TOOL KIT FOR OFF-GRID

The  question was asked  on another forum. What kind of tool kit  would  people  take  for living off grid. The more I thought about this the  more it became apparent  the  answer is – “ it depends”  or else  bring one of everything.

However. it is apparent to everyone that  living off grid  involves  being  very handy and  inclined  towards DIY.

Most  off-grid  homes are remote from  urban centers where you  easily find repair shops or  places where you can order repair / replacements parts.

I do  not know how many off-gridders  still keep their  regular jobs  that has a nice big regular paycheck.  Those that no longer have  that financial cushion  must often make do instead of simply buying  a new  replacement  when something breaks or going out to buy something  if they feel they need it. .

Having tools  around  becomes a necessity.  But which tools?  If you  are still working on  building  a home  and  fitting it  with  plumbing,  heating, and alternative  power the  range of needed tools  becomes  very  wide.  You may need  big saws for cutting down trees to build a log cabin.  You will need  small saws and axes for finer  details and finally  screwdrivers  wrenches   and  such  for installing the equipment. If  you are  repairing or maintaining machinery  you need mechanics tools like socket sets and wrenches. You may also need specialized tools  like torque wrenches and  compression testers, nd snap ring pliers. Some cars requires tools that are specific to a particular  model or series  of engines.  I forget how many times I had to fabricate  some specific tool called for  in the service manual by a manufacturers  part number. You can usually  find  something equivalent sold by the auto supply stores from a third party manufacturer but they are usually expensive. 

One  big issue is whether or not to include power tools or  fall back on  hand tools only.

Much depends on whether or not the off grid  site can  provide the necessary power.  If  you have a substantial generator  you  would be able to  power  electrical and even air tools. But without  substantial power  you would have to rely strictly on hand operated tools.

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In pioneer communities the blacksmith was among  the  essential skilled trades.  Maybe  this will become true again. Visit any  farm museum and see for yourself  how many tools  were made of wood. A blacksmith  can forge axes and knives to cut the wood.

The original question remains: what tools would put in your tool kit for off-grid living?

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