Mustachian tools?

[ScottEric]

I'm starting to build up my tool stache, I have a fair assortment of hand tools already for basic DIY stuff, plus some basic wiring and plumbing tools.  I always kinda figure if a handtool is under $10 and it'll make what I'm doing much easier and I'll use it again I should just buy it.  But I'm getting to the point where I need to start using power tools to get stuff done.  Is it worth buying a compound miter saw?  Circular saw?  Cordless drill?  Sawzall? The cheap part of me is constantly fighting with my inner tool hoarder.  This is probably the way I'm most inclined to clutter/lifestyle sprawl.  This is all for renovating our new house, which is a pretty major fixer upper.  So I feel like I'm likely to get pretty good use out of most of this stuff.  So, is it mustachian to buy these things?  Most of my friends in the area don't have this stuff either, so borrowing some of them is out of the question.

[Rural]

Circle saw, yes. That's pretty much the base tool. You may be able to find a used one on Craigslist (I'd hit the local swap meet). if you buy new, get a good one so you don't replace it in six months.

Sawzall depends on the kind of renovation you're doing. Ours doesn't get all that much use, but when it's needed, nothing else will do. On the bright side it's over a decade old.

A cordless drill can be a real source of frustration or a lifesaver. Consider whether an inexpensive corded drill and an extension cord will meet your needs. Especially if you're going to use the cordless drill as a power screwdriver, you will probably find that you run out of charge very frequently.

[Spork]

Tools are my Achilles heel.  The way some women are with shoes: I am with tools.

My rule of thumb is something like: If you're going to use it more than 3 times, buy it.  If not, rent it.

Don't assume it's better to buy cheap.  It's tempting.  That awesome Chinese tool at Harbor Freight may have to be replaced 5x in your life.  But that also doesn't mean you need the oh-my-god top-of-the line.

Things I do seldom, I will buy some relatively inexpensive brand.  For example: I have a tile saw that cost me $200.  I don't lay a lot of tile.  But one small tile job will save you $200 in labor.

Also, some of the decades old tools are built like brick shit houses.  Some of the old Hobart (they made the OLD Craftsman tools), Milwaukee, Powermatic, Rockwell, etc power tools will last until your grand kids die of old age.  If you can find those up on craigslist, they'll last forever.

[plantingourpennies]

Consider buying a combo set of battery operated power tools. I got a set of Ryobi about 8 years ago that has been great, even though I have to replace the batteries every 4-5 years.

[Spork]

Consider buying a combo set of battery operated power tools. I got a set of Ryobi about 8 years ago that has been great, even though I have to replace the batteries every 4-5 years.

I have heard this is better with the lithium ion batteries.  (Mine are old enough that I still have NiCd's too).  The Lithiums are waaaay lighter, too.  For me it's not worth going out and replacing... but I'd consider them if I were replacing.

[Mountainman75]

The basics are worth owning if you are doing rehabs and maintenance.
For me that's a cordless drill and an impact driver, a sawzall, and a circular saw.
Beyond that you are better off borrowing or renting.

[BlueMR2]

For me, manual tools of every type are worth owning.  Most are relatively inexpensive and usable for a wide variety of tasks.  Electric tools, well, good ones often cost a lot of money.  I'll buy some, others I rent.  Air tools, I have no more.  Went down that road and with the tool costs and compressor costs/maintenance, it's just plain cheaper to hire a handyman (of the type that allows me to assist) with all the tools than to mess around with them myself.  Obviously will vary depending on your workload and storage available...

[ScottEric]

Well, we bought the shop vac and I got a table saw this weekend. I was going to rent the table saw, but the one they had looked like it was just barely going to fit in the Scion and they were missing the miter gauge for it which was something I really needed.  If I had planned ahead better I could have taken the wood I needed cut to a cabinet shop and had them cut it for $20, but they were closed already and I needed to get the two projects done by Tuesday since the floor people are coming then.  The shopvac seems like something we'll use a lot.  Maybe I'll use the table saw more in the future, or I can sell it for most of what I paid for it if I don't use it.  Or maybe I'll get to lend it out to the neighbors for good tool karma.  Either way, it handled ripping and crosscuts just fine so I'm pretty stoked, and it was still probably about the same as hiring someone to do both projects so I feel like I'm still ahead.

So, overall, still reasonably mustachian I hope!

 

[Sparafusile]

I have a large collection of lovely yellow Dewalt tools in my garage. A skil saw was my first purchase (but I don't use it much any more since I have a compound miter saw and small table saw). For several years I made due with just a cordless drill. Nothing beats it if you want to do a quick job or any job on top of a ladder. I cannot recommend one enough. I finally broke down and bought a corded drill because I needed the extra torque a few times to put 3 inch screws in studs or to drill over a half inch holes.

