I don't think you mean a painters tool...but he definitely needs a painters tool. The number of times I've gone "crap I have this one little thing I need to do, i wish I had a painters tool on me"
And a little pry bar.
I put a set almost exactly like that for my daughter a couple of years ago when she moved to a new place. Everything the OP included, plus 9 inch Channellocks, a good utility knife (folding is best), and a little pry bar.
Yep. We Americans tend to use "channel lock" ubiquitously for pretty much any adjustable or tongue/groove pliers. Channel Lock is the biggest brand/most recognized over here, just as Knipex would on your side of the world.
I have a couple of sets of Knipex cobras, but I have a set of Channel Lock brand in my truck that have probably seen more use than any other single tool I own.
That was me for a long time. I finally ended up trying out the 5-in Cobras, maybe two or so years back and never did go back to my mini Channels. The cobras do everything the channels do, offer a bigger maximum capacity, and fit nicely in a belt pouch with the 5-in pliers-wrench they're paired with.
That was me for a long time. I finally ended up trying out the 5-in Cobras, maybe two or so years back and never did go back to my mini Channels. The cobras do everything the channels do, offer a bigger maximum capacity, and fit nicely in a belt pouch with the 5-in pliers-wrench they're paired with.
I used to not have a cordless drill or impact, so it was often more convenient to just screw something in by hand than look for an extension cord. When my wife gifted me a nice cordless tool set, it really made a huge difference in my happiness doing little jobs around the house lol.
Hence why I said cheap drill or electric screwdriver. I don't ever recommend impacts to the inexperienced.
Aside from the one-off time when I fuck with the apprentices, but that's for the hahas.
As others have mentioned as far as tools go are all good recommendations. One thing that I did see mentioned (or if I missed it) is how handy is this person with tools? I only ask is from personal experience, coming from an industrial workplace with office workers there are different skill levels when it comes to hand tools and power tools.
If this person isn’t handy with tools I’d say basic hand tools (which I already see in the photos) just add in a small socket set and a basic 4 piece screw driver set and you are golden.
As another poster mentioned with a electric driver, again depending on the person’s skill level I would suggest what ever box store is nearby and get the cheapest power tool they have if it will only see occasional use. Where I live and work I could get whatever brand tools but that may be a different story in New York and I am not familiar with what is available that way.
Some brands to give you an idea; Wal-Mart has Hart Tools, Home Depot has Ryobi, Lowe’s has Blue Hawk/Craftsman, Harbor Freight has Bauer. There are others and better but I am trying to stick to the cheapest 😎
Trying to keep this a short post but hopefully this info is helpful!
Bahaha!
Oh, if only.
Having had NYC landlords before, I assure you - they will fix nothing and when you call them, you will get pushed from one full voicemail box to the next.
Currently still in a legal dispute over bogus charges they’re trying to make us pay after moving out.
The multimeter scares me. There are so many tools you should own and have used before you start playing with your homes (or someone else's home you're renting) electrical. What I see here is just enough tools to cause problems in the hands of an unsupervised kid.
My house is owned by a corporation. I'm financially responsible for any and all repairs under 500 dollars. If it costs them less than that to fix something they bill it to my rent.
I'm paying 2265 dollars a month for a 1374 sq foot house that may as well not exist to the landlord.
My air conditioner doesn't work almost at all. But because it KIND OF blows cold air it's not TECHNICALLY broken. So no repairs are needed. It doesn't matter that it doesn't actually cool the house. And, before you ask I set it at 80 degrees and it won't even keep it at 80.
I fucking hate land lords.
If it isn’t a critical problem that needs fixing/replacing (burst pipes, shoddy flooring, dead appliances) I happily take on the burden of small fixes to avoid having people in my space
A sponge an elastic band a rubber glove and a Pringles tube.
Ratcheting spanner set and a cheap socket set and a large screwdriver bit set that ph0 and husky thing won’t cut it
Also go get a cheap box to put it all in
Had an utter moron for a roommate sophomore year. Put up a dart board, couldn’t hit the board, regularly pulled darts out of the wall by pulling down thereby popping out a chunk of the wall leaving over a dozen divots in our kitche wall. He keeps saying he’ll fix it. 5 days before move out he finally admits he doesn’t know how, calls his dad and tells him about the dart holes. His dad, not knowing about the divots, tells him about the toothpaste trick.
This dumb motherfucker filled 3 of the divots with his entire tube of red white and blue aqua fresh, proudly proclaimed that he was mostly done but had to go to the store to get more toothpaste, and insisted that we had messed with it when he came back to discover that somehow his miraculous solution of applying a wad of wet blue goo to a white wall was not only not as hard as drywall but was running down the wall in a long blue streak.
