Whether you have decided to move off the grid or simply want to be prepared if SHTF, unpowered tools will be essential to your survival.
I am sure you have experienced the inconvenience of a power outage more than once or twice. Life can get challenging pretty quickly when the grid goes down, and there is no power.
Aside from the apparent obstacles like no television or cell phone, limited cooking options, and the inevitable onset of boredom, many other items rely on electricity to operate.
Tools, for example, are an asset you want handy in an emergency. Thankfully, there are many tools out there that do not require power.
The following list of off-grid tools you need on your property can help you create an efficient supply, allowing you to prepare for anything.
Essential Hand Tools
Having a collection of essentials will be critical to survival. Below are a few ideas of tools to have around in the event of a mass power outage.
A Sturdy Axe: One tool that should always be available is an axe.
This tool can aid in escape, chop wood, or help you easily complete projects in your backyard.
Ensure you choose one that is sturdy but not too heavy to lift.
Linesman Pliers: Also called sidecutters, these pliers have small but powerful blades along the jaw.
A Set Of Other Essential Pliers: Specific jobs may need specific pliers, so having a set handy could prove helpful.
A Selection Of Screwdrivers: An essential home repair tool, a good screwdriver will last a lifetime. Ensure you have one of each type or one with multiple heads to avoid issues.
A Hefty Hammer: Having a hammer handy in an emergency is just good practice. Not only can it be used to repair or construct objects, but it can also be used for protection if needed.
Opt for a framing hammer, which is larger and heavier than a typical hammer and comes in a solid steel version.
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A Gas-Powered Chainsaw: Keeping a gas-powered chainsaw on your property can save you time and effort. Use this tool to cut logs, create fence posts, or clear fallen trees blocking your path.
Wire Cutters: A welcome addition to any toolbox, wire cutters can come in handy and should always be part of your tool collection.
Multi-Tool: This is one tool you want to ensure you have in your tool kit. Adorned with various tools, a multi-tool comes in handy in a pinch.
A Good Socket Set: You never know when you will need it, but you will eventually need it. Storing a socket set where you can easily access it will be beneficial.
An Adjustable Wrench: While a socket set is a must-have tool, an adjustable wrench is equally valuable.
An adjustable wrench can make a difficult job much more manageable and lend a hand if confronted by an odd-sized socket.
A Collection of Handsaws: A small set of unpowered saws on your property is wise and will be handy when SHTF. Use this tool to cut small logs or branches that have fallen during a storm.
A handsaw is so valuable that you will want more than one. Store a variety of saw types to get any job done fast.
I suggest you store a handsaw, a hacksaw, and a bowsaw, at the very least, but a wide variety of saws can help you get any job done and are good to have around.
Other Essential Items To Store
Along with your essential hand tools, other items are good to keep around. These items are not usually considered ‘essential’ but are worth storing.
Crowbar: This tool is convenient to have around.
It’s best to keep both a smaller type, often called a pry bar, and a larger one called a super bar, which is stronger.
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Chisel Set: While it is not essential, a set of chisels can come in handy. These multipurpose tools can cut out door hinges, scrape surfaces, shape wood, and much more. Having a small collection could be handy.
A Level: I’ll get straight to the point; having a level in your tool kit is vital. Opt to store a more extended version and a smaller, more compact one.
Vice Grips: This versatile tool can be used as a grip or a clamp, works as a wrench, or can function the same as pliers, and so much more. Vice grips are a handy tool to keep close.
Sandpaper: This is one essential item you need to have in your toolbox.
Having various types of sandpaper available is good practice.
Sandpaper can smooth a rough surface and prevent cuts or scrapes, which could lead to infection.
Clamps: Ensure you have a set of clamps on hand. Clamps can be used to secure items in place and prevent injury.
Sharpening Stone: Having blades is useless if they are all dull. Keep a sharpening blade around to ensure you are ready for anything.
A Come-Along: A come-along is a ratcheting cable used to lift and drag heavy objects. This item can come in handy for big, heavy jobs that require muscle.
A Tape Measure: Measure twice, and cut once. There are a bunch of secret features on your tape measure that can come in handy.