I was doing a lot of dovetail joins for a while and finally broke down and bought a compound miter saw. It's really amazing and I get a lot of use out of it, but it is probably overkill for most things. Those dovetails need a nice square, flat, and straight edge to come out well though. I borrowed a small table saw from my dad which covers most of the other times I need a saw. My only complaint is that it doesn't weight enough so cutting plywood becomes somewhat of a balancing act.

To round out my collection, I also have a pair of routers which I use quite a bit for round-overs or cutting dovetail joints. I also bought a pneumatic nail gun to use with a borrowed compressor. Use it to hold joints together while the glue dries or to put trim back on walls. I also have borrowed a bench sander and drill press - both of which have proven invaluable.

Is it worth buying a compound miter saw?

Probably not unless you are a contractor, plan on cutting a lot of compound angles, or like to use dovetail joints. In most cases you can use a table saw to get the same result.

Circular saw?

Absolutely. Unless you also have a miter and table saw.

Cordless drill?

In your case I would say yes as long as you have an extra battery. Charge one while you're using the other and you'll be able to use the drill all day. If you only use a drill a couple times a year to do small stuff I would suggest a cheap corded drill. They are cheaper, more powerful, and you don't have to worry about the battery going bad when you need it.

Sawzall?

Never used one. If you're doing a renovation on a house I could see needing one, but it may collect dust afterwards.



I would also suggest a palm sander and a shopvac. Both have been very useful in my DIY career.

[kendallf]

I use my Sawzall extensively.  Maybe I'm just a hack.  :-)

I buy tools based on projected usage and whether or not I have friends I can borrow from.  With woodworking tools, I also have to consider storage and setup; if they're big (floor standing tablesaw) I don't have room. If they're smaller but require setup to operate (i.e., benchtop tablesaw that really needs an outside bench or sawhorse set to be used properly) then it may be easier to rent or just settle for a circular saw and a clamped fence.

The other consideration is maintenance; I don't have a pressure washer for this reason.  Everybody I know with a good sized gas one is always complaining about it being broken because it only comes out a couple of times a year.

[jrhampt]

We just got a Sawzall this weekend (only about $50 after military discount) and used it to remove a bunch of stumps.  Not sure what else it will come in handy for, but I like to have a selection of tools around to encourage quick maintenance on jobs we can do ourselves.

[Paul der Krake]

MMM has a good article on the subject here, in case you missed it:
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/11/getting-started-in-carpentry-tools-of-the-trade/

I buy quality power tools and cheap everything else. It would take me decades of continual abuse to see a difference between my cheap pliers/hammer and the fancy models with ergonomic what-have-yous.

[Spork]

MMM has a good article on the subject here, in case you missed it:
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/11/getting-started-in-carpentry-tools-of-the-trade/

I buy quality power tools and cheap everything else. It would take me decades of continual abuse to see a difference between my cheap pliers/hammer and the fancy models with ergonomic what-have-yous.

I wouldn't pay more for ergonomic what-have-yous, but 'unbreakable' is worth it's weight in gold.  (Yes, I know, you can break them, but they'll replace them.) 

A decent set of sockets will last you your entire life.  A cheap set will break and leave you in a crunch.

[Sparky]

Number one investments in power tools is a high quality cordless drill, followed by circular saw/table saw and air compressor. Sawzall are handy as heck, but have quite the learning curve if you want to do fine work with them.

Hand tools are even worse then power tools cost wise. It's piles of $10 dollar tools that just seem to add up. Do not cheap out on screwdrivers or pliers. Yes, buy a bunch of $10 Klein/Ideal screwdrivers hurts, but they last a normal consumers lifetime and beyond. Same with pliers, once you've used good ones, you'll refuse using cheap ones ever again.... No more pliers slipping and falling apart. Also, get a really nice 16 oz hammer, I like the fibreglass handle ones compared to the wooden ones.

(Massive hoarder of tools/tradesperson)

[Honest Bob]

The right tool can makes 100% of a difference. Craigslist is a gold mine for old saws and most of the time the older the better.

[ScottEric]

One of my absolute favorite tools is my $15 electricians combo-screwdriver, we already killed a few cheap screwdrivers, this one is gonna last a super long time.

I bought a modestly priced table saw to rip some longish white oak, it worked just fine for that and made the 45 degree cuts perfectly.  Hopefully I'll use it again this weekend for finish off our kitchen, I think I'll have to cut some baseboards for the tiny Ikea cabinet we're adding.  Plus something to fill the gap from the wall to the cabinet as well.  This was an "emergency" purchase, I wish I could have craigslisted this, but it was still a decent return on the money spent (gotta plan better in the future though!).

I've also added a cheap orbital and a cheap belt sander.  This was to get the paint off our floors where the rented floor sander wasn't able to. 

I don't have a sawzall yet, would have loved one to help cut PVC when I was doing my plumbing project, but I was able to do it with a hacksaw.  I'd kinda love to get a cheap oscilating tool to help with this kinda stuff rather than a sawzall since I don't do a lot of demolition type stuff.  We'll see what we end up in.

