20 Basic Tools for Your Bag - Starter Tool Kit -

The video "20 Basic Tools for Your Bag - Starter Tool Kit" by John Crane provides a comprehensive list of essential tools recommended for beginners, apprentices, or anyone needing a simple, versatile tool kit for home, shop, boat, or job site use. John emphasizes practical, reliable tools that cover a wide range of basic tasks.

Key Tools to Include in a Starter Tool Kit:

• Tape Measure (e.g., Stanley Power Lock or Fat Max)
• Hammer (classic claw hammer)
• Pry Bar (narrow tip for pulling nails and prying)
• Combination Square (versatile measuring and marking tool)
• Utility Knife (for cutting boxes, vinyl, etc.)
• Japanese Folding Saw (compact and effective for cutting wood)
• Hacksaw (lightweight for cutting metal or nails)
• Screwdriver Set (Phillips and flat head in various sizes)
• 11-in-1 Multi-tool Screwdriver (includes Phillips, flat, Torx, square drives)
• Hex Key (Allen) Set (both metric and standard)
• Channel Locks (Adjustable Pliers) (for gripping pipes, steel, plumbing)
• Adjustable Wrenches (recommend two for working nuts and bolts)
• Linesman’s Pliers (with crimping feature, versatile for electrical and general use)
• Needle Nose Pliers (with cutters for wire bending and electrical tasks)
• Diagonal Cutters (Dikes) (for cutting wire, prying nails and staples)
• Wire Strippers (high-quality pair recommended for electrical work)
• Utility Chisel (for chiseling wood, scraping paint, other uses)
• Torpedo Level (small, handy for quick leveling tasks)
• Tin Snips (universal type for cutting metal sheets, vents, ducting)
• Punches (center punch and hinge pin punch for metal and door work)

Bonus Items:

• Pencil or mechanical pencil
• Sharpie marker
• Safety gear: safety glasses and hearing protection (e.g., Peltor earmuffs)
• Drill bits set (1/16” to 1/2”)
• Impact driver screw tip set (Phillips, star, square drives)
• Countersink bit (for starting screws in wood)

Additional Tips:

• Customize your tool kit based on your trade or project needs.
• Tools can be purchased new (links available on John’s website) or found affordably at thrift stores, garage sales, or Goodwill.
• Building a tool kit over time is encouraged, starting with these basics.

Notable Mentions:

• Tools brands: Stanley, Milwaukee, Craftsman, Klein Tools, Whis, DeWalt
• Website: rightonwithjohncrane.com for full tool list and purchase links
• John Crane is the presenter, sharing decades of experience and practical advice.

This starter kit is designed to equip you with fundamental tools for a wide variety of basic construction, repair, and electrical tasks.