Reddit mentions of BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver, 6V, 1/4-Inch Hex (AD600)

When I was 12 I bought a toolbox and started filling it with the things I used the most. Ten years later, here's what's in the toolbox I always take with me:

• Paperclips (small & large) - Never underestimate the utility of long, poky things. I keep some on my keychain, as well & use them often.
  
• Leatherman - This gets the most use out of any tool I own. I usually keep it in my backpack.
  
• Handheld blowtorch - Good for lighting candles, inspiring fear.
  
• 2-part, 5-minute epoxy
  
• Marine epoxy - Has the consistency of clay, but hardens even underwater. Can be used to fix cracked or leaking pipes in a pinch.
  
• Duct tape
  
• Hemostats (curved & straight) - A must if you ever work with small things. They can clamp down to hold two things together, freeing a hand up.
  
• Dinky drill - Get one of these. At first I thought it was lame, but having a small, cordless drill around for quickly disassembling things and drilling small holes saves a lot of time & effort.
  
• Zip ties (small, large) - These are light and very strong. They come in handy for random things and work like a charm.
  
• Hacksaw blades - Just keep a few in the toolbox. I use them primarily to make lockpicks out of. Wrap a length of cord around half of one and use it to saw through small pieces of metal in tight places.
  
• Lockpicks - Having a set of lockpicks and knowing how to use them can come in extremely handy. I keep a set in my car and another in my backpack. Read the MIT Guide to get started.
  
• Digital calipers - Nice for measuring small things to a high precision.
  
• Goof off - Good for getting random stains out & removing sticker residue.
  
• Masking tape - I use lots of this.
  
• Electrical tape - I don't use as much of this, but you should have some anyway.
  
• Wire strippers - You can strip wire with a knife, but these save time.
  
• Latex gloves - These are light, low-volume, and very useful for working with messy things like epoxy.
  
• Rubber mallet - This is one of the first things I bought, and though it doesn't get as much use as most of the other tools, I've never regretted buying it.
  
• Sharpie markers - You always need them, and you never have them. Keep some in your toolbox & away from your desk so they don't get ideas from your ballpoint pens & walk away.
  
• Needle & thread - Good for fixing popped buttons and such.
  
• Microfile set (also called Jeweler's files) - These come in extremely handy when working with small things.
  
• eXacto knives - Everyone should have a set of these.
  
• Carpenter's triangle - Very useful for woodworking. This can save you a lot of time if you learn all its uses.
  
• Hand drill - I just picked this up recently, but it's come in really handy for precision-drilling small holes or pilot holes.
  
• Channel locks - These will hold you off until you have the space & money to buy a full wrench and socket set.
  
  There's a few other things that don't fit in my tool box but I feel should be mentioned:
  
  
• A good, 1/2" CORDED drill - Don't skimp here. Cordless drills have rechargeable batteries that always wear out and need to be replaced. Use the dinky drill for those kinds of jobs. If you buy a nice corded drill & clean it occasionally, you may never have to buy another one again.
  
• Rope - I keep a good length of rope in my car & have used it many times.
  
• Steel coat hangers - These are terrible for hanging clothes, but they can be used to make all sorts of things.
  
• Dremel tool - You can do anything with a dremel tool and enough cutoff wheels.
  
• A hand saw - You can cut pieces of wood pretty precisely with a good hand saw & a little practice, and it's much more compact than the equivalent power tool.
  
• Towel - No explanation needed.
  
  Anyway, these are the things I've taken off to college with me, and they work for 98% of all the jobs I've needed to do over the past four years. Anyway, hope this helps, and good luck to you.
  
  Edit: The links are to things I have bought, not necessarily the best or cheapest example of each item.
  

File this under life pro tip more than buy it for life... This $20 cordless AA battery powered drill can drill small holes, screw things in, etc. All I need for an apartment. It uses proprietary bits and is built like a toy, but compared to buying a $100+ unit with batteries that eventually die off...

I was looking around for a cool hand drill that was bifl when my gf got on my case about ... you know... actually putting up the drapes instead of shopping for drills... so I got this and it's a really good bottom of the barrel thing. Far better than the faux heavy duty 7.2 V etc drills out there.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-AD600-Accessory-Assortment/dp/B000077CPQ

Everyone is listing serious work or weekend warrior drills. Don't get me wrong, Tim Taylor's "More Power" mantra is dead on. There is another class of drill, the kind I'll get my daughter when she gets her first apartment. Make sure it's a mix of bad-assery and cute. Accessorize... get a bit and driver set too. Don't overlook that it's the thought that counts. In fact print out the posting and responses.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-AD600-Accessory-Assortment/dp/B000077CPQ/ref=sr_1_11?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1396068851&sr=1-11