Your tape measure shows value with practical nail notches and tools to assist in creating circles. Ensure you have one tucked away.
More Necessary Items To Keep Handy
Steele Cant Hook: No power will mean any heat unless you have a wood stove or gas-powered heater.
A cant hook is handy for moving heavy loads of wood or other objects. Have one close by if possible and save yourself some effort.
Tarps: The tarp is often underrated, but it can be used as a shelter, a blanket, a way to collect water, and so much more.
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Ensure you have a few tarps of various sizes on your property when SHTF.
Round-point shovel: Keeping a round-point shovel close by is always a good idea.
This simple tool can dig a hole, construct a ditch, or chop through the ice.
It can also be used as a weapon should the need arise.
Duct Tape: While it is often seen as a bit of a joke, if there is one thing you should have stored in your toolbox, it is duct tape. In a pinch, duct tape can save you.
For example, you can use duct tape as a temporary waterproof solution to fix pipes, mend broken items, or seal an open wound. There is almost nothing duct tape cannot do.
Rope: Rope is another one of those tools that can be used in so many ways. Keeping some strong rope on hand will be essential to survival. Try to store a variety of rope types to help with any projects that arise.
A Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow will be helpful when you need to move dirt or wood back and forth. Keep one tucked away on your property.
An Adjustable Ladder: Many of us have been captivated by late-night infomercials that feature a ladder that flips and folds a hundred ways.
Well, now you have an excuse to buy it.
Having a versatile ladder available is essential to survival off-grid.
A Toolbox: Having all these tools and not knowing where they are is not helpful in an emergency.
Scrambling around to find a wrench when a pipe bursts at 2AM is not ideal, and digging around in the dark for a weapon could prove fatal.
It is best to keep all your tools in one safe location where they are easily accessible.
Essential Protection Items You Should Have on Hand:
All the tools in the world are useless if you are not here to use them. Thus, while you may not want to consider the likelihood of erupting violence, having a few weapons hidden around could become essential to survival.
There are a few primary weapons I suggest you store away when SHTF…
Shotgun: This could save your life.
Whether it is from a bear or an intruder, either way, a shotgun is a vital accessory.
Not only can a shotgun be used for protection, but it can also be used to hunt should you need food on the fly.
Related: How to Make Shotgun Shells at Home (With Pictures)
A Pocket Knife Or Two: A sturdy pocket knife is one tool you should always keep around. Whether for fishing, cutting ropes, or protection, this is a must-have for any off-grid prepper.
Bear Spray: You may not live in the wild but bear spray could save your life when SHTF. Bear spray has a super strong scent and burns if it gets in your eyes.
Not only will this product deter any menacing wildlife, it can also chase off unwanted human visitors looking for a free ride.
You Can Never Be Too Prepared:
Keeping a stockpile filled with the items above could save you in an emergency when no power is available.
Ensure you keep a thick pair of gloves, electrical tape, safety goggles, and the tools listed in this article somewhere safe but accessible.
You may also want to store a battery-powered headlamp, flashlight, walkie-talkies, and work boots.
Furthermore, don’t forget a snow shovel, fire extinguisher, crank radio, and generator.
While it is impossible to prepare for every possible event when push comes to shove, you want to ensure you have what you need to survive, and it is always better to have more than you need, not less.
What other tools would you want to have if mass power loss lasted a long time?
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Plumbers, electrical and masking tape are all super handy for different jobs.
Plastic shopping bags have a myriad of uses, including in emergency repairs.
Heat shrink electrical wiring tubes are fabulous.
A soldering iron.
Unfortunately, NY Legislators banned all normal plastic bags from use in NYS. Now, we are stuck with those heavy “handle bags” made of plastic, which are reusable, but actually cost more in energy to produce and are much worse for recycling and are much worse for using up our resources, according to my husband.
Yes! Further, those heavy handled bags readily become contaminated with continued use, and are sewn together so cheaply that they do not wash well. Worse yet are the paper shopping bags. They are so flimsy that many don’t make it out of the store without a rip or a tear, and if it rains or snows, chances are you’er totally out of luck!
