Most new moms, dads, guardians, and other parent figures don’t quite know what they’re in for. There are a LOT of things to learn and prepare for, and so “hmm, what kinds of tools will I need for this journey?” are the last things on new parents’ minds.
If you’re a regular ToolGuyd reader, chances are that you have a well-equipped tool box at your disposal, whether you’re a pro, DIYer, or hobbyist. But there are a lot of people out there who don’t have much of a tool set.
You of course don’t need tools to care for a child. But, certain tools do make certain tasks a little easier, faster, or more comfortable, at the least.
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Following are 5 tools that have or would have made things easier for me. I went shopping at nearby Home Depot stores – they are the exclusive retail source for these brands – and put together what I feel to be a solid kit.
I have all of these tools on-hand and plan to review them separately – please let me know which you might have any questions about.
You of course don’t need to be a parent to benefit from these tools, and I also hope to hear from you – what kinds of tools would you recommend to new parents?
Thank you to The Home Depot for being a ToolGuyd sponsor.
Husky Ratcheting Screwdriver – 30pc Bit Set
Cribs, bookcases, Power Wheels, balance bikes – there are going to be so many things a parent will have to assemble, and some of those things will require screwdriver sizes or styles you might not already have.
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The hex bits are useful for assembling furniture, the square drive and Torx bits are useful for when you need to repair something with wood screws (I prefer SPAX brand available at Home Depot), and the Phillips and slotted bits are useful all-around.
Beyond the convenient assortment of bits, you get the ratcheting screwdriver handle which makes for faster and easier work. On top of all that, there’s built-in storage in the handle, so you can load it up with the bits you use most and take just the screwdriver to where the work is.
I opted for this set not only because its ratcheting mechanism can speed up more tedious tasks, but because it has a very useful assortment of screwdriver bits. Are you going to need all of them? Probably not, but I find this set to a great value in how it offers a balance between immediate and potential future needs.
If your needs are a little different, Husky has other ratcheting screwdriver options, but I really think this 30pc set hits the sweet spot.
Price: $17
Milwaukee Side-Slide Utility Knife
New parents will have a LOT of carboard boxes to open. Diapers. Formula. Toys. Furniture. Stuff – there are so many things to buy and open.
In this day and age, a lot of people have utility knives in their homes and tool kits, but I still see people opening boxes with steak knives, scissors, keys, and other implements.
A good utility knife is just so much easier to use.
I’m of the impression that this model isn’t as intimidating as most other types of utility knives. It’s a very well-used tool in our home, and one I can thoroughly recommend.
You might also consider buying special rounded-tip utility knife blades. They might be a little bit safer, and they definitely lower the chance that you’ll cut whatever is in the box you’re opening.
Price: $8 for the knife, $15 for a 50-pack of blades
Buy Now: Milwaukee Knife via Home Depot
Buy Now: Rounded Blades via Home Depot
If You Want a Change of Pace…
Husky is always a good buy when it comes to utility knives as well. They have a couple of value-priced options, and designs that cater towards different needs and preferences. I like this one, which has a wood-accent handle and lockback design.
They also have a new utility knife design that I’m rather excited about – more on that one later.
Husky Diamond Tip Screwdriver Set
You’ll need good screwdrivers – everyone does – and Husky has not let me down yet. Even with much pricier screwdrivers in my kit, I still have a number of Husky drivers that work well and were reasonably priced.
This set features diamond-coated tips for better grip. Even if you have a multi-bit or ratcheting screwdriver for convenience, straight-shaft screwdrivers will fit into certain recesses a lot better, such as when changing batteries in kids’ toys where a bit holder might not allow for sufficient reach. You might also appreciate the color-coded handles and magnetized tips.
Even if you already have a multi-bit screwdriver or ratcheting screwdriver, there are still tasks where you need individual drivers.
I bought this set on impulse, thinking it might make for an interesting review, and so far I like it better than I had anticipated.
