breaker bars of all sizes, pry bars so you dont break screw drivers, hearing protection to go with the goggles. magnifying glasses for small things and to burn the ants, drop lights. shelf for all the manuals for specs.
The most used tool I have is a Craftsman 19.2 V Driver. It came with a drill too, but I rarely use the drill. The driver will run a lag bolt straight into a stud no predrilling. Batteries last a long time too. I've used it to put up a fence, and numerous other jobs as well.
They haven't been mentioned so here goes. Brake pliers, and what we call a brake spoon. They are the best things since sliced bread for changing out the brakes on older vehicles. Also spark plug sockets, and their are way to many to count that you do not think about needing until that day arrives and then you have to make a run to napa or sears.
TONS of useful, time/work/experience-proven items in THAT BOX, I'd wager.
That box of tools made him a good living. I wish I had half the intelligence that man had. I remember as a boy watching him work. They had a laithe with a 48" chuck, it would blow your hat off when turning a part. My dad followed in his footsteps and makes a good living. I chose to go another route. I know he hoped I would learn the trade or he wouldnt have left the tools to me.
I bet there are a lot of memories in that box. He probably spent more time with his tools than any other single thing on this earth. While they are only inanimate objects, they also somehow represent him...( us ) just my .02
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