You can actually buy the plastic store bags on Amazon. They call them “t-shirt bags” among other things. Plastic store bags works too. They are not expensive, you can get 50, 100 or 150 bags easily. There may be larger packs too.
The article is a good starting point and of coarse what each person includes depends on what he feels he should be prepared for. I don’t have a cant hook because I don’t plan on moving large timber and I don’t consider bear spray a tool. Other wise I can agree with this list. I have a brace and will add to my auger bit collection. I intend to replicate what was in our combat engineers squad tool box. I could saw a board or drill a hole if I had to but boy have I gotten use to cordless power tools!
Unfortunately, the last two items on your list require electricity to work. While the heat shrink doesn’t require it, the heat gun to shrink it does.
Did the writer walk through home depo making selections based on images he reconized but never used…
shotgun ? i’ll pass and take my AR15 if i need to hunt.
AR ? Don’t be so dismissive of the scattergun. what other choice could harvest birds, small game, and large game (with 00-buck or slugs). Break open models can use sub-caliber liners and fire pistol or rifle rounds.
As for rifles, a .30 caliber bullet has many different weights and shapes for varied reloading possibilities. and many base cases to chose from (30-30,30-06, M1, .300’s, 308).
And with practice a bolt-gun, or even a single shot, can be repeatedly fired with speed and accuracy ….. just ask the Warren Commision, or the minutemen of the 1700’s.
Ar15 comes in 30 calibers….. and why would i rather limit myself to relics and out gun myself when i could have a modern minute man rifle….
shotguns are neat….. but not really what i am going to ride around with. I’ll keep a Ar pistol with me
Did the Warren Commission really tell the truth or be a cover up report for those assets who did the dirty deed?
Recent reports show there were Discrepancies done that show there were more than one shooter involved.
Did the minutemen have bolt action rifles in that time period? Just asking.
Oh I don’t know, I think having a rifle, shotgun, handgun, BB gun and just a variety is good ?
Seriously though, I’d rather use my little browning .22 rifle for small game than a shotgun.
Then one can use an AR for larger game. Use a shotgun for fowl and they’re also scarier to any intruders, lol
Everyone has valid points and preferences.
What the warren commission proved was that it was “possible” to hit a moving target 3 times in the given time frame (as alleged of Oswald) . My point was that most any weapon can be utilized in a swift and accurate manner… with practice.
A shotgun is better for home defense than an AR15, IMHO. Less accuracy needed to stop an attacker in an emergency. Certainly an accurate rifle is better for hunting if you’re a good shot.
ah the fudd lore of not having to aim a shotgun …… you and biden on the same page of two blasts…..
good doug …. mix loads …..3 fire rounds and you die….
A shotgun is more versatile! Try taking down a flying duck or goose with an AR… Try hitting a rabbit hopping through brush with an AR or a squirrel jumping limb to limb. With a shotgun you can take out game easily at 100+ yards or stop a charging bear. Everyone has their favorite tool, but in a SHTF or other survival situation, you need need the tool that will give you “the most bang for your buck.” Don’t get me wrong, I still love my .300 Win Mag, but it’s not as versatile as a shotgun.
You know they make other calibers … right i sure as shit would rather have a Ar15 vs a bear then trying to shotgun it.
You could learn to snare a Rabbit too.
Like I mentioned in another comment, one should have a variety of gun’s/rifles and skills. Heck, even having a Bow is nice.
IMHO, everyone has their preference and set of skills using what they prefer. I don’t think in terms of right or wrong, but more in what works best for the individual.
And always be open to learn new skills, tools (guns) just in case.
LMAO. Did you know in a situation of self defense that people that have never been in combat or combat trained will freeze up for 3 to 5 seconds before they can act. Then because of the adrenaline your aim is not going to be any good because your animal instincts are fight, flight or freeze. The fight is when your attacked and can not run, the run is when you think you can get away and the freeze is like when a bear attacks you your playing dead. You have to practice combat techniques to ingrain in your mind muscle memory to take over from the fight, flight or freeze.
Now with an AR you say well I can aim and hit what I shoot at lol but you will find just as a lot of officers have found this is not going to happen. But a shotgun is point and shoot, repeat if the threat is not down and out.