Price: $15
If You Want Something Different for a Little Less
Husky’s acetate-handle screwdrivers are also a good option. There are also larger assortments with grippy-handled screwdrivers, but I feel that a 6pc set with Phillips #0, #1, and #2 and slotted from ~1/8″ to ~1/4″ are a good general purpose starting point.
Price: $11
Klein Mini Flush Cutter
Despite all the efforts at “frustration-free packaging” in recent years, the truth is far from it. Clothes come with tags that will inevitably poke and scratch you if they’re not removed all the way, and there’s also all the very many zip ties, strings, and plastic ties that need to be cleanly and carefully removed when unboxing new toys.
Mini flush cutters are the answer. When shopping at your local Home Depot store, you can find these Klein cutters in the electrical tools section, or other excellent brands (such as Crescent and Milwaukee) in the main hand tool aisle with the pliers and diagonal cutters.
Price: $10
There are lots of ways to “unbox” this Transformers action figure. There was no clamshell plastic packaging to contend with, but plenty of elastic ties. You can use a sharp utility knife (even one with rounded tips), scissors, or other such tools, but mini flush cutters work so much quicker and easier. Plus, you have the flush cutters available to remove clothing labels, trim zip ties, and for any other around-the-home (or workshop) needs.
Klein Kneeling Pad
Caring for a newborn often means that you’ll be down on the floor with them. For bath time, at the least, your knees will love this thick and cushioned kneeling pad. Once you try it out, you will inevitably find more uses for it when working around the home.
There are other kneeling pads you can buy, but try to find something at least 1″ thick. This one measures 21″ long x 14″ wide, which I find to large enough without being cumbersome.
Price: $25
Buy Now via Home Depot
More Options via Home Depot
Added Thoughts
Regarding the ratcheting screwdriver, my first thought was to suggest good ball-end hex keys (Husky has a couple of options), which makes knock-down furniture assembly go a lot quicker than with the small straight hex keys often included.
Crib assembly, changing tables, book cases, toy boxes, and things like that all require some assembly unless you build them from scratch or buy them pre-assembled.
The Husky ratcheting screwdriver set has a small but useful selection of bits, including common metric hex sizes. So, it could be useful for a lot of those knock-down furniture fasteners, but also other tasks where different bits (such as Phillips) are needed.
Most people I know LOVE ratcheting screwdrivers, and the Husky seems to be a good mid-range model so far.
The only thing that would make the Husky set *perfect* is a Posidriv bit. I have used Phillips bits in place of Pozidriv for years without too much trouble, but I discovered that assembly actually goes a lot smoother when using Pozidriv screwdrivers or bit tips with Pozidriv screws.
For the new parents that have plenty of Ikea furniture in their future, consider a separate Pozidriv screwdriver.
Pozidriv Screwdrivers via Home Depot
Reader Recommendations
These types of tools have come in very handy in the past few years, but am I leaving something out? Would you recommend something else over these?
What tools would you recommend to new parents?
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Tom D
Two things I highly recommend – the wet/dry vac from your preferred cordless manufacturer – the Milwaukee one is nice and quiet. Great for vacuuming up baby and kid messes in the middle of the night.
And second is a GOOD set of LONG hex bits for your cordless screwdriver or torque/drill – most baby furniture seems to be made for Allen wrenches and it’s much easier with a power tool.
James Vis
It would be nice to have 90 degree ratcheting Allen wrenches as it seems like all child furniture requires either really long wrenches, or really short wrenches in a very tight corner where you can only get about a quarter turn.
I understand that this is something not everyone will want or need, but having put together multiple pieces of child furniture, I find myself wishing for something like this every time I am assembling.
Any suggestions out there?
Stuart
You could always pick up a 1/4″ ratchet and square drive to hex adapter.
Bit ratchets are also an option, but they don’t provide much more leverage than L-keys.
Knock-down furniture can be a challenge if you strive for effortless perfection.
I tend to prefer ball end hex drivers, but then they don’t always fit precisely in the fasteners designed around that little bent throwaway driver, and so I end up having to reach for straight hex tools.
