Off Grid Homesteading.....the tools you'll need.

[@robertstanfill4954]

Got Daddy's tools after he passed away. He had all the things you mentioned. He could build anything. I've helped him all my life on the farm. In WW2 he went in the Navy. They made him a Seabee because he knew what a hammer and a 3 penny nail was. I miss him. A proud daughter ❤️

[@Bushradical]

I'd like to thank you and thank your family for your fathers service.

[@leveraction3]

Your old man was a good man then, and that's from a former Seabee, I hope you learned something for him,

[@judyschepp8748]

@TryNDoxMe I don't understand this comment. What does it have to do with hoes, shovels, sharpeners, etc.?? You don't need a password to use a shovel😁😁🤗

[@jacobriggs7483]

@@judyschepp8748 the fact that you don't understand that comment worries me greatly.... I think you shouldn't have a password for anything 🤣

[@MagillaGuerilla]

That's awesome! I wonder if he worked with my great grandfather as a Seabee!

[@ccvifuntimes5987]

“Just realize that you’re watching a video on the internet…” This guy is my hero. If those folks were serious, they’d buy his book. Keep making videos. I watch for your philosophy as much as for the information you share.

[@stephenzevetchin]

So true. This should win an award for thoroughness and competance

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@joenadeau4419]

@@Bushradical Very well done and useful to any new home owner too.....I use my side cutters and roll of wire over and over again..!!

[@danielmurray7639]

Exactly!! This video is amazing for how concentrated the info is

[@judyschepp8748]

Dave certainly knows what he is talking about!!!👍❤️💖

[@OldGriz708]

I dont live completely off grid anymore but i can't imagine life without thise tools.

[@zemyazahealingkorllc]

You should of been a teacher...I have adhd and you kept my attention all the way thru...I learned some shit thanks

[@mrwess1927]

* should have*

[@supbabe7203]

@@mrwess1927 M'kay...

[@PatrickWagz]

@@mrwess1927 what about "thru" ?? why not correct that, too?? and "shit".... that's good to go?? haha!

[@mrwess1927]

@@PatrickWagz i learned some shit at the drive-thru too!

[@collinturney]

This was obviously a very well thought out overview. I don't think anyone is doing this kind of content with this level of pragmatism. Thanks again for another great video!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks , I appreciate that

[@RumorHazi]

“For those of you worried about being so rustic that you don’t think a generator is necessary....let me remind you, you’re watching a video on the internet.” THAT made me spill my coffee!

[@Bushradical]

LOL thanks

[@youarenotme01]

I’d throw a triangular saw file, plus a saw set in there. If yer saw ain’t singing, neither are you. The ultimate tool is yer mind. Think it through to avoid getting hurt. God be with you, always.

[@midwestmutineer7675]

This is why I love Dave and Brooke. I live in a subdivision. Raised a farm kid but now a single mom to two sons. I have all of these tools because while I might pay for my utilities, I do save and do my own maintenance and build/repair what I need done to be self sufficient. You don't need to be off grind to get IMMENSE value from this video. LOOOOOVE!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks jama

[@marvthedog1972]

a note on shovels. I have a spade that I bought just about 15 years ago, and it's been a good spade. It's blade does tend to rack and bend when going through hard clay or when it hits a rock. I recently brought back an old shovel head that was my parents that they got in probably the 60s. it's handle long ago broke and it was all rusty. I cleaned it up, put a new long handle in it, and was shocked at how well it dug and did not bend and rack in the clay. If you can find older tool heads, shovels, spades, axe heads, buy them and put new handles in it.

[@miaouew]

Seems like older tools in general are just...better. More love put into making them, for sure. There is nothing better than using a tool built by someone who loves tools and loves what they do, and has a respect for the work.

[@user-vc7wl9mm2l]

HAHAHAHA! "For those people who want to be totally off the grid, just realize you are watching a video on the insert." Oh my days, this is my favorite channel on all of KZbin. You guys rock.. and are inspiring. My wife and I refer to you as the best in the non-biz. Thank you for EVERYTHING.

[@Kate-nd4rl]

Love this commentary. Thanks, Dave Whipple!

