24 years old - 1st generation Spirited Man in a family of Spirited Women - not so much tinkerers. One of the things I'm most proud of is that I change my own oil (3 successful changes so far!). Everything about fixing things has been out of necessity - 15% clever and stubborn, 85% trial and error - as it goes. I can't tell you how important this video is to me. Your channel in general. I never had a fixer to teach me the basics. I come back to this video once a month without fail when I have an extra dollar. Teachers like you, I cherish dearly. Thank you.
30 y.o. here. - Thanks for writing this. I felt accompanied when reading you. I recently did my car service on my won (Renault from 2016) and it was great. I alse made a horrible closet and a desk to work. We're great startings. I appreciate your shared experience (I got excited by talking about it, thanks for reading it if you have the time). Students need learning partners from time to time. Keep the spirit up
Starting out I wanted to do that, but ended up with a bunch of different tools instead. As a consequence, they all live with their batteries attached, ready to go. There's value in that too, as I've found out.
While I agree in theory, it's surprisingly hard in real life as demands and needs change. Suddenly you need a tool that isn't in your initial brands range and off you go.
This is good in theory but some tool brands have certain tools that just suck, eg Milwaukee circular saw sucks, get the Makita one. But the Makita recipro is slow and gets jammed easily so get the Milwaukee. It really depends on what you're doing
I buy the cheapest, crappiest tools you can find. Then when it breaks I buy the best, because I used it enough to break it, I know I now need it. I have a box full of cheap crappy tools that I only used once.
that's a great method... i think my dad steered me away from that to save me from wasting $30 on a cheap drill, but if it doesn't break, you didn't really use it enough, so your method is logical
THIS. I love this video. It feels like 100 years of wisdom gifted down from my grandfather in his garage. The wisdom of the sages. No fluff. No bull. Just pure gold.
I noticed that both you and Adam Savage (Tested/Mythbusters) were once both under the employ of Tom Sachs, and both of you share certain viewpoints on tools, modifying things, repair, and solving problems. You also both have the same NASA multitool from Tom. It would be awesome to see a crossover between the 2 of you. Maybe share some stories and just have a chat.
Adam Savage wasn't really employed by Sachs. Tom and Adam are good friends and Adam participated in the demonstration of Sach's space program Europa, but he was never one of Sach's studio assistants like Van was. Agreed though they need to get together and chat.
Honestly I also thought about Adam Savage when watching this video, but for a different reason: Van said to buy an expensive tool, while Adam advices to start with the cheapest one - to learn how to use it and understand what exactly you need from this kind of tool. Then move on to a more expensive one, but only after you actually know what you want. I say Adam's right here.
I love this. I am not a maker. I didn’t grow up watching a maker or learning anything about how to use tools to make things. But I am so keen to learn, even at 50. Having a sense of where to start is excellent. Thank you.
knipex pliers are my favorite tool. The fact that they lock into the size you need has saved me so many times especially fixing things that get hot. I will never buy another plier ever again
I just started a new job this week as a Groundskeeper and your videos were the inspiration for that after years of not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. Best choice I've ever made!
This is great advice, and I agree with his tool selection. Do NOT EVER EVER EVER use a dremel cut off disc without eye protection. They absolutely shatter constantly and you absolutely will lose an eye if you get lazy.
I watched this two years ago and it made me think about building things, now my primary hobby it's to build furniture with hand tools with minimal power tools. Thank you Van!
I’m a lady but because of the 3 of you (You, Tom & Casey), I started to get and organize basic tools although not using them on daily basis but today they helped me a lot
The only thing I disagree with is not buying good personal protective equipment. The good stuff feels better and that means you are more likely to use it.
3m worktunes for the win. I find that when something loud is happening and I dont hear music or a podcast I feel a deep sense of discomfort. I now have more pairs of them than I can even count, but they're constantly around
I love having 2 cordless drills. Game changer!! My heavy duty hammer drill for pilot holes/drilling, and then my smaller lighter cordless for screwing only. No need to change bits and battery strength keeps you going for a while.
