Interior Finishing Tool List
Purpose: Comprehensive tool list for completing garage interior - framing, electrical, insulation, drywall, HVAC, and finish work.
Philosophy: Following the “Buy Cheap, Upgrade When Proven” approach, with exceptions for safety-critical and precision tools.
Safety-Critical Items - Don't Skimp
Some tools directly affect personal safety and should be purchased from quality brands:
- Electrical hand tools (Klein, Knipex) - poor quality = risk of shock, fire, injury
- Insulated tools for panel work - must be rated and tested
- Safety equipment (respirators, glasses) - already own quality gear ✅
Last Updated: January 2026 (inventory verified with owner, budget options researched)
Tools Already Owned
Power Tools
| Tool | Brand/Notes | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Drill | Makita cordless | ✅ Good |
| Impact Driver | Makita cordless | ✅ Good |
| Work Light | Makita | ✅ Good |
| Jigsaw | Handheld | ✅ Good |
| Reciprocating Saw | Sawzall | ✅ Good |
| Circular Saw | Handheld (uses guide board) | ✅ Functional |
| Heavy Duty Corded Drill | Craftsman (wall-powered beast) | ✅ Good - great for mixing mud, large holes |
| Framing Nailer | DeWalt pneumatic | ✅ Excellent |
| Brad Nailer | Harbor Freight pneumatic | ✅ Functional |
| Pancake Compressor | Small, for air tools | ✅ Good |
| Pneumatic Staple Gun | Harbor Freight | ✅ Functional |
| Table Saw | Ancient, untested | ⚠️ Don’t trust - evaluate or skip |
Hand Tools - Layout & Measuring
| Tool | Notes | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Tape Measures | Several | ✅ Good |
| 4’ Level | — | ✅ Good |
| Chalk Line | — | ✅ Good |
| Carpenter’s Pencils | Lots | ✅ Good |
| Stud Finders | Several (mostly cheap) | ✅ Functional |
| Saw Horses | 4 | ✅ Good |
Hand Tools - Fastening & General
| Tool | Notes | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Hammers | Various types, lots | ✅ Good |
| Clamps | A few (may need more) | ✅ Limited |
| Manual Staple Gun | — | ✅ Good |
| Nail Setter Set | 5-piece with various sizes | ✅ Good |
| Caulking Gun | — | ✅ Good |
Electrical Tools
| Tool | Notes | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Contact Voltage Tester | — | ✅ Good |
| Multimeter | Fluke | ✅ Excellent |
| Wire Strippers | Lots | ✅ Good |
| Long Nose / Needle Nose Pliers | — | ✅ Good |
| Screwdrivers | Tons | ✅ Good |
| Wire Nuts | Tons | ✅ Good |
| Wago Connectors | — | ✅ Good |
| Fish Tape | 50’ | ✅ Good |
| Paddle Bits | Good selection | ✅ Good |
| Hammer-In Cable Staples | Two-nail plastic type | ✅ Functional (slower than T25 but works) |
| Punches | Some (not knockout punches) | ✅ Limited |
Plumbing & HVAC Tools
| Tool | Notes | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Wrenches | 3, various sizes, beefy | ✅ Excellent |
| Adjustable Wrenches | Lots | ✅ Good |
| Pipe Thread Sealant | — | ✅ Good |
| Teflon Tape | — | ✅ Good |
| Copper Tubing Cutter | — | ✅ Good |
| PEX Crimp Tool | With cutter | ✅ Good |
| Torque Wrenches | See Torque Wrench Selection | ✅ Good |
| Pressure Gauge | Water type - may work for radiant testing | ⚠️ Verify range |
Drywall Tools
| Tool | Notes | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall Lift | Borrowed from family | ✅ Available |
| Drywall Saw / Jab Saw | — | ✅ Good |
| Shop Vacuum | — | ✅ Good |
| Sandpaper | Various types | ✅ Good |
| Utility Knives | Several | ✅ Good |
Insulation Tools
| Tool | Notes | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Bread Knives | Works great for fiberglass batts | ✅ Good |
| Manual Staple Gun | — | ✅ Good |
| Pneumatic Staple Gun | — | ✅ Good |
Painting Tools
| Tool | Notes | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Drop Cloths | Some | ✅ Limited |
| Roller Extension Pole | — | ✅ Good |
| Rollers | A few | ✅ Limited |
Safety Equipment
| Item | Notes | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Glasses | Lots | ✅ Excellent |
| Full Face Safety Shield | Clear | ✅ Good |
| Hearing Protection | 5 sets | ✅ Excellent |
| Respirators (N95) | Tons | ✅ Excellent |
| Full Face Respirator | 3M with replaceable cartridges | ✅ Excellent |
| Work Gloves | Various kinds, lots | ✅ Excellent |
| First Aid Kits | Several | ✅ Excellent |
| Fire Extinguishers | Plenty (FIRST install in garage!) | ✅ Excellent |
| Hard Hat | Can get free from work | ✅ Available |
Tools to Purchase
HIGH PRIORITY - Before Starting Interior Work
Miter Saw (CRITICAL - Top Priority)
Why Needed: You identified this gap - circular saw with guide is too slow for the volume of cuts needed for interior finishing.
