We use tools on a daily basis. Our computers are tools. Our toaster, refrigerator, and printer are tools. However, when the grid goes down, we will no longer have any need for these tools and will have to instead rely on the things our great-great grandparents would have used on a daily basis. For a list of the tools we'll need most, check out the article below.

Even routine jobs around the house are increasingly being done by rent-a-handyman services. I think this is a great business idea as most people in our society are too wrapped up with working or shuttling kids to a hundred activities to have the time, much less the motivation to work on their own homes or cars. When you buy a house, the whole yard is manicured for you. Got weeds? Just buy some spray and you are all done. What tools could you need other than those simple tools you have in that small box stuffed into a corner closet?

I started thinking about all the tools I have and how even that doesn’t seem to be adequate if I could never walk into a hardware store again. What if I had to rely on my own skills and the tools I possessed for a lot more? What if we had a global apocalypse or SHTF event? Would the tools I have enable me to build things I may need? Would I have tools to repair broken equipment or parts of my house? What would I as a Prepper consider as a basic tool list for someone who was going to live through a disaster or collapse and have the ability to use their own hands to build things, repair things or generally survive?

Build Stuff

Hammer
Wrench’s (metric and standard)
Socket Set
Screwdriver Set
Set of Pliers
Adjustable Wrench
Pipe Wrench
Tape Measure
Utility Knife – w/ spare blades
Level
Putty Knife
Combination Square
Assorted Nails
Assorted Screws
Spare Wood
Hand Grinder
Hand Drill
Reversible Ratchet Brace
Hand Saw
Hacksaw
One Man Crosscut Saw
Clamps
Workbench/Sawbucks
FuBar Forcible entry tool
FuBar Forcible entry tool
Heavy Duty Gloves
Chainsaw
Axe
Hex Wrenches
Extension Cords
Medium Duty Ladder
Broom and Dust Pan
Wire Cutters
Electrical Tape
More Duct Tape
Toolbox or Bucket-Liner Tool Organizer

 Grow Stuff

Shovel X 2
Hoe
Ratchet Brace for drilling when the power is out.
Ratchet Brace for drilling when the power is out.
Rake
Sprayer
Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart
Pruning Shears
Seed pots
Mattock

Break Stuff

Pry Bar

Bolt Cutters

Sledge Hammer

Crowbar

FuBar Forcible Entry Tool

Safety Goggles

Odds and Ends Stuff

Spare 5-gallon buckets
Tarps and Plastic Sheeting
Spare Gloves
Flashlights
Spare PVC pipe in standard sizes
Pipe Cement
Hose Clamps
Silicone Sealant
Propane Torch
Soldering Iron – Solder
Chisels
Files

You may have noticed that a few of these tools will require power, such as a soldering iron or an extension cord. If you have a generator, you should definitely include these tools because repairing small things with a soldering iron will be very useful.

However, you should mostly look to get the non-powered version of all of these tools for the longest effectiveness. After all, not only will a chainsaw attract a lot of attention to your bug out location, it will also require fuel and be harder to maintain than a simple crosscut saw.

This is a great list that everyone should jot down for themselves. Head to the hardware store when you can and start stocking up today. To read more about this fantastic list of tools, check out The Prepper Journal.