What can I say, I love tools and interesting hardware. I can’t recall a time when I didn’t have access to a hammer or screwdriver. Tools have been a big part of my life. Lucky for me, I get to use them professionally. Whether I’m performing Handyman jobs, Building custom Cabinets, performing Electrical work, Plumbing or Landscaping, I’m always looking for the best tool for the job at a price that is affordable. These some of the tools I use almost daily.
IWISS F1807 Copper Ring Crimping Tool Kit for 3/8,1/2,3/4,1-inch- Free Removal Tool& Pex Pipe Cutter&Gauge- For All US F1807 Standards
Converting to Pex in my plumbing jobs was one of the best decisions I ever made, but doing so meant that I had to invest in new tools. With Pex, you can go with Crimp or Cinch Rings. I ended up starting with the Crimp Rings and therefore needed this Crimp Tool, but I quickly found out that the Cinch Rings work much better in tight spaces like under a sink or working inside of a wall.
Apollo PEX 69PTBJ0010C 3/8-inch – 1-inch One Hand Cinch Clamp Tool
It wasn’t long after I began using Pex that I discovered the benefit of using the Cinch Rings over the Crimp Rings. They are easier to undo, you can install them in smaller spaces and the tool is easier to handle. The Crimp Tool is a two handed operation. If you’re only going to use one system – use this one.
PEX Pipe Cutters for Cutting 1/8″-1-inch PEX Pipe
The most important part of using Pex is making sure you have a clean square cut at the fitting joint. Don’t try using a knife. Just invest in a nice Pex Pipe cutter. It will also work well on rubber and poly hoses – just not ones with metal reinforcement.
REXBETI 14″ Rivet Nut Tool, Professional Rivet Setter Kit with 7 Metric & SAE Mandrels and 60pcs Rivnuts, Labor-Saving Design, Extra 1/4-20 mandrel with Rugged Carrying Case
I used Riv-Nuts extensively throughout the build. It makes life very easy when you have the Riv-Nut tool.
VIGRUE 150pcs #8-32#10-24 1/4″-20 5/16″-18 3/8″-16 Carbon Steel UNC Rivet Nuts Rivnut Assortment Kit, Yellow Zinc Plated Finish, Flat Head Threaded Insert Nutserts Assort
I used Riv-Nuts extensively throughout the build. They provide you a secure mechanical attachment point. I like these better that sheet metal screws because unlike sheet metal screws, I can treat the bare metal before inserting these. You also get a much stronger mounting point. They are available in SAE and METRIC
Wire Loom Cable Insertion Tool for 3/8″ to 1/2″ – Model CM08
This tool makes inserting wires into wire looms a breeze. It’s a Must Have for the braided wire loom.
4 Pieces Stainless Steel 316 Lifting Eye Nut 1/4″ UNC Marine Grade
I was in a hardware store and I had an idea of what I wanted, but they had never heard of it. I wanted a ring on the nut side of a U-Nut. After 5 minutes of looking, I simply typed the thought into Amazon and there it was. 40 years in construction and I never even knew these existed, but there were exactly what I needed. They were at my door in 24 hours. So what are they – Lifting Eye Nuts and I used them inside my cargo box to secure the loose items down.The last thing you want in your cargo box are lose items.
Fulterer 450lb 204kg Full-Extension Heavy-Duty Drawer Slide 48″ With Lock
I used these Heave Duty Drawer Glides to create my tool storage tray. At 450lb capacity, they are perfect for the job. To see how they were used, follow this link: https://wonderofwander.com/tool-storage/
Unihome EN131 16.5 FT Aluminium Telescopic Ladder Extension Steps
This ladder was great. “Was, because I had to sell it as it did not fit in the van after I finished the tool storage area. I really hated selling it because it is just so damn handy. If you are looking for a single ladder that does the job of many – and you have the room, I highly suggest this one. It does many things well. It’s an 8′ Step Ladder, 16′ Extension Ladder and folds up small. I used it a lot in my construction business.
