Homeowners, RV campers and cruising yachtsmen are usually advised to establish a certain level of self-sufficiency for routine repairs and maintenance. This requires a versatile kit of power & hand Tools. Inevitably, something in the home, RV or yacht will require fixing. In those moments of emergencies, a well equipped toolkit can be a real boon.

Some people have incredibly comprehensive workshops that include several hand tools for woodworking and metalworking. They also have vices, chisels, wedges, tool room lathes, turret lathes, universal milling machines, kick presses, metal shapers, soldering irons, welding tools, pantograph mills, variable speed drill press, heat treat ovens, belt grinders, belt sanders, jig saws, table saws, jointers, portable planers, wood bandsaws, metal bandsaws, multiple workbenches of varying sizes, sharpening stones and a variety of machinist measuring tools such as calipers, michs and radius gauges. Not everyone has the space to store such an extensive inventory of tools.

In some cases, power tools are clearly a superior option. Using a band saw to cut a circle in the middle of a sheet of wood is more accurate and physically easier than using a bow saw or frame saw. However, many jobs can be performed equally well with either a manual or electrical tool.

Each individual has different recommendations about what should be included in a basic of tool kit. Most would, however, agreed that a hammer, pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, allen keys, wrenches, wire stripper, wood and metal saws, utility knife, and a mallet should all hand tools that form a basic kit.

A set of screwdrivers is absolutely essential. Both standard and Phillips heads are necessary. Modern combo units have one handle unit into which multiple head bits may be fitted and removed as required. These sets work well and are great space savers. Some individuals would also include a soldering iron, as well as torx and star drivers in their basic toolkits.

Ratchets or sockets are useful units to have ready to hand. Widely used imperial sized drives include one-quarter inch, three-eighths inches, one-half inch and one inch. A variety of SAE and metric sizes are also useful. Standard units have 12 point heads but units with six point heads are also available in each size. They units are also available in standard depth or deep depth.

The fast oscillation of multi-master units makes them efficient cutting, sanding, or scraping tool. For example, they are capable of cutting small rectangular slots in a boat bulkhead, sanding woodwork in tight corners and similar space-constrained tasks with ease.

Box or open end wrenches are useful to have available. Torque wrenches are another option, particularly if work on engines will be necessary. Again, these units come in a variety of sizes, one-quarter inch, three-eighths inches and one-half inch being common.

As a final point, power & hand tools are indispensable for open ocean yacht cruisers and recreational camper van enthusiasts that need to be equipped for self-sufficiency. Given the tight space constraints in RVs and boats, cordless (rather than plug-in) power tools are likely to be the preferred option since their flexibility, portability and ability to work in confined spaces are likely to make them the preferred option.

Author's Bio: 

A set of screwdrivers is absolutely essential. Both standard and Phillips heads are necessary. Modern combo units have one handle unit into which multiple head bits may be fitted and removed as required. These sets work well and are great space savers.