I like this video a lot, but I say ALWAYS start with the 120 multipack of cheap tools and upgrade the tools you find yourself using most. A multitool is useless for 99% of meaningful projects alone. 🤙🏼🤙🏼 Also… I’d reconsider your position on “name brand tools”. With the widespread use of brushless motors & better batteries, more affordable brands like Ryobi or Hart are defiant up to par. Although I would agree with this opinion 10 years ago when we were using NiCad batteries. Rad vid, love the pull saw shoutout! 😁
I think I am the one who first asked you to do this, privately, and this really is EXACTLY what I was asking for. You are making friends with each video. Thanks, Van.
This fulfilled man agrees with this spirited man invest in your tools because they will stand the test of time, save you money and you can make them yours because they are your tools. Can’t wait to by my own, Awesome work Van!
As someone not in the majority age demographic for this channel I can say that this video will highly influence what tools I get in the future, as I have none. But since watching this video I have fixed my first thing, I replaced a light switch. It was exhilarating and I will never go back.
Solid list. Edits/Additions I would make: - 7" speed square and full size framing square instead of a combo square. Swanson or Empire Brand. - Folding Utility Knife with pocket clip and extra blade storage. Kobalt model 56887 is the best bang for your buck. - Make sure speed square has a magnet, very useful when leveling trailers/campers/ anything metal. - Stud finder, essential for any homeowner (one was probably used to mount the magnet). Franklin or Zircon brand. For anyone taking the next step beyond this list and getting into anything more serious, the very next tool I would buy is a circular saw. Corded are much cheaper and more powerful for the weight, but cordless are where it's at. Cordless recommendation: Milwaukee 6 1/2" - all you need for most things. Diablo blades are the best bang for your buck. Buy some masonry blades and metal blades for it and you can cut just about anything. You could come very close to building a house with a circular saw and Van's list of tools.
you'd need a hammer and tool belt... key point on the circular saw, use a Diablo blade, not because it would match the red Milwaukee color, but because they default come with a crappy blade and a thinner, sharper carbide tooth blade will get all the power out of that cordless saw... a dull or crappy blade is the most dangerous thing on a circular saw
100% - You can usually catch the Makita 18v set on sale at HD for a good price. I prefer the 18v because it balances the weight at the top of the drill/driver. Easily my most used tools for more than 15 years of professional and home fixin shit.
Truthfully thank you for this my dad has taught me a lot of things but being a simple man and being able to just explain something like that is something he never truly possess. Thank you for everything
I'm having an ADU built, I have to move my tools from garage to new shed so I stopped and started your video to take notes on what I really need and don't need. Thank you! Oh, and I love the beauty of your tools videoed here!
I was gifted a broken Leatherman - Van's model is the "Charge" (noted by David H. below), but the "Surge" is also great - from an eagle scout friend who had to catch a quick flight. The company replaced it *free* , and its updated design had beefier wire cutting teeth on the pliers, right where the broken one had failed. They'll offer to send you back the broken one along with the new one, if it has sentimental value. Also, I agree with you Van, it's one of the tools I always keep on hand but stopped carrying it on my person due to the value and weight.
The thing you didn't mention. Having good quality tools inspires you to make more things. Good, dependable tools make building things way more enjoyable!
I am almost 4/7 absorbed by the war in Ukraine, but now I take a break or I get depressed. Happy to have The Spirited Man as my top recommendations here on YT. I ALWAYS enjoy Van’s videos, no matter what he does.
This is all solid advice. Good tools will pay for themselves several times over (assuming you learn to use them instead of hiring a handy man or contractor). I would recommend a circular saw before an angle grinder, if you work primarily with wood. My biggest challenge is keeping everything organized. I love the bespoke storage accessories Van makes. It's amazing what you can do with some scrap wood, brackets, screws, wire, and magnets :)
3:19 I noticed the level on your combo square was essentially perfectly level and that is most certainly by design. just a level of appreciation added I thought I would mention.
On the drills, I would say get both a 12 volt and something higher. I have 12 AND 18. 12 is great for all around use, general household assembly etc. But too weak for everything else. I end up using my 18 volt Bosch for the majority of woodworking projects etc.
Agreed. I have always talked about this with my dad. If you need to ask for a tool from a relative or friend for a project, do yourself a favour and buy said tool, you'll be much happier.