Here is what I replaced this with:
Telesteps 600FLD OSHA Compliant 6 ft Double sided folding step ladder (STIK Ladder)
Telesteps 600FLD OSHA Compliant 6 ft Double sided folding step ladder (STIK Ladder)
Finding a ladder that was compact enough to fit in my van and still high enough that I could reach my Cargo Box 10′ in the air was very challenging. Then one day I saw someone on Youtube talk about a Stick Ladder or rather STIK Ladder. Could it be true? After researching them extensively, I opted for the Double Sided ladder. Not because I needed both sides, but I was seeing the reviews on the single sides ladder commenting that they were shaky. I realized that this was probably due to the way the legs on the open side were constructed. I took a chance and got the Double Sided and I’m happy to say – I was right. This ladder folds up to the sizes of a 4×4 post and will work perfectly for both reaching the top of my RV and in my construction business. *Nothing beats a good Fiberglass Ladder, but when you don’t have room, this is the next best thing.
Muscle Rack 24 Quart 3 Pack Black Heavy Duty Rectangular Stackable Dairy Milk Crates, 11″ High x 19″ Wide
I am a big fan of milk crates for tool storage. I’ve been using them since 2003, so when I did this van build, I immediately sourced these out to include in the build. There are many other uses for them, but sorting my nails, screws, and compressor tools are just some of the ways I use them. Here is the article showing them in use: Tool Storage
Secure Set SP (Shake & Pour) – 1 Post Kit – Commercial Grade – 32 oz. Fast, Secure & Safe Concrete Alternative for Easy Fence Post Installation
I have found so many uses for this stuff. From setting fence and mailbox posts to filling PVC pipe to stiffen it in a structural application I did with the pipes. Careful though – it will really expand.
Extra Large Disposable Boot Shoe Covers – Fits All Shoe Sizes From Size 5 to 15 – Made for Extra Large and Wide Shoes and Work Boots – 100 Booties Per Pack
Wearing booties (work boot covers) when working in a customers house is pretty common practice today. However, trying to find ones that fit on a size 14+ boot – now that is a challenge. I found this company and I love them. I have to protect them carefully though as people want to grab them from me all the time. They come in multiple sizes, but it is the only company that I have found that sells a XL size for us Big Feet
PORTER-CABLE Plate Joiner Kit, 7-Amp (557)
A Plate or Biscuit Joiner is a standard piece of equipment in any Cabinet Shop and mine is no different. I found this one to be of good value and works well for my needs.
Bosch 3-1/4 Inch Woodworking Hand Planer with Carrying Case, PL2632K
Probably one of the least used tools in my possession, but I’ll tell you – when you need it, you need it. I usually use this for planing down a door that is sticking, but sometimes I’ll use it to put a bevel on an edge.
Bosch JS260 120-Volt Top-Handle Jigsaw
Yep, another Bosch tool. As a cabinet maker, you’d think I cut a lot of wood with this Jig Saw, but honestly, I end up cutting more metal with it than anything else. It has been used a lot during the Van Conversion project.
Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD – 15 Amp 12 in. Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw
The pride of my shop is this very accurate 12″ Double Compound Miter Saw with the Axial Glide System. Not only does the Axial Glide take up less room, it keeps the saw dead on accurate.
Bosch LS010 Miter Saw Laser Washer Guide, Black
I’m surprised that every Miter Saw doesn’t come with a laser guide today, but they don’t. I added this to my Bosch 12″ Compound Miter Saw. It really helps us old guys with failing eye sight, but I never use it when I need cabinet grade accuracy – only for what I call, rough cutting or any cut that is fine being within 1/8″ accuracy.
Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Tablesaw – 10 inch Jobsite Table Saw with 25 Inch Cutting Capacity and Portable Folding Table Stand
Next to my Miter Saw, my Table Saw is the second most important tool in my shop. It must be accurate and fairly light weight. The Bosch 10″ table saw met that requirement. I highly recommend it.