He freaked out when we tried to explain what his dad meant, told us we didn’t know all the tricks his dad knew, insisted that the toothpaste would dry to be a hard white smooth surface overnight because of how toothpaste gets crusty around the cap, and finally claimed that the only other solution would be to tear down and replace the entire wall so our entire security deposit was lost anyway so fixing it didn’t matter because then we’d only be liable for wall we built.
I told him I would fix it if he moved out the next morning instead of in 5 days. He did. I spent like $6 on some filler a plastic putty knife set and some sandpaper and smiled in sweet silence as I patched that wall. Got nearly the whole security deposit back, less $25, which we convinced the landlord to take out of his cut.
Not the worst person I’ve ever know, but the worst to be around.
Toothpaste is as good a solution for holes in the wall as egg in a radiator.
People do it, but please don't. It looks like things are fixed when they aren't and will give out. It's as honest as you landlord holding your deposit for holes in the wall. If both of you are honest, they'll spackle the holes as regular wear and tear without issues.
A big flat and Phillips head screwdriver, if they have a Sloan valve toilet they will need the flat to shut off the water in an emergency.
Id also say add duct tape.
Drill, utility knife, an old coffee can of random screws, nails, and drywall anchors, maybe a more extensive socket set, glue, and possibly some type of saw, though I'm not totally sure how useful that would be in an apartment.
TBH, less stuff. The most precious thing in NYC is space. He will want to put up paintings and hang a TV on the wall. So, just some kind of drill that can put a hole in drywall for anchors and drywall anchors. A small hammer. One flathead and one Phillips screwdriver. One pair of locking pliers. All of it in the smallest study box it’ll fit in.
The electric driver and some bits will be enough for hanging paintings.
Yeah, I got by just fine in Manhattan with a hammer, Phillips head, picture hanging kit, a leatherman, and a tape measure. Anything requiring something more complicated than that will be handled at the landlord's expense by the super.
This! Crescent wrench and channel locks are probably 2 of the most used items around my house. Especially channel locks.
Edit: Maybe throw in a hacksaw as well.
Perfect option if they’re a “tool person”/someone who will buy more as their skills improve or when they need to branch out to a driver, saw, etc.
If it’s their only power tool that gets used a handful of times a year, a much cheaper ryobi will last a long long time
For home use, Ryobi is slept on so much. Got a hand-me-down set of drill, impact, circular saw, and sawzall from my dad when I moved out and its still going strong over a decade later. Love that shit.
Funny you say that because this post was actually my post from November 2021. (I guess posting other people’s content is a thing). When we were moving him into the city I went to Home Depot in Manhattan and got the Christmas special drill and driver set by Makita. Total overkill 😂 he’s used it a handful of times.
Glad I saw your comment! What a weird thing to repost!? I remember seeing your post from looking through all time top posts and thought this was weird deja vu for a second
Just want to say it’s awesome that you’re doing this. My dad gave me a similar starter toolbox when I first moved out and it’s been my most used gift for the last 15+ years. I’m always thankful for him every time I need it.
Yeah and if a pipe bursts, you still want to be able to turn off the water instead of standing there helpless while your shit gets soaked while your waiting for the landlord to come over. Like yes it is the land lords responsibility, but also be able to do enough to avoid a disaster.
Flash light, lantern, batteries. Yes. I live in an apartment (have lived in apartments for years) and use those. Where I live, a weather radio would be welcome. Apartments I've lived in are/were landlord only does repair. They don't want you to mess around with anything in the apartment and have an "after hours" emergency # to call for emergencies. Water leak?, possible wiring/electrical issue? Call immediately. Something else? Call the office or send an email or text during office office hours or to the maintenance guy.
I've used tools to hang pictures, to a furniture fix, assemble furniture, do a craft project. Needed flash lights or battery lanterns, extra batteries for power failures.
Dad's want to help, but very basic items are all you need 99% of the time. My dad filled a tool box for me. I've used the screw drivers and a couple of the wrenches and pliers.
Tool kit looks fine, but I’d remove the multimeter so they don’t get inquisitive and electrocute themselves, if they knew how to use it they’d likely already have tools. Make sure they have Allen inserts for the driver, as they have a lot of IKEA assembly in the near future and the keys are garbage for that. A little extras would be some steel wool to jamb in the holes where the mice come out and some roach poison. Some foam tape and weather stripping to keep the hallway noise/ odor and pollution out of the apartment. You need an extra deadbolt or latch less smart lock to keep your landlord out when you’re not there. Oh and don’t forget a complimentary passive self defense manual for the subway commute… wouldn’t wish Manhattan on my enemy though, o did my time there, I don’t know what’s worse, the people, the food, the pollution, or the people.
When I moved out on my own for the first time, I had spent nearly 20 years working on the family farm. Could fix just about any mechanical problem across the tractors, trucks and various other machinery, weld, had built sheds and renovated houses, had put up kilometres of fencing and laid almost as much irrigation pipe. Wired up shearing quarters, camping shacks, caravans, sheds and even some in the house.
