What’s in your bag tool list

This is a list of tools that I have found to be essentials in my tool bag. I hope you find this list helpful wether you are putting together your first set of tools or if are adding to your tool collection.

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 Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Boot. One of the most comfortable boots I have worn. Not sure what’s going on but my feet feel great. A great price too.

I have had this pair of linemans pliers for over 20 years and they are still as good as the day I bought them. The crimping feature is a must.

This is the Japanese saw to get! Look no further. You can get many different blades that fit this handle. In my opinion this is the best.

Crosscut Saw
Okada Hardware Mfg
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Another saw that I use often! This is for much more detailed work. The blade is incredibly thin and cuts like butter!

For carrying everyday in the tool bag this folding saw is well used in my daily life. Not very expensive so I replace it every couple years.

An industry standard. These serve many uses aside from stripping wire. Excellent for cutting (cuts better than linemans pliers), wire bending, and screw cutting. These are time tested.

This wire stripper is a great just for the ease of use. If you have lots of wire to strip get this tool. This is an inexpensive tool but works really well. There are much more expensive versions of this but this one has done well for me.

This is my go to screwdriver when I just want to grab one or two tools for a job and I’m unsure of what fasteners I might encounter. Great for ground screws, hose clamps, and so much more!

These are the ones! They have the spring that saves your hand when using them. And they have the cutter. Super durable. Will last a lifetime if you don’t cut any live wires!!!

Dikes! A must have in the tool bag. Trimming, clipping, pulling staples, pulling nails, you need to pull it this is the tool. Can’t live without!

Wiss is the time tested brand going way back. Wiss started making these snips in 1939. It’s best to have the set of three to get the job done right!

The Stanley wing dividers are my favorites but are no longer sold! Scan ebay when you can to find yourself one. This is a safe alternative but keep your eyes open at the swap meets and craigslist.

Simple but essential. The Klein grips are my favorite. A quality tool.

A quality tool! This has the metal end cap for hammering on. It’s not just a flathead screwdriver!

Great for electrical work! So many breakers and terminals have square drive now and the torque you can get makes for a solid connection. Also essential for running EMT conduit!

Industry standard for switch and receptacle cover screws. Also good for terminal blocks. 8” or 10”

 T-25 screws are everywhere!

Blum Pozi Drive. Need to adjust those European cabinet hinges and the #2 phillips doesn’t seem to fit right? This is the screwdriver that fits!

Noga! The makers of those awesome dial indicator holders. Here is their carbide deburring tool. I like to debur all parts before they leave the shop. No need to cut up the customers hands.

I have only had this one for about six months now but is has quickly gotten a lot of use in my shop. Especially the swivel countersink tool.

These Pica long nose markers are amazing! Really amazing. A little expensive but boy do they work great when you need it. Great for tracing patterns.

Sharpem! A great marker for layout work on metal. This can be used just like Dykem as layout dye! Get it in blue and red.

The classic marking tool of welders and fabricators. So cheap and so useful. Wont burn off when cutting steel with a torch.

For layout work on metal and more. Simple, cheap and effective. This in combination with a fat blue sharpie magnum and you are in business.

Needed in everyones tool bag! But be careful of false readings! Once you know how to use this safely it is an essential tool.

This Fluke meter is the tool! This is an industry standard. The amp clamp is the way to go. This meter will cover most all of your electrical needs.

 One of the most used tools in my shop! This one in particular has fractions and decimals. Very useful.

I have had so many people ask to borrow this tool from my bag, it’s crazy. Please buy one and stop asking me. :)

A square to bang around in your bag for the quick and dirty! I don’t like keeping my Starrett in my tool bag.

This is the tool that started it all for L.S. Starrett! The combination square. The satin chrome finish makes all the graduations easy to read. A purchase you will not regret! Such a treat to buy a great American tool!

Hands down, this could be my favorite tool. Maybe its just holding all that history and quality in my hand. I reach for this often. The satin chrome finish is a must. Don’t strain your eyes. Eye of the tiger!

 Starrett Hook Rule in satin chrome finish. I keep this in my vest pocket at all times. I can’t say enough good things about it. Some people wear jewelry, I keep a starrett rule in my pocket.

If you own one of these you know why it’s in the bag. Always quality from Starrett!

You’ll need this old school punch in the bag along with the automatic one. Square shank keeps it from rolling off the table. One of the least expensive Starrett tools but essential.

A good set of punches. From door hinges to roll pins. If you have the cash get a set of proto punches. These won’t break the bank but get the job done.

It’s good to have two of these in the bag. One for the bolt and one for the nut! Plus so many other applications. They can be a little sloppy but make themselves useful in many situations.

 When you are upside down under that sink it’s nice to have a tool that works. Knipex! They make great stuff.

Bondhus! A name now highly associated with hex key sets and more. Compact to fit in the side pocket of your tool bag. Either put these in your bag or get the L handle style. But don’t go without.

These fit in the side of the bag just as easily as the folding ones. These are great for getting into tight spaces. A classic standard.

When I discovered this tool it was a real eye opener! It made my old cats paw look like a piece of junk. Prying, lifting, pulling. The narrow tip for pulling nails is simply the best.

The big brother to the smaller flat pry bar. He comes in when you need a little more muscle. Pulls nails with ease. This brand Dogyu I think might be the originators of this kind of bar. Life changing.

Compact little hacksaw for the tool bag. It always comes up and you’ve got one in the bag. Be prepared.

I know it’s not cheap but I have had this in my bag for 20 years and it is great. My tool bag is heavy enough and this cuts some weight! Not a must have but it sure is nice.

Not always in the bag but does help out on many jobs. This Estwing is the best deadblow hammer I have found. Those cheap orange ones just fall apart.