Husky has a set of straight T/P handle hex drivers that might come in handy, but I would usually try other hex driver styles first, at least as far as furniture is concerned. One of the benefits is that you can twirl the shafts for faster driving of free-spinning fasteners.
Koko The Talking Ape
“Bit ratchets are also an option, but they don’t provide much more leverage than L-keys.”
Sorry Stuart, I can’t agree. For one thing, even the small bit ratchets are about twice as long as an L-key, for twice the torque. For another, you can often put far more force into them, because the handles are large and comfortable. For another, they don’t flex like L-keys can.
I haven’t seen any test, but I’d bet you could put three times the torque into a bit ratchet.
Stuart
We seem to be thinking about very different sized tools.
Here’s an image of a Wera bit ratchet with 4mm hex bit next to a 4mm hex wrench.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPG7VEQjq-f/
Some brands’ standard hex keys are longer than others, but I don’t think I have any 4mm hex keys shorter than that bit ratchet.
Because the bit ratchet won’t flex, you can bear down on it for more torque, but I would generally reach for a 1/4″ drive ratchet for that.
Sometimes during long jig assemblies I run the fasteners down with the bit ratchet and then use the L-wrenches to apply final torque.
Stacey Jones
I agree. The comfort level is even more of a factor for me, hex keys are just uncomfortable to use.
Stuart
Good idea!
Cordless vacs are incredibly handy for the spot messes, like Cheerios that have been stepped on and dispersed.
Drill/cordless screwdriver accessories can be tricky. Years ago I stripped out some IKEA screws with a dinky little Black & Decker 3.6V model. I’ve used some cordless screwdrivers with decent results since then, but when dealing with knock-down furniture I really prefer hand tools.
Metric hex accessories can be difficult to find locally – you really have to buy those online.
However, the Husky ratcheting screwdriver comes with 4, 5, and 6mm hex bits, and you can also use those bits with a standard bit holder in a non-impact cordless drill or screwdriver. =)
Tom D
I’m fond of 48-22-2104 and -2106 myself.
And I’ve found that the surge on Low power and a light trigger does just fine on even IKEA furniture – but you have to understand the types of fasteners (some are quarter turn only) and be careful. If you’ve not done it before it’s best to stick to hand tools (though I’ve stripped screws with those, too).
JB
Ikea uses pozidriv rather than phillips. I’d hazard a guess that you stripped the screws due to using a phillips bit rather than the fact you were using a cordless screwdriver.
Stuart
In that case it wasn’t screw head damage, but the holes were stripped out. Even at low speed and low torque, I was waiting for the screws to tighten but instead they simply tore out the threads and drilled a smooth hole.
But, yes – I made good use of my Pozidriv bits a few years ago and have since purchased individual screwdrivers and my Ikea assemblies have went a lot smoother. Phillips can still be used if you’re careful, but it’s not ideal.
Jason
This Wera set: https://toolguyd.com/wera-2019-advent-calendar-tool-set-giveaway/ is my IKEA-slayer (thanks for covering it). All the standard Allen and pozi pits you need for everything I’ve found at IKEA and 99% of all the other flat pack furniture.
Joel Likes Tools
I worked at furniture stores for awhile. My go to for assembling is
Hex bits with an m12 clutch drill, a a 90 degree adapter (I like the DeWalt ones personally) and a flex shaft adapter. Throw in a a couple thin bodied
metric wrenches and you are ready to furnish a whole house. (Or in my case several thousand square feet of showroom floor.)
DXE
Ditto the shop vac. That was the first thing I thought of when I saw the headline for the post and the first thing I recommend every new dad get.
Ex_dtw2003
A hairdryer.
You need a hairdryer at the change table. Also it needs a cold shot button. Baby butts need to be dry and this work like a charm and they love it.
And yeah, a good set of hex keys will save your hands from using all the included short and crappy hex keys.
Last note. That’s a great figure.