I didn't even own a hammer because I never needed to own a hammer, there was an entire shed full of tools and more than enough of each tool that we never ran into problems with them needing to be at opposite sides of the farm.
I still questioned what the advantages of different brands or tools had over others. Having to ask a question or buy something you didn't have before doesn't mean you don't know how to use it. Occasionally I'll still go to do a job 7 years later and think "What the hell did I do with the ____" only to remember that was on the farm and I don't own a ____. Then I go to my happy place and buy one.
Rant over. Sorry.
I do agree, if OP is sending the multimeter make sure they know how to use it safely and aren't just going to go poke it in power sockets and looking for live wires for the thrill of it.
Black and Decker makes a really neat little "furniture assembly tool". It's a small driver that has a slot in the chuck to let you put in the Allen keys that come with the furniture.
It's <$15 and worth twice the price.
Yep, honestly no need for a multimeter for apartment living. If an outlet or light fixture is bad, call the super.
Maybe a better tool is a non-contact voltage tester, so you can at least tell if something is live.
Get an outlet tester. Wiring was messed up in my kid's apartment and the tester showed the super that it was a problem. His UPS would not work without it being fixed.
This is the best answer. The tools are fine as are most of these suggestions. Having good hardware available to fix things is just as important as having tools.
Assuming things like Ikea / flat-pack furniture maybe involved I'd suggest a speedsquare and steel rule (or just a T-square with level), thin gloves for assembling stuff without getting "nipped" rather than thick gloves, a knife and/or a scribe, light safety glasses, a small torch, and a small spray can of silicon oil / WD40 for hinges etc
Personally I'd also add a small pry bar (I have a Shark prybar that's ever so useful)
Bug and rat killer and extra Tupperware to put some water in along with the legs of furniture that you want to make it more difficult for roaches to climb onto
I lived in a walk-up in Manhattan for 20 years. I took a look at your assembled kit there and this is what I think you need. You're a good father for doing this and helping him. You've girl a better kitty assembled than most people have.
Drywall saw. Cockroach gel. Assorted nails and screws. Hooks to hang pictures. Wall repair kit for when he moves out. Toilet Plunger. Drain snake (opt, only used it twice).
From my NYC experience, I had the most use out of my cordless drill, spackle knife (for the inevitable wall repair), wall anchors and assorted screws, box cutter, and stud finder.
If the goal is a decent starting tool kit that will cover most everything for living on your own, I'd say add
- box cutter
- ratcheting wrench set
- socket ratchet set
- decent rechargeable drill
- level with laser
That will cover a lot of scenarios, and you can get passable tools for all of that for around $200-$250
The next upgrade I'd say would be 2 channel locks.
small cordless drill (i used mine all the time when i was in apartments, for hanging curtains and etc). Maybe an assortment of small hardware/finish nails/screws?
Adjustable crescent wrench, on the larger side of you need to take a trap apart.
A few wrenches and socket attachment a ratchet or screw driver in the most common sizes: 1/2, 9/16, 3/8, etc.
Stud finder.
Mix of random length and screws and bolts.
Only thing I see missing is an electronic stud finder. If for nothing else, then for you to test it on yourself before giving it to him.
"yep, found one, son!"
That is TRULY INCREDIBLE!!!! How thoughtful! I apologize for me gushing over this. I grew up with out a dad (left at 4 yo) but I am super MacGuyver type and love to fix things (small not appliance type things.) These are the things that I missed not having a father. You rock.
Fast forward in my late 20s after getting married to a great fella, his dad is a contractor and a bad ass in knowing what and how to fix ANYTHING!!! He bought me a pink tool set that was my starter kit. Since then he bought me a electric sander, electric line tester, and all sorts of great things and he was willing to work with me and teach me to do small things over time. Honestly, this is such a touching gesture. Sorry to blather on but it is incredibly thoughtful.
PS- don’t kill me, but a huge bonus to this would be a little tackle box of hardware. Hooks, hangers, nails, screws, hanging wire, bull clips, command hooks etc. a box of those on Amazon (a sampler of hardware for $15-20) that would be an incredible addition to this especially when stressed and moving. Love this idea even for my adult godchildren as they go off to their new dwellings after college.
Nice going, OP. I'm 43 and still have the first set of ratchets and pliers my old man gave me when I moved out. Was such an important moment for me and demonstrated a trust/belief otherwise absent in our relationship. Today they hang on the wall and he comments on them every time he visits.
We could all sit here all day and suggest what's missing but I think your collection is a really good start.
5 in 1 painters' tool
a utility knife
a good drill/impact driver and a couple of bit sets, I'd probably ditch that one you have in the middle of the picture and get a brushless. If you love your kid Milwaukee or up. If you just like them Ryobi is fine. I can't tell you how much I have beat up my makita over the years. Impact driver is quite possibly the single most important tool I've owned.
a real socket set. Upgrade to some flex head ratchets when a home is purchased.
a 2' level
a good pair of linesmen and some wire nuts (if it's 14g wire you can get away without them, but idk if apartments have 12g which is a pain in the ass to move around). I like knipex
a good wire stripper. I like klein.
