My boy turns 5 in about a month and I'd like to get his tool collection started with a special hand tool of some sort. In 50 years, I'd like to imagine him in his work shop pulling out a well worn tool with some barely ledgible enamel script that reads "To my son Ian, with love from your dad." The question is what tool (and what brand) do you think I ought to go with that is worth of this purpose? Thanks, Scott
Hey, that's a cool idea. Maybe a hammer? Seems like it would last a long time without breaking. Of course, I could just imagine what a 5 year old could do with a hammer. Maybe it's not such a great idea to give him a hammer I'm curious to see what others will post. I like this idea and may do the same for my kids. Dom
Hmmm, how about a needlenosed plier? I'm thinking that it is one of those tools that everybody could use, you probably would use it often, and not likely to break. Other useful tools are stuff like dental pics, punches, scrapers. Or maybe one of those dental mirrors? I'd be hesistant to give something like a screwdriver, since they tend to be easily stripped, and may not last a long time. Naturally, all of these tools seem a little dangerous in the hands of a 5 year old. Maybe only let him use them under direct supervision? The more I think about it though, I really like the idea of giving them a tool that will last a lifetime and always remind them of you. Dom
I suppose that since this is a car forum, a car-related tool is likely what you're thinking, but I gotta put in a pitch for the maker of a few of my most coveted hand tools, Bridge City Tools. http://www.bridgecitytools.com. Their hand tools are all works of art, and a joy to own and use. They're spendy, but will last multiple lifetimes. Engraving is an ordering option with many of their tools. I love using my TS-1 Jointmaker's Try Square, engraved with my initials and the date my father gave it to me. I use it frequently, and while I have other squares that work equally well at their job, this one is the one I always seek out first when I need a square. It's a nice tool and a wonderful way to always remember my father as I use the tool to create something in my shop (usually just more sawdust, but that's another story).
Acetylene torch. Seriously, a screwdriver set. That was my first set and I started taking stuff apart almost immediately. Learned how to put it back together shortly thereafter.
Yup, nice set of craftsman screw drivers. Or a small socket set. Hang on to them, put them in your tool box and have him help when you go to do a job on your car with "his tools" This really is a cool idea. Unfortunately, my kids now want what the tools are meant to work on, not the tools themselves. My tools are fine for them. DM
Also a great idea. However at $33 a share, 100 shares of that gets to be a little pricey for a 5 year old's birthday. But in 18 years, it'll get him one hell of a toolbox full of stuff. Pays a decent dividend too. DM
Ratchet type wrenches would be great. They are easy to use and he can easily tighten and losen nuts with you while you are working on a project. Glass tumblers are cool too, as you can teach him to fetch you a scotch while you are working.
There are little tool sets available for kids. I remember having a woodworking set that came with screwdrivers, a saw and a hammer. DL
I think the hammer is the best idea. I'm in the construction business and it is amazing how many people apply for jobs that don't know how to run a hammer!!!
Scott, starting his hand tool collection is simply an awesome idea. My Dad did the same thing for me when I was roughly your boys age. He bought me all high-quality tools , most of which I still have today. I believe the first item he got me was a wooden rule, the folding kind. He also inscribed a little message inside the the area where there is a brass slide extender (dont know how to describe it better). Go with the major brand names and theyll last your boy a lifetime: Bondhus Channelock Craftsman Crescent Fuller Mac S&K SnapOn Stanley Pro ViceGrip
Thanks everyone for the ideas... every contribution is good. And especially Greg because when I posted this I had thought I made up the idea all on my own, but now I suddenly remember that my dad did this for me when I was young - with a wooden folding rule with a cool little brass extender! I seem to remember him mentioning something about good measuring being the key to just about all hand-work...
Both of my kids got hammers as their first tools. They now both have their own tool boxes with wrenches, tape measures, and screw drivers. I bought them cheap stuff though, afraid they'd lose it.
Hey Scott... I snapped some pix for you. Here is my Lufkin six foot rule which was given to me at least 30 years ago: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Tonight marks the end of a long work week. This thread literally brings tears to my eyes...Priceless, as the commercial says...
I don't have a specific tool in mind, but I think just about any basic hand tool from a quality maker would be fine. I absolutely cherish the tools that were used by my father and grandfathers. Those tools are used right along with the newer ones. The only difference is that every time I use them I think of the guys that used them before me.
Scott: I thought the same thing through years and years ago for my then eight year old. Your decision is secondary, the truest gift to your son is your thought behind it. I began with a tool box, as big as he could easily carry at eight, as many small wonders will soon reside within. Tools were small screw drivers (regular and philips) and a plliars, all three in his sized hands. I bought Craftsman because there is a store to see the universe of later possibilities and pick the first, not so with the Snap On truck. We went together to Sears for the selection, that wonderous day memory was his gift to me. In this there are no wrong choices, only rich memories. Michael Bayer #9727 330GT