So I have a 12 guage shotgun, AR 15, SKS 7.62X39, 30-30 rifle ect.
Paper targets don’t shoot back. Many relaxed range shooters can hit a paper target in the bullseye. May not under stress, even the best trained don’t always hit the target under stress. It may take several shots to down the target with adrenaline coursing through the body.
A shotgun vs ar15.
What your talking about is called conditioning and conditioning to kill requires a lot if training and drills.
It’s far easier to teach someone to use a ar15 then a shotgun. Point shooting is simple with a ar15 as well .
Thanks for checking your medz
Regarding the discussion of AR15 vs other weapons I will say I liked the fact that the US Army saw fit to issue me a M16 (5.56) to carry day and night for 365 days. The just over 6 pounds vs a heavy M14 (.308 cal) can certainly make a difference as the miles pile up. On the other hand there were situations where I could see my target but a few wispy pieces of bamboo was making my shots useless. I was sure wishing someone could have handed me a M14 at that point.
In some states, NY, AR-15s are illegal to own.
Shotguns are not illegal and can really accurately pump out a lot of lead,
1: My Bible
2: Knowledge
3: were good…
stay sharp
Bible is key and we picked up the lost books of the bible too. .
There aren’t any “lost books.” The Bible is complete with the compilation of it’s 66 books. And those books are in complete harmony with each other. Anything beyond that is from… (Find and look up the verse.)
Mike lol the cannon 66 is not the entire biible Man took out books because they allowed the devil to do it.
Mike yeshua himself quoted the other books in his sermons…. so you would have to be a fool to think they are not important to the entire Bible.
Enoch alone has such great information about the fallen angels having sex with women.
I’d also add a hand drill.
YES, the egg-beater type ! and a brace with a set of bits.
a brace and a set of auger bits – especially an adjustable bit for trepanning the even larger holes and oddball sizes ….
Great white idiot why don’t you go bear hunting with that ar pistol, and get you self some fresh air? Ar pistol what a joke? Got some beach front property in AZ give you a good deal???
You ever hear of beowolf
Three car batteries wired in up inline with a jumper cable clamp holding a welding rod can weld some thicker steel in a pinch
Non-electric can opener. How was that missed?
People bother with electric can openers? I thought that was a fad of the 70s 🙂
Seriously, I have very few friends who have those in their kitchens, or at least out in the open. If they’re put away in the pantry, you can grab a handheld opener and have the can open before you could pull the electric one out of the pantry and plug it in.
I prefer the one that cuts around the outside of the lid and doesn’t leave sharp edges.
electric openers are wonderful for those that have trouble with their hands. for example, arthritis, crippled up somehow, etc.
I think a good set of files are essential. They’re useful for everything from sharpening bladed tools such as hoes to shaping items for use around the homestead.
A draw knife is a nice tool to have, if you want to make certain things well.
I’ll look thru Daddy’s stuff, think I have a fair amount. Since a lot of his is 45-50 yrs old it’s very sturdy.
Kitchen, was NOT mentioned, except a can opener. Shud have several, AND know how to use them. I’m knee deep in kitchen, Trimmed my citrus, now to put it by. I really need an All American 911 canner, also some expensive stainless steel canning rings, and both one time canning lids, both sizes AND the reusable ones too. I’m not into BBQing, so don’t have that; shud get a big one so the AA 911 fits,
oh daddy…..
solar works good too
Chucks Chinese family has a ballon with a emp looming over the united states.
That balloon today among those before and future are taking intelligence of bases and the wind patterns for future attack by our adversaries. Balloons have been used for many years in wars.
The enemies don’t need to use jets or missiles to launch an attack.
What’s to say these balloons are tests to drop chemical, viruses or EMP attacks?
The WWII Japanese military sent explosive balloon bombs to the USA. Why not the something today by China, NK, or Russia in warfare?
I think many folks are going to need an entire garage or large shed to house everything mentioned here, lol
I have more tools than I could use (some in triplicate) due to year’s of building and building cordwood construction.