2 midsize pipe wrenches
a big adjustable crescent wrench
a stud buddy instead of that electronic one. Magnetic gang for the win. I do find the electric ones useful for warning me if theres electric or plumbing in the wall but that's it.
a headlamp
a magnetic dish
portable handheld vacuum to clean up afterwards
I'd get some better gloves with more feeling to them
not a tool box, but a tool carrier, like the one husky makes. Infinitely more useful.
Your Time - Assuming the kid doesn't really know how to do this stuff then having tools with no guidance is almost worse than having no tools at all.
Channel locks are a must, and I'd say either an inexpensive drill or a decent cordless driver.
I didnt see a utility knife in there, either. Not sure if I missed it.
The Milwaukee 6 in 1 would be great!
Wall hanging fasteners - Small picture nails or adhesive hangers.
In drywall, nails at 45° are quicker, easier and more versatile than specialty hangers. They also make it really easy to repair and repaint.
I don't think you mean a painters tool...but he definitely needs a painters tool. The number of times I've gone "crap I have this one little thing I need to do, i wish I had a painters tool on me"
And a little pry bar. I put a set almost exactly like that for my daughter a couple of years ago when she moved to a new place. Everything the OP included, plus 9 inch Channellocks, a good utility knife (folding is best), and a little pry bar.
Being from Europe, what exactly is meant by a channel lock? It's a brand with various tools, I am guessing the "tounge and grove" pliers?
Yep. We Americans tend to use "channel lock" ubiquitously for pretty much any adjustable or tongue/groove pliers. Channel Lock is the biggest brand/most recognized over here, just as Knipex would on your side of the world.
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Locking pliers i think is the “real name”
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I have a couple of sets of Knipex cobras, but I have a set of Channel Lock brand in my truck that have probably seen more use than any other single tool I own.
That was me for a long time. I finally ended up trying out the 5-in Cobras, maybe two or so years back and never did go back to my mini Channels. The cobras do everything the channels do, offer a bigger maximum capacity, and fit nicely in a belt pouch with the 5-in pliers-wrench they're paired with.
Exactly why the Channel Locks live in the truck with the B-Team tools.
Lmao! The B team... 💀
That was me for a long time. I finally ended up trying out the 5-in Cobras, maybe two or so years back and never did go back to my mini Channels. The cobras do everything the channels do, offer a bigger maximum capacity, and fit nicely in a belt pouch with the 5-in pliers-wrench they're paired with.
Nah, you got to earn that shit. You turn those first few phillips screws into the wall by hand that way you respect the impact gun.
I used to not have a cordless drill or impact, so it was often more convenient to just screw something in by hand than look for an extension cord. When my wife gifted me a nice cordless tool set, it really made a huge difference in my happiness doing little jobs around the house lol.
Hence why I said cheap drill or electric screwdriver. I don't ever recommend impacts to the inexperienced. Aside from the one-off time when I fuck with the apprentices, but that's for the hahas.
As others have mentioned as far as tools go are all good recommendations. One thing that I did see mentioned (or if I missed it) is how handy is this person with tools? I only ask is from personal experience, coming from an industrial workplace with office workers there are different skill levels when it comes to hand tools and power tools. If this person isn’t handy with tools I’d say basic hand tools (which I already see in the photos) just add in a small socket set and a basic 4 piece screw driver set and you are golden. As another poster mentioned with a electric driver, again depending on the person’s skill level I would suggest what ever box store is nearby and get the cheapest power tool they have if it will only see occasional use. Where I live and work I could get whatever brand tools but that may be a different story in New York and I am not familiar with what is available that way. Some brands to give you an idea; Wal-Mart has Hart Tools, Home Depot has Ryobi, Lowe’s has Blue Hawk/Craftsman, Harbor Freight has Bauer. There are others and better but I am trying to stick to the cheapest 😎 Trying to keep this a short post but hopefully this info is helpful!
I think maybe you meant to respond to OP with this.
Zip ties and a flash light
Ski mask
Sawed off shotgun
Hand on the pump, sipping on the 40 smoking on the blunt!!
Black Gloves, Black Mask Black Shirt, Black Pants Blue Steel, Blue Vest He Dead, You Next
Omar comin
Fuckin rope
Fine...here's your stupid rope.
"Name one thing you're gonna need a rope for?"
Is that different from regular rope? If so what's the difference?
Is that right, Rambo?
[I HAVE TO HAVE MY TOOOOOLS!!](https://youtu.be/Mk3EVQnpQWs)
I like to bind, I like to *be bound*
Fetish shit!
Flesh light. Fixed it for ya 😄
A Cresent wrench (adjustable spanner).