[jba302]

I wouldn't pay more for ergonomic what-have-yous, but 'unbreakable' is worth it's weight in gold. (Yes, I know, you can break them, but they'll replace them.) 
A decent set of sockets will last you your entire life.  A cheap set will break and leave you in a crunch.

Boy that is the truth right there. Completely stripped out my wife's channel locks and 2 sockets last weekend working on an oil change (one of those crappy Husky or something 1000 piece sets you can get for $5). An oil change on a new Civic none the less, not even rusted yet!

On the plus side, she gets a little more lenient on the "we need better tools" discussion when I break the shit out of this stuff :).

[Spork]

I wouldn't pay more for ergonomic what-have-yous, but 'unbreakable' is worth it's weight in gold. (Yes, I know, you can break them, but they'll replace them.) 
A decent set of sockets will last you your entire life.  A cheap set will break and leave you in a crunch.

Boy that is the truth right there. Completely stripped out my wife's channel locks and 2 sockets last weekend working on an oil change (one of those crappy Husky or something 1000 piece sets you can get for $5). An oil change on a new Civic none the less, not even rusted yet!

On the plus side, she gets a little more lenient on the "we need better tools" discussion when I break the shit out of this stuff :).

Yeah.  I busted a 20 ton gear puller once.  You would think that I shot a gun in the garage.  Shit was flying everywhere.  Sears gave me another one, no questions asked.

[jba302]

Yeah.  I busted a 20 ton gear puller once.  You would think that I shot a gun in the garage.  Shit was flying everywhere.  Sears gave me another one, no questions asked.

I like craftsman's replacement guide, but at some point I think I am going to get tired of their declining quality. I'd rather press towards "wow I can't believe this broke" instead of "thank god there's a warranty on this." Snap-On you could damn near break on purpose and get a refund, and MAC is pretty good about it too. Just not sure at what point that huge mark-up would actually be worth it lol.

[jawisco]

Lots of good advice here.  I have a lot of tools and most of them are medium-high quality - the same tools contractors use. 

I like to use tools and I always enjoy when I can do a job myself and pay for all the tools needed and still save money because i am doing it myself.  Usually learn something as well.

That being said, I have walked through Harbor Freight and looked at the quality of tools and have also worked with Harbor Freight Tools that my father purchased and I think the quality is decent.  And unless you are a contractor or doing extensive rehab or repair work, I think you get really awesome value on a lot of Harbor Freight tools, especially considering how often you really use them. 

When I was buying a lot of my tools, I wasn't very mustachian.  Still - even if you buy high quality tools - if you use them, they are a good investment.

[BlueMR2]

I like craftsman's replacement guide, but at some point I think I am going to get tired of their declining quality. I'd rather press towards "wow I can't believe this broke" instead of "thank god there's a warranty on this." Snap-On you could damn near break on purpose and get a refund, and MAC is pretty good about it too. Just not sure at what point that huge mark-up would actually be worth it lol.

If I need a tool "right now", I'll go grab a Craftsman at the local Sears.  Not a fan of buying those off brands at the local auto store, but I have to say that on the rare occasion I have, they've been nearly as good as Craftsman.  If I can afford to wait, I'll order a Snap-On from the website.  My Snap-On stuff never breaks.  I've broken a few Craftsman things.  One particular model of their snips I broke 3 times in a couple years before I decided it wasn't worth going back to the store to get them replaced.  Bought a Snap-On replacement and it's been going for several years.

[Sparky]

I like craftsman's replacement guide, but at some point I think I am going to get tired of their declining quality. I'd rather press towards "wow I can't believe this broke" instead of "thank god there's a warranty on this." Snap-On you could damn near break on purpose and get a refund, and MAC is pretty good about it too. Just not sure at what point that huge mark-up would actually be worth it lol.

(Father was a MAC/SnapOn dealer for 25 years)

Beware of the newer MAC stuff. About 10-15 years ago quality of a lot of the stuff really dropped off with outsourcing but the price never changed. The older MAC stuff, esp the wrenches, are absolutely amazing quality. Same with the tool boxes if your looking for a super serious tool box that will last several lifetimes....

Not a fan of buying those off brands at the local auto store,

Generally anything sold at those type outlets are complete dogs breakfast (junk). Those tools that are made to last one use and tossed away.

Husky branded stuff is often pretty decent for some stuff. Their pliers are bad, but their nut drivers (screwdrivers with a socket) are among the best on the market.

Tool brands overall I find to be great quality: Klien, Knipex, Ideal, Milwaukee, Ridged, Veto, Kuny, Irwin, Lennox, Greenlee, Channel Lock, Lincoln, Fluke, Gear Wrench, Makita, 

Tools that usually pretty good: Hilti, Stanley, Dewalt (higher end stuff), Husky, Craftsman, Bosch, Jet, Westward

Junk: Anything Walmart/big box stores/auto parts stores sells, Black and Decker (some of their extremely old stuff is nice), Mastercraft