Seriously though, in a case of having to be mobile, folks should make a short list of tool’s they’re skilled in using and have ready only what’s necessary. HA, that’d be tough for me, I stink at decisions and would probably end up with a 100lb backpack of just tools, lol
Sooo… 99% of stuff anybody reading this article would already have.
not here the avg prepper….. here has a can of beans and a bad attitude
Some good thinking here. Camping stuff can be used for kitchen type use at home. Coleman makes a bunch of stuff found everywhere. Keep batteries and / or lamp oil / kerosene on hand for those times that the electricity goess out.
I seriously doubt a little 5.56 mm (AR15) would make much difference to a large bear or even a serious aggressor. Having spoken with many from the wars in Afganistan, Iraq etc., they have to shoot a grown man at least 3 or 4 times before he stops. I used that round for coyotes and other vermin with good effect, but that’s a lot different than a bear. In 1968 Viet Nam, we had that damn gun and I’d take a shotgun any day. I have several personal experiences that have contributed to this opinion.
Even if handloaded with proper bullets the 5.56 or 223 can only bring a minimal amount of knock down power for hunting larger animals. Don’t expect military ball type ammo to be a one stop shot and always be aware of what’s behind your target.
how many times do i have to say…. the AR 15 comes in a about 70 calibers …..
Yes you nam vets thanks for losing that war. Had the shitty model and the shitty ammo. We get it… you think in 70 years shit would change.
So ? What is your experience? How many people have shot at you? I’ll stack my personal experience against yours any day. That war was lost due to our politicians, not the warriors who fought there. It was lost due to arm chair generals like you. Granted, we shouldn’t have been there in the first place; but we went.. Where were you when your country needed you?
Decades of experience and military experience knowledge training and combat.
Your right it sometime takes more shots to bring down a drug user on certain drugs. Shooting to the heart won’t always stop some big aggressor in their tracks. Shoot the joints, bone areas to disable before a double tap. Depends on the varmint
The AR the go to rifle of mass shootings by liberals.
The shotgun would be a great backup asset. As we age our reflexes and eyesight will degrade. The shotgun generally is a close range point an shoot asset for older preppers.
The shotgun has versatile loads to do the job.
I like positive conversation.most of the comments here are just that.
no matter how smart one believes themselves to be, nobody knows it all. Wisdom can be gained from many sources, Opinions will vary as do need and situation.
certain folks need to grow some humility and learn one tool can’t serve all purposes. Be respectful of other peoples place in the journey of prepping.
Mike you make solid sense shotgun is certainly far more versatile than an AR. I think great white needs to rethink the AR is the greatest thing ever built mentality. It is a tool and it is a Great tool. No matter how good of a tool it is it does have its limitations.
great white I believe you to be correct regarding extra books of religious significance but I would not call them biblical nor are they missing part of the canon. The Canon has everything everyone needs for their salvation.. the purpose of the Bible isn’t to teach you how to have sex with angels. It’s purpose is to teach us how to get into heaven and bring others home to Jesus
great why not just keep it to a dozen verses then…. Or wait like your zoomer generation history isn’t important to you or context.
Shotguns do have bird shot slug and buck…… Neat…… If you can’t hit a deer at 100 yards with a rifle what makes you think your slug is going to do it. Bird shot is neat but useless against people and buckshot while effective at up close and personal . Its typically harder to use due to recoil for follow up shots. Hense… the military uses a carbine rifle for almost all engnangments and the purpose of a shotgun is for breeching. (which is really what it excells at )
The Bible – Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.
No matter which tool we use, gun, garden tools, it depends on experience, the teacher who instructed the information or lesson. And us putting that knowledge to use an getting the results needed.
Great tools in skilled hands produce great results. In a know-it-all it could mean life or death used in the hands of arrogance.
We use the best tool for that situation and not cut corners with the wrong choosen tool.
5 gallon buckets
Food grade buckets are very helpful.
When relying on the Bible for comfort, which printed version to you read?
What’s funny about the transcribers of the Bible. It was written by theologian elites who may have interpreted the original language from another dialect. When translating those words at their current era’s meaning. So do people actually have the true correct version of the Bible?
