The books describe tools as necessities in an off-grid life. Distance from professional repair services changes the way you should think about tools: buy quality, maintain them consistently and repair before replacing them.
Essential hand tools
The book's basic hand-tool list includes:
- Felling axe and splitting maul.
- Bow saw and crosscut saw.
- Long-handled spade, garden fork and mattock.
- Combination wrenches, adjustable wrench and quality pliers.
- Level, speed square and tape measure.
Hand tools are useful because they do not depend on electricity and can remain serviceable for many years with proper care.
Power tools
For solar-powered properties, the book suggests prioritising cordless battery tools. Examples include a drill/driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw and angle grinder. It also recommends keeping tools within one battery platform to reduce the number of chargers and battery systems required.
Maintenance routine
After use, clean tools, remove dirt and plant residue, keep metal surfaces protected, store tools in a dry place, keep cutting edges sharp and inspect wooden handles for cracks. Tighten screws and bolts periodically and lubricate moving parts.
Learn the systems
The chapter moves beyond tools into practical skills:
- Plumbing: know the water-system layout, shutoff valves, pipe connections, pump pressure switch and basic faucet replacement.
- Electrical: understand the solar system, safely test voltage, check battery state of charge, identify a blown fuse and trace basic wiring problems. High-voltage work requires proper understanding and appropriate caution.
- Carpentry: develop enough skill to maintain and build basic structures.
- Firewood: treat heating fuel as a production system rather than something that appears automatically.
- Vehicles: choose a suitable vehicle and learn basic maintenance.
Build a skills inventory
List each system on your property and write the repairs you can perform yourself and the repairs that require professional help. Then learn the highest-priority skills before you need them.