[Dick Linn]

A few thoughts:

Open & box wrenches: We mostly used the smaller ones, ½ inch and under. For occasional use, the $15-$20 Harbor Freight combination sets are adequate.

Hex wrenches: I prefer the individual ones as long as there’s a box/holder. The best set I have is actually an inexpensive “Task Force” 30 piece set I got at Lowe’s. They don’t seem to have that anymore (at least not on-line) but they do have a 25-piece set by Kobalt for $9.

If you happen to buy anything from Harbor Freight, take advantage of their 20% off coupons, which have been appearing regularly in Popular Science and Popular Mechanics magazine recently. The 20% is on top of any current sale price.

Files: Despite having many good files, one of the best I found for routine use on aluminum was a super-cheap, rather coarse 6” flat file that cost about $1. at Northern Tool or HF, I forget which. It didn’t seem to clog no matter what.

Screwdrivers: Good quality screwdrivers are a pleasure to use. Avoid the really cheap sets.

Hacksaw: A good quality, high-tension hacksaw and a variety of good bi-metal blades is worthwhile. If you can afford a generic 4” x 6” band saw, that would be great. On sale and with a coupon, they are often available for around $160. or so.

Check garage sales, Craigslist and flea markets for various hand tools. Not long ago I got a Gerber multi-tool (pliers) that was virtually unused for $4. Found some brand new old stock FELCO (Swiss) pruning shears for $10. These retail for about $60. I have a huge hammer collection and typically give anywhere from $1-$5 each, depending on size and quality.

Post a note at school or make an announcement at a PTA meeting. A lot of people have a few extra tools laying around.