Source
r/Tools•
Fridden

Don't own any tools and want to change that.

The title is sort of a lie I own a few screwdrivers and basic shit like that but that's pretty much it. So long story short is I have never owned a good or even halfway decent set of tools in my life. I have never really been known as a DIYer or very handy or crafty but always wanted to be, my dad was very much so I swear he could build anything from a deck to a house him and my uncle both but unfortunately I didn't get that family trait. I'm moving in a few months to another state to live with my grandma and when I do I would like to be to be able to help her hang a shelf or whatever task she may need. I also plan on buying a van in the near future to convert to a camper for roadtrips/camping so I would need tools for both of those things.

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I know how expensive tools can be so I know I'll have to invest some money into it but at the same time I would rather not spend a fortune. There are so many different brands it's a bit overwhelming I don't mind buying tools from "off-brands" but with tools and quality being so important I'm a little skeptical. I'm not even sure where to start ( I have done some research) is it better to buy sets? Individual tools piece by piece? What tools am I going to "need" to finish the projects I wanna do? I know that's a broad question and I can add more tools down the line later if I find I'm missing something I need. What is a good base set to buy or what individual tools should I start with?

I have been looking at this drill. It seems like every review says good things about it. It's not super powerful but I don't really need it to be either.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the short story in advance. Hopefully I covered everything but I'm sure I missed something. lol

Posted May 4, 2021, 5:07 AM UTC

318
WhiteStripesWS6Ridgid•

For what you’re looking to do Ryobi will 100% work. Stay away from the B&D stuff. It’s just not good.

10
FriddenOP•

Seems like this is the answer hah thanks!

1
WolfenhexMilwaukee•

Ryobi is a Home Depot exclusive which means you'll likely never get good deals thanks to the lack of competition. Makita is probably a better choice, you can even buy it on Amazon (sold by Amazon).

1
Winter_Negotiation_1•

For the DIYer homeowner situation Ryobi is really stepping up their game and sure it’s not Milwaukee but you don’t need it to be. As you get older you’ll realize you need things from drills to weed eaters. Biggest tip is stay with one battery platform.

2
FriddenOP•

Thanks I'll check them out. Speaking of batteries is it safe to use non-official batteries? They are so damn expensive regardless of the brand it seems. Are there safe alternatives or should I just bite the bullet and get the real thing?

0
Winter_Negotiation_1•

I wouldn’t use off brand batteries, you don’t know what their discharge rate is and what’s the point spending 100ish bucks on a tool and then frying it. Batteries aren’t cheap but unlike Milwaukee or Dewalt you can get a tool/battery combo from ryobi, etc for the same price as a tool only from the bigger brands

3
FriddenOP•

Thanks. Yeah if it was safe I would use them but I'll spend the extra money I'm not going to risk it.

1
wps1991•

It would be a shame to burn your house down to save $20 on a battery. Be smart with Home Depot sales and promos and you’ll quickly accumulate batteries. I think they have a 2-pack of 4Ah batteries for $80. That’s enough power for the rest of your life for average homeowner use. Add a couple 1.5Ah batteries than come with the tools and you’re good to go.

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
FriddenOP•

You know I have always heard about these are they online or in person?

1
[deleted]•

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2
jingleghost•

Whatever power tool brand you decide, I’d advise to buy new. They usually come with warranty so keep the paperwork/register them and then look after them. Don’t leave them in the rain, clean them after use and store the batteries properly.

I’ve picked up some super cheap tools that have lasted a couple of decades because I’m not damaging them. Same goes for hand tools.

As others have said, invest in a battery range. Ryobi do seem to be doing alright with their latest stuff.

It might be an idea looking at a small, cheap tool kit with spanners, drivers, pliers, hammers etc to get started then add good quality single items later once you know what projects you’re doing and which specific tools you rely on most. My dad and I always keep cheap stuff in the workshop because we don’t mind hitting the tools with hammers or making custom tools with a grinder when there’s something super awkward to do.

2
RockNWood•

It doesn’t take much to do minor repairs and installs. If you get more into a type of work like your van conversion it can get more expensive to buy many more tools for that type of work.

To start: Tekton is a good brand for a basic 3/8” socket set, hex wrench set, bit driver with Torx and other bits, etc. or get Husky or Kobalt.

Get a hammer, slot head and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches in 6” and 8” size

Stanley torpedo level, a stud finder,

Ryobi or maybe Craftsman drill and driver kit, 6 1/2” or 7 1/4” circular saw

Klein or Greenlee wire strippers and side cutters and lineman pliers

2
Idabro•

Ryobi isn't a bad way to go. I know a number of contractors who use it. For budget tools, check out the den of tools on YouTube. He reviews stuff and scopes out some killer deals. Check out r/vanlife or r/vandwellers and look up some builds or ask what tools they needed or what made the build easier. If the van will be a winter project you might get some killer tool deals during black Friday in the fall

1
velocacracker•

Black and decker is fine for occasional use, those matrix dealies are pretty cool actually since they make a power head and the tool end switches out. I've got the sander/vibratory cutter, impact driver, drill, Sawzall, and tire pump. Is it the best tool I own? No. But goddammit it's saved my ass on occasion. The pump itself is more than worth it when the mower has a flat 50 yards away from any electric source. As for better stuff you kinda need to know what you're gonna be doing most before you know which tools you should buy at a quality level.

Most carpentry jobs can be done with a circular saw and a drill driver or impact and hand tools.

0
FriddenOP•

Thanks for the advice. The exact reason I don't want to get really nice set is exactly that it's not like I would know what most of it does or even use it properly lol so why put that wear on a high end set of tools?

1
velocacracker•

Yeah then I'd definitely advise the matrix stuff, keeps your from buying a bunch of separate tools that you may only need once a year. Just keep your batteries charged when you store em they last longer

1
Tonester56•

Go with Milwaukee bro or dewalt Buy once cry once

-4
Winter_Negotiation_1•

I use Milwaukee at work because they supply them at home I’m perfectly fine with my ryobi stuff (I’m cheap) they are stepping up and making some great middle of the road tools

1
FriddenOP•

They just aren't in my budget right now. Maybe one day but they are pretty high end and expensive and really for what I would use them for they would go to waste but maybe one day.

1