The chances of whizzing by the shops for a few good survival tools after the apocalypse strikes are probably very slim. Not only will the stores be boarded shut with their shelves stripped clean, but they also might not even be left standing. And that will leave you with a very big problem.
Whilst everyday life is cruising by at a steady pace right now, it won’t be once disaster strikes. It won’t be the sophisticated equipment you stockpile that will save the day.
What you’ll find is that it will be the simple tools, designed to work in any situation, that will prove the most useful. Tools that don’t rely on electricity or fancy designs.
What you will find is that survival isn’t about who has the fanciest gadgets, or the most expensive survival kit. It will be the person who’s put together a plan that employs common sense and good-old-fashioned know-how.
Simplicity is Best
There is a power tool available for any job on the planet right now. And the majority of them run on batteries that are interchangeable with other gadgets which in turn create amazing results for those fortunate enough to have them.
But realistically, where will that incredible array of hardware get you once the power goes out? Think a power generator will keep your batteries charged?
Those power generators rely on fuel, without which they also cease to operate. How long those generators operate for will depend entirely on how much fuel you can stockpile.
But there are some alternatives that don’t rely on fuel, or power, or anything else for that matter. They’re the types of tools that have managed to continue to serve for hundreds of years, some with very little change over that time.
The following list is the necessary staples that forever live on my list.
The Best Multi-Tools for Survival
When deciding what to include in your survival tool kit, you might consider the best survival multi-tools for your list. Survival multi-tools are great because they pack so many features into a single tool that’s often lightweight and easily transportable.
Because of the versatility of these survival multi-tools, I don’t include them in my dozen. You will find many of these already placed in survival tool kits. Let’s face it, aren’t these the types of gadgets that are half the fun of prepping anyway? This list is more for the types of tools that are designed for more specific purposes.
The Survival Tools You Need
While some of the following items seem to be double-ups, they each serve a specific purpose that the other may not. Some are more portable, while others are more useful.
Decide which will suit your needs, but in the end, remember that they each deserve a place on your list. The following are what I consider to be the best tools for survival.
Tool #1: An Ax
Axes are almost as old as humans themselves. They are one of the simplest tools ever created. Regardless of where you live, an ax will always come in handy and doesn’t require any energy apart from what you need to swing it. I’d even suggest a spare handle or 2, just in case.
Tool #2: A Crosscut Saw
This uniquely-designed saw is perfect for when the going gets tough. Let’s face it; the chances of a disaster damaging our homes are probably fairly good. This is the type of saw used well before the invention of the trusty chainsaw.
Tool #3: A Wheelbarrow
The wheelbarrow hasn’t had that much of a design change since historical times. Apart from the inflatable wheel that now supports the barrow, the rest of it still looks relatively the same.
This tool is going to make very short work of any carting you’ll need to undertake once civilization ends.
It can cart anything from water to produce, building materials to injured people. And once the last of the cars break down, this will be the easiest and most efficient way to transport your weekly shopping from the local farmer’s market.
Tool #4: A Gun
You might not consider this so much a tool, as a weapon, but a gun can prove to be extremely useful in more than one situation. Use it to hunt your food, signal others or even defend yourself and your family from unwanted guests.
But just because you have one, doesn’t mean it will work perfectly every time. Be sure to practice using it. And if need be, train the rest of your family as well. It may not be them that needs protecting. It might be you.
Tool #5: A Wire Saw
This might be a smaller version, but this saw is perfect for storing in your bug out bag. It’s perfect for using to cut tree branches from which you build a shelter. Be sure to carry spare wires in case you need them.
Tool #6: A Knife
There are so many options when it comes to a decent survival knife. It can be hard to know which to choose. But if it’s too sophisticated with too many accessories, it might lead to premature breaking.
A plain, fixed blade knife is what you want, something that’s strong, holds an edge and has a blade of less than 6 inches is preferable. Anything longer can become cumbersome.
Tool #7: A Honing Stone
The perfect partner to that knife you’re carrying. Always keep this handy with a little oil so you keep a perfect edge. You will use your knife in many situations, both at home and in the field. It will be one of your most versatile tools, so keep it in top shape.
Tool #8: A Camp Shovel
Another perfect option for your bug out bag. Portable tools are a perfect way to carry an entire toolbox of options with you. This little powerhouse will make short work of digging toilet holes, trenches around your tent or even a fire pit.
Tool #9: A Hatchet
The baby version of the ax, the hatchet is great for chopping wood when you’re out under the stars. It’s lightweight, easy to carry and strong enough to chop down branches. It will also double as a hammer, great for banging in tent stakes.
Tool #10: A Butane Lighter
While knowing how to light a fire with 2 sticks is a great skill to learn, it takes time to execute, which might not always be available.
A butane lighter is a quick-fix solution, is lightweight and not susceptible to bad weather like matches are. Just be sure to light them close to you in a breeze to save the fuel.
Tool #11: A Bow Saw
The big daddy to the wire saw. Although most prefer a trusty chainsaw, this is the next best thing when it comes to making short work of logs. Or should I say long work.
It might be great at eating its way through the timber, but it will still rely on the strength of your arms to work. Just remember that it’s far better having one of these, than finding yourself without one.
Tool #12: A Shovel
Just like the ax, is there really anything else on the planet as old and reliable as the good old shovel? These have been around forever and although the design may have changed over the years, the concept hasn’t.
Using good old-fashioned sweat, this tool will keep on working as long as you have the strength to keep it going.
My Final Say
There are two things that I think need highlighting when it comes to the tools in the above list.
The first is to buy quality. Good quality tools are made to last, designed to endure and created for longevity. Saving a few bucks today for a cheaper item may just mean the difference when it really counts in years to come.
The second thing is learning to use them properly. Understand how the tools reach their maximum efficiency and use them that way.
Use the entire length of the bow saw, not just the middle of it; learn how to fire the gun; practice using the honing stone so you understand what a decent edge is. The more you learn today, the more they’ll help you tomorrow.
