Thanks for completing the list, I couldn't remember the last few tools they mentioned. I don't even remember which magazine I read it in, it's not one I normally subscribe to but the cover page caught my eye enough to read that article.

There were a few items that I thought were somewhat unnecessary, but maybe it's probably because i'm thinking about it in a different context than the magazine. I think I've got a plumb bob somewhere, but I don't think I've ever used it in my life, and if I ever needed one, it's probably faster for me to just find a piece of string and weight than look for it. Maybe I just haven't worked on the project that required it. Also, I've never used a pocket socket wrench, but for a home toolbox I can't see why I'd want one over a regular adjustable wrench. For most people, a tape measure is a lot more useful than a 6" steel rule.

There are a lot of tools that could be on this list, I was just thinking about the most basic tools that people should keep around the house for even the simplest home emergency. My list could go on for 3-4 pages of recommended tools. Right now, probably my most often used tool is a 4 1/2" grinder (actually 2 of them, they like to be in pairs). They are indispensible for the type of stuff I like to do, but I can't imagine the average homeowner getting much use out of it. Same with chisels, I love mine, but I can't imagine people thikning, "I absolutely need a chisel right now!". I guess it would depend on the type of house you live in.

A toilet plunger, that should definitely be on the list. I would hope at least every home had one of those. I'd much rather grab the plunger than the auger to clear a plugged toilet. It might not work as well, but the snake is a last resort on a clogged toilet for obvious reasons

and of course, some duct tape...;^)

The article in question was in Workbench magazine, an occasionally useful monthly. The same issue also has some plans in it for a nice little service type cart that I'm thinking of building for working on the cars and motorcycle with.

JohnE

A plunger doesn't cut it when a 2-yr. old gets bored...
She flushed even washcloth in the linen closet.

-Blast

How could I forget the duct tape? It's just one of those things that I take for granted and assume everyone has rolls of the stuff laying about in every room.

I saw those plans for that service cart, it did look interesting. Right now, I'm using these wheeled trays that I got for free. I think they were from a hair salon to hold the stylists clippers and stuff? I dunno, but someone was getting rid of it, I can't turn down free stuff. I picked them up not knowing what I would need them for, it turns out they're the perfect height to hold tools when working on cars.

We're obviously working on different types of obstructions

You guys are way off! You only need 2 tools. WD-40 and duct tape.

If it should move and is doesn't - use WD-40

If it does move and it shouldn't - use duct tape.

Actually, I would assert that an assortment of wire nuts would be more useful. Everything I have ever fixed as far as home wiring that I can remember has all used wire nuts to connect the wires together.

I thought about it and I would suggest a bit of rebar tie wire (or hay baler wire, same stuff).
You don't need a whole roll of it but a few feet of it might be handy.

You can find it at almost any construction site, just ask and an ironworker will gladly give the last hundred or so feet of the roll he has on his belt. He was just about to change it for a new roll anyhow.

It holds cars together and it fixes broken chairs.
It is the crazy glue of the mechanical world.

It is a haywire world and you need to have some haywire to deal with it!

The Stanley FatMax Functional Utility Bar was on my gift list but no joy:
[url=http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=55-119][/url]

Maybe next year. It will definitely be in my go bag.

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you have an electrical problem! (spoken by a guy with every GM factory certification except automatic transmission repair and roughly $30,000.00 in tools) The stuff mentioned so far is great but I have to admit the thing I find myself reaching for more often than not on "rescue repairs" is flashlights. Sometimes lots of them!