Let's talk tools! What do you have? What couldn't you live without?

I don't know how many times I've referred to a specialized tool and said "it's the best money I've spent." Even the ones I've built myself because they weren't available at the times I've needed 'em or they were too pricey to do a job just once or twice.

My nephew is just starting out in diesel. I'm keep telling him that the best thing is to make a purchase of quality hand tools and basic quality air tools. Don't waste money on junk even though the price may be better. Then get into the more specialized tools from there as the job requires.

Big boxes are fine - later on, as you have the money. But it's the tools which earn the money. As a kid just starting out, like my nephew, he'd be better off spending the money on tools he needs rather than laying out all that money to buy an empty box with no tools to put in it.