| Tier | Product | Price | Bevel | Vert. Cap. | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Chicago Electric 10” Sliding | ~$150 (+blade) | Single (L) | 2-3/4” | Harbor Freight |
| Budget+ | Bauer 10” Dual-Bevel Sliding | ~$250 | Dual (L/R) | 5-1/2” | Harbor Freight |
| Mid-Range | Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10” Sliding | ~$250-300 | Single | 3-1/2” | Amazon |
| Premium | DeWalt DWS779 12” Sliding | ~$350-400 | Dual | 6-1/2” | Amazon |
“Buy Cheap, Upgrade When Proven” Recommendation: Start with Chicago Electric (250). If it frustrates you during trim work, upgrade then.
- Purchase miter saw — stage:: 3 — priority:: HIGH
Oscillating Multi-Tool (HIGH VALUE)
Why Needed: Invaluable for interior finishing - flush cuts, door jambs, electrical box cutouts, detail work.
| Tier | Product | Price | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Warrior 2 Amp Corded | ~$20-25 | Corded, basic, occasional use | Harbor Freight |
| Budget+ | Bauer 3 Amp Corded | ~$50 | More power, keyless blade change | Harbor Freight |
| Budget Cordless | Bauer 20V Brushless (tool only) | ~$70 | Cordless, separate battery platform | Harbor Freight |
| Premium | Makita XMT03Z (18V tool only) | ~$130-160 | Matches your Makita batteries! | Amazon |
Recommendation: Bauer 3 Amp Corded (~$50) is the sweet spot for budget. Or Makita XMT03Z if you want to stay in one battery ecosystem.
- Purchase oscillating multi-tool — stage:: 3 — priority:: HIGH
Layout Tools (Replace Lost/Missing)
| Item | Budget Option | Price | Premium Option | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Square (7”) | Pittsburgh 4-in-1 Rafter Square | ~$3 | Swanson S0101 | ~$10 | HF 4-in-1 |
| Speed Square (7”) | Doyle 7” Professional | ~$11 | — | — | Harbor Freight |
| Framing Square | Pittsburgh 16”×24” Steel | ~$10 | Stanley 45-910 | ~$20 | Harbor Freight |
| Pry Bar Set | Pittsburgh 2-Piece Flat | ~$5 | Stanley Wonder Bar | ~$15 | Harbor Freight |
| Pry Bar (15”) | Pittsburgh 15” Flat | ~$3-4 | — | — | Harbor Freight |
| Clamps (6”) | Pittsburgh Quick-Release | ~$3.50 ea | Irwin Quick-Grip | ~$10 ea | Harbor Freight |
| Clamps (12”) | Pittsburgh Quick-Release | ~$4.50 ea | — | — | Harbor Freight |
Recommendation: Go full Harbor Freight on layout tools. Pittsburgh squares and pry bars work fine and have lifetime warranty.