[@mountainmama5049]

I would add wood clamps. Warped wood can be forced into place with clamps and then drilled and screwed or whatever attachment method you choose.

[@alanj7306]

Wood clamps definitely come in handy. Don’t use them all the time, but always glad to have them when I need them

[@marvinshenk]

I used to build a lot of halfpipe skate ramps as a kid. My essential tools were a Measuring tape, Level, Hammer, Sharp Blade knife, Jig Saw, Circular Saw, Sawsall/reciprocating saw, Hand Saw, Power Drill with paddle and circular bits, Pencils, Chalklines, paper, and beer and good friends.

[@saberwork]

I like the way you organized and presented this. I'm not a homesteader, but, I am a sailor, and sailing long distances away from sources of repair parts, tooling, and expertise has many of the same demands seen in homesteading situations. One tool that I would add is a good heavy duty vise/anvil securely mounted to a truck bumper or other heavy solid object.

[@melissaseal929]

I love your videos and your wife’s! “She gone!” Can’t help but say that in my head every time I leave the house!

[@jefflupp2587]

Been working with tools, fixing things, and building things all my life, and this is the finest tool overview i have ever seen! I would love to see millions of views on this one, as this just what the world needs right now... Keep it up

[@RayBlackburn]

Vise grips...When nothing else works vise grips will clamp onto the stub of a broken off floor shifter in a 1974 pinto and get you home LOL

[@davekibbey7944]

They worked great for rolling down the window too.

[@Bushradical]

No joke!

[@Bushradical]

LOL, yes they do!

[@MilesCobbett]

My buddy Lars once used vise grips to steer his old Ford pickup in a small town in Alaska... A local cop finally gave him a ticket for it :)

[@MrAwsomeshot]

If you get a leak in your brake system, like a blown out wheel cylinder or a rusted through brake line... a pair of vise grips can clamp of the line just like a hemostat on an artery. Tie it up with some mechanics wire and it can get you home. You wont wanna drive like an idiot because you will have way less braking power but better than being stuck on the side of the road for hours waiting on an expensive tow.

[@lukefitt56]

Something to add is the type of leaf rake you had in your hand. The ends come to a triangle point unlike a lot of regular rakes that just have the fingers on them and you’re always cleaning leaves off them. I switched to the triangles a couple years ago and I LOVE it! Never going back.

[@Kreecher]

I am very grateful for your channel. As a future homesteader, the information you provide is priceless. I like how straightforward you are, no BS so to speak, about what exactly is realistic to do these jobs correctly. Im in the early stages of planning but after binge watching your videos over the past few days now Ive found your channel to be a huge resource for my family and I in planning our homestead. Im excited to see new content as you continue your adventures. Thanks!

[@Bushradical]

I appreciate that!

[@mapesdhs597]

3+ years on, I hope your homestead project went well!

[@N.Cognito]

5 gallon buckets. You can not have too many buckets for holding things, transporting things (including water) they can be chairs, short ladders and even a shovel. Very useful tool.

[@krfo3561]

Thank you (y'all) so much for ALL your content but THIS video is exactly what I needed to know . Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge with me for free 😁

[@FireStormintheTARDIS]

I still can't help thinking that it's no one else's business how you live off grid or whatever. I swear these people are just paid to cause arguments on the internet. I love your videos, so thank you for sharing that little part of your highly enjoyable life experience.

[@Cookinel]

Used this as guide for what tools we needed to start clearing trees on our own off grid property. You guys are my hero’s- ty!

[@gregu4791]

Thank you. And thank you for not telling me I need to buy the most expensive whatchacallit. I've found a lot of radical bush living is improvising. With your basic, required tools, a person can do a lot of improvisation and survive.

[@OutdoorAdventureswithShawn]

new sub -- some "girl in the woods" sent me here... lol i do love her channel - lets see if you can keep up with the girl ! lol

[@Bushradical]

Ive been trying to keep up with her for 25 years

[@OutdoorAdventureswithShawn]

Bushradical she a good one ! She a go getter! An inspiration and encourager for sure !