Stuart
Hmm, I hadn’t considered that! I did keep washcloths or cloth diapers (used as multi-purpose cloths) by the changing pad.
We also used A&D with every diaper change. Some people apply it with their fingers, I used cotton rounds from the supermarket. A&D is sticky and greasy, like Vaseline but harder to remove. Some people apply it to the diaper, but that doesn’t seem very effective to me.
Yup! I have recently learned why my father hid all of his unopened Hot Wheels out of our sight.
Steve
When I read the title, I thought to myself, I hope there’s a #2 pozidriv screwdriver on that list.
Mike (the other one)
Laser thermometer.
Terrycloth towels.
Sanitizer & Soap.
Nitrile gloves.
A good water hose and nozzle.
Fire extinguisher.
Pliers.
12 oz hammer for hanging pictures/decorations.
Earplugs.
Flashlight.
Stuart
IR thermometers, aside from the ones tuned for human temperature measurements, might not be the best choice.
We used physical thermometers once or twice before I bought a forehead thermometer. The forehead thermometer wasn’t the best to use, and I eventually bought an inexpensive ear thermometer. We still use the ear thermometer today, it worked out really well. I can’t stand under-the-tongue thermometers, and so we all use the ear thermometer, with spare boxes of tip covers in the medicine cabinet.
Why earplugs?
Nitrile gloves? DEFINITELY! I only needed them once for a week-one incident, but was glad to have them.
Koko The Talking Ape
Re utility knife, almost any knife will do for opening boxes. I used to use a key or a pencil. You just break the tape at any point, and if you’re pulling on it, it will just zip open. I like the simple snap-off cutters, used by Olfa and others. They’re another type of blade to stock and replace, but they should be more useful in the long run.
Stuart
There are a lot of situations where that won’t work, such as fiber-reinforced tape, or poly bags where you can’t grip it strongly enough to break the perforated top section.
Plus, boxes might need to be broken down for recycling.
Koko The Talking Ape
Yep, but for fiber-reinforced tape or strong poly bags, I use the snap-knives I mentioned. 🙂
I break down boxes using a key or pencil for recycling literally every day.
Michael
A canary cardboard cutter is soooo much better for opening packaging and breaking down boxes than a box cutter:
https://kk.org/cooltools/corrugated-cardboard-cutter-2/
Safer to use (cut against your body if you like), safer to have around (can catch a thrown cutter) and faster as well. It is possible to cut yourself, but you’re not gonna do as much damage as an actual blade.
In this case a special purpose tool is so much better than a general purpose tool to make it worthwhile. If you cut a lot of pizza you need a pizza wheel, if you deal with a lot of cardboard (or you just want the right tool for the job) you need a cardboard knife.
Stuart
I bought one a while back, but rarely use it. It depends on the box. If opening say a diaper box, I got the best results with a standard utility knife and sharp blade.
Michael
True, it’s not the best thing for a diaper box, but it’ll get it open. But I would reach for it first for any package from Amazon or most other retailers, say. Sometimes individual shippers go a little overboard with the tape…
It’s also the best thing for breaking really large boxes (e.g. from Ikea) into smaller pieces for recycling.
Tom D
Most 📦 I open with my Leatherman – and lots of them I don’t even open the blade, just bang it sharply against the tape seal and it pops open enough.
Diaper boxes I open from below – Pampers are glued on the bottom and it’s easy to pop it open.
Dennis
Agreed. Althought, their standard box cutter is a good tool, but I found their Heavy Duty Box Cutter (Retractable Blade) version more useful.
https://www.amazon.com/CANARY-Corrugated-Cardboard-Cutter-DC-25/dp/B004C5IVUA/ref=sr_1_22?dchild=1&keywords=cardboard+cutter&qid=1621526472&sr=8-22
Also when you get past the new parent stage and your kids want to build forts out of cardboard boxes or are doing one of the many school or crafting projects that use cardboard, these are fantastic tools.
PW
I’d put a lightweight claw hammer on the list. 8-12oz. Something for hanging pictures and adding just a little bit of persuasion to that flat pack assembly.