Layout Tools Budget: ~$25-40 total
- Purchase speed square (Pittsburgh 4-in-1 or Doyle 7”) — stage:: 3 — priority:: HIGH
- Purchase framing square (Pittsburgh 16”×24”) — stage:: 3 — priority:: MEDIUM
- Purchase pry bar set — stage:: 3 — priority:: MEDIUM
- Purchase additional clamps (4-6 assorted sizes) — stage:: 3 — priority:: LOW
ELECTRICAL TOOLS - Purchase Before Rough-In
Essential Electrical Hand Tools ⚠️ DON’T SKIMP
Safety-Critical Tools
Electrical hand tools are safety-critical. Poor quality lineman’s pliers can slip, fail to cut cleanly, or break under load. Klein is the industry standard for a reason. The $20-30 premium over cheap tools is worth avoiding injury or electrical fire.
| Item | Recommendation | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lineman’s Pliers | Klein D2000-9NE (9”) | ~$40 | Amazon |
| Diagonal Cutters | Klein D228-8 (8”) | ~$30 | Amazon |
| OR: 3-Piece Set | Klein 80020 (Lineman’s + Diag + Needle Nose) | ~$75 | Amazon |
Why Klein: High-leverage design provides 36-46% more cutting power. Induction-hardened cutting edges stay sharp. Made in USA with hardened steel. These are the tools electricians trust their lives to.
Electrical Hand Tools Budget: ~$70-80 (Klein set or individual)
- Purchase lineman’s pliers (Klein D2000-9NE) — stage:: 4 — priority:: HIGH
- Purchase diagonal cutters (Klein D228-8) — stage:: 4 — priority:: HIGH
Panel & Heavy Wire Tools ⚠️ DON’T SKIMP ON TORQUE SCREWDRIVER
| Item | Budget OK? | Recommendation | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torque Screwdriver (insulated) | ❌ NO | Wiha 28791 8-Piece Set (10-50 in-lb) | ~$120-150 | Amazon |
| Cable Cutter | ✅ Budget OK | Pittsburgh 10” Cable Cutters | ~$15-20 | Harbor Freight |
| Cable Cutter (large) | ✅ Budget OK | Pittsburgh 24” Bolt/Cable Cutters | ~$25-30 | Harbor Freight |
| Conduit Reamer | ✅ Budget OK | Any deburring tool | ~$10-15 | Check local hardware store |
| Conduit Bender | ⚠️ Careful | Klein or Ideal recommended for EMT | ~$35-50 | See note below |
Conduit Bender Note: Harbor Freight benders are designed for general tubing, not EMT conduit. They can kink/ripple EMT. If bending conduit, get a proper Klein 56206 (1/2” EMT) or Klein 56207 (3/4” EMT) bender (~$35-50).
Torque Screwdriver Note: For 100A panel work, connections must be torqued to spec. An insulated torque screwdriver rated to 1000V is essential for safety. Wiha is the gold standard - 10,000V tested, ±6% accuracy, calibration certificate included.
- Purchase torque screwdriver (Wiha insulated) — stage:: 4 — priority:: HIGH
- Purchase cable cutter (Pittsburgh 10” or 24”) — stage:: 4 — priority:: MEDIUM
- Purchase conduit reamer — stage:: 4 — priority:: MEDIUM
- Decide if EMT conduit needed → proper bender (Klein/Ideal) — stage:: 4
Wire Routing Tools (Optional Upgrades)
| Item | Budget Option | Price | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish Sticks / Glow Rods | CEN-TECH 33’ Fiberglass Kit | ~$10-15 | Great value, 10× 39” rods | Harbor Freight |
| Cable Stapler | Arrow T25 | ~$25-30 | Not at HF - get from Amazon/HD | Amazon / Home Depot |
Note: Your existing fish tape and hammer-in staples work fine. Fish sticks are nice for insulated walls. Cable stapler is a speed upgrade, not essential.
