One of my daughter’s nursery school teachers is going back to school for her grad degree. She’s moving far from home, and since we like her a lot, I put together a small “college” tool kit for her. I did the same for my cousins a few years ago.
See Also: 5 Essential Tools for College Students
And you know what? 5 years later, and my recommendations have largely remained the same. There are very minor differences with this kit.
These tools should handle a lot of the little tasks that one might come across. For bigger things, well, you need more tools. A kit like this covers the basics for someone who might be leaving home for the first time.
Leatherman Multi-Tool
Perhaps a Leatherman Juice might have been better a little nicer, but I had an unopened Wingman that I purchased a while ago on sale.
Ideally, a good multi-tool should have durable pliers, a usable knife, a small file, and a bottle opener. The Wingman has all of that, plus a can opener, screwdrivers, scissors, and a plastic clamshell package pener.
The Rev is now the entry-price model.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Picquic Screwdriver
I’m a fan of Picquic screwdrivers, and some of you turned my attention to the Dash, a more compact version of their multi-bit driver.
This driver comes with (7) 1/4″ hex power bits, in Phillips, square, and slotted sizes.
There are different colors available. I figured the orange would make the driver easier to locate in a drawer or on a desk, and it was also the least expensive at the time.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also: Best EDC Screwdrivers with Bit Storage
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
My wife LOVES the Victorinox Swiss Army knife keychain I have her years ago. I like mine as well, although I don’t always carry them.
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I ordered translucent ruby, which is a fairly neutral classic color. But… I somehow received one of the new 2018 special editions, featuring a London motif. The Amazon sticker said “translucent ruby,” and so I guess a person or machine didn’t know how to classify it.
I was tempted to keep it for myself, but the London colors seemed to make the gift a little cooler.
Buy Now(“A trip to London” version via Amazon)
Fenix E01 LED Flashlight
Here’s another tool time-tested by my wife – the Fenix E01 LED flashlight keychain.
They’re durable, fairly bright, compact, and they have pleasing aesthetics. There are multiple color choices. If you want something brighter, look at the E05.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also: Best Mini EDC Tools
Komelon Tape Measure
This 10-foot Komelon tape measure is long enough for most tasks, and small enough to take with you when shopping for furniture, curtains, laptop cases, or other such things.
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Duct Tape
Duck tape is always handy. There’s a new “transparent tints” style, which seems cool.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Tool Box
I packed everything inside a Flambeau Tradesman 10-1/2″ tool box, made from translucent clear plastic.
This one has a 50:50 split design, solid latches, and overlapping closure that helps to keep dust and moisture out.
I bought a bunch of these, and have been tempted to custom-order a batch with ToolGuyd branding.
They’re made in the USA and priced at under $5 when you order direct (plus shipping, although shipping appears to be free for orders over $150).
Buy Now(via Flambeau)