[@Mikewparkes]

“Needs to have its own stupid bike helmet on the tool”. That’s golden! I literally laughed out loud at that

[@HeyItsBink]

Legitimately my favourite channel on youtube always learning, always binge watching! Great stuff Dave! micah from Australia be radical ay 🇦🇺🤝

[@DarrenMalin]

you provide what my grandfather called the most important tool. Knowledge , it weights nothing and always travels with you. Thank you Sir.

[@Bushradical]

Well said! Thanks

[@vilkinesuo]

Thanks so much for this truckload of good, no-BS information, Dave! All the basic tools one might need, without the non-essentials. Great video and info. Over the years of owning my own house (not an off-grid homestead), I've come to own many of these basics, but will round out my set with a few things you've mentioned.

[@LHWinfo]

I’d consider a 3/4” wood chisel. That is the only thing I think you may have missed. What a great resource this list is. Thank you.

[@zRockin1]

Hi Dave, as usual, a quality video with great advice. Thanks for sharing, Rock On!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Z

[@timhockersmith3934]

This video is still a classic! Thanks Dave!

[@RayBlackburn]

All this time I've been picking up logs like that and rolling them over with my bare hands and that hook thing looks like it would be much easier on my hands LOL

[@Bushradical]

When they are too big to roll by hand......it works great

[@victorcastle1840]

I finally broke down and bought a all steel type one, that was orange and you could roll the log over and onto its self and the handle would raise it up off the ground and you could cut several pieces off , before repeating. It has been so long ago, I can not remember the name of it. I know where it is in the barn. Sure was handy and save the back some.

[@av3594]

@@victorcastle1840 Timberjack - Log Roller Grabber Cant Hook and Cutting Jack (Cant Hook, Cant Dog, Log Jack, Log Stand, Log Peavey)

[@spinkyl9559]

@@victorcastle1840 I looked at that one and I thought, well, I don't need to have a stand on the hook, I can just place it up on another log. So I got the version without the stand.

[@bmiga]

I own a Husqvarna, have cleared many a trees and processed many a stick of firewood with it. I swear by it and would definitely buy another.

[@TimHief]

A decent Leatherman style multitool is a solid choice for EDC also, it may keep you from running over to the tool shed to find a small screw driver or pliers when those situations present themselves. I have one with a pocket clip, I hardly know I'm wearing it. Great video Dave.

[@Bushradical]

I cant believe I forgot about a multi tool. You're spot on.

[@rickreese5794]

Bingo PAL 😊

[@billiegoodman4872]

Dave Whipple is a Fine Man.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Billie

[@billiegoodman4872]

@@Bushradical You,re most welcome, Dave.Love to ypu and the family. Hug Brooke for this old friemd

[@montanamann7237]

FREAKING EPIC.....talk about stepping your game up Dave.....awesome man...y’all keep up the great work ....love your channel man !!!!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Montana Mann

[@earlyriser8998]

Excellent...we just remodeled an 1890's farmhouse and we agree with almost every single recommendation

[@AlaskaBushratJohn-st7sm]

Great tutorial Dave, I personally always use an ax for splitting firewood and I always slit in the Winter on cold days, easier to split as you well know. Another thing, I like to go out at night and split wood, night time relaxes me. You and I pretty much think a like. Thanks for the sharer.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks John!!

[@Mtlk77]

This is one of my favorite videos on KZbin. I have come back to it numerous times as I plan moving out of the city

[@samanvii85]

Dave, thank you!! This is such an amazing video, and I appreciate the time and thought you put into it. I find I have many of the tools already, but I definitely have some things to pick up!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Samantha

[@stevedeweysmith]

This video is worth money! Great job.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Steve

[@Brutaga]

Dave it’s always a pleasure to watch your videos. Another tool that I have found is really useful, is a hand held angle grinder. Recently I also bought a second hand concrete mixer, not really a must have but as I’m building a stone cottage it’ll save me a lot of sweat and toil. Keep up the good work and once again I really enjoy your excellent videos. 😊

[@kKobes1]

You are by far the best at explaining homesteading I have seen on KZbin. Love you're channel man 👍

[@ActionMan73]