This is awesome, but please use a guard on the anglegrinder as a default, and remove it when needed. Without a guard = death wheel, with a guard = slightly less deathy wheel
Everyone smart uses a guard. I do. The edge of a cutoff wheel is moving 150 mph when it spins. I've had two discs shatter on me and a wire brush catch my sleeve. I also always wear a face shield and gloves when grinding. Don't listen to the clowns. Grinders are to be taken seriously. I don't always have the most careful technique, or I might be in a rush sometimes. But I always use the side handle and the guard.
a basic Guide of things I use most in shop/studio woodworking from a film carpenter: -25' tape measure -pica pencil/mechanical pencil -flatbar/painters bar -olfa knife -soft impact/adjustable speed impact driver (less noisy, more pleasurable to use, more expensive) + bits -drill/hammer drill + bits -circular saw -battery powered hand 1/4" shank router/trimmer + bits (if your plunging, routing internally, or taking off more than an 1/4" use the shop provided 1/2" shank electric powered router instead) -jigsaw -multitool -23 guage nailer -18 guage brad nailer -16 guage brad nailer -nail punch -narrow crown staple nailer -wide crown staple nailer -hand stapler -combo square -7" square -framing square -spirit level -2' or 4' level -hand planer -set of hand chisels (buy expensive, sharpen often with water stone), 2 beater chisels, 1 small, 1 big -a good framing hammer -mallet -Japanese pull saw -counter sink bit set -compass -sliding t-bevel .. .. okay this list is getting too long..
Great video as always but one word of caution on the Leatherman tool. Make sure the blade is locked when open! The worst self injury I've had ever is because the blade lock failed on my Leatherman tool. A trip to emergency then surgery followed by my hand in an elevated position for 6 weeks... After that I couldn't bring myself to use it again. I ended up throwing it in the trash (recycle bin) and I replaced it with a similar Gerber tool without a blade. Bonus: I can carry the Gerber on a plane. When I get to my destination I buy a cheap snap blade knife and bin it just before returning home. I only use snap (Olfa are the best) or fixed blade knives now. Please take care when using any tool. Hi from Australia.
very good for the young guy starting out or if you want to re-vamp your tools. I have most of these and am too cheap to replace them right now, maybe someday. Do have a dewalt drill chorded though. Got a dremmel from a yard sale. I think the mandrill and cut off disks will be my next. I also had a ton of old hard drives from an old job and pulled magnets out of them so may use them for the storage fun. metal filecabinets these days are usually cheap used or free and make good tool boxes or storage blocks and magnets stick there too of course
In with you on the Milwaukee 12v line. I’ve bought a few over the last few years as you just can’t beat the size/performance ratio. Big 18v tools never appealed although they’re much more popular in the UK. Milwaukee is pricier than things like Bosch here, but they’ve never let me down. I’m happy to see you’re a fan.
I appreciate the "buy good tools" sentiment but on the advice of a general contractor friend I bought a Ryobi combo kit some years back. It has a reciprocating saw, circular saw, cordless drill, 2 batteries and a flashlight (plus a carrying bag for everything), and the whole kit cost about what I would pay for any *one* of those if I bought Makita, Milwaukee or DeWalt. I know real makers crap on Ryobi but while it's definitely not as nice as the quality stuff it's perfectly fine for my occasional "weekend warrior" purposes.
I know I'm late to the video commenting but this video and all of The Spirited Man videos are a constant inspiration. They are the kind of content I want to make because a year from now, 5 years, 10 years, etc., this type of content will not have aged a day. I bought myself a Leatherman and personalized it with my last name...can't wait to hand it down to my future son.
I pretty much agree on all of this BUT about the screws I would recommend to use torx screws wherever possible they may be a bit more expesive but in my experience its pretty much impossible strip them.
Robertson(square) are the standard in Canada. When are USA going to adopt them? I havent had a stripped screw except once with a car engine screw that was Philips.
this a wonderful video. But in my humble opinion, if you only have one hand, non-electric saw, go with a hacksaw, they're more useful in a wider range of applications.
If you live in Canada, substitute the Philips bits for Robertson. I disagree about not getting 18 volt tools. You can certainly start with a 12 volt drill (I love mine for it's light weight, and nimbleness for small tasks). 18 volt tools really shine when you need extra power and run time (a good example is repeated cuts through thick lumber, or using a holesaw). One of my odd-ball tools that I found surprisingly useful is a right-angle drill. If you're starting a tool collection, also get some quality hand files.
