-07-14T02:17:37.397

never had luck with the "tapping" method. I usually end up with 3-4 holes instead of 1. – dave thieben – 2010-08-05T17:49:24.723

1http://xkcd.com/952/ – Doresoom – 2011-09-16T16:38:14.093

1Yeah, can someone recommend a specific model of stud find that performs well? I have tried a few and they are pretty in-exact. – myron-semack – 2010-07-23T15:06:41.550

5how does one identify a good stud finder? I have two and neither are that great at finding studs. tapping on the walls is usually more effective. – mmccoo – 2010-07-21T20:00:52.197

8i've bought about a dozen stud finders in my lifetime. in my experience, zircon stud finders are the most reliable, consistent and accurate. the big home improvement places usually carry 2-4 different kinds. make sure to buy one that has an LCD display to show you the strength of the reflected signal. – longneck – 2010-07-28T14:19:22.030

I've had good luck finding studs with strong magnets which are attracted to the nails or screws in the stud. – jacobsee – 2011-02-12T06:30:35.200

2I have a cheap $40-60 Harbor Freight 3 gallon oil-free compressor. I think I've probably used that more than any other single tool I've purchased - I fill tires, exercise balls, drive my nail/staple guns, airbrush... it's quite excellent! – Wayne Werner – 2010-07-23T03:44:55.760

1I routinely cut down 1-3 inch thick trees/weeds with the mini-saw on my leatherman. – Yitzchak – 2012-06-10T15:31:18.103

That or a swiss army knife. I can't live without it anymore. – Toon Krijthe – 2010-10-04T11:00:19.183

3Multitools are useful because once you're up the ladder/stuck in the crawlspace, there's always that one extra tool you didn't bring with you. Sure, the screwdriver might suck, but at least it's there. – Alex Feinman – 2010-07-28T21:09:07.633

That actually looks pretty spiffy--never seen that before – Michael Haren – 2010-08-05T17:01:51.347

+1 Good advice for a home DIYer, because it's so space-efficient. – Bill Karwin – 2010-09-26T16:25:26.310

1I will warn though. That a regular driver socket properly sized is much better at getting tough bolts off. This one will work, but sometimes it doesn't get as much traction. It is darn handy though. – JohnFx – 2010-09-27T01:09:33.827

For home improvement tasks, I wouldn't say that a ratchet is actually that important. It's definitely a must-have general DIY tool, but not a whole lot of things in the house are going to present an opportunity for use. – Adam Robinson – 2010-07-21T19:52:35.027

I'll echo @JohnFx and also mention that in my experience the Gator-grip can round or otherwise damage bolt heads. – Zeke – 2013-04-11T00:17:45.713

1I use mine on almost every project for something or another. For Home improvement tasks I find it handy mostly as a meta tool (removing blades from my circular saw, for example). – JohnFx – 2010-07-21T22:09:21.523

A headlamp might be a good alternative so you can use both of your hands still. – Greg – 2010-11-22T22:01:31.270

Also a hanging lamp is useful, or a snake light that can wrap around, otherwise the headlamp is great advice – Steve Tranby – 2010-11-30T18:16:28.070

Not sure why this got downvoted - I think a good flashlight is indispensable. There are always nooks and crannies that are too dark to see into, screws that have been lost in the shadows, etc. – Rod Fitzsimmons Frey – 2010-07-29T21:00:55.280

plus it tells you if you wired the darn thing correctly. Incidentally it's also a tool that every (performing) musician should own. Also I tend to carry mine in my backpack to check outlets @ hotels, etc. to make sure it's safe to plug my laptop in. – Wayne Werner – 2010-08-09T10:12:08.093

Oh.. yes... that that correct wiring thing you mention ;-) Thanks for the tip. I'm going to throw my spare one in my pack as well. I tend to work from coffee shops and it would really ruin my day if a poorly wired outlet blew my computer. – gnome – 2010-08-10T05:30:06.920

+1 - It's often like having an extra hand (or two, or three) – Eric Petroelje – 2010-07-28T17:23:19.217

You can never too many clamps!! – Craig Trader – 2010-08-05T15:19:30.510

The only gripe I have about mine is that you need room to work; I have Kobalt's middle-of-the-road 8-inch linesman's pliers, and they're rather bulky for average household electrical work. I prefer my needle-nose pliers, which have all the same features including the "nutcracker" behind the hinge, but the longer nose makes working inside a J-box easier.