I'd even argue, that for most stuff, you want two of those so you can get existing stuff unstuck if needed.
I think you mean an “all 16ths”
😂 I hadnt heard that one.
Small assortment of hardware, few assorted screws, nails, hooks, hangers, etc.
Don’t forget drywall anchors
GOOD ones. The difference between shitty drywall hangers and decent ones is like night and day.
East Village rental? Probably plaster over brick and lathe walls rather than gypsum board.
A cellphone to call the landlord
That was my thought too. Best not to encourage a young person to “fix” anything in a NY apartment. They pay someone to take care of it.
this. for the price of manhattan rent, landlord can do a fucking job already
Bahaha! Oh, if only. Having had NYC landlords before, I assure you - they will fix nothing and when you call them, you will get pushed from one full voicemail box to the next. Currently still in a legal dispute over bogus charges they’re trying to make us pay after moving out.
The multimeter scares me. There are so many tools you should own and have used before you start playing with your homes (or someone else's home you're renting) electrical. What I see here is just enough tools to cause problems in the hands of an unsupervised kid.
This is the correct answer. I wouldn’t want a kid “fixing” anything in the properties that I manage
My house is owned by a corporation. I'm financially responsible for any and all repairs under 500 dollars. If it costs them less than that to fix something they bill it to my rent. I'm paying 2265 dollars a month for a 1374 sq foot house that may as well not exist to the landlord. My air conditioner doesn't work almost at all. But because it KIND OF blows cold air it's not TECHNICALLY broken. So no repairs are needed. It doesn't matter that it doesn't actually cool the house. And, before you ask I set it at 80 degrees and it won't even keep it at 80. I fucking hate land lords.
The landlord is unlikely willing to assemble furniture for OPs kid
Wtf ikea are you shopping from that requires vice grips for assembly
In case your doorknob falls off and the set screw is lost. Vice grips make a great doorknob in a pinch.
If it isn’t a critical problem that needs fixing/replacing (burst pipes, shoddy flooring, dead appliances) I happily take on the burden of small fixes to avoid having people in my space
Also half the time it’s just easier than trying to force your shitty landlord to get someone in to fix it
For real dude wtf. This is more tools than I bring to work lmao
Flashlight, utility knife and a bag to carry it all in.
A sponge an elastic band a rubber glove and a Pringles tube. Ratcheting spanner set and a cheap socket set and a large screwdriver bit set that ph0 and husky thing won’t cut it Also go get a cheap box to put it all in
Lmao just gonna glance over your first line I see?
And a bottle of lotion...
I’ve made bongs with less
Who said anything about smoking 😝
Great reference
Ever seen the back of a 20 dollar bill? *On weeeeeed*
I’ve made a bong out of ring bologna…
Bandaids
General rule of thumb with my friends… if I’m not bleeding we either haven’t done anything, or we aren’t finished yet.
Wd40
Also, a smaller can of wd40 to open the larger can in case its lid is stuck.
Hank Hill for the win.
If it *should* move and doesn't, WD-40. If it moves and it *shouldn't*, Duct tape. Maybe just get him a Red Green DVD box set.
A piece of paper with the supers number...
Knife
Also backup knife. And business casual knife. And formal knife.
Couldn’t agree more.
Formal knife? Please. Only a true gentleman owns a ceremonial sword these days
a poop knife. Seriously though, a plunger is something you never think of til you need it right now
Safety glasses
Small sparkle knife. They’ll need to cover holes that were used to hold paintings.
Spackle knife, right? Also, I've had buddies who, in a pinch, used toothpaste to fill small holes.
✨🔪
Sparkly things are fun too
[Found it](https://www.etsy.com/listing/554718040/bling-utility-knife-rhinestoned-everyday?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-craft_supplies_and_tools-knives_and_cutting_tools-knives-other&utm_custom1=_k_EAIaIQobChMI4_mV_8rm_wIVlS3UAR1k4QirEAQYAiABEgKQMvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_12573075997_120353213700_507851739991_pla-296986342530_c__554718040_113907442&utm_custom2=12573075997&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4_mV_8rm_wIVlS3UAR1k4QirEAQYAiABEgKQMvD_BwE)
Had an utter moron for a roommate sophomore year. Put up a dart board, couldn’t hit the board, regularly pulled darts out of the wall by pulling down thereby popping out a chunk of the wall leaving over a dozen divots in our kitche wall. He keeps saying he’ll fix it. 5 days before move out he finally admits he doesn’t know how, calls his dad and tells him about the dart holes. His dad, not knowing about the divots, tells him about the toothpaste trick. This dumb motherfucker filled 3 of the divots with his entire tube of red white and blue aqua fresh, proudly proclaimed that he was mostly done but had to go to the store to get more toothpaste, and insisted that we had messed with it when he came back to discover that somehow his miraculous solution of applying a wad of wet blue goo to a white wall was not only not as hard as drywall but was running down the wall in a long blue streak. He freaked out when we tried to explain what his dad meant, told us we didn’t know all the tricks his dad knew, insisted that the toothpaste would dry to be a hard white smooth surface overnight because of how toothpaste gets crusty around the cap, and finally claimed that the only other solution would be to tear down and replace the entire wall so our entire security deposit was lost anyway so fixing it didn’t matter because then we’d only be liable for wall we built. I told him I would fix it if he moved out the next morning instead of in 5 days. He did. I spent like $6 on some filler a plastic putty knife set and some sandpaper and smiled in sweet silence as I patched that wall. Got nearly the whole security deposit back, less $25, which we convinced the landlord to take out of his cut. Not the worst person I’ve ever know, but the worst to be around.