Oh nice, I didn't even intend to buy any tools but I love the message "buy the good stuff". A similar UA-camr I recommend is Rajiv Surendra and he is a delight! (More artsy craftsy than Van, but very very soothing videos!!)
As a local hardware store employee who walks past all of these tools on a daily basis, and sells all different levels of quality, buy something that feels decent to use. If you hate using your cheap tools, you wont want to fix anything. If you don't want to fix anything, nothing will get fixed. I highly recommend also getting a CHEAP set of metric/standard open ended wrenches. You do not need the best but make sure they're not going to round your bolts/nuts out. Harbor freight sells a set with 32 wrenches for only $20. You do not need snap on tools to fix your bicycle. Another good idea, if you want to start fixing your car yourself, don't start tearing your car apart, tear your bicycle apart, it goes back together much easier. Junkyards are also a good place to tear apart cars to learn because you don't have to put them back together and you can get lots of practice. Happy fixing
I’m glad I have all these. My storage needs work though. I can’t tell if you are my dad or a genius philosopher artist…maybe he is one and I didn’t know it, I should ask.
24 years old - 1st generation Spirited Man in a family of Spirited Women - not so much tinkerers. One of the things I'm most proud of is that I change my own oil (3 successful changes so far!). Everything about fixing things has been out of necessity - 15% clever and stubborn, 85% trial and error - as it goes.
I can't tell you how important this video is to me. Your channel in general. I never had a fixer to teach me the basics. I come back to this video once a month without fail when I have an extra dollar.
Teachers like you, I cherish dearly.
Thank you.
30 y.o. here. - Thanks for writing this. I felt accompanied when reading you. I recently did my car service on my won (Renault from 2016) and it was great. I alse made a horrible closet and a desk to work. We're great startings. I appreciate your shared experience (I got excited by talking about it, thanks for reading it if you have the time). Students need learning partners from time to time.
Keep the spirit up
Good luck in your journey, it's a beautiful one.
Keep your battery operated tools all the same brand so that the batteries and chargers are interchangeable.
Very true!
Starting out I wanted to do that, but ended up with a bunch of different tools instead. As a consequence, they all live with their batteries attached, ready to go. There's value in that too, as I've found out.
While I agree in theory, it's surprisingly hard in real life as demands and needs change. Suddenly you need a tool that isn't in your initial brands range and off you go.
Or better yet buy the battery system that you like the most and if you have to buy a brand that is different, get an adapter.
This is good in theory but some tool brands have certain tools that just suck, eg Milwaukee circular saw sucks, get the Makita one. But the Makita recipro is slow and gets jammed easily so get the Milwaukee. It really depends on what you're doing
I buy the cheapest, crappiest tools you can find. Then when it breaks I buy the best, because I used it enough to break it, I know I now need it. I have a box full of cheap crappy tools that I only used once.
That's smart hahaha
That‘s Adam Savage‘s Philosophy as well :)
I like the way you think. As someone who always has to buy the biggest, best I’ve ended up with a ton of stuff I never use, not just tools.
that's a great method... i think my dad steered me away from that to save me from wasting $30 on a cheap drill, but if it doesn't break, you didn't really use it enough, so your method is logical
@@user-hd8ej8yx9p Cordless drill and impact driver and maybe socket and ratchet set is an exception.
Van fills the role of “The Dad who knows about tools” in my life
THIS. I love this video. It feels like 100 years of wisdom gifted down from my grandfather in his garage. The wisdom of the sages. No fluff. No bull. Just pure gold.
I noticed that both you and Adam Savage (Tested/Mythbusters) were once both under the employ of Tom Sachs, and both of you share certain viewpoints on tools, modifying things, repair, and solving problems. You also both have the same NASA multitool from Tom.
It would be awesome to see a crossover between the 2 of you. Maybe share some stories and just have a chat.
Badly want that
Adam Savage wasn't really employed by Sachs. Tom and Adam are good friends and Adam participated in the demonstration of Sach's space program Europa, but he was never one of Sach's studio assistants like Van was. Agreed though they need to get together and chat.