I really prefer wooden handles over the cheap fiberglass handles but that’s personal preference.
Wayne R.
When we moved into our current place, a friend gave my wife some picture hangers and a 7 ounce Stanley claw hammer. I thought at first it was a toy, but it’s perfect for putting art on the walls, not just for her but for me too.
It was a pretty insightful housewarming gift, really.
Jer S.
Precision Screwdrivers. I can’t tell you how many toys have little screws battery covers. I use those probably more than most tools around the house.
Joseph
Kid sized PPE is my recommendation. My nieces and nephews are always curious what we’re doing so I bought them hearing and eye protection so they can learn early.
JoshG
Kid sized Kinco work gloves exist!
Brian Collins
An assortment of AA and AAA batteries and one of the screwdrivers that have a blade that fits into the “coin” slot on a battery powered toy or item
Andy Ringsmuth
Hammer. How could you forget a hammer? Comes in handy for all kinds of stuff. And a decent pliers. A channel-lock style and/or a basic adjustable pliers.
And an adjustable wrench, aka Crescent Wrench.
And although maybe not aimed at brand-new parents, a small air compressor is hugely beneficial once the kids have things needing air. Bike tires, footballs, soccer balls, and so on. And car tires of course. I’m not talking a little 12v thing, but a basic pancake or hot dog unit from Harbor Freight for instance.
Bolt
Gerber dime for the package opener. It’s small and works great for opening difficult plastic packages. I got one for my brother and he started to give them out to all his new parent friends in place of his old stand by of tin snips for opening stuff.
Tim B.
Shockingly, the flush cutters were one of the first things that came to mind for me…. followed closely by a set of precision screwdrivers.
Another definite thing (and may only loosely fall along the lines of ‘tools’) would be a battery tester… even if you already have one. Keep it in one exact place. Children’s toys, for some reason, are still almost always battery powered by standard cells… and when your child can’t sleep because their favorite music/light/sound-maker “is broken”, you’ll be thankful you had a designated spare battery tester (along with, hopefully, some good batteries or even rechargables).
Jared
Good recommendations.
I’d echo the cordless vac too. When I bought one a few years ago I was very surprised just how often it is useful to have around. When it is that easy to grab and not have to deal with cords, its perfect even for those times you could use a dustpan and brush.
Another option to consider is a multitool. I already carried one most of the time before becoming a dad, but found innumerable uses for it after too. I might suggest erring towards a lightweight version.
Jared
I am wondering about those diamond-tipped screwdrivers. I’m curious to know how they compare to something like Wera laser tips. E.g. does that Diamond coating grip screw heads noticeably better than a standard tip?
KeithinSC
I’ll also add earplugs to the list!
Also, a roll around toolcart makes a GREAT changing table. All the nappies and powders in the drawers, and Junior on the top.
Pick a color that matches the nursery, and keep it for when they grow older. Toys and/or clothes fit in the drawers, and can be used for tools once they are of tinkering age.
Dawson
The most useful nighttime tool I’ve used for years now (with five kiddos now sharing a single bedroom) is a LOW LUMEN flashlight. We have their bedroom nearly blacked out with curtains, so when you need to check on/comfort a baby in the night, a half-lumen flashlight is perfect. It’s dim enough to not wake up a child, but bright enough to see what you need to.
I’ve had three flashlights: the ThruNite Ti4, ThruNite Ti3, and currently the Fenix LD02. I prefer the half-lumen modes of the ThruNite, but the Fenix is my current EDC.
The other tool I’d recommend is a multi tool. My Leatherman Wave comes in handy daily.
David Zeller
I’d echo the precision screwdrivers and add, while not a tool, some CA glue for mending broken things.
TonyT
Just a comment about the Klein cutters: like most small cutters (e.g. Xuron Micro-Shear, Hakko CHP), they are meant for soft wire, so if you abuse them around the house, they will be damaged.
For general household use, a small cutter that could handle tougher material would be better, but I doubt there’s an affordable retail option.