Toothpaste is as good a solution for holes in the wall as egg in a radiator. People do it, but please don't. It looks like things are fixed when they aren't and will give out. It's as honest as you landlord holding your deposit for holes in the wall. If both of you are honest, they'll spackle the holes as regular wear and tear without issues.
A big flat and Phillips head screwdriver, if they have a Sloan valve toilet they will need the flat to shut off the water in an emergency. Id also say add duct tape.
Drill, utility knife, an old coffee can of random screws, nails, and drywall anchors, maybe a more extensive socket set, glue, and possibly some type of saw, though I'm not totally sure how useful that would be in an apartment.
Drywall anchors are a must!!!
TBH, less stuff. The most precious thing in NYC is space. He will want to put up paintings and hang a TV on the wall. So, just some kind of drill that can put a hole in drywall for anchors and drywall anchors. A small hammer. One flathead and one Phillips screwdriver. One pair of locking pliers. All of it in the smallest study box it’ll fit in. The electric driver and some bits will be enough for hanging paintings.
Yeah, I got by just fine in Manhattan with a hammer, Phillips head, picture hanging kit, a leatherman, and a tape measure. Anything requiring something more complicated than that will be handled at the landlord's expense by the super.
A wad of cash to help pay the ridiculous rent. /lived there more than a decade
Crescent wrench, channel locks, maybe some nails to hit with that hammer
This! Crescent wrench and channel locks are probably 2 of the most used items around my house. Especially channel locks. Edit: Maybe throw in a hacksaw as well.
If you are hacksawing anything in a NY apartment something is amiss.
The nut fucker combo
I keep two box knives on top of my fridge, one with a regular staight blade, the other with a hook blade... open all the packages!
An m12 drill
Perfect option if they’re a “tool person”/someone who will buy more as their skills improve or when they need to branch out to a driver, saw, etc. If it’s their only power tool that gets used a handful of times a year, a much cheaper ryobi will last a long long time
For home use, Ryobi is slept on so much. Got a hand-me-down set of drill, impact, circular saw, and sawzall from my dad when I moved out and its still going strong over a decade later. Love that shit.
My Ryobi stuff is mostly blue, so at least 10+ years old. As long as the new batteries still fit, I have no cause to replace it.
Funny you say that because this post was actually my post from November 2021. (I guess posting other people’s content is a thing). When we were moving him into the city I went to Home Depot in Manhattan and got the Christmas special drill and driver set by Makita. Total overkill 😂 he’s used it a handful of times.
Glad I saw your comment! What a weird thing to repost!? I remember seeing your post from looking through all time top posts and thought this was weird deja vu for a second
Socket set w a ratchet. Metric & standard. 3/8 drive will do. Buy it as a tool set @ Harbor Freight.
A drill and more than 1 screwdriver
The willingness to take initiative
Under rated comment
Just want to say it’s awesome that you’re doing this. My dad gave me a similar starter toolbox when I first moved out and it’s been my most used gift for the last 15+ years. I’m always thankful for him every time I need it.
Yeah I found this really touching and thoughtful. Kind of wishing I had been given one myself.
Phone number for the landlord so they can fix their own shit?
Bruh you don’t call the land lord to hang up a picture frame. Or put together furniture that you bought. Or fix things that you brought with you.
Yeah and if a pipe bursts, you still want to be able to turn off the water instead of standing there helpless while your shit gets soaked while your waiting for the landlord to come over. Like yes it is the land lords responsibility, but also be able to do enough to avoid a disaster.
Depending on where they live they probably won't have access to a whole apartment water shut off, that would be the super or landlord.
A pack of pencils and a utility knife
A full size leatherman. Can’t tell you how often I use mine if it’s stored in a convenient place.
I need three of these so one is within reach at all times
In the truck, at the home office desk, and a small one in my pocket. Practically indispensable
Plumbers glue/tape, adjustable wrench, and a high-lumen flashlight. Otherwise, looks fantastic! So happy for your child!
