Your First 5 Tools for Building Fame, Money, & Respect

Keep your battery operated tools all the same brand so that the batteries and chargers are interchangeable.

Van fills the role of “The Dad who knows about tools” in my life

24 years old - 1st generation Spirited Man in a family of Spirited Women - not so much tinkerers. One of the things I'm most proud of is that I change my own oil (3 successful changes so far!). Everything about fixing things has been out of necessity - 15% clever and stubborn, 85% trial and error - as it goes. I can't tell you how important this video is to me. Your channel in general. I never had a fixer to teach me the basics. I come back to this video once a month without fail when I have an extra dollar. Teachers like you, I cherish dearly. Thank you.

I buy the cheapest, crappiest tools you can find. Then when it breaks I buy the best, because I used it enough to break it, I know I now need it. I have a box full of cheap crappy tools that I only used once.

Owning a truck is perhaps the ultimate social cheat code. Eventually everyone needs something moved.

THIS. I love this video. It feels like 100 years of wisdom gifted down from my grandfather in his garage. The wisdom of the sages. No fluff. No bull. Just pure gold.

I noticed that both you and Adam Savage (Tested/Mythbusters) were once both under the employ of Tom Sachs, and both of you share certain viewpoints on tools, modifying things, repair, and solving problems. You also both have the same NASA multitool from Tom. It would be awesome to see a crossover between the 2 of you. Maybe share some stories and just have a chat.

I would love like a 30 minute version of this

The only thing I disagree with is not buying good personal protective equipment. The good stuff feels better and that means you are more likely to use it.

This is great advice, and I agree with his tool selection. Do NOT EVER EVER EVER use a dremel cut off disc without eye protection. They absolutely shatter constantly and you absolutely will lose an eye if you get lazy.

I love this. I am not a maker. I didn’t grow up watching a maker or learning anything about how to use tools to make things. But I am so keen to learn, even at 50. Having a sense of where to start is excellent. Thank you.

knipex pliers are my favorite tool. The fact that they lock into the size you need has saved me so many times especially fixing things that get hot. I will never buy another plier ever again

I’m a lady but because of the 3 of you (You, Tom & Casey), I started to get and organize basic tools although not using them on daily basis but today they helped me a lot

I like this video a lot, but I say ALWAYS start with the 120 multipack of cheap tools and upgrade the tools you find yourself using most. A multitool is useless for 99% of meaningful projects alone. 🤙🏼🤙🏼 Also… I’d reconsider your position on “name brand tools”. With the widespread use of brushless motors & better batteries, more affordable brands like Ryobi or Hart are defiant up to par. Although I would agree with this opinion 10 years ago when we were using NiCad batteries. Rad vid, love the pull saw shoutout! 😁

flatheads are forbidden - love it lol

For a man that gives a lot of good advice this is some of your best! Thanks!

Solid list. Edits/Additions I would make: - 7" speed square and full size framing square instead of a combo square. Swanson or Empire Brand. - Folding Utility Knife with pocket clip and extra blade storage. Kobalt model 56887 is the best bang for your buck. - Make sure speed square has a magnet, very useful when leveling trailers/campers/ anything metal. - Stud finder, essential for any homeowner (one was probably used to mount the magnet). Franklin or Zircon brand. For anyone taking the next step beyond this list and getting into anything more serious, the very next tool I would buy is a circular saw. Corded are much cheaper and more powerful for the weight, but cordless are where it's at. Cordless recommendation: Milwaukee 6 1/2" - all you need for most things. Diablo blades are the best bang for your buck. Buy some masonry blades and metal blades for it and you can cut just about anything. You could come very close to building a house with a circular saw and Van's list of tools.

I just started a new job this week as a Groundskeeper and your videos were the inspiration for that after years of not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. Best choice I've ever made!

Van, I think you have to make a "list book" that we can purchase through your Merch. Doesn't even need to be typed, just print them and we will buy them.

The thing you didn't mention. Having good quality tools inspires you to make more things. Good, dependable tools make building things way more enjoyable!