All I Want for Christmas is a New Toolbox

All I want for Christmas is a new toolbox! And some tools to go in it wouldn't be a bad thing either. I think most guys will tell you that you can never have enough tools. I probably had duplicates of most of the big ticket items like hammers, saws and screwdrivers. Why, I'll never know. Well, I do know: I'd leave my tools all over the house and not see them in my toolbox which leads me to believe I needed a new hammer or whatever. I do not for a second believe I am the only guy that does this.

I recently moved and went from having too many tools to not enough (actually none) because I forgot to take my tools with me. And if that wasn't bad enough I experienced the realization that tools are expensive! But if you're building your toolbox from ground zero you're gonna need the basics and them some. How much you spend on tools is a touchy subject. It's true that all I want for Christmas is a new toolbox, but I'd also like the tools I place in it to last a while. I personally try to find a happy medium between "too cheap" and "too expensive". Unless of course the tools is a gift and it's out of your control. Otherwise, it's a screw driver not a status symbol.

So stick with me and will figure this out together. My hope is that someone hanging on the family tree will read this and opt for drill bits instead of a tie or another wooden duck.

The Top Five

My list and your list may differ. That's OK. The important thing is that you have access to the tools you need. Having access to the tool "I" need may make me feel good inside but won't do you much good in the long run.

• Claw Hammer: for my money (or someone else's for that matter) a good 16 ounce claw hammer is worth its weight in gold. The Art of Manliness.com recommends a synthetic handle instead of wood and I agree. Why? Because wood can break.
• Screwdriver: Both a Flathead and Phillips head and make sure you have different sizes. Ever notice that 4-star point screw have pretty much replaced regular flathead screws? And as long as I'm at it, I'd recommend screw-drives with a rubber handle. Better to hold on to.
• Crescent Wrench: I think the tool I miss the most is my old adjustable crescent wrench. Like having several wrenches all in one.
• Socket Wrench: The socket wrench with a full set of heads is yet another invaluable asset for your toolbox.
• Drill and bits: I may be in the minority but I'm not real big on cordless drills. Granted the cordless drill can go with you anywhere, but for my money (what's left of it anyway after I buy all these tools) I'll take a standard drill anytime.

Rounding Out the List

• Saws: Show me a tool box that doesn't have a wood saw and a hack saw and I'll show you someone with a self-help fixer-up project that grinds to a halt in record time. And don't forget extra blades for the hacksaw.
• Misc: A selection of nails, screws, washers, nuts and bolts. And don't forget a tape measure. And as far as toolboxes go, get something that will accommodate your largest tool. If it's big enough for your saw then it probably is good for everything else.

So there you have it. Certainly you can acquire more tools for your toolbox. Tools are to guys what jewelry is to women. But before you amass enough tools to open your own hardware store, think about what you really need. There's something to be said for paying as you go.