7 ms·

I'm just contemplating how much I've spent on tools for various repairs to my house, and that's generally just woodwork. "At least $200 in tools" doesn't sound

I'm just contemplating how much I've spent on tools for various repairs to my house, and that's generally just woodwork. "At least $200 in tools" doesn't sound like the end of DIY.

bombcar 4y ago
$200 in tools sounds like a starting point! https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-SURGE-12V-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Compact-Kit-w-Two-2-0Ah-Batteries-Bag-2551-22/309098738 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-SURGE-12V-Lit... in fact, is almost exactly $200, and if I were buying today it'd be the first thing I grabbed.
- cheeze 4y ago
  Milwaukee is also pretty high end, and Fuel is their top tier gear. Definitely not needed for basic home repairs and work. My recco to people is Ryobi from Direct Tools Outlet on sale, easy to find sales on Ryobi and it works well for the price. If you break the tool, congrats, you can upgrade to the top tier model. But no need to start with Milwaukee Fuel. Regardless, I agree that $200 for tools isn't that crazy, especially for specific use cases like bleeding hydraulic brakes.
  - bombcar 4y ago
    Yeah Ryobi is good - but there a specifically is a hydraulic driver which just does so much and so well. I’d get it on sale of course.
marttt 4y ago
Agreed. Also, you don't probably need highest-end tools (e.g. most expensive chisels) as a family handyman. I've come to conclude that once you're good with sharpening, even lower-end tools do the job just fine on most "home improvement" cases. First blame the man, not the tool, as always. The best middle ground seems to be buying well-kept professional tools second hand, though. It is also strangely enjoyable to hunt for these online.
- theshrike79 4y ago
  My rule for tools is: 1) Buy the second cheapest one (Don't get the shittiest no-brand one, but just above it) 2) If you reach the limits of the tool or it breaks down from using it so much, get the best The only things I've reached step 2 is my hammer drill and circular saw. Both went from corded to cordless. Still on step 1 with my 3D Printer, for example =)
Gigachad 4y ago
The problem with bike tools is half of them are stuff you’ll need every 5 years and it just makes no sense to buy yourself when for less than the cost of the tool you can get someone at the bike store to do it.
taylodl 4y ago
You know, we have Maker spots where there's lots of equipment available for people to use to make whatever project they're working on without having to buy all the specialized tools. Why not let people rent a bay at a shop dedicated for bicycle maintenance and repair? They'd have all the tools and parts you need to come on in and do it yourself.

I'm just contemplating how much I've spent on tools for various repairs to my house, and that's generally just woodwork. "At least $200 in tools" doesn't sound like the end of DIY.

bombcar 4y ago

$200 in tools sounds like a starting point! https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-SURGE-12V-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Compact-Kit-w-Two-2-0Ah-Batteries-Bag-2551-22/309098738 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-SURGE-12V-Lit... in fact, is almost exactly $200, and if I were buying today it'd be the first thing I grabbed.

cheeze 4y ago
Milwaukee is also pretty high end, and Fuel is their top tier gear. Definitely not needed for basic home repairs and work. My recco to people is Ryobi from Direct Tools Outlet on sale, easy to find sales on Ryobi and it works well for the price. If you break the tool, congrats, you can upgrade to the top tier model. But no need to start with Milwaukee Fuel. Regardless, I agree that $200 for tools isn't that crazy, especially for specific use cases like bleeding hydraulic brakes.
- bombcar 4y ago
  Yeah Ryobi is good - but there a specifically is a hydraulic driver which just does so much and so well. I’d get it on sale of course.

marttt 4y ago

Agreed. Also, you don't probably need highest-end tools (e.g. most expensive chisels) as a family handyman. I've come to conclude that once you're good with sharpening, even lower-end tools do the job just fine on most "home improvement" cases. First blame the man, not the tool, as always. The best middle ground seems to be buying well-kept professional tools second hand, though. It is also strangely enjoyable to hunt for these online.

theshrike79 4y ago
My rule for tools is: 1) Buy the second cheapest one (Don't get the shittiest no-brand one, but just above it) 2) If you reach the limits of the tool or it breaks down from using it so much, get the best The only things I've reached step 2 is my hammer drill and circular saw. Both went from corded to cordless. Still on step 1 with my 3D Printer, for example =)

Gigachad 4y ago

The problem with bike tools is half of them are stuff you’ll need every 5 years and it just makes no sense to buy yourself when for less than the cost of the tool you can get someone at the bike store to do it.

taylodl 4y ago

You know, we have Maker spots where there's lots of equipment available for people to use to make whatever project they're working on without having to buy all the specialized tools. Why not let people rent a bay at a shop dedicated for bicycle maintenance and repair? They'd have all the tools and parts you need to come on in and do it yourself.