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Hand Tools & Hardware

3 min read

A claw hammer, three types of pliers, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a crosscut saw and a hacksaw, an adjustable wrench with a socket set, files and rasps, tape, rope and assorted fasteners cover most building and repair work. Hardware stores are the primary target, with garages, workshops and construction sites as second choices. Hand tools need no fuel or power, which is why they outlast almost everything else.

Part of Tier 3: Tools, Seeds & Reference

A small set of hand tools builds shelter, processes materials and makes repairs without fuel or power.

A Short List Does Most Of The Work

Without tools you are limited to what your hands and teeth can manage. With a modest set you can build shelter, process materials, make repairs and manufacture new items. The list below is a core kit, not a shopping list for a workshop.

The Core Kit

  • Hammer. A claw hammer for construction; a ball-peen hammer for metalwork.
  • Pliers. Needle-nose, channel-lock and vise-grip. These three types cover most needs.
  • Screwdrivers. Phillips and flathead in multiple sizes, or a bit set.
  • Saws. A crosscut hand saw for lumber and a hacksaw for metal.
  • Wrenches. An adjustable wrench plus a socket set covers most bolt sizes.
  • Files and rasps. For sharpening and for shaping wood and metal.
  • Tape. Duct tape, electrical tape and medical tape. The universal repair material.
  • Rope and cordage. 550 paracord (rated to 250 kg breaking strength), nylon rope and bungee cords.
  • Fasteners. Nails, screws, bolts, wire and zip ties. Take assorted boxes.

Where To Look

Hardware stores are the primary target, with garages, workshops, construction sites, maintenance closets in commercial buildings and farm equipment sheds also holding tools. For knives, axes and crowbars, see Cutting & Prying Tools.

Choosing And Checking

Step 1: Prefer simple tools over powered ones. A powered tool depends on batteries or mains power. A hand tool works every time.

Step 2: Check the working surface. Look at the jaws of pliers, the teeth of saws and the heads of hammers for cracks and wear.

Step 3: Check the handle. Wood handles dry, split and loosen; a loose head is dangerous.

Step 4: Take assorted fasteners, not large quantities of one kind. Variety is more useful than volume until you know what you will build.

For assessing and restoring what you find, see Tool Identification & Repair.

Common Mistakes

  • Taking heavy cast-iron or powered tools first. Weight rules out most of them; apply Carry Capacity vs. Value.
  • Ignoring tape and cordage. They are light and solve many problems.
  • Forgetting sharpening. A file keeps blades and saws working.

Safety

Tools fail where the user is least able to be helped

A hammer head that flies off, a screwdriver used as a chisel, or a hacksaw blade that snaps can all cause injury. Wear gloves and eye protection when striking steel, and keep your free hand out of the line of the tool.

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