1Installing a flat-screen TV over the fireplace, something like this is mandatory. :) – GalacticCowboy – 2010-08-12T16:55:13.280

I've used mine for things like installing a garden hose reel on a brick wall and drilling holes for cane bolts for my backyard gate. – gnovice – 2010-08-12T18:02:55.673

If you don't have room for a whole workbench, you can still get a small vice that screws onto an existing table or desk. That's what I'm using right now, and while it's not as sturdy as a bench vise, it has helped me cut through some metal pieces and hold some other things securely. – geerlingguy – 2012-11-29T13:12:05.537

I'm actually working on building my own work bench. It's too darn hot outside, though - and since we're renting a small duplex that's the only place I have to work... – Wayne Werner – 2010-07-23T20:33:52.283

In our house, workbenches ARE a vice!!! – Craig Trader – 2010-08-05T15:21:11.680

Not on the one I own - you vary the torque by how far you squeeze the trigger on the tool. – kkeilman – 2010-08-05T18:44:02.503

Mine now gets way more use than its cordless drill brother – mac – 2012-11-20T22:50:53.390

@kkeilman - What you refer to with the downward impact stroke is a hammer drill, meant mainly for heavy drilling e.g. concrete. An impact driver adds rotational power with its impacts; it's the motorized version of you putting a box wrench on a bolt and hitting the other end with a mallet to loosen or tighten it. As far as use, I mainly use mine outside, for fencing, deckwork, swing sets, and other situations involving lag bolts and long wood screws. – KeithS – 2013-05-03T19:00:53.420

Is the impact driver a superset of a normal drill? Can it do everything a drill does? Or is it something you only use on special occasions? – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T15:25:14.250

I really wouldn't call it a superset of a drill - the force delivered by an impact driver is a downward strike (like hitting the fastener on top with a hammer) in addition to the high rotational torque.

It's something I use to insert and remove screw-type fasteners with - which is quite a lot on projects I work on, so I wouldn't classify it as "special use" - I use it all the time.

Drill holes with a drill - insert screw(s) with an impact driver. Your hand, wrist and arm will thank you – kkeilman – 2010-08-04T18:51:29.593

Is it OK for general purpose philips screw driving? Or is it only appropriate for "big/tough" screwing (e.g. into a stud)? – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T20:49:47.503

Most definitely OK for general purpose work. Just be careful when driving the screws back in - you can apply a lot of torque in a big hurry. – kkeilman – 2010-08-04T21:14:26.320

Can you dial back the toque like you can with an electric screwdriver? – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T21:31:59.950

And you can beat the heck out of it and it'll shrug it off. I have the model with the cloth pockets below, which is handy for catching all of the wood shavings, nails, screws, etc so they can go in the trash instead of on the garage floor. – BryanH – 2012-07-14T02:20:36.363

Ditto on the dremel multi-max. Great tool. – Mike B – 2010-09-26T18:02:54.223

Great suggestion. I'd like to add my 2 cents about quality: From my experience (particularly with tools) you get what you pay for. Sometimes buying something that costs twice as much will be cheaper because you only have to buy it once. – mattz – 2010-12-22T20:10:45.657

I got one of these (Craftsman) as a present. I've used it a few times for making small "plunge" cuts, particularly in tight spaces where a saw didn't fit. It cuts slowly, but it gets the job done! – myron-semack – 2011-05-25T14:30:43.063

1I have the Dremel Multi-Max - far less expensive than the Fein, but has 85% of the capability at 1/3 the price (even cheaper if you buy a refurbished one). – kkeilman – 2010-08-03T23:49:03.360

Does this overlap with something like a Dremel? Or do they both do different things? – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T15:19:26.267

If you're referring to the Dremel rotary tool, yeah they do different things. But they sell the multi-max: http://www.dremeloscillatingtool.com/ that's something completely different. Youtube "oscillating tool" and you'll find all sorts of great info.

Duplicate post. Someone already mentioned levels. – Mike B – 2010-09-26T18:04:41.303

The laser level is not really the same thing...it creates a leveled line...great if you need a really long leveled line. A torpedo level is a lot better for checking the level quickly and easily of a surface. The laser level takes a lot of time to setup and calibrate. Sometimes you just need to quickly check if something is level. If you have the money, you can invest in both. – milesmeow – 2010-09-26T18:12:14.360

If you're a baseball cap wearer, I recommend getting one that clips to the brim of your cap. – lecrank – 2012-01-10T22:31:31.273

I used one of these when blowing in insulation for my attic. It would have been a lot trickier without it. I could hold on to a rafter with one hand and operate the blower hose with the other without having to worry about losing my balance and putting a foot through the new ceiling I had just installed. – Doresoom – 2011-07-06T16:13:24.000

"Palm Sander" is pretty open-ended. Quarter sheet? Detail Sander? Random Orbital? Which one would you recommend for the average home owner, and why? – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T15:21:59.323

I currently own this Black and Decker 4-in-1 power sander, but I'm not happy with its performance. http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/Product-Details.aspx?ProductID=21418 Can anyone recommend a better one?