Not only that, many cultures have added or deleted books of the Bible around the world. There are several versions printed, in Somalia they have more books added to their Bible. The English version has less books in the English Bibles.
Which books are the important ones that tell the factual story of the Bibles past history?
What version or original Bible is hiding in the secure Vatican library in Italy? Why does the Vatican have limited access to those materials, what is the truth?
The bible is a guide. I do not care what it says about most things only about Jesus and how he saved our souls is all that truly matters. I only care about that if I am saved, beleive in Jesus Christ and try my best to do what is right then I will have everlasting life.
In some Christian church branches they believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity, basically 3 in 1 person. So if we believe in God the creator of Heaven and Earth, does it matter who we pray to? God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit for salvation.
Some experts have researched Biblical History and found there is evidence that there were more than one Jesus.
An alternate story was the Jesus in the Bible was hung on the cross. As the pharisee’s got tired over the years having more than one person claiming they were Jesus. What did the pharisee’s do to the other previous Jesus?
Going by what these theologian Bible experts have mentioned in their studies of Christianity. New documents have been discovered relating to the historical Bible.
Please, don’t be Decived…
I pray y’all will find Truth.
The Bible is Truth.
Have a relationship, with God, whom Created you and you will see how True the Bible really is.
PS: only one Jesus…
stay sharp,
There’s a SPY BALLON over america, sad day for All that have Died for this country…
A few months back I was drilling some holes for a pad lock and thought “ if the grid goes down, how would I drill holes”. That got me on eBay to find small and large eggbeater drills, wood working drill and drill bits. It is a never ending journey to be a prepper. You will always find things you would need if the grid went down. I
Yup prepping is an ongoing journey to be self sufficient in a chaotic world.
We prep for generally a bug-in stay an possible bug-out. What are the general purpose items to take on a bug-out situation? As we cannot take the kitchen sink into the wild. We, depending on the transportation used; car/truck, bike or on foot, those few multipurpose items will be needed to survive.
Eventually the vehicle will run out of gas or hijacked, an may have to abandoned many items accumulated over the years. The last mode of transportation would be by foot.
How long will those items last? We can only pack so many clothing items to last the duration. Before resupplying worn out clothing or spent items like ammo.
Not most of us have a hidden remote home far away in the woods to go to. What do we have to trade/barter with? Gold, Silver or ammo will run out eventually and how can we carry on foot to last?
What have most preppers prepared for a long term bug-in or short term bug-out situation. We can’t be 100% prepared for every situation. There many armchair commandos on the internet posing as survivalist experts. Who do we trust? The military does prepare some for short term situations out in the field, sure. But for long term in the military the personnel have resupply chains in place. Most preppers don’t have that resupply.
Some experts say to pre-bury supplies but what happens when those supplies are discovered by others, such as homeless? Or animals destroyed them. What happens we buried those supplies years ago and someone buys the property. How do we get to those secured items without a firefight happening. We may not have had time to inspect the changes happened. If those supply items are buried in another location or in a State far away.
These are some things glossed over by experts in their books on survival.
Hahahahahaha … all these fools, complaining on an article about tools to have on your property … about having a a rifle or a shotgun. This isn’t an article about bugging out … it is about the tools you should have or might need on your property for off grid. I have most everything listed, except a come along …. and regarding you fools complaining about firearms …. what is to prevent you from having all of the above and more? I have a trusty shotgun, AR, a couple carbines, and pistols for a dozen friends more or less. Missing from the article is freedom seeds for that shotgun … AR … or firearms of your choice. freedom seeds not only keep the pew pews firing, but are good for bartering for anything you need and forgot to pack in your rush to your property.
Yup heirloom seeds needed for food and barter.
A gas powered chain saw will depend on the stored gas supply, short term. May need a manual lumber jack saw too.
Totally barter guns
I’m glad I have every item on the list already.
A good length of rubber garden hose for transferring water or fuel. Container to carry such liquids in.
I had an antique Brace and Bit set with an extra set of bits. Until my druggie grandson broke into my shed and stole about $7000.00 worth of tools.
Devastated me…. Lost everything I owned AND a grandson. Also my daughter because I tell the truth.