- Purchase fish sticks (CEN-TECH) — stage:: 4 — priority:: LOW
- Decide on cable stapler upgrade vs hammer-in staples — stage:: 4
DRYWALL TOOLS - Purchase Before Hanging
Drywall Hanging
| Item | Budget Option | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall T-Square (48”) | Pittsburgh 48” T-Square | ~$10-15 | Harbor Freight |
| Rasp / Surform | Stanley 21-115 Surform Shaver | ~$10-15 | Amazon |
| Drywall Screw Setter Bit | Any brand dimple bit | ~$5-8 | Amazon or hardware store |
- Purchase drywall T-square (Pittsburgh) — stage:: 5 — priority:: HIGH
- Purchase rasp/surform — stage:: 5 — priority:: MEDIUM
- Purchase drywall screw setter bit — stage:: 5 — priority:: HIGH
Drywall Finishing (Mudding & Taping)
| Item | Budget Option | Price | Premium Alternative | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mud Pan (12-14”) | Harbor Freight 52 oz | ~$8-10 | — | Harbor Freight |
| Taping Knife (6”) | Quinn Stainless Steel | ~$8-10 | Hyde or Marshalltown | Harbor Freight |
| Taping Knife (10”) | Quinn Stainless Steel | ~$10-12 | Hyde or Marshalltown | Harbor Freight |
| Taping Knife (12”) | Quinn Stainless Steel | ~$12-15 | Hyde or Marshalltown | Harbor Freight |
| Corner Trowel (inside) | Quinn Large Inside Corner | ~$10-12 | — | Harbor Freight |
| Sanding Pole + Pads | See powered option | ~$15-25 | — | Hardware store |
| Sanding Sponge | Any brand | ~$5-8 | — | Hardware store |
Powered Sanding Option: Harbor Freight Bauer 5A Drywall Sander (~550). Significant time saver for 24×40 garage. Consider if budget allows.
| Option | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Bauer 5A Drywall Sander | ~$170 | Harbor Freight |
| Manual Hand Sander (9”) | ~$10-15 | Harbor Freight |
Drywall Finishing Budget: ~200-235 (with powered sander)
- Purchase drywall finishing tools (pan, knives, corner) — stage:: 5 — priority:: HIGH
- Decide on manual vs powered drywall sanding — stage:: 5
INSULATION - Minimal Purchases Needed
You’re well-equipped for insulation work!
| Item | Budget Option | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protective Coveralls (3-4) | Ranger Full-Coverage Disposable | ~$8 each | Harbor Freight |
What You Already Have That Works:
- ✅ Bread knives (work great for cutting batts)
- ✅ Utility knives (backup)
- ✅ Manual and pneumatic staple guns
- ✅ N95 masks and full face respirator (excellent!)
- ✅ Safety glasses and face shield
Insulation Budget: ~$25-35 (3-4 coveralls)
- Purchase disposable coveralls (3-4) — stage:: 4 — priority:: MEDIUM
HVAC / PLUMBING - Phase-Specific
Radiant Floor / Boiler
| Item | Budget OK? | Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe Insulation | ✅ Yes | Any foam pipe insulation | ~$30-50 | Hardware store |
| Pressure Test Gauge | ✅ Yes | Check existing gauge range | ~$0-25 | May already work |
- Verify pressure gauge range for radiant testing — stage:: 5
- Purchase pipe insulation — stage:: 5 — priority:: MEDIUM
Mini-Split Installation
Your Current Mini-Split Tools:
- ✅ Torque wrenches
- ✅ Copper tubing cutter
Tools Still Needed:
| Item | Buy vs Rent | Budget Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Pump (2-stage) | RENT | Rental from tool library/store | ~$50/day | Only need once |
| Micron Gauge | Buy | Amazon budget options | ~$50-80 | Verifies proper vacuum |
| Manifold Gauge Set | Rent or Buy | Amazon budget set | ~$40-80 | Check pressures |
| Flaring Tool | Buy | Amazon budget kit | ~$25-40 | Flare copper line ends |
| Deburring Tool | Buy | Any brand | ~$8-12 | Clean copper cuts |
Hybrid Approach Recommended:
- Do all mounting, line routing, electrical yourself
- Rent vacuum pump and manifold gauges
- OR hire HVAC tech just for vacuum/charge (~$200-400)
Check for pre-charged quick-connect line sets - eliminates vacuum pump requirement entirely!
