Some people going off grid try the traditional method of building a log house in the woods. Others tend to attempt going a more modern way by creating their own power source and living with as many modern appliances as they can power.
The early pioneer homestead approach will rely heavily on traditional logging tools and wood cutting implements. Saws axes and knives play a prominent role.
When one of these gets broken or needing resharpening the blacksmiths tools and techniques come into play. For several centuries the blacksmith represented the best technology the century had to offer.
Gradually as the automotive age represented the pinnacle of industrial technology and mass production with identically formed parts that were interchangeable this changed.
With interchangeable duplicate parts, fine tools like precise wrenches sockets and various screwdrivers became the norm. The adjustable wrenches and pliers gave way to precisely sized wrenches to work mass produced fasteners.
If the off grid home is making use of a lot of technology and equipment then the most suitable tools are those intended to open and close these nuts bolts and screws.
As the level of technology increases the off-grid dweller needs to have more and more knowledge in order to be a successful DIYer. If a PV panel and battery is included in the system some knowledge of how to use a multi meter is required. Equally important is an understanding of what safe work practices are required.
As a minimum a decent set of socket wrenches as well as a set of open end and box wrenches will be needed. With so many styles of screw heads in use a full set of screwdrivers or else a set with interchangeable tips becomes essential. A multi meter and some electrical tools for cutting, stripping, and terminating (crimping) wires are essential if you intend to do any wiring yourself.
If your mechanical skills extend to doing pump and motor repairs additional tools will be needed. The list becomes endless.
As a guide to what basic tools are needed consult DIY books on home repair, Auto repair and farm repair work. Most of these books begin with a recommended list of common hand tools you would need to accomplish the tasks explained in the book.
You will quickly find many tools are common to each group. Carpenters use a hammer that has a claw for removing a nail while mechanics have a hammer with a round ball in place of the carpenters claw. Sine I have both I find myself using whatever comes to hand first that works. In every category of tool you will discover a range of sizes from the tiny to the gigantic. Each has a specialized place.
If your off-grid place includes horses pretty soon you will want a minimal blacksmiths forge and anvil for shaping horse shoes. This opens up a whole new range of possibilities. As soon as you master the basic techniques you will realize that you now have the beginnings of making your own tools. From then on there is an endless number of possibilities.
If you are building or adding on to or even just repairing an existing dwelling, various carpenter and wood working tools become essential. Rough tools for logging can be fabricated by a blacksmith but finer tools for indoor joinery work require a delicate touch. Good quality cutting tools requires special alloys that can be sharpened and that will hold that edge. This requires more than a forge, hammer and anvil to maintain.
At the very least a collection of various files and grind stones are required.
Although we have become accustomed to molded plastic and stamped metal for most of our household appliances pioneers were extremely innovative in making things out of wood. Sometimes the only factory made appliance was the metal stove. However stones can be used to build fire places. Wood and leather was used to make pumps and wooden buckets were the norm.
The point of this is not to advocate a return to pre industrial days but to point out that in the absence of abundant energy and a manufacturing base capable of fabricating all the convenient appliances we got used to it is still possible to make the essential things we need to be comfortable.
The industrial age depended entirely on nearly free energy and in the beginning low cost labor. If we accept that petroleum supplies will run out and we cannot go backwards and use coal instead then we need to cut our dependence on the industry that is so reliant on this source of energy. This requires a complete paradigm shift away from a consumer, disposable society and towards a conserver society.
Man is a tool making animal. His entire culture is based on this ability to make tools and benefit from the results of using those tools.
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