Carol,
Now is an excellent time to buy into tools. If you have the basics, then I would add the following...
Flush cutting wire cutter
Chain Break
At least one multimeter. (Some nice ones are still available for less than $50)
A set of both English and Metric Allen wrenches.
A nice machinist's square
A good hacksaw with several blades
A couple of files, or a set including different lengths and cuts
A couple of drill sets
Pop Rivet tool, rivets (different lengths and material) and several of the correct size drills for installation and removal.
If you are thinking of using Anderson Power Product electrical terminals, then crimping tool for such connections. (Search Anderson here on CD for recent discussions of tools and terminals.
MCM Electronics (
www.mcmelectronics.com) has nice zip cord wire. Get a 500 ft. roll of #18, #14 or #12, and #10. You will have it for years to come and it make wiring easier as the red and black wire are bonded together.
Ty-wraps of varying sizes and lengths.
Heatshrink for wire insulation in various sizes.