must have tools.

[TAB]

I've always put fire extinguisher in the tools category, and too many people forget about them.  And every tool box needs a first aid kit.

thats what duct tape and super glue is for.

[MikeBjerum]

Crosscut handsaw, and circular saw ... and bandaids, but duct tape can cover that 

Basic wood chisel set (1/2", 3/4" and 1")

A couple good estension cords

Good quality step ladder (I gave our kids two - one five foot for general around the house stuff, and one seven foot for outside)

Tape measure

Carpenter square

Tri square

It is amazing how many of these items can be purchased at a reasonable price in good quality. 

[texcaliber]

I've always put fire extinguisher in the tools category, and too many people forget about them.  And every tool box needs a first aid kit.

+1 on the fire extinguisher, just a little education on the type of fire possible per usage of the extinguisher. I watched a guy run to an electrical fire with the old water extinguisher.  Suprisingly I was not the only one and someone tackled him before I could intercept the person. After a few harsh words about knocking the wind out of him, then quick eduction lesson, turning about face and thanking over zealously.  

on topic:

Tin Snips and lineman pliers for most metal cutting. Also the small propane torch along with a 12"-24" pipe for the extra torque needed situations. Oh yeah, 24ounce framing hammer. It can handle anything that calls for a "BFH!".

[Ichiban]

Some of these are repeats:
Flat spring bar.
Sawz-all
Squares (framing & tri)
Levels (4' & 6")
Vise grips
Clamps
Saws (hack, coping, wood saws - fine and rough tooth, circular)
A good magnet
Cordless drill/screwdriver (12V or better)
Screw drivers (assorted, not the "change the bit" kind)
Socket sets (standard & metric)
Chisels (wood, masonry, etc.)
Hammers (general 16 oz. & 3 lb sledge)
Springfield Loaded 1911 (Oops, wrong list)

[twyacht]

Addition to a voltage indicator, would be a plug in receptacle tester,(that shows proper Neutral and Ground), with the button on top for circuit breaker testing.

Small inexpensive Sperry Multi-meter with probe ends. Especially if it's an older house. If your old receptacle is only giving you 96VAC, when it should be 110 he'll know.Modern electronics can overheat if voltage is low.

Surge Protectors.

Wonder-bar, shovel, new BBQ Grill, Have him get the house inspected if used, copy of full report. etc,....

New smoke detectors, +1 on fire extinguishers.

Needle nose pliers.

House warming party!!!!! and the beer,  tools needed for that too.

[Sponsor]

[Timothy]

Well, the list has gone the way of most threads......overboard.    

The list we have now is enough to build a house and for a beginner, that's not such a good idea!

A newbie can do well with a limited amount of tools without having to learn carpentry skills, plumbing skills, electrical work and appliance repair.  Being able to do basic maintenance doesn't take what most of us who have "been there and done that" have acculated over the decades.  I have engineer friends who shouldn't be anywhere near handtools, their dangerous in the wrong hands and sometimes more costly than calling a guy like TAB to do the work.  

I do support Ichibans addition of a Springfield 1911 though!    

[fightingquaker13]

Well, the list has gone the way of most threads......overboard.    

The list we have now is enough to build a house and for a beginner, that's not such a good idea!

A newbie can do well with a limited amount of tools without having to learn carpentry skills, plumbing skills, electrical work and appliance repair.  Being able to do basic maintenance doesn't take what most of us who have "been there and done that" have acculated over the decades.  I have engineer friends who shouldn't be anywhere near handtools, their dangerous in the wrong hands and sometimes more costly than calling a guy like TAB to do the work.  

I do support Ichibans addition of a Springfield 1911 though!    

Timothy is right. I am not Mr. fix it. I have tools my dad gave as a "welcome to the world of being a guy" when I graduated college as well a Lowe's worth that I inheireted from granddad (despite me selling off most of them like the band saw and drill press). Despite this, I rarely use more than a dozen in a given year. Drill, screw drivers, hammer, socket wrenches, skill saw, pliers, clamps, saw horses, and plastic mallet plus duct tape, level and tape measure. Thats about all I really seem to need. But then there is always the job where you need something else and thats how tool collections are born.
FQ13

[texcaliber]

couple cans of WD40, great for sqeeks, odd jobs and nesting insect problems (wasps,bees,hornets) works better than raid .........

[ellis4538]

I find that a couple pair of hemostats (sp?) sometimes found at gun shows are very useful because they clamp on/ hold small objects.

FWIW

Richard

PS: Most important.......A bigger hammer!

[Big Frank]

A bench vise because you always need three hands. I like the kind with an anvil part on it.
A dental pick for picking O-rings out.
A good flashlight or a shop light.