Buying Tools for Beginners: 3 Factors to Consider When Buying Tools

Whether you're a beginning machinist or an at-home hobbyist, you may find yourself in need of some tools. And while there are plenty of tools on the market, it's important to not just go out and buy whatever tools you see first. You should take some time to think about what kind of tools you need and why you need them. So before you purchase tools, here are a few important factors to consider.

Skill level: First things first, you need to take a minute to think about what your skill level is. And it's important to be honest -- if you're a beginner who is just starting out, you probably don't need a massive set of complex tools. Something like a basic Gearwrench tool set may be more practical for you. Determining your skill set will help you buy only the tools you really need and ensure you're not using tools that are out of your comfort zone.

Safety ratings: Safety should always be a priority when you're buying tools. Whether it's carbide grinders, portable floor jacks, or any other tool, you should always ensure the tool is safe before you buy it. With that in mind, it's crucial that you do some research before making a purchase. Look for a reputable industrial tool company that sells high-quality tools -- while you probably don't need the most expensive tools on the market, you shouldn't necessarily buy cheap tools either. Make sure the tools have good safety ratings so you minimize your risk of injury.

Project needs: If you're buying tools for a specific type of project, then you should figure out what kind of tools you really need. Simpler projects don't necessarily need each and every tool you can find. Generally, you'll probably be fine starting with something like a Gearwrench tool set, or another tool set that has a variety of pieces. But you should fully understand what goes into the project you're working on in order to determine your tool needs.

There are some basic tools and products you'll need no matter what, like some corrosion preventative material, like WD40, to treat your tool's bare metal with. But all in all, considering these simple factors will help you figure out which tools you need for your projects.