Ex_dtw2003
I like the Wiss serated shears for opening blister packaging. Relatively cheap to boot.
Matt C.
When I have to put something together for the kids I grab my Leatherman Blast. I’ve rarely needed anything else. I did buy a husky ratcheting multi screwdriver that I love. I occasionally grab that too. But I got the one with the longer bits that store in the handle.
JoeM
Hear me out… I’m an Uncle MANY times over… So don’t take this list too harshly…
Duct Tape
Zip Ties
Krazy/CA Glue
Bungee Cords
Industrial Garbage Bags
Tarps
Nylon or Hemp Rope Twine
Balsa Wood Dowling of all sizes.
In a pinch, these are what supplies you need to make an improvised ANYTHING you might need for them. A Hammock? Twine + Garbage Bag or Tarp. A Shiny Mobile over the Crib to entertain them? Twine + Dowling + Glue + Duct Tape (Origami into Shapes) and if they get to the point of swatting at it and it breaks? So what? it was improvised, and you didn’t waste any real money on it. Totally kid-destructible with no remorse!
Bungee Cords + Tarp + Zipties… Cut it the right shape, and it’s a kid-swing or bouncer for going on a picnic in a park! Not necessarily a playground-style park, but one of those nice, grassy lawn type green spaces that cities and small towns tend to have for relaxing or just as scenery. Sometimes, you’re going to want to get out of the house with that new baby, just to get it some fresh air, and being able to just… improvise what you need, saves a little less you have to pack in the diaper bag, other than more diapers and the Mom for feeding.
The Duct Tape… Of course… Can easily be replaced with Gaffer’s Tape, but you can make Duct Tape’s Silver Side very shiny… so that is its only real benefit over other tapes in the mobile project. If you want to do something else? Maybe some Mylar sheets, or a few spare Emergency Thermal Blankets? You know, really shiny stuff? Shiny stuff is always engaging… if you can take the time to cut it into shapes, numbers, letters, etc… it’s educational too!
And most importantly, don’t ever forget… You are part of the kit… Every second you can spend with them (without passing out) is a part of making them who they will be later on!
Nathan
i keep a 6 in one screw driver in the house – that gets alot of toy duty vs an individual set.
On the wire clips I like that I’d use a cheaper brand perhaps. but regardless I would agree you either need that or a slim form of diagonal cutters.
Utility knife – I use the Olfa now exclusively. to the point where I’ve bought probably 6 or more that I’ve given to people.
Decent pocket knife works there to.
Precision driver – while i agree nice to use . My 6 in 1 has a number 1 phillips that works fine for most toys I’ve touched.
Furniture assembly – That’s exactly how I ended up buying the Bondhus hex bit set – they make them with ball end too – 1/4 hex drive – speed 1 on the impact driver works great and the 12V screwdriver works even better. Same with a set of bits.
Otherwise I agree with the idea that a ratchet and bit holder works wonders. The bits can go from power driver, to ratchet holder to screwdriver too. stubby bit holder.
Agreed on the Pozidrive need, but I’ve run in some with a philps and being gentle works pretty well.
also best parenting tool that I use the most – my smartphone. Look up info, or magnifier app to read bottles, etc etc.
Mike
Open It’s are my favorite “tool” as a parent. Cuts through the blister packages like butter, has a mini screwdriver in it, and a box cutter. I have several strategically placed around the house.
I also really like the Slice auto retracting ceramic bladed box cutters a lot. Have the handle looking one in the garage for breaking down boxes that’s gotten quite the workout. I’m tempted to get the keychain one…but I don’t need to be carrying any more crap than I already do.
ChrisP
An extentable magnetic retrieve tool so you can get your car keys out from behind the bookcase
Daniel
I completely agree with earplugs. Or at least good sound blocking fully wireless earbuds.
I understand that hearing loss is cumulative, so I don’t doubt this may have started prior to my daughter’s birth, but she actually damaged my right ear by screaming in it at a few weeks old. She’s pushing 2 now and I still can’t hear any loud noises in that ear without hearing/feeling a crunching noise, kind of like a blown speaker. That kind of ear damage NEVER heals.