Flash light, lantern, batteries. Yes. I live in an apartment (have lived in apartments for years) and use those. Where I live, a weather radio would be welcome. Apartments I've lived in are/were landlord only does repair. They don't want you to mess around with anything in the apartment and have an "after hours" emergency # to call for emergencies. Water leak?, possible wiring/electrical issue? Call immediately. Something else? Call the office or send an email or text during office office hours or to the maintenance guy. I've used tools to hang pictures, to a furniture fix, assemble furniture, do a craft project. Needed flash lights or battery lanterns, extra batteries for power failures. Dad's want to help, but very basic items are all you need 99% of the time. My dad filled a tool box for me. I've used the screw drivers and a couple of the wrenches and pliers.
Adjustable wrench
An avocado an ice pick and my snorkel
Tool kit looks fine, but I’d remove the multimeter so they don’t get inquisitive and electrocute themselves, if they knew how to use it they’d likely already have tools. Make sure they have Allen inserts for the driver, as they have a lot of IKEA assembly in the near future and the keys are garbage for that. A little extras would be some steel wool to jamb in the holes where the mice come out and some roach poison. Some foam tape and weather stripping to keep the hallway noise/ odor and pollution out of the apartment. You need an extra deadbolt or latch less smart lock to keep your landlord out when you’re not there. Oh and don’t forget a complimentary passive self defense manual for the subway commute… wouldn’t wish Manhattan on my enemy though, o did my time there, I don’t know what’s worse, the people, the food, the pollution, or the people.
When I moved out on my own for the first time, I had spent nearly 20 years working on the family farm. Could fix just about any mechanical problem across the tractors, trucks and various other machinery, weld, had built sheds and renovated houses, had put up kilometres of fencing and laid almost as much irrigation pipe. Wired up shearing quarters, camping shacks, caravans, sheds and even some in the house. I didn't even own a hammer because I never needed to own a hammer, there was an entire shed full of tools and more than enough of each tool that we never ran into problems with them needing to be at opposite sides of the farm. I still questioned what the advantages of different brands or tools had over others. Having to ask a question or buy something you didn't have before doesn't mean you don't know how to use it. Occasionally I'll still go to do a job 7 years later and think "What the hell did I do with the ____" only to remember that was on the farm and I don't own a ____. Then I go to my happy place and buy one. Rant over. Sorry. I do agree, if OP is sending the multimeter make sure they know how to use it safely and aren't just going to go poke it in power sockets and looking for live wires for the thrill of it.
Black and Decker makes a really neat little "furniture assembly tool". It's a small driver that has a slot in the chuck to let you put in the Allen keys that come with the furniture. It's <$15 and worth twice the price.
Was looking for a multi-meter comment. I have at least two of them for some reason, and would appreciate an explanation of how I should be using them.
Yep, honestly no need for a multimeter for apartment living. If an outlet or light fixture is bad, call the super. Maybe a better tool is a non-contact voltage tester, so you can at least tell if something is live.
Get an outlet tester. Wiring was messed up in my kid's apartment and the tester showed the super that it was a problem. His UPS would not work without it being fixed.
How about some hardware? Little jar of nails, screws, picture frame holders, stuff you have laying around.
This is the best answer. The tools are fine as are most of these suggestions. Having good hardware available to fix things is just as important as having tools.
Flashlight as others mentioned but also some Teflon tape for those aggravating showerheads!
Non locomotive conductor gloves. Choo choooo
Pair of channel locks
Box cutter Small knife
Tool box, Hand saw, duct tape and a micro screwdriver set.
Assuming things like Ikea / flat-pack furniture maybe involved I'd suggest a speedsquare and steel rule (or just a T-square with level), thin gloves for assembling stuff without getting "nipped" rather than thick gloves, a knife and/or a scribe, light safety glasses, a small torch, and a small spray can of silicon oil / WD40 for hinges etc Personally I'd also add a small pry bar (I have a Shark prybar that's ever so useful)
Headlamp/torch
Crescent wrench
Bug and rat killer and extra Tupperware to put some water in along with the legs of furniture that you want to make it more difficult for roaches to climb onto
Utility knife. Drill.
Firearm.
Not in NYC.
Sanding paper or Sanding block
An extension cord?
Eye protection
Channel locks pliers and another vise grip pliers, and a pipe wrench
Plunger
I lived in a walk-up in Manhattan for 20 years. I took a look at your assembled kit there and this is what I think you need. You're a good father for doing this and helping him. You've girl a better kitty assembled than most people have. Drywall saw. Cockroach gel. Assorted nails and screws. Hooks to hang pictures. Wall repair kit for when he moves out. Toilet Plunger. Drain snake (opt, only used it twice).
From my NYC experience, I had the most use out of my cordless drill, spackle knife (for the inevitable wall repair), wall anchors and assorted screws, box cutter, and stud finder.
Renting an apartment? Drywall anchors.
Mig welder, sledge hammer, post hole digger, leaf blower, heat gun, hot glue gun.
#2 Pencil
Some sort of square. Speed square, framing square, or combination square.