- Research mini-split model for pre-charged line option — stage:: 5 — priority:: HIGH
- Decide DIY vs. hybrid approach for refrigerant work — stage:: 5
TRIM & FINISH - Purchase Later
Trim Carpentry
| Item | Budget Option | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coping Saw | Portland 6” Coping Saw | ~$6 | Harbor Freight |
| Wood Filler | DAP Plastic Wood | ~$5-8 | Hardware store |
What You Already Have:
-
✅ Brad nailer (pneumatic)
-
✅ Nail setter set
-
✅ Caulking gun
-
Purchase coping saw (Portland) — stage:: 6 — priority:: LOW
-
Purchase wood filler — stage:: 6 — priority:: LOW
Painting Supplies
| Item | Budget OK? | Option | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint Brushes | ⚠️ Mid-range | Wooster or Purdy (not cheapest) | ~$10-20 | Don’t cheap out on brushes |
| Roller Covers | ✅ Yes | Harbor Freight assorted | ~$5-15 | Harbor Freight |
| Paint Trays | ✅ Yes | Harbor Freight | ~$3-5 | Harbor Freight |
| Painter’s Tape | ✅ Yes | FrogTape or 3M | ~$8-15 | Hardware store |
| Drop Cloths | ✅ Yes | Harbor Freight canvas/plastic | ~$10-20 | Harbor Freight |
Note on Brushes: Cheap brushes leave bristles in paint and don’t cut clean lines. Mid-range Wooster or Purdy brushes are worth the extra $5-10.
Rental Consideration: Airless sprayer rental (~$50-75/day) is faster than rolling for 24×40 garage.
Painting Budget: ~$50-80
- Purchase painting supplies when ready — stage:: 7 — priority:: LOW
- Consider renting airless sprayer — stage:: 7
SAFETY - Minimal Additions
You have excellent safety equipment! Only optional addition:
| Item | Needed? | Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Gloves (Class 0) | Optional | Salisbury or similar | ~$50-80 | Extra protection for 100A panel work |
What You Already Have (Excellent!):
-
✅ Safety glasses (lots)
-
✅ Full face safety shield
-
✅ Hearing protection (5 sets)
-
✅ N95 masks (tons)
-
✅ Full face 3M respirator with cartridges
-
✅ Work gloves (various)
-
✅ First aid kits (several)
-
✅ Fire extinguishers (plenty - first install!)
-
✅ Hard hat (available from work)
-
Decide on electrical gloves for panel work — stage:: 4 — priority:: LOW
Revised Budget Summary
What You Actually Need to Buy
Immediate Priority (Before Starting)
| Item | Budget Choice | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Miter Saw | Chicago Electric or Bauer | $150-250 |
| Oscillating Multi-Tool | Bauer 3A Corded or Makita | $50-160 |
| Speed Square | Pittsburgh 4-in-1 | $3 |
| Framing Square | Pittsburgh 16”×24” | $10 |
| Pry Bar Set | Pittsburgh 2-Piece | $5 |
| Clamps (4-6) | Pittsburgh Quick-Release | $15-25 |
| Subtotal | $233-453 |
Electrical Phase
| Item | Choice | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lineman’s Pliers | Klein D2000-9NE ⚠️ | $40 |
| Diagonal Cutters | Klein D228-8 ⚠️ | $30 |
| Torque Screwdriver | Wiha 28791 Insulated ⚠️ | $120-150 |
| Cable Cutter | Pittsburgh 10” | $15-20 |
| Conduit Reamer | Any | $10-15 |
| Fish Sticks | CEN-TECH | $10-15 |
| Subtotal | $225-270 |
Drywall Phase
| Item | Choice | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall T-Square | Pittsburgh 48” | $10-15 |
| Rasp/Surform | Stanley | $10-15 |
| Screw Setter Bit | Any | $5-8 |
| Finishing Tools (pan, knives, etc.) | Quinn/HF | $50-65 |
| Subtotal | $75-103 |
Insulation / HVAC / Finish
| Item | Choice | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable Coveralls (4) | Ranger | $30-35 |
| Pipe Insulation | Any | $30-50 |
| Mini-Split Tools (hybrid approach) | Rent + buy basics | $100-200 |
| Coping Saw | Portland | $6 |
| Wood Filler | DAP | $6-8 |
| Painting Supplies | Mixed | $50-80 |
| Subtotal | $222-379 |
Grand Total (Revised with Budget Options)