Yes please !
Honestly I also thought about Adam Savage when watching this video, but for a different reason: Van said to buy an expensive tool, while Adam advices to start with the cheapest one - to learn how to use it and understand what exactly you need from this kind of tool. Then move on to a more expensive one, but only after you actually know what you want. I say Adam's right here.
Owning a truck is perhaps the ultimate social cheat code. Eventually everyone needs something moved.
Love ur vids ❤️
Also facts
top tip : the trick is to keep your truck full of crap, no one wants to unload your crap , store it and re-load it so they can move their crap .
yeeeeees. I'll never go back to a car
Yes I can help you move. Have your stuff boxed and ready to go. If I show up w/ my truck and stuff NOT in boxes I WILL leave.
@@bobsofia68 we say this, but let’s face it. We ain’t dicks
I love this. I am not a maker. I didn’t grow up watching a maker or learning anything about how to use tools to make things. But I am so keen to learn, even at 50. Having a sense of where to start is excellent. Thank you.
knipex pliers are my favorite tool. The fact that they lock into the size you need has saved me so many times especially fixing things that get hot. I will never buy another plier ever again
I just started a new job this week as a Groundskeeper and your videos were the inspiration for that after years of not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. Best choice I've ever made!
I would love like a 30 minute version of this
This is great advice, and I agree with his tool selection.
Do NOT EVER EVER EVER use a dremel cut off disc without eye protection. They absolutely shatter constantly and you absolutely will lose an eye if you get lazy.
I watched this two years ago and it made me think about building things, now my primary hobby it's to build furniture with hand tools with minimal power tools. Thank you Van!
I’m a lady but because of the 3 of you (You, Tom & Casey), I started to get and organize basic tools although not using them on daily basis but today they helped me a lot
The only thing I disagree with is not buying good personal protective equipment. The good stuff feels better and that means you are more likely to use it.
I like the good PPE as well looks more professional and typically OSHA approved.
3m worktunes for the win. I find that when something loud is happening and I dont hear music or a podcast I feel a deep sense of discomfort. I now have more pairs of them than I can even count, but they're constantly around
I agree. Buy it once and it will last for decades
if you have Bose noise cancelling headphones you will have built in ear protection
@@user-hd8ej8yx9p They dont protect your ears like at all
I love having 2 cordless drills. Game changer!! My heavy duty hammer drill for pilot holes/drilling, and then my smaller lighter cordless for screwing only. No need to change bits and battery strength keeps you going for a while.
First video; heard about you from the fella that built you a toolchest and is a big fan. You're a stud, thanks and subscribed.
I like this video a lot, but I say ALWAYS start with the 120 multipack of cheap tools and upgrade the tools you find yourself using most. A multitool is useless for 99% of meaningful projects alone. 🤙🏼🤙🏼
Also… I’d reconsider your position on “name brand tools”. With the widespread use of brushless motors & better batteries, more affordable brands like Ryobi or Hart are defiant up to par. Although I would agree with this opinion 10 years ago when we were using NiCad batteries.
Rad vid, love the pull saw shoutout!
😁
The large multipack is a good learner set, if it's half-decent quality.
i agree, i have a Hart and a milwaukee impact and 80% of the time they perform identically.
Yeah, and I'd consider ratchets/sockets absolutely top 5 essential.
For a man that gives a lot of good advice this is some of your best! Thanks!
I think I am the one who first asked you to do this, privately, and this really is EXACTLY what I was asking for. You are making friends with each video. Thanks, Van.
This fulfilled man agrees with this spirited man invest in your tools because they will stand the test of time, save you money and you can make them yours because they are your tools. Can’t wait to by my own, Awesome work Van!
As someone not in the majority age demographic for this channel I can say that this video will highly influence what tools I get in the future, as I have none. But since watching this video I have fixed my first thing, I replaced a light switch. It was exhilarating and I will never go back.
Solid list.
Edits/Additions I would make:
- 7" speed square and full size framing square instead of a combo square. Swanson or Empire Brand.
- Folding Utility Knife with pocket clip and extra blade storage. Kobalt model 56887 is the best bang for your buck.
- Make sure speed square has a magnet, very useful when leveling trailers/campers/ anything metal.