Dave, thanks for sharing your knowledge & experience with tools when starting and maintaining a off grid homestead...👍

[@Bushradical]

You're welcome

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

I've always had a mitre box and hand saw. Works well for all my needs

[@yourdadsdad]

This is a very well setup load of tools, thanks for the breakdown. The only two things I would add is a set of hex keys (Allen wrenches) and a propane torch. Hex head screws are like torx screws, they pop up when you least expect it. A propane torch is also pretty handy for many things, I keep a 6’ adapter hose around so I can use my torch head with a 20 lb (or bigger) tank. Oh, a spark plug gap tool (not a full set of feeler gauges) is pretty handy for the chainsaws, generators, vehicles and other power equipment. Thanks for the video Mr. Whipple.

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

It can help with a bolt that doesn't want to move or a frozen pipe

[@thornwarbler]

There speaks the voice of experience. You know when someone is the real deal look at those tools they've all been well used. No glitzy gear thats never been out of the box. Thanks for your time.

[@Bushradical]

Right on. Thanks

[@janetwithers7427]

A man and his tools. You have a great, helpful collection and well used too. NOw you need to find Brooke for some of that Chicken and Rice dinner she made :-)

[@Bushradical]

Right on!

[@nolanpike6537]

Your channel is such a gift.

[@yeehawo7]

am i the only one watching just to imagine how nice it would be to not have to worry about bills and society but knowing you have none of the physical abilities to put in the work to really live like this or uh is that just me

[@yeetskeetselfdelete5638]

REAL

[@FollowTheCompassNorth]

I'm setting up my homestead in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan in the summer of 2026 after I finish up my 20 years of service. I have 16 years down and 4 to go. We should do a colab sometime and teach the community something fun! I've been a survival instructor for my entire adult life so I'm sure we'd work well together.

[@rld1278]

Great information Dave! It seems to me that the majority of these tools are also necessary for just maintaining and repairing/remodeling a home and property. I either have or they are on the list to get most of these items. I love your practicality in describing the necessities. Thank you!

[@Bushradical]

Great point!

[@kevinmorris7722]

Great list. Right on. One extra. Allen keys, SAE and metric. And don't forget a weather prof storage with plenty of oil and lube. Tools are a life line and most will rust.

[@laurenpiantino8312]

I sent the link for this video to my Uncle, I'm sure he'll find it interesting. I'm always in and out of his workshop, mostly to commandeer needle point pliers; as an artist and crafter, I am often looking for things to aid me in my art. When you showed the Vice Grips I was amazed, I've seen sets of them in his workshop too, and always thought they were a type of clumsy looking set of pliers, and because they are so big I've never given them much interest, since I would need both hands to clamp the demmed things together. But when you said that they lock, and showed how they lock, I was intrigued. I guess I might be in a heap of trouble with him again when he finds a pair of his missing. lol.

[@Bushradical]

you'll find a million uses for them. Good luck

[@rogerbloxham5381]

Laurie P If you put them back when you’re through with them, he probably won’t mind at all.

[@krustysurfer]

Great video David your going to save a few people from headaches and heart aches if they pay attention to what's inside this presentation. Aloha

[@vossierebel]

Good to see you Dave - as always, the information is great - and I love how your tools all look authentic - well used and up for the next job!👍😁

[@Bushradical]

Hey AJ! Thanks

[@hartiaacres]

Just over 1 year into our homestead. I agree with the tools for the most part. Tool,s I would add. Pulaski Axe , great for dealing with roots. A long snipe or pry bar, I have one that's 7 feet long. A flatbed style wheel barrel. Great for clearing land . You can carry bucked up wood , branches and other item that are awkward in a wheel barrel. A string line , step ladder of various heights. Metal snips , and a 5" mini grinder. Brooms are handy as heck as well. Great for snow removal on you truck/tractor . Sweeping the snow off ones boots before heading in.

