What was the first tool you ever bought?

Here on Workshop we want to create an inclusive, welcoming community where anyone feels like they can seek help, including absolute beginners. After all, everyone has to start from somewhere.

Today I thought it would be fun to take you back to when your D.I.Y. or gardening journey was just beginning.

What was the first tool you ever bought or were given?

Jason

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Mick0s

All right, I'll kick this one off.

That's a tough one, but I *think* mine probably would have been a cordless drill (from memory, a $30 Ozito bright orange and purple one).

It was primarily bought when I was looking at turning an old arcade cabinet into a functioning one, but that Idea was abandoned after little progress, and replaced by building a cocktail style one from scratch, cue the purchase of a few more tools like mitre boxes, saws etc.

And in no time at all**...

** no time at all = quite a lot of time

Sadly, due to lack of room, that marvellous piece of engineering has now moved on to a better place where someone will love him hopefully as much as I did, and a replacement will eventually be build to replace the void that now exists in my life.

The drill was absolutely worth $30 i paid fr it, and not a buck more, but it did the job at the time. has since been replaced by the Makita LXT Drill / Driver set, which I am very happy with, but just need some 3Amp batteries! 😀

Wayne

I guess my DIY journey started as a teenager still living at home with my parents and using the tools that the family had.
My own collection of tools probably started as I began messing around with cars and from memory I would say a set of Sidchrome ring spanners, which I still have some 45 years on!

Brad

CIG 240v arc welder and chipping hammer in 1980...
Still have both.

Jason

That must have been difficult to part with @Mick0s. I would love to build my own cocktail arcade cabinet and relive my misspent youth. I hope you do manage to build a replacement soon.

Other Workshop members also posted nostalgically about video game arcades earlier in the year in this discussion - https://www.workshop.com.au/t5/Outdoor-Living/Show-off-your-mancave/m-p/881

Jason

Kermit

I remember getting a mini socket set as a kid. I loved playing with it but I didn't have the faintest idea what it was used for/what to do with it.

Brad

That has jogged my memory, I inherited a small tool set from my grandfather I think in 72, before that I had a carpentry set I may of been 5 at the time. At 12 I could use the metal lathe on my own.

darylhewston

OMG!!!!! Talk about scrambling the ol' grey matter. I honestly cannot remember my very first tool, however I remember being given an old hand plane from my grandfather which regrettably I lost during my divorce. Going to site with my grandfather and apparently helping building houses at 7 years of age. Still a very vivid memory. RIP Jim...

Andy_Mann

Arcade games anyone. ; )

http://www.evansclarke.com.au/auction_items.aspx?id=27885

Shane

I reckon the first tools I bought were a screwdriver set. I've still got them!

Benskimo

I remember nicking some of my dad's tools that he didn't want anymore when I was young -- a couple of screwdrivers, a chisel, and a hammer, as well as a tired old toolbox he didn't want anymore -- and I've still got them. The toolbox is so faded and missing one of its latches now, but it still works!

Andy_Mann

@Benskimo

No need for guilt, if your Dad had tools that he didn't want any more, you did the right thing by keeping them in the family. ; )

aly

The first tool I purchased was a Trojan screwdriver set from Bunnings quite a few years back. One of the most handiest things I have!

Jason

A big welcome to our latest Workshop members. It's great to have you join us. Perhaps you'd like to introduce yourself by telling us about the first tool you ever bought?

Jason

Kermit

It might also be useful to share what you think is the most useful or most used tool you own.

After resisting for a long time I've recently become a bit of a multi-tool convert...

Brad

Now I have a cordless multi-tool it gets used a lot, especially good for flooring.

10.8v tools -
Dustbuster style vacuum.
Mini circular saw

18v tools -
Multi-tool
Impact driver
Saber saw
Worklights

Corded -
Table saw
Compound sliding mitre saw, need to get it out the box to cut up a ton of tas oak mouldings bit of a work of art getting the nuts on some of the stand.

Wish list is a pocket hole machine, biscuit joiner, nailer and caulking gun.

Kermit

@Mick0s,

Just saw a mid-century inspired sit-down arcade machine. Perfect for those spouses who don't appreciate the merits of having a more traditional-looking games machine as a coffee table! Perhaps your next project?

kel

first tool would had to had been a 4 socket wheel brace

Stephen-H

First tool? A seven piece ring spanner set from McEwans in 1976. Still use them regularly

Kermit

Hah! Love your McEwans branded spanners @Stephen-H. I've got some old Sidchromes passed on from my old man, which I imagine are pretty common in most Aussie garages.

Here's some McEwans nostalgia!

Rhys

the first tools i bought would have to be, my estwing hammer, metabo drills and angle grinder, and my leatherman wave

Kermit

Another one for you @Mick0s.

It's incredible.

Mick0s

@Kermit, I can't remember if I posted this one here or not, but something like this will be my next arcade project (just need a bigger house first!).

vasazydy

And whoa, its been a long time since I posted here, I need to get off my butt!

Kermit

Ha @Mick0s - I posted that same pic on @Wayne's wine barrel discussion here - https://www.workshop.com.au/t5/Outdoor/Wine-Barrels/m-p/11656#M1597

Please don't wait for a bigger house. And tell us if you take commissions because I don't think I'll ever start my tabletop arcade project...

Jason

I thought it was time to revive this discussion.

What was the first tool you remember buying? And are you still using it?

Jason

Prof

Sorry Jason, I can't remember that far back..LOL!!

prettyliving

My DIY journey started a few years back when my husband taught me how to use a drill so that I could hang pictures etc up myself ☺️ Ever since then I’ve been hooked on making things as I could do it myself now. The drill he had was just a cheapy with a cord, so for his birthday I bought myself, I mean him 😉, a Ryobi battery powered drill and it’s the best! 👌🏻

TempestSkye7

I think the first handtool(s) I bought myself would be a Craftright kit if various basic tools. This is the one in fact: https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-75-piece-carry-case-tool-kit_p6111032

Still using it, albeit I have had to replace a few of the screwdriver bits by now. The rest is doing fine.

My first power tool was a Ryobi 18V One+ Drill Driver. It was actually bundled with a impact wrench and a Ryobi ToolBlox 2-drawer storage unit. Man, I wish I could get my hands on those ToolBlox again! Loved them. Just couldn't afford to buy more at the time and then they discontinued them. 😞

My first garden tool...I think it was a decent quality hand trowel. Either that or it was a long-handled 3-prong cultivator.

Jason

Looking forward to seeing some of the projects you've built with your tools @TempestSkye7.

Give me a shout if you ever need a hand getting the most from the site. We're really pleased to have you onboard.

Jason

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