11 Tools to Get for Your Kids

As a tyke I remember clamping a hunk of wood into my grandfather's bench vise and cutting blocks. Later, it was fixing and building bikes in my mom's garage. The bench vise and broken bikes led to my career as a building contractor, where I make my living using the tools I first picked up as a kid. I believe the lessons learned at the business end of a wrench are confidence, determination and success. That matters to me, because today, I'm the dad. While my boy is an infant--his tool life awaits--my daughter, 7, has already had some practice. She helped me "demolish" our dining room this November to begin its remodel. She whacked the plaster with my hammer, dust fell, a smile widened. Pride was born. All that from a hammer and a little time. Here, I have compiled 10 of the best tools for children to start their journey.

Safety Note: Safety is the top priority for tool use. Tool manufacturers offer no prescribed age restrictions on tool use nor does Popular Mechanics or the author. The parent--as with all things--is the ultimate arbiter of safety.

In building anything, the more precise you are, the easier the job will go. Whenever you need check the square of most anything, always remember this rule. 3-4-5. Measure 3’ on from a corner. measure 4’ from the same corner on the adjoining line. Measure from the 3’ mark to the 4’ mark. If it is square, the measurement across will be 5’ exactly. multiples of the 3’,4’,5’ holds true; 6’,8’,10’, 30’,40’,50’. This works every time. One of life’s absolutes.

Some basic knowledge is as vital as the tools you use. And I agree that it’s better to start with manual tools to learn the basics. My grandpa taught me and I don’t remember him owning any power tool. But I do remember his saw collection. And I remember “borrowing” one of his prized saws. 2 times; the first and last time all rolled into one time. Man was he a heck of a carpenter. He could plumb something without ever touching a level. I never proved him wrong either.

While you are all in a discussion on this topic -
This is Boy Scouts 100th Anniversary.
They have brought back a few of the original merit badges from 1910. Take a look at the original requirements and consider the tools involved.

Requirements for the Carpentry merit badge:
Demonstrate the use of the rule, square, level, plumb-line, miter, chalk-line and bevel.
Demonstrate the proper way to drive, set, and clinch a nail, draw a spike with a claw-hammer, and to join two pieces of wood with screws.
Show correct use of the crosscut saw and of the ripsaw.
Show how to plane the edge, end and the broad surface of a board.
Demonstrate how to lay shingles.
Make a simple article of furniture for practical use in the home or on the home grounds, finished in a workmanlike manner, all work to be done without assistance.

For myself I have provided my daughters with additional tools. They have them on hand and are glad to let the guys use them when appropriate..

I maintain my own rental units and found a certain set of tools most useful. I pretty well just grab and go and get it done.

My tools are:
1. adjustable square w/built-in 45 and level bubble
2. tape measure
3. Channel locks/vise grip
4. Crescent wrench
5. electrical pliers
6. hammer
7. hand saw
8. 6in1 screwdriver
9. pry bar
10. Sawzall
11. li-ion 18v drill w/Ryobi 30+drill set
12. drywall punch saw
13. box-cutter knife
14. carpenter's pencil
15. small socket set with sockets and screwdriver tips
16. JBWeld, duct tape, masking tape, Teflon pipe wrap
17. small Surform jack plane
18. 3/4 chisel
19. Electrical meter
20. 5in1 window scraper/putty knife

With these a person is good to go for most repair items. Hope you find this interesting, helpful, and useful

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