| Scenario | Total |
|---|---|
| Maximum Budget (all HF where possible) | ~$755-905 |
| Balanced (HF + quality electrical/safety) | ~$855-1,005 |
| With Powered Drywall Sander (+$170) | ~$1,025-1,175 |
Key Savings vs. Premium Everything:
- Miter saw: Save $100-250 (HF vs DeWalt)
- Oscillating tool: Save $80-110 (Bauer vs Makita)
- Layout tools: Save $30-50 (Pittsburgh vs premium)
- Drywall tools: Save $40-60 (Quinn vs name brand)
Where We Kept Quality:
- ✅ Klein electrical hand tools (~$70)
- ✅ Wiha insulated torque screwdriver (~$120-150)
- ✅ Proper conduit bender if needed (~$40)
- ✅ Quality paint brushes (~$15-20)
Purchasing Timeline
Now / This Week
- Miter saw (Chicago Electric 250)
- Speed square (Pittsburgh 4-in-1 $3)
Before Framing Starts
- Oscillating multi-tool (Bauer 130)
- Framing square (Pittsburgh $10)
- Pry bars (Pittsburgh $5)
- Additional clamps ($15-25)
Before Electrical Rough-In
- Klein lineman’s pliers ($40) ⚠️
- Klein diagonal cutters ($30) ⚠️
- Wiha torque screwdriver ($120-150) ⚠️
- Cable cutter (Pittsburgh $15-20)
- Conduit reamer ($10-15)
- Fish sticks (CEN-TECH $10-15)
- Conduit bender if using EMT (Klein/Ideal $40)
Before Insulation
- Disposable coveralls (Ranger $30)
Before Drywall
- Drywall T-square (Pittsburgh $10-15)
- Rasp/surform ($10-15)
- Screw setter bit ($5-8)
- Finishing tools - pan, knives, corner ($50-65)
- Consider powered drywall sander (Bauer $170)
Before HVAC Install
- Research mini-split pre-charged line option
- Decide DIY vs hybrid approach
- Purchase/rent HVAC tools as needed
- Pipe insulation ($30-50)
Before Trim & Painting
- Coping saw (Portland $6)
- Wood filler ($6-8)
- Paint supplies ($50-80)
- Consider airless sprayer rental ($50-75/day)
Notes on Existing Tools
Tools That Work Fine (Don’t Upgrade Unless They Fail)
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hammer-in cable staples | Slower than T25 stapler but work perfectly. |
| Bread knife for insulation | Professional insulation knives are the same thing. |
| Pancake compressor | Fine for brad nailer and stapler. |
| Harbor Freight brad nailer | If it works, use it. Upgrade when it jams. |
| Cheap stud finders | They work. |
Tools to Evaluate
| Tool | Action |
|---|---|
| Ancient table saw | Test carefully. If sketchy, skip it. |
| Pressure gauge | Check range (0-60 PSI works for radiant). |
Quick Reference - Harbor Freight vs. Quality
| Category | Go Budget (HF) | Spend More (Quality) |
|---|---|---|
| Layout tools (squares, levels) | ✅ Pittsburgh works fine | — |
| Pry bars, clamps | ✅ Pittsburgh lifetime warranty | — |
| Oscillating multi-tool | ✅ Bauer adequate | Makita if want battery match |
| Miter saw | ✅ Chicago Electric or Bauer | DeWalt for precision trim |
| Drywall tools | ✅ Quinn stainless adequate | Hyde for pros |
| Fish sticks | ✅ CEN-TECH great value | — |
| Cable cutters | ✅ Pittsburgh fine | — |
| Coping saw | ✅ Portland $6 | — |
| Coveralls | ✅ Ranger $8 | — |
| Electrical hand tools | ❌ Don’t skimp | ✅ Klein |
| Insulated torque tools | ❌ Don’t skimp | ✅ Wiha |
| Conduit bender (EMT) | ❌ HF kinks EMT | ✅ Klein/Ideal |
| Paint brushes | ❌ Cheap = bristles in paint | ✅ Wooster/Purdy |
References
- Air and Battery Tool Strategy — Tool purchasing philosophy
- Torque Wrench Selection — Precision tool recommendations
- Compressed Air System Shopping List — Air system procurement
- Electrical Planning — Electrical design and requirements
- Insulation Execution — Insulation installation details
- Mini-Split HVAC Order — Mini-split system details
Created: January 2026 Inventory Verified: January 2026 Budget Options Researched: January 2026 Status: Active - Update as tools are purchased