- Stud finder, essential for any homeowner (one was probably used to mount the magnet). Franklin or Zircon brand.
For anyone taking the next step beyond this list and getting into anything more serious, the very next tool I would buy is a circular saw. Corded are much cheaper and more powerful for the weight, but cordless are where it's at. Cordless recommendation: Milwaukee 6 1/2" - all you need for most things. Diablo blades are the best bang for your buck. Buy some masonry blades and metal blades for it and you can cut just about anything.
You could come very close to building a house with a circular saw and Van's list of tools.
you'd need a hammer and tool belt... key point on the circular saw, use a Diablo blade, not because it would match the red Milwaukee color, but because they default come with a crappy blade and a thinner, sharper carbide tooth blade will get all the power out of that cordless saw... a dull or crappy blade is the most dangerous thing on a circular saw
A small rare earth metal magnet is the best stud finder you can get.
Anything else is just a stupid gimmick.
@@khester7397 You've clearly never used a Franklin.
+ a nice utility knife. It’s amazing how many problems can be solved with the cardboard from packages received (esp the higher grade stuff)
Drill and impact driver combo is a classic in my heart
100% - You can usually catch the Makita 18v set on sale at HD for a good price. I prefer the 18v because it balances the weight at the top of the drill/driver. Easily my most used tools for more than 15 years of professional and home fixin shit.
Van we absolutely love the tool guides/tool videos, it's a zen-like experience
Truthfully thank you for this my dad has taught me a lot of things but being a simple man and being able to just explain something like that is something he never truly possess. Thank you for everything
Good advice. Did not know of the Dremel quick chuck thingy, thank you.
THIS. IS . EXACTLY. WHAT. I . NEEDED thank you so much Van :D
I'm having an ADU built, I have to move my tools from garage to new shed so I stopped and started your video to take notes on what I really need and don't need. Thank you! Oh, and I love the beauty of your tools videoed here!
I was gifted a broken Leatherman - Van's model is the "Charge" (noted by David H. below), but the "Surge" is also great - from an eagle scout friend who had to catch a quick flight. The company replaced it *free* , and its updated design had beefier wire cutting teeth on the pliers, right where the broken one had failed.
They'll offer to send you back the broken one along with the new one, if it has sentimental value.
Also, I agree with you Van, it's one of the tools I always keep on hand but stopped carrying it on my person due to the value and weight.
it´s a charge, and of course you can buy it!, even with a titanium handle (charge TTi)
@@hermidatube thanks for catching that. I edited my comment above for clarity, and didn't know about the Tti model.
@@hermidatube I think he meant that the Tom Sachs edition is not buyable. I think it has 1 small difference from the Charge.
Moving back home to Denver from a family gap year in my wife's native Poland and am excited to put together a tool kit! Thank you Van. Cheers
flatheads are forbidden - love it lol
The thing you didn't mention. Having good quality tools inspires you to make more things. Good, dependable tools make building things way more enjoyable!
I am almost 4/7 absorbed by the war in Ukraine, but now I take a break or I get depressed. Happy to have The Spirited Man as my top recommendations here on YT. I ALWAYS enjoy Van’s videos, no matter what he does.
Are you from ukraine?
Love this. Just bought a house two days ago and my tool set is less than desirable. This is extremely helpful. Thank you Van!
This is all solid advice. Good tools will pay for themselves several times over (assuming you learn to use them instead of hiring a handy man or contractor). I would recommend a circular saw before an angle grinder, if you work primarily with wood. My biggest challenge is keeping everything organized. I love the bespoke storage accessories Van makes. It's amazing what you can do with some scrap wood, brackets, screws, wire, and magnets :)
Bless this man, he´s a god-send. I´m motivated, inpired and comforted.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning Patreon livestream Q&A - quickly becoming a highlight of my week
I am loving this tool series!!!
All but the Dremel live in my toolbox in the garage. Now I'm off to get a Dremel. Loving your work as always 👍
Wow! Great video!
3:19 I noticed the level on your combo square was essentially perfectly level and that is most certainly by design.
just a level of appreciation added I thought I would mention.
YES! Was hoping for tool philosophy and techniques! Keep it coming!
Best video yet, Van! Thank you for putting this tool set intro together.
