Comment RE: Subversive Gifts for New College Students? (Score 2, Insightful) 1191
Someone's already suggested tools, and I heartily agree. Think of the projects you likely did: hanging pictures and shelves, building bookcases and lofts, and imagine the tools that will help.
I don't know how much you're planning to spend, but, here's a list of tools I used all the time during my college years:
NB: Don't bother buying cheap tools! remember: The bitterness of poor quality will be remembered long after the sweetness of low price has been forgotten.
The results of using a poor-quality tool vary from a frustrating experience when a hand tool almost does what it's supposed to, to a permanently-disfiguring accident when an under-powered saw jams, kicks back, and slices digits. If money is tight, it is better to buy good tools used than lousy tools new.
- Makita 9.6V cordless drill w/drill bits and driver bits - a total workhorse - I bought mine in 1987, used it all through school, then professionally for ten years. The only thing I've ever replaced are the NiCd batteries.
This thing can drill holes and drive screws all day long. The entire entertainment industry runs on this tool. - Saw - electric circular if you're going high $$$; high quality hand saw otherwise
- Hand Tools -
- Good 20oz. forged hammer - Estwing is nice
- 4-Way screwdriver - one double-ended shank, each end holding one double-ended bit
- 30 ft. steel-bladed tape measure
- Utility knife - I like the Stanley one that swings open butterfly-style, so you can change the blade without using a screwdriver
- Vise-Grip brand locking pliers - accept no substitutes - there's Vise-Grip, and not exactly.
- Miscellaneous
- Permacel Gaffer's Tape - available from theatrical/film supply houses - as useful as duct tape, but stronger, doesn't smell like dead horses, and leaves much less residue on removal
- Assortment of screws, nails, bolts, nuts, plastic drywall anchors, etc.
- Small tub of spackle and a flexible putty knife for filling holes made by above
