(20) Must Have Tools You Don't Know You Need

I've assembled a list of some of my favorite random tools that I think should be in everyone's workshop.
Amazon Affiliate links to all of the items I've mentioned are below:

1. Ice Cream Buckets - Free ($5.00)

2. Razor blades - ($6.99)

3. Silver sharpie - paint stick ($8.39)

Scratch Awl - ($6.99)

Zip Lock Bag Assortment - ($10.99)

Emery cloth - ($12.17)

Rubber (Nitrile) gloves - ($15.98)

Zip Tie Cutters - ($16.99)

Deburring tool - ($19.95)

Counter sinks - ($22.98)

Sheets - plastic - tarps - Free ($24.89)

Assortment of wood blocks - Free ($27.95)

Assortment of clamps - ($30.50 - $39.99)

Heat gun - ($29.34)

Tubing Cutters - ($35.00)

Roller carts - ($36.00)

Saw horses - ($49.98)

Good push broom - ($53.48)

Wire wheel for drill and benchtop grinder- ($10.99 - $153.67)

Analog Battery charger - ($326.43)

[gregprince]

Pop's is 88 and He and his Dad told me years ago not only buy the tool you need but buy the tool you can pass on to the next as I get closer to my next adventure I look at my garage, basement and have started gifting alotta those items and smiling for that great advice 40 years ago

[ericpetz]

Those magnetic dishes, and magnetic pickup tools are a must have in any shop, preferably in a couple different sizes.

[drumtuna]

A label maker is hands down a must have for the shop.

[IsitMe]

Surgical hemostats come in handy when holding tiny things with hands too big to grasp it. I'm an artist and I use these in everything too small to hold.

[wrstew]

Flush cut electrical pliers. Former aircraft/helicopter mechanic, who screams at people who don’t flush trim zip ties. I have scars from said experience. Inexpensive ones for exclusive use for ties, or splurge on getting great ones for spring steel. Well worth the small bucks.

[alittleofthisandalittleofthat]

A work table. 3/4” ply with 2x4 around the edge to strengthen 3’X 7’, and with foldable legs. I just replaced the 34 year old foldable legs with new ones! I have build many of remote control planes on it pre kids 😂, and repaired a rotor tiller and many other things as well as cut lumber, you name it it’s wonderful. No bending over standing on my head or down on on one knee for me. 👍

[robertpao]

Proud to say Have everything on the list. Would add an extendable magnet wand or claw picker upper thing.

[briancarpenter]

The "tool" that has most improved my workshop is a full size toolbox. I'm not saying a giant behemoth, but a freestanding toolbox on casters was the best upgrade for my shop. Digging through small toolboxes and tool bags to find what you need is a real drag on productivity and motivation. I didn't want to give up the floor space in my 2 car garage, but it is well worth it for most of my tools to have a specific place. I'm envious of how much drawer space you have, but I don't yet have a large enough shop for more toolboxes. Also, labeling the drawers is great. I can tell a family member or friend exactly where to grab a tool if I'm working under a vehicle.

[littlejason]

Good list, I agree with everything you mentioned. Another invaluable tool in my garage is my bench vise. I'm talking about a goold old AMERICAN bench vise, not the cheap chinese ones in the stores. Most of the stuff I've acquired over the years for my garage has been from going to estate sales. They just don't make stuff like they used to.

[BG-vqfd]

BTW that construction yellow and gray looks good.
I use 5 gallon buckets. Dad's been gone 22 years but I still have plenty of ice cream buckets and emery cloth. He also left me plenty of mechanics wire. I use flush cut wire cutters for the zip ties. I thought those tools were to pull them tight. I was wanting one of the little devices to jump start vehicles. I found out many of them do not work if voltage is too low. So I found 1 that shows voltage and you can use an over ride to work at low voltage.
I've been cut many times by ends sticking out of gear type hose clamps. I think it's my newest JD that has covers on them.

[Tool-Meister]

Being nearly double your age, I have every thing on your list, including the, analog charger. Small parts trays come to mind for the average DIYer. I also press egg cartons into parts sorting service. The one hand tool I highly recommend are duck-bill pliers. You won’t know you needed them until you’ve had them available on a daily basis. Lastly, a smallish electrical auto-ranging multimeter is a must-have for every DIYer. I say dito, regarding the suggested label-maker.

[jaybrown]

Great list. I would add a good multimeter for AC or DC electric work. Checking for continuity or blown fuses is an ease with a decent one. Thanks.

[oby-]

Absolutely correct on the analog battery charger. They actually work when the digital ones don't.
A compressor is invaluable to me because it inflates my tires and helps power the tire machine. It also runs the impact wrench and hi speed grinder. Couldn't live without it.

[ericpetz]

A good set of drill bits preferably cobalt, as well as a set of left handed drill bits. A spring loaded center punch, easy outs and at least a basic tap and die set. Another nice thing to have is a pick set, I have several including those that look like dental picks, and forceps, the latter two I got at the local sporting goods store. And a couple good pairs of tweezers for splinters etc.

[marshallcollins]

Your GRANDFATHER and are probably about the same age. If I had a grandson like you I would be proud.👍🏻

[Garth]

Don't forget the BIG garage is handy to have too.

[joemuncie]

At the end Greg showed what I found invaluable while working in my friend's shop; a pocket knife. From opening boxes to padded envelopes, I use mine every day.

[randykrochak]

My have to have, A round magnet on a stick! Small enough to get into places, big enough to pickup bolts, drill shavings.

[Dave-eikk]

Good list. I too have collected many tools in my 70 years and I’m proud to say I have everything g on your list except the straight blade multi-cutter. But I do have two similar cutters for round tubing like fuel hoses and a special one for cutting PEX-A pipe. So we’re at least 95% in sync!

[KBLIZZ]

Proud to say I have everything on this list with the exception of that fancy zip tie cutter. I usually use a small pair of angled cutters. I learned very early on smart chargers won't charge dead batteries. Also can't do nickel plating or electrolysis rust removal. Now I have a selection of "dumb" chargers.