I love this video so much, I keep watching this again and again
You could be the bridge between us and contemporary artists
I'm blessed with being able to use tools made starting from ~1900-present time, the tools my great grandparents and grandparents used
After this Spirited Man's video, Ordered my first Leatherman in hopes of becoming like The Spirited Man.
Flathead screws are forbidden. Music to my ears. Thank you Spirited Man.
On the drills, I would say get both a 12 volt and something higher. I have 12 AND 18. 12 is great for all around use, general household assembly etc. But too weak for everything else. I end up using my 18 volt Bosch for the majority of woodworking projects etc.
I just purchased a 1976 Mercedes 300D and literally need to put together a trunk toolbox with every tool you just mentioned. Thanks Van!
I definitely took it for granted being born into a house with all these tools and more.. I didn't realize how uncommon it is to have them!
It makes me very happy that you have one of the Tom Sachs Leatherman (of course you do).
I like these, I see these as documenting your life lessons for your son. Good move.
Rest easy Mr.Kubrick... another spirited man.
Big flex on that NASA Leatherman, nice !
Agreed. I have always talked about this with my dad. If you need to ask for a tool from a relative or friend for a project, do yourself a favour and buy said tool, you'll be much happier.
beautiful, keep this series going please.
1:28 a marking punch and cutting fluid are cheap & essential partners of the drill bit set.
Might be one of my favourite videos of yours, thanks!!!
Love it!
what an awesome video, the advice every man needs when they begin their journey
Tihis is good education right there! For those who have ears to hear!
Just what I have been needing. Thanks Van.
This is awesome, but please use a guard on the anglegrinder as a default, and remove it when needed. Without a guard = death wheel, with a guard = slightly less deathy wheel
No one ever uses a guard
Grinders are dangerous, but not nearly as much as boomers think
Everyone smart uses a guard. I do. The edge of a cutoff wheel is moving 150 mph when it spins. I've had two discs shatter on me and a wire brush catch my sleeve. I also always wear a face shield and gloves when grinding. Don't listen to the clowns. Grinders are to be taken seriously. I don't always have the most careful technique, or I might be in a rush sometimes. But I always use the side handle and the guard.
a basic Guide of things I use most in shop/studio woodworking from a film carpenter:
-25' tape measure
-pica pencil/mechanical pencil
-flatbar/painters bar
-olfa knife
-soft impact/adjustable speed impact driver (less noisy, more pleasurable to use, more expensive) + bits
-drill/hammer drill + bits
-circular saw
-battery powered hand 1/4" shank router/trimmer + bits (if your plunging, routing internally, or taking off more than an 1/4" use the shop provided 1/2" shank electric powered router instead)
-jigsaw
-multitool
-23 guage nailer
-18 guage brad nailer
-16 guage brad nailer
-nail punch
-narrow crown staple nailer
-wide crown staple nailer
-hand stapler
-combo square
-7" square
-framing square
-spirit level
-2' or 4' level
-hand planer
-set of hand chisels (buy expensive, sharpen often with water stone), 2 beater chisels, 1 small, 1 big
-a good framing hammer
-mallet
-Japanese pull saw
-counter sink bit set
-compass
-sliding t-bevel
..
..
okay this list is getting too long..
Dialogue is on point! Well done
Great video as always but one word of caution on the Leatherman tool. Make sure the blade is locked when open! The worst self injury I've had ever is because the blade lock failed on my Leatherman tool. A trip to emergency then surgery followed by my hand in an elevated position for 6 weeks... After that I couldn't bring myself to use it again. I ended up throwing it in the trash (recycle bin) and I replaced it with a similar Gerber tool without a blade. Bonus: I can carry the Gerber on a plane. When I get to my destination I buy a cheap snap blade knife and bin it just before returning home. I only use snap (Olfa are the best) or fixed blade knives now. Please take care when using any tool. Hi from Australia.
Already on my way. Thank you, father and thank you, Van!
very good for the young guy starting out or if you want to re-vamp your tools. I have most of these and am too cheap to replace them right now, maybe someday. Do have a dewalt drill chorded though. Got a dremmel from a yard sale. I think the mandrill and cut off disks will be my next. I also had a ton of old hard drives from an old job and pulled magnets out of them so may use them for the storage fun. metal filecabinets these days are usually cheap used or free and make good tool boxes or storage blocks and magnets stick there too of course
Van when talking about tools: "Buy expensive only"
Van when taking about eye and ear safety: "you can buy the cheap version"
Classic
Every single thing in this video is absolutely true to my experience. Great video!