Any way BRACE AND BITS are invaluable.
find a garage sale with a box of tools shoved under the table of baby clothes and household do-dads >>> it’ll probably be a 2-3 generation collection of tools that the present generation has no freaking idea what they are and how to use them – might be rusty – but if offer $5 you can carry it off …..
Don’t forget large capacity weather balloons ??
You show pictures of sandpaper, tape measure, adjustable wrench, crowbar, etc. All items that almost EVERYONE knows what they look like. HOWEVER, you list a “Steele Cant Hook”
Where is the picture of THAT? I have never heard of that, and I had a dad and grandfather that did home projects all during my childhood, was married for over 25 years to a homebuilder….
When posting articles, try to give helpful photos if you are going to use them. Don’t show pictures of common items that everyone knows and then list an item that is unusual and not show a picture of it…
Sorry to be so negative, but really…
A cant hook is also called a peavey or a log jack. Many will have a detachable brace on them for use as a log jack. It’s pretty much a long lever with a moveable hook on the side. You jam the hook in to the side of the log and you can start it rolling or tip it up to be able to chain it OR cut with a saw. It keeps the saw out of the dirt.
Its a good idea to keep a few quarts of motor oil on hand as well for treating of the tools listed above. This can be used oil so as not to get into your good oil for the purpose of treating your tools so they don’t rust. Just a thought. Take care of them as if your life depended on it, because in those situations it probably will.
Since no one else has brought it up, I figured that I would point out real quick that duct tape isn’t what it’s cracked up to be anymore. I bought a fresh roll a couple months ago for packing boxes because I was moving, and the trustworthy Duck Tape brand has become so thin and flimsy! It also would not stick to cardboard that well.
Spend a little more and get Gorilla Tape. In the world of prepping, you really do get what you pay for, and if you skimp out because of cost you’ll be paying in other ways.
A couple of other tools that are absolutely necessary are good files and drill bits for drilling through wood or steel.
A Kelly Kettle you may run out of fuel for any other stove but these use twigs, sticks, and anything else that burns easily, plus it boils water as you cook. Strong and versatile, I’ve had mine for about 20 years and, although bulky, it’s lightweight and more reliable (not necessarily quicker or convenient) than all my other camping stoves that use gas, liquid or tablets.
I highly recommend them.
The list also never mentioned a knife (except for the multitool), have a selection of good quality knives whether lock or full tang blades, machete to penknife.
With good knowledge and practice, the 2 tools that are more essential than anything are a axe and knife, with those you can build everything.
I’m from the UK so firearms are not an option (yes there are ways and means but legally they are far too regulated) but you can get bows, crossbows and air rifles.
Yes, you may laugh at air rifles but we don’t have bears or pumas over here but they are good for small game (rabbits, ducks etc). As for the crossbow, I’ve a 7 round repeating crossbow (plus spares) that is a bloody good deterrent and a high powered single shot that will take down a deer.
Oh, and a pruning saw… Good for its main purpose but also good for self defence. Someone comes at you with a knife and you’ve a pruning saw, unless they are a knife fighting expert, my money is on the pruning saw. With a knife it’s either stab or slash, with the pruning saw its slash only… But the damage it will do is far more than a knife.
I’m still laughing, This article was, as I thought, to be mainly about tools… wow, did it go crazy about firearms… hahahaha.. I won’t say much about firearms as its really none of ya’lls business… as for tools for you off grid abode, there should be no limit to how many or what kind of tools you should have… and kitchen tools, again, that would be a another list…
This great white guy seems to be really stuck firearms,, hehehe,, also seems to be a wanna be that never will be LOL… for a better term, a Hollywood Soldier… I will admit his comments are somewhat entertaining, and comical… and that my friends is why I enjoy reading all these comments…
Manual tools are fine, but if you have to cut wood with an ax it is exhausting work and even more so without a chainsaw and a hydraulic wood splitter, not to mention if you have to drill concrete or steel, the solution I found is to use a motor. biogas, which drives an axle with pulleys and corress, al. factory style from the beginning of the last century, it is better than wanting to do it manually, especially if you are already at an age in which physical efforts are counterproductive for your health.