[@MiscMitz]

I work in a auto wrecking yard. It's no joke about how often my 10mm disappears. 13mm too. Lol

[@Bushradical]

No kidding ...they just vanish

[@davidsrensen3117]

I bought 4 extra 10 and 13mm sockets 2 years ago and i can never find one

[@MiscMitz]

@@davidsrensen3117 lol. In the year I've worked in this auto yard, I've bought at least 6 13mm and 3 10mm. But as of Tuesday, ALL my 12mms are gone...

[@coryhobbs5386]

They are with the mismatched socks

[@MiscMitz]

@@coryhobbs5386 I didn't think of looking there.

[@greggramig910]

Dave, Spot on friend. I own every one of those tools and even though I don't use them as much in recent years I still won't part with a single one of my tools. I'm getting older but I still use my tools! Thanks for the great vids!

[@bobjoncas2814]

..i've got the tools, when can you start.?...lol..great info. and video..stay safe..

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Bob

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

Great video and great teaching skills. In Europe we are lucky because we need just the metric set of sockets! The main benefit of the Torx head is that it can withstand higher torque than an hex head, this is important especially on lightweight materials, such as alluminum alloy

[@motek6913]

Thanks for the deep informative knowledge info tho! Edit - a smol tiger, definitely need a cat along with them tools :)

[@stuartkcalvin]

That was a good tip, eh?

[@regalbowman3143]

This is a great video for anyone who wants to buy a piece of land.

[@Edmund_Squid]

Can you imagine how strong you would be if you had to hand cut every board in your house.

[@craigculver1933]

Love how you just told it like it is, no BS just telling like it is. So many you tubers push over priced crap you don't even need, Dang nice to see good common sense and truth in a video. Thank you.

[@Bushradical]

Thats what I hope to do all the time. I love it too when people give you the goods and then they're done. LOL

[@RumorHazi]

And a can of WD-40 to keep all those tools rust free! ;)

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Great saw

[@Bushradical]

Hey Jim. I love the Echo stuff. On this saw I knocked out the catalitic converter, dremeled out the exhaust port a bit and took off the "caps" on the high and low idle screws and tuned it. Love it now.......liked it before but this particular saw always seemed to run lean

[@BlisterHiker]

*"to get the job done"* - quite an unpopular phrase nowadays among leftists and progressives :) I find bench grinder one of those important tools as well. I don't use it often, but when I do, it saves a lot of time and effort. Portable grinder is nice to have as well when you have to cut some stubborn pieces of metal. Thanks for very good tips. Even someone experienced will find a thing of two to learn.

[@shawnr771]

You do realize that many people who started and made off grid living popular are progressive leftist renewable energy loving tree huggers.

[@BlisterHiker]

@@shawnr771 Off grid living was a standard of living before invention of tree hugging. People are simply re-discovering the idea, regardless of their political views :)

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@cgamejewels]

We're not builders, but we have all those tools. They're just life tools, even the pocketknife and/or the Swiss army knife. Even when I lived in the city, I had those tools. I needed pliers to cut off the water at the street when I had a busted water pipe from an unexpected freeze when living in Baton Rouge. Those are just Life tools. Some tools we use a lot, and others we don't use that often. We even have crowbar/prybars. I'm not a mechanic, but I still found uses for rachet sets and wrench sets. Tools are gifts that everyone should receive.

[@1965timman]

you forgot oil for rust protection

[@edbenson98]

Very practical, down to earth advice that is missing in our modern society today!

[@mikelgeren149]

Enjoy watching you build . Your good , fast , simple approach . 👍👍👍👍👍

[@davester258]

I'm sorry for Your loss (of Your friend). I really appreciate that You re a Christian! The Lord bless You and Your family. I really like Your videos. They re very encouraging especially when you re already radical ^^ Much love from Southern Germany

[@Bushradical]

Thanks. Hello Germany!

[@mack7882]

Very nice presentation of the tools even any rural homeowner should have. Having the right tools and having good tools makes any job so much easier and rewarding. I've never regreted having a good tool.

[@Bushradical]

Well said!

[@thoughts-words-actions4165]

love your channel..especially the video when you were saying.." i have a cheap car, but i got land, dojt have fancy clothes, but i got land etc"...right on! so funny and so true..made me an instant subscriber...thanks for all your sharing,from Australia

[@sandibates2113]

Thanks Dave! I've really enjoyed the tools segment. I love how it wasn't all about spending big money

[@Oden132]

Thank you, Dave! Very interesting. Say hello from Siberia.