Good point. I am partial to the quarter-sheet and for the general purpose usage that I view it as a necessity for I don't need detail-level or random-orbit features. One could say, though that it's must-own *because it's general - you "must own" whichever one will get the most use in your workshop.

with respect to your other question I am very happy with the one pictured above, but that doesn;t have all the features of the one you;re looking to replace.... – cori – 2010-08-04T20:01:05.963

The B&D one I have looked appealing because it can switch to the various modes, but it doesn't seem to remove material very evenly. (I tried to use it to sand/repaint my grill, and it took forever.) So, I've been looking at getting a quarter sheet sander as a secondary option. – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T20:36:41.103

I bought a set at Radio Shack about 15 years ago and they're still going strong. Only the tiniest flat head driver broke. Great for jewelry, computers, electronics, and tight spaces. Sometimes I use a needle noses pliers around the handle of one for extra leverage. – geerlingguy – 2012-11-29T13:17:05.230

-1: This is two different items. – Novelocrat – 2010-08-05T19:50:41.313

Ducttape is not a tool. – Toon Krijthe – 2010-10-04T11:01:08.650

1I got a cheap one - wish it had the clamps like this! – GalacticCowboy – 2010-08-12T16:57:14.400

I've had good experiences with this thing. I don't do a lot of precise wood cutting, so I don't have much need for an expensive power miter saw (nor do I have the room). This thing is small and light, so it can go on a shelf when I'm not using it. You can also bolt it to your workbench for a permanent installation. – myron-semack – 2010-09-27T13:06:53.407

I have the older incarnation, where the back saw goes into a plastic piece to steady it, and that piece clamps to a post that has the angle adjustment. The box-jig design above is so much more elegant in its simplicity. – KeithS – 2013-05-03T19:04:53.750

2also called calipers. The cheap(est) kind mean you need to learn how to read a vernier scale, o'course (unless you're old enough to have learned on a slide rule ;) – Wayne Werner – 2010-08-09T10:13:52.057

You could probably find them online - but I wouldn't hold my breath for finding one elsewhere. – Wayne Werner – 2010-07-23T03:47:44.700

1I'd say a Stanley knife. – Umber Ferrule – 2010-07-29T22:18:51.210

Why this particular style of knife over a regular utility knife? – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T20:39:01.910

4@msemack, the long, strong blade is helpful when whittling a piece of wood (e.g., to make it fit around an unevenness in my old house) or when cutting something thick, like styrofoam or fiberglass. Also useful for stabbing building inspectors. – Vebjorn Ljosa – 2010-08-04T22:47:08.787

Newbie question... how does this tool differ from the "Non-Contact Voltage Tester" that was mentioned on the previous page? – Mike B – 2010-10-04T23:44:12.993

@Mike B: This tool is used to trace lines back to the breaker. The part that plugs into the receptacle also tests the receptacle and can tell you if it is wired properly. A non-contact voltage tester only tells you if the line is hot or not. – Tester101 – 2010-10-05T11:45:02.517

@MikeB - An NCVT is a safety tool; it lets you know if the switch you're about to open up is still live because you turned off the wrong breaker. A breaker finder does exactly that; plug it into the piece you need to work on and scan the panel switches for the correct breaker to throw. – KeithS – 2013-05-03T19:07:04.553

Good one. A tool that I don't have. My dad had something similar from his days as a cable guy and it was the only way to find the right coax wire at the junction box. – mmccoo – 2010-07-28T20:44:39.440

definitely not a must own. I've got one and I've never used it. – cori – 2010-07-29T12:24:25.900

2I've used mine a handful of times. They're really handy if you want to keep multiple items in a straight line, especially over a long distance. I found it really handy to do the line of wall anchors for a whiteboard, for example. – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T15:16:13.617

One follow-up question: Sticking it against a wall. The one I have has a little thumb tack "base" that you stick in the wall. Are there any with better mounting options? – myron-semack – 2010-08-04T15:17:30.917

The combination of shrinking tube and hot glue makes smooth, sealed and water-proof solids of any basic shape. Ideal to create custom-shaped plugs or jacks. – None – 2010-08-06T08:24:52.097

Something I discovered about hot glue - if you drill holes in both surfaces prior to gluing the strength increase is tremendous. I haven't done any scientific tests, but you probably get at least 3-4x the holding power (shear and normal) – Wayne Werner – 2010-08-05T15:34:30.003

1I've wondered about power issues for the cordless versions. Anyone know about this? – Doresoom – 2010-08-05T18:00:58.260

2A battery-driven saw with a smaller blade just won't have the torque and cutting power of a full-sized saw with a full-powered motor -- that's physics for you. That's why I have both saws. But the smaller one gets used 10 times more often than the larger saw... – Craig Trader – 2010-08-30T19:10:29.640

So much easier to slice up plywood sheets with a cordless circular saw. That said, the cordless one should be your second circular saw. – mwolfe02 – 2011-05-06T21:02:02.643

May want to merge your answer with kkeilman's. – myron-semack – 2010-08-13T12:41:33.170

My favorite is the Home Depot 1-2-3 books; one for general repair, another for plumbing. – geerlingguy – 2012-11-29T13:22:18.700

1Duplicate. Adam already beat you to this one. – Doresoom – 2010-07-28T14:41:11.273

maybe merge your answer into his? (You have a picture with yours, so you answer is a bit cooler.) – myron-semack – 2010-07-28T17:29:04.590