Years of wearing hearing protection to try to be safe in machine shops, etc, and I did not think to do so with my 3 week old. Live and learn.
Fully wireless earbuds, because if a baby sees the wire, they will constantly be grabbing at it. Same reason why new moms cut their hair short and stop wearing dangly jewelry and necklaces.
Scott M
For putting together kids furniture, I actually rely on a tool from my bike tool kit – a Pedro’s “3-way” 4-5-6mm hex tool. Plenty of leverage and fast install/removal. Lifetime warranty. Plus, it’s very ergonomic. I prefer it over my loose hex keys (also Pedro’s) unless I need high torque to break something loose. AND they make a killer bottle opener (though I drink less with kids despite wishing I drank more).
Paramount
I initially poo poohed the wera advent calendar last year, but that little kit will assemble 95% of crappy doll furniture and toddler stuff.
You get that and a utility knife, and you can do the vast majority of kid related things. I’ll assume most everyone here has hammers, so I’ll leave that out.
Paramount
*but I agree with someone above about the coin opener…I need to pick up one of those
MrS85
I recommend at least two mini bent needle nose pliers: one for in the house, and one for each car with a car seat. If you have ever tried to take off a vomit-covered carseat cover in a hurry, you know that you need either extremely nimble fingers or some precision pliers to pull off all the elastic connectors. After a dozen or so times, I might be able to get the cover off, but getting it back on after it’s clean is an even bigger pain.
John Robbins
As a dad of three under 8, this article hit perfectly! I’d throw in another vote for the cordless shop vac option. I have both and have recently been pulling out only the cordless for ease of use for quick needed pick ups. Also, I have everything on this list EXCEPT that Kline flush cutter. I will now be adding it to the cart! Again, great article for all parents!
Mac
What, no drywall repair tools? A 3″ and 6″ knife, bag of fix all, and 20 minute topper, a can of spray texture and an infinite supply of magic erasers.
MM
I always recommend a 3″ stiff angled scraper as a basic tool for new homeowners. You can use it for scraping and while it’s not the same as a real drywall knife it’s close enough and works great for doing basic homeowner drywall repairs.
Matt
Flush cutters are awesome, esp for zip ties, but my Klein sample was junk. I mean junk. I had a Knipex that was awesome and saw that Klein one at HD for like $11 and thought sure, for a spare. Ugh. Blades are misaligned, grind is off. Could just be mine but I’d say buy in person and check before you leave the store.
Jared
For an HD alternative, the Channellock 758 long reach diagonal flush cutters are really nice.
That’s what I have. For what it’s worth, I think they’re great. Quite a bit larger and more expensive than the “mini” Klein’s in this post though. They do an excellent job on cable ties and are suitable for wiring too. I really like the size and handle shape.
I’ve eyeballed some “mini” flush cutters a few times, but haven’t pulled the trigger. My Channellocks seem to do everything I need.
Admittedly, I’m somewhat of a Channellock fan. They make some nice, good-quality pliers that don’t cost a bundle (compared to say, Knipex, NWS, etc.). I used my 337’s (short diagonal pliers) to cut a small bolt the other day. Powered through it without much effort!
That did not strike me as an appropriate use, but I had them in my pocket and was away from my shop working on a tractor. After I did it, I paused and worried I might have damaged the blades – nope, still look great.
JoshG
Add any type of screw chekr or thread gages to the list.
After having kids, there are always missing screws, bolts and nuts that need to be replaced at the hardware store. Lately, I can’t get through a project without my 3 yo running off with parts (Frustrating, but excited that he wants to “play tools”). It’s so much easier to keep a running list of parts to pick up when you go to the store than to take a pocket full of parts to size at the store. And often a missing bolt is the difference between running an expensive jogging stroller (or scooter, or seesaw, endless baby stuff) for another year or buying a new one.