Looking to get a decent "homeowner" type tool kit for my dad so he can downsize from the cabinet of random worn out stuff he's been using, and I'm not finding much other than the typical cheap junk out there- I'd like to find something that will handle most normal household projects without falling apart and preferably with a case that isn't going to let all the tools come loose the first time he picks it up. Is my only real solution here to assemble something myself, or are there options I'm missing?
Mostly looking for your basic screwdriver/bit assortment, hex keys, a few wrenches, decent claw hammer, some good pliers, vice grips, that sort of stuff.
I have been using these for years. Covers almost everything and the case is fairly skinny so its easy to stash.
Tools
I recently inherited the job of handyman for about 20 properties. I needed a tool kit so that when a tenant calls, I can stop by and hopefully take care of the issue. I grabbed one of these (yes, I had to go to the blue store instead of Home Depot, yuck) and so far I am digging it.
I have some basic manual screwdrivers, a power screwdriver, crescent wrenches, Knipex pliers, scrapers, utility knife, hammer, teflon tape, multitool, zip ties, wire stripper, Wago connectors, and so on. I found that most tool sets are designed for mechanics, with tons of sockets and whatnot. You don't have many sockets around the house. You need to replace doorknobs, stop leaks, secure cabinets, and swap ballasts. Putting together a tool set from HF or your HD is the best option IMHO.
Tough Built also has some great stuff.
I went through this at my mother's house a few years ago. Her late husband had a bunch of tools, but wasn't much into organization, so they were scattered around the basement and garage. I bought her a basic chest and rollaway combo from H-F and then we spent a few hours gathering up all of the tools we could find and organizing them into the drawers. I knew wrenches were lacking so I bought SAE and metric wrenches from H-F. Since then, if some project comes along and we feel it's better for her to have the tools on hand rather than me bringing them from home, then we'll buy them (usually from Lower-Depot) and adding them to the set.
