I mostly focus on Building Science & Craftsmanship in my videos, but I have come to realize that I'm a mentor to younger builders across the US.  I've had some great older Builders guide me over the years and I thought this video could be helpful to the next generation of Custom/High Performance Builder who is coming up behind me.

Here's my list along with links to Amazon for the items I use on a daily basis.  (Full disclosure here, I am an Amazon associate so when you buy from these links I get a referral fee.  You'll get the same price.)  I like to be prepared and this is the basics but I keep some other things too.  Comment below if you see an essential items I've missed!

Yeti's Rambler 20 Mug is fantastic.  $30 Double wall insulated so it stays hot, stainless steel so it doesn't retain flavors, and a great cap that allows drinking on the go without fumbling with a moving top.

Tervis Tumber. $17  Again these double wall wonders keep ice for a solid 4-6 hours even in the Texas heat!

Plano Pens Organizer.  $4  This little beauty fits perfectly inside the console of my Tundra.  Two fit side-by-side.

Milwaukie Inkzall (4) for $4 – a better Pen for Builders.  I really like these.  Marks well on OSB, concrete, & drywall.

Laser Pointer – $10 I use this to stand on the ground and tell the gutter guy or tree trimmer what I need done.

Lumber Crayons & Alum Holder – $10  Punch list for the framer I'll number the items with this red crayon on lumber.

First Aid Kit – A good basic kit is a good start but you might add a few items to yours too.

Quick Clot $14 for major accidents – I've added this to my First Aid kit.  Praying I never have to use it!

Jumper Cables - $35 Heavy Duty 20' Copper and Heavy Duty.  These will jump any truck on your job sites.

Leatherman Skeletool - $45 My favorite among many great Leatherman tools.  Love the bottle opener and easy pocket carry.

Surefire Titan LED Flashlight – $75 Newer model than mine.  I like that it uses standard AAA batteries at 125 lumens.

Black Diamond Storm Head Lamp $35 I use this flashlight the most!  Crawlspaces, Attics, & my deer stand!

ExTech M0220 Moisture Meter - $135 A must have for Builders.  Keeping tabs on MC of your framing is essential

ExTech Temp Humidity Pen – $51 Another essential.  We must pay attention to Humidity during construction

ExTech Sound Meter – $66 I do a lot of soundproofing and this is essential to verify that we've done it correctly.

Mechanix Wear Gloves – $12 These "Fast Fit" gloves are cheap but terrific.  I keep a pair in all my vehicles & toolboxes.

Griot's Garage – Speed Shine is fantastic for any painted surface – Interior Cleaner I use everywhere too.  Fantastic Products.

See the whole Griot's Collection on their website.  http://www.griotsgarage.com/

Stanley 100' Fat Max Tape – $17 It's essential as a builder to have a long tape for site plans.

I hope this list has helped!  Please comment below if you have some better items to add or something I've missed.

To read this original article click here. Be sure to check out my video blog on YouTube.