Essential Tools For a Bad Economy

Even basic tools can help you support your family in a bad economy. They will be invaluable in a period of hyperinflation. The best time to collect tools is right now while they are available and affordable. 

Below is a list of ideas on which tools you and your family and friends should have on hand in case things take a turn for the worst. 

Kitchen Tools 

Kitchen tools are essential when making your own food from scratch. Make sure you have can openers to open food cans.

If you keep wheat or other grains, a decent grain grinder is essential. It can also grind corn or beans. Learn how to grind your own flour. A grain mill can grind both corn and beans into flour. 

There are inexpensive hand grinder that can grind coarse flour quickly. Inexpensive hand grinder can easily wear out, so buy the best grinder you can afford.

Here are other essential tools you may need in the kitchen.

• Propane stove
• Woodstove
• Solar oven
• Dutch oven
• Measuring cups
• Quality knives
• Large glass containers for fermentation
• Propane, solar and/or tankless water heater
• Propane refrigerator
• Eco-friendly dishwasher
• Solar shower 
• Hand-powered clothes washing machine
• Smoker 
• Dehydrator
• Canning jars and lids
• Meat grinder
• Grain mill
• Cast iron cookware
• Chimney brushes
• Off-grid internet options
• Washing basins

Gardening tools

Without the correct tools, gardening is a lot more work. Don’t buy cheap garden tools. They break, wear out, or don’t perform like you will need them to. Invest in durable tools that can withstand abuse. Keep them out of the sun, rain, and snow… and they will be around for years to come. 

Get your hands on various shovels, pruners, rakes, and… Work gloves galore!  Other essential tools include… 

• Wheelbarrow
• Pruning shears
• Hoe
• Pickaxe
• Pitchfork
• Tiller
• Watering cans
• Mower
• Power blower
• Hoses
• Irrigation supplies
• Feed pans
• Water troughs
• Fencing
• Post hole digger
• Fence post driver
• T-posts
• Compost bins
• Hayfork
• Storage bins
• Wagon/trailer
  

Handyman Tools

In general, these are the tools that most handymen need.

You may have to work on your car or home frequently, so you’ll need many common tools. Some of which include drills, bits, and screwdrivers. Maintain a supply of spare tools and blades to get any job done.

Here are some additional essential tools

• Hand tools
• Electric tools
• Saws 
• Axes
• Felling wedge
• Tool sharpeners
• Hard hat
• Safety glasses
• Work Gloves
• Work Boots
• Work clothing
• Ladder
  

Power Equipment

During an economic downturn, anything can happen. Heck… look at California when the economy is booming. And then… remember Texas in the Winter of 2021? All forms of energy and power equipment have their strengths and weaknesses.  That’s why it’s important to have a mix of everything. 

Here are some ideas. 

• Solar panels and mounts
• Solar charge controllers
• Deep cycle lead-acid batteries 
• Lithium-ion cells (learn how to build your own Powerwall)
• AC to DC power inverter
• Solar generator
• Gas generators
• Wind turbines
• Build your own hydroelectric power station
• Extension cords
• Fuel containers

Essential Tools for Water Collection and Storage 

Just like the power going out, the water can go out, too. Here are some ideas to ensure you have plenty of clean, drinkable water on hand. 

• Water storage tanks
• Above/below ground PVC water tanks
• PVC Piping, tees, valves, and other fittings
• PVC cement
• Learn how to incorporate a first flush diverter
• Wire mesh/leaf screens
• Mounting hardware
• Water filtration and purification systems
• Electric/manual hand pump
• Submersible pump
• Buckets
• Tarps/plastic sheeting

Other Essential Tools You Haven’t Thought About

Sometimes you need the right tool for the job. That’s why we’ll close this one out with a list of other tools you might not have thought about… starting with a Sillcock Key.

If you live in an urban environment, a 4-Way Sillcock Key might be just the tool you need to access water in an emergency situation. Have you ever seen those special faucets without handles on the side of a convenience store or gas station, or other commercial building? 

It’s known as a keyed sillcock hydrant. 

They are everywhere in the suburban and urban environment. These special hydrants are used by building maintenance people for connecting water hoses for washing sidewalks, etc. 

Whether the business is open or not, the sillck hydrant is sure to have water. Even with the power down, there’s probably going to be some pressure left, which allows you to get some hydration. Without a sillcock key, it’s going to be even harder to get water if you’re in a jam. 

• Duct tape
• Gaffers Tape
• Sewing and Repair Kit
• Paracord
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Emergency radio
• Generators
• Head lamps
• Candles
• Matches
• Lighters
• Bungee cords
• Buckets
• Spotlights
• Rope
• Welding equipment
• Staple gun
• Tow chains
• Ratchet and lashing straps
• Sewing machine

If you start collecting the tools on this page, you will be ahead of the game should the economy take a nosedive. Simple tools can help support you and your family in rough times. Take advantage of the time you have now to collect tools while they are available and affordable. 

And… if the economy turns up you’ll be ahead of the game anyway. 

In case you missed it:

Essential Tools For a Bad Economy

3 Incredible Ways To Reuse Old Items