Two Must‑Have Tools That Do (Almost) Everything

What's the tool that you always rely on? The one that you always need in your tool pouch, toolbox, or tool bucket? What's that most diverse tool that we think that we all need to have around? In episode 2 of The Fix, Travis and Tucker unpack what their go-to tool is and why it's so important.

The Fix: The Go‑To Tools Every Pro and DIYer Should Carry

Welcome to The Fix, where hosts Tucker and Travis talk all things tools—mechanical, jobsite, and around‑the‑house must‑haves—so you can work smarter and faster.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started with DIY, this episode focuses on those “always‑with‑you” tools that punch way above their weight—reliable, multi‑purpose, and used so often you’ll probably wear one out every year.

Why We Made This Episode

We love content that teaches something new, especially for people who are light on tools but eager to fix things at home or on the job. The goal: share low‑cost, easy wins that keep your home or jobsite running smoothly without the stress.

How We Picked Our “Go‑To” Tools

We set simple parameters for each pick: what it is, what it costs, what it’s for, and why it matters—then went hunting the store (without telling each other) to bring back our top choice.

Travis’s Pick: A 3/8″ Battery Ratchet (M12 Platform)

What it is: A motorized 3/8″ ratchet that spins standard 3/8″ sockets for faster fastening in tight spaces. (For context, 1/4″ is smaller; 1/2″ is larger.)

Best use case: Engine bay work and other cramped areas where finger‑twirling a manual ratchet is slow and awkward. Pull the trigger and let the tool do the work.

Battery platform: M12—compact, powerful, and easy to carry all day.

Typical price: About $149.99 for the tool.

Why it’s a go‑to: It saves time, reduces fatigue, and shines in tight clearances where speed matters. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

Tucker’s Pick: The Mini Pry Bar You’ll Use All Day

What it is: A mini pry bar set (often sold as a 3‑pack) with a compact bar that lives in your pouch. It’s slim, durable, and wildly versatile.

Typical price: Around $14.99 for the set.

Key functions (real‑world uses):

• Prying & scraping: Lift trim gently, scrape paint from glass, break caulk lines without shredding drywall paper.
• Light tapping & nudging: “Bang” or nudge components into place when finesse beats force.
• Nail pulling: An eyelet on the bar can grab nails so you don’t have to holster the hammer.
• Tight‑spot helper: Tuck insulation, start stubborn flathead screws, or shim/space parts precisely.
• Auto trim work: Pop clips and panels; unlike plastic tools that can snap, this one stays durable. (Use care to avoid marring.)

Why it’s a go‑to:

For window installs, trim, and day‑to‑day finish work, there’s nothing else this diverse that still fits in your pouch. It’s always within reach—and always useful.

Everyday Pouch Essentials (Baseline Kit)

When Tucker wears a tool belt, the baseline is simple: tape measure, pencil, knife, speed square, and nippers—then the mini pry bar rides shotgun. That core set covers a surprising amount of on‑site and at‑home fixes.

New to DIY? Start Here

If you’re just getting into basic auto maintenance—think brakes and oil changes—a compact battery ratchet speeds things up and makes the work more approachable. It’s a confidence builder that can help you stop paying for simple jobs.

Around the house, a mini pry bar makes careful trim removal and surface prep (like scraping caulk or paint) way less intimidating, so small fixes stay small.

Quick Takeaways

• 3/8″ battery ratchet (M12): Ideal for engine bays and tight quarters—fast, compact, and a major time saver (~$149.99).
• Mini pry bar set: Affordable (~$14.99), multi‑purpose tool for trim, scraping, prying, nail pulling, and more.
• Everyday pouch: Tape, pencil, knife, speed square, nippers—plus the mini pry bar—cover most daily tasks.

FAQ

What size ratchet should I buy first—1/4″, 3/8″, or 1/2″?
For versatility, 3/8″ is the sweet spot: it handles a wide range of sockets and fasteners, especially in automotive and general repair. 1/4″ is great for very small fasteners; 1/2″ excels at heavy‑duty work.

Is an M12 battery system powerful enough for automotive repairs?
For engine‑bay and interior fasteners, the compact M12 platform is excellent. You’ll still use a breaker bar for heavily seized bolts, but for access and speed, an M12 ratchet is a win.

Why a metal mini pry bar instead of plastic trim tools?
Plastic tools are gentle but can break; a metal mini pry bar is more durable and stays useful across carpentry and automotive tasks. Use a protective shim/tape when you need a no‑mar surface.

Can the mini pry bar really replace a hammer?
It’s not a hammer—but for light taps and nudges, it’s often the quickest thing in your pouch. For real striking force, grab a proper hammer.