Tools you'll be needing

Contents

1. Essentials
‍2. Nice to haves
3. A full list of parts

Essentials

These are the tools you'll absolutely need to get the job done. Many of these tools are surprisingly versatile (like a jigsaw) but will require more patience and precision to use. Over time you can add to your arsenal of tools but you don't need to spend a boatload to get started. I've left consumables like glue, nails, wood, and sandpaper, off the list.

Jigsaw

Capable of 90% of your cutting needs. Versatile but not accurate.

Japanese Pull Saw

For quick, versatile cuts. A cheap and wildly capable hand saw.

Circular Saw

For all your long, straight cuts.

Kreg Jig

Pocket holes are the best. For all your wood joinery needs.

Sanding Block

Hand sanding and buttery smooth surface finishes.

Orbital Sander

No way you want to hand sand everything. Get one of these.

Power Drill/Driver

Get both a drill and driver. And lots of bits which you'll wear through.

Caulking Gun

For dispensing all your adhesives and silicones.

Hammer

This is an obvious one.

Speed Square

Used for marking, measuring, and getting things aligned at 90°.

Tape Measure

Don't be like me. Measure thrice, my friends.

Saw Horses/Workbench

Having a nice open workspace will make a world of difference.

Screwdrivers

An all around necessity.

Wrench/Socket Set

For locking nuts and bolts together. And car parts of course.

Straightedge/level

Get yourself two. A 4ft one for long cuts, and a short one for the rest.

Right angle attachment

For all those awkward angles where your drill won't fit.

Hole saws

This helps you cut massive, clean holes.

Box Knife

For cutting all the little things. You'll always want one handy.

Safety Goggles

Safety first. Protect those eyeballs so you can enjoy vanlife.

Toolbox

For storing all of the above!

Nice to haves

These are the tools you'll absolutely need to get the job done. Many of these tools are surprisingly versatile (like a jigsaw) but will require more patience and precision to use. Over time you can add to your arsenal of tools but you don't need to spend a boatload to get started. I've left consumables like glue, nails, wood, and sandpaper, off the list.

Dremel

Arguably one of the most versatile tools for smaller sanding and cutting.

Table Saw

A workhorse of a set up for long, rip cuts.

Chop Saw

A dream for quick, repetitive, accurate cuts.

Nail Gun

Go electric. Go cordless. This borders on being an essential.

Angle Grinder

The primary tool for cutting through metals.

Router

For rounded edges and more complex dropped cuts.

Workshop blower

A godsend for blasting sawdust out of every crevice. And keeping clean.

Oscillating Tool

A magical tool that allows you to cut unique shapes in unique places.

Shopvac

To help clean up all the things. And lots of sawdust.

Spare batteries

Try and stick to a specific brand so you can also load up on batteries.

Up next,

Picking a vehicle, layouts