Tape Measure
Duct tape, fire extinguisher, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, candles
Duct tape
Instead of a flashlight, get a headlamp so their hands are free.
Cordless drill and a saw
Bag of nice zip ties!
Duct tape
If the goal is a decent starting tool kit that will cover most everything for living on your own, I'd say add - box cutter - ratcheting wrench set - socket ratchet set - decent rechargeable drill - level with laser That will cover a lot of scenarios, and you can get passable tools for all of that for around $200-$250 The next upgrade I'd say would be 2 channel locks.
small cordless drill (i used mine all the time when i was in apartments, for hanging curtains and etc). Maybe an assortment of small hardware/finish nails/screws?
Duct tape & WD40.
A bong and condoms.
Fleshlight
The tool box/bag?
Left glove
A saw
Rechargeable AA batteries and the charger that plugs into the wall. https://images.app.goo.gl/Z8jriAY9uDdfSBar7
10s and 20s
More screwdrivers! Philips and flat. Various sizes.
Adjustable crescent wrench, on the larger side of you need to take a trap apart. A few wrenches and socket attachment a ratchet or screw driver in the most common sizes: 1/2, 9/16, 3/8, etc. Stud finder. Mix of random length and screws and bolts.
Duct tape
WD-40!!!!!!!
Zip ties, duct tape, wd40, flashlight, knife, adjustable wrench, pliers, channel locks
Zip Ties
Adjustable wrench
I don't see no duct tape.
Crescent wrench!
Only thing I see missing is an electronic stud finder. If for nothing else, then for you to test it on yourself before giving it to him. "yep, found one, son!"
A tool bag would help. BF and I are Dewalt folks ourselves and the small tool bag would fit all that.
A second bedroom too store these
9mm pistol
Step stool
Drywall repair kit
Magnetic bowl to put all the screws and bits in while he’s working.
That is TRULY INCREDIBLE!!!! How thoughtful! I apologize for me gushing over this. I grew up with out a dad (left at 4 yo) but I am super MacGuyver type and love to fix things (small not appliance type things.) These are the things that I missed not having a father. You rock. Fast forward in my late 20s after getting married to a great fella, his dad is a contractor and a bad ass in knowing what and how to fix ANYTHING!!! He bought me a pink tool set that was my starter kit. Since then he bought me a electric sander, electric line tester, and all sorts of great things and he was willing to work with me and teach me to do small things over time. Honestly, this is such a touching gesture. Sorry to blather on but it is incredibly thoughtful. PS- don’t kill me, but a huge bonus to this would be a little tackle box of hardware. Hooks, hangers, nails, screws, hanging wire, bull clips, command hooks etc. a box of those on Amazon (a sampler of hardware for $15-20) that would be an incredible addition to this especially when stressed and moving. Love this idea even for my adult godchildren as they go off to their new dwellings after college.
Duct tape, rope, shovel. Wait, what's he need all this for again?
Crescent wrench
Command hooks and picture hangers. And WD40
About $4000 for rent
Fire extinguisher
Pack of condoms and a few bills
Nice going, OP. I'm 43 and still have the first set of ratchets and pliers my old man gave me when I moved out. Was such an important moment for me and demonstrated a trust/belief otherwise absent in our relationship. Today they hang on the wall and he comments on them every time he visits. We could all sit here all day and suggest what's missing but I think your collection is a really good start.
5 in 1 painters' tool a utility knife a good drill/impact driver and a couple of bit sets, I'd probably ditch that one you have in the middle of the picture and get a brushless. If you love your kid Milwaukee or up. If you just like them Ryobi is fine. I can't tell you how much I have beat up my makita over the years. Impact driver is quite possibly the single most important tool I've owned. a real socket set. Upgrade to some flex head ratchets when a home is purchased. a 2' level a good pair of linesmen and some wire nuts (if it's 14g wire you can get away without them, but idk if apartments have 12g which is a pain in the ass to move around). I like knipex a good wire stripper. I like klein. 2 midsize pipe wrenches a big adjustable crescent wrench a stud buddy instead of that electronic one. Magnetic gang for the win. I do find the electric ones useful for warning me if theres electric or plumbing in the wall but that's it. a headlamp a magnetic dish portable handheld vacuum to clean up afterwards I'd get some better gloves with more feeling to them not a tool box, but a tool carrier, like the one husky makes. Infinitely more useful. Your Time - Assuming the kid doesn't really know how to do this stuff then having tools with no guidance is almost worse than having no tools at all.
A good flashlight! r/Flashlight has plenty of good suggestions for reliable, rechargeable flashlight
Personal opinion, a caulk gun. Last place I moved into had a bunch of cracks that I had to caulk up
No they aren't. You're a bot or something. https://old.reddit.com/r/Tools/comments/qpp8te/my_kids_moving_to_a_1_bdrm_in_manhattan_gathered/