12 volt FTW Van! I have the Bosch drill driver combo kit. Goes on sale often.
In with you on the Milwaukee 12v line. I’ve bought a few over the last few years as you just can’t beat the size/performance ratio. Big 18v tools never appealed although they’re much more popular in the UK. Milwaukee is pricier than things like Bosch here, but they’ve never let me down. I’m happy to see you’re a fan.
I needed this video a year ago. Thank you still !!!!!
Blessings sir. 🙌🏻❤️
I LOVE this!! 🙏🏻 Thank you!! 🏆
How about shelves? Basic framing??
Flathead screws are forbidden. You are my man!
I appreciate the "buy good tools" sentiment but on the advice of a general contractor friend I bought a Ryobi combo kit some years back. It has a reciprocating saw, circular saw, cordless drill, 2 batteries and a flashlight (plus a carrying bag for everything), and the whole kit cost about what I would pay for any *one* of those if I bought Makita, Milwaukee or DeWalt. I know real makers crap on Ryobi but while it's definitely not as nice as the quality stuff it's perfectly fine for my occasional "weekend warrior" purposes.
Ryobi is just fine.
I like a spirited tool kit series :-)
thank you spirited man!
might one day come back and buy those tools
This is some sage knowledge right here, can't wait to slowing build my kit
I was feeling some anxiety and this video calmed me down.
Great advice, amazing video, and awesome Leatherman! 😯
0:49 Leatherman Crunch has vice grips
I know I'm late to the video commenting but this video and all of The Spirited Man videos are a constant inspiration. They are the kind of content I want to make because a year from now, 5 years, 10 years, etc., this type of content will not have aged a day. I bought myself a Leatherman and personalized it with my last name...can't wait to hand it down to my future son.
Most underrated creator
I pretty much agree on all of this BUT about the screws I would recommend to use torx screws wherever possible they may be a bit more expesive but in my experience its pretty much impossible strip them.
Robertson(square) are the standard in Canada. When are USA going to adopt them? I havent had a stripped screw except once with a car engine screw that was Philips.
What a great video! Beautiful and to the point.
this a wonderful video. But in my humble opinion, if you only have one hand, non-electric saw, go with a hacksaw, they're more useful in a wider range of applications.
If you live in Canada, substitute the Philips bits for Robertson. I disagree about not getting 18 volt tools. You can certainly start with a 12 volt drill (I love mine for it's light weight, and nimbleness for small tasks). 18 volt tools really shine when you need extra power and run time (a good example is repeated cuts through thick lumber, or using a holesaw). One of my odd-ball tools that I found surprisingly useful is a right-angle drill. If you're starting a tool collection, also get some quality hand files.
Oh nice, I didn't even intend to buy any tools but I love the message "buy the good stuff". A similar UA-camr I recommend is Rajiv Surendra and he is a delight! (More artsy craftsy than Van, but very very soothing videos!!)
That tool info that nobody tells you until now..always bringing fire content!
As a local hardware store employee who walks past all of these tools on a daily basis, and sells all different levels of quality, buy something that feels decent to use. If you hate using your cheap tools, you wont want to fix anything. If you don't want to fix anything, nothing will get fixed. I highly recommend also getting a CHEAP set of metric/standard open ended wrenches. You do not need the best but make sure they're not going to round your bolts/nuts out. Harbor freight sells a set with 32 wrenches for only $20. You do not need snap on tools to fix your bicycle. Another good idea, if you want to start fixing your car yourself, don't start tearing your car apart, tear your bicycle apart, it goes back together much easier. Junkyards are also a good place to tear apart cars to learn because you don't have to put them back together and you can get lots of practice. Happy fixing
I’m glad I have all these. My storage needs work though. I can’t tell if you are my dad or a genius philosopher artist…maybe he is one and I didn’t know it, I should ask.
This might be my favorite video of yours
The community that you have built Van is great.
Thank you Van.
Love the kit videos
Please, more videos like this!