[@jonathang4963]

Dave, I really love what you're doing. I am an engineer by trade and I can tell you, you make building look easy. Also to answer your question about Torx head screws; the heads are designed to transfer more torque to the bolt before you cam out. They are my go to screw type. I have never stripped a torx screw.

[@sherrycook9864]

Would love to send my grandkids off to a course where you taught them how to use these tools. If my Dad was around he could do it but he's gone now. Having 2 daughters he showed us a few things but at the time we were less interested. Even my son-in-law could use a course like this since he now owns several acres but as a former pilot in military missed out on this knowledge. Spoke with my grandson about learning a trade as a backup to college but fell on deaf ears at the time. Very useful info and probably will become even more so during times ahead. Good work putting this together.

[@Price1861]

I bought a Stihl 034 from my dad a couple years ago. That he bought in 1985. The 034 works perfect still. Great saw.

[@ourfamilytravels7083]

I'm amazed at how many people do not have basic tools in their vehicles and homes. I've accumulated my tools over years of projects and needs and keep adding.

[@joshuabennett7334]

This video is awesome I have a tendency to spend way to much on tools and equipment like a lot of people if people watch this it will give them the basics to start and you will find the tools you need for certain situations along the way or make do without.

[@jamesmunterich146]

My small case knife goes in my pocket everyday. Comes in handy more than one would expect.

[@wanderingbox7971]

awesome need good light sources too always need to shine a light on something 🔦

[@foreyes4it]

Very informative vid, great information! Here's a suggestion for another addition to the building tools list: A tool belt pouch/nail pouch.

[@doccornn7764]

You always make great videos sir. Cheers from the Appalachian mountains.

[@kevintulak9987]

I was surprised you forgot the most important tool for the homestead. The bombproof 6 string for sitting around the campfire with after a long days work. Thanks for sharing.

[@Bushradical]

Ah yes, I would go with an old Yamaha.

[@Aztorrez1]

I finally figured it out why I enjoy watching and listening to your voice. You are a real life young Ron Swanson. 💪🏻🔨🪚🪓🪵

[@brettnewman7390]

Kohler is a good engine. Echo and Huskavarna make good saws. I didn’t know about the safety chains. This is the basic tool sets and even I’m still learning things. Your channel is great. You go over things that I can’t find on any other channel.

[@tedjohn441]

Safety chain basically have two sets of rakers or depth gauges one of rakers is fixed to the chain in front of the tooth the other pivots and they are suppose to stop kick back. I tested that and I couldn't tell the difference as far as kick back. But he is definitely correct in the fact that they don't cut well. I hope this kind of explains it. If you buy a chain for your saw in a plastic box it is probably a safety chain. A good semi chisel chain usually come in a card board box. If you look at the chain in the clear plastic box you will see the doubled rakers. I hope this helps it is hard to explain.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Love my Honda four wheelers. Use them for so much around the property. Heck even for finishing a hunting shack for the kids late into the evening just for the light source. And a God send for plowing the food plot etc.

[@kevinwiley9696]

LOVE the basic set of tools AND YOUR EXPLANATIONS!!! Great job Dave…Thanks!!!

[@emmawebb6955]

Great feedback on tools & items needed. Also what each tool is meant for. Luv it, short class & to the point 👈💯👍💯👍💯👍🤗

[@jasonburger1273]

You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@douggibson9084]

Another excellent video Dave. Very useful information. Stay safe and healthy to both of you Guys.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Doug

[@bobcole3852]

GREAT job Dave! Only one item you forgot to mention and oh, so important. EYE protection!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Bob

[@mallyallygramps]

I think the only thing I would add is a good wood chisel. Lots of good info here, thanks Dave.

[@Bushradical]

Good item

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Great video, so much info for greenhorns. 👍👍

[@TomGorman-x8q]

Start with ae good Honda generator at least 2 K can use all your tools and charge batteries! Super videos Dave helpful for rookies!