Thread: "Must Have" tools, anything I should/can bring from the States?

Update: I went to "Do Home" in Korat yesterday looking for a new string trimmer. I noticed that they actually have PVC unions now. They have threaded only in 1/2" and 3/4" sizes. Note that these are proper unions, not the compression couplings that Thais call "union". Also note that they are in the drip irrigation section rather than the section where the rest of the PVC fittings are displayed.

Thanks guys!
Just found out our airline lowered the allowed baggage weight to 50lbs from 70! I'll still fit as much of the above mentioned stuff in as possible. As far as hiring the work out...I plan to get some help but I have seen what happens if no one is around to keep an eye on things there, besides...I like things my way and don't like to spend a lot of time explaining or arguing.
I'm sure I am in for an educational experience...." why did I think I needed to bring that?" or " why didn't I bring this?"

Originally Posted by Panda

Labour is cheap in Thailand. Unless you want a hobby, its probably cheaper and easier to pay someone to do the job.

No need to worry about a work permit either!

i think most of what you ask about has been answered, but if i were you i'd save a bit of room for a couple good pairs of "vise grips", or locking pliers as they're sometimes called. the ones sold here are chinese junk, they rust almost instantly as shitty tools do.

I'm in the same boat so to say. My 20' shipping container is filling up quickly of stuff I'll be bringing over. Making a list and checking it twice. Still time to add some more.

Originally Posted by buad hai

Originally Posted by Thetyim

I bought a water bottle pump in Thailand

Like the one pictured above or one of those squeeze-type pumps that you see everywhere; often used to siphon petrol into 100 Pipers bottles?

Shit I knew that last bottle tasted funny.

Buy pvc glue and primer! Thai stuff is crap! pvc hot glue (blue) for water side and grey pvc for electric install. Also, get an assortment of plastic fittings ie., long radius bends, j-boxes, condulets etc

What are the common pvc pipe sizes? seems like I saw a lot of 1/2" ?

Originally Posted by Lee4Life

Buy pvc glue and primer! Thai stuff is crap! pvc hot glue (blue) for water side and grey pvc for electric install. Also, get an assortment of plastic fittings ie., long radius bends, j-boxes, condulets etc

What are the common pvc pipe sizes? seems like I saw a lot of 1/2" ?

Yes your right they are standard (nominal) size measurment but beware that if you mix material made in the USA and that made in Thailand they may not fit properly! Some sand cloth paper may be necessary to mate the two.

What about shovels? Is it possible to buy decent shovels over here?

I just got back from Bangkok and had a great shopping trip to an area called Klong Thom where they sell all the tools you will need here. lot's of cheap stuff but when you have a good look there are a lot of high quality tools. I think you could set up a complete workshop with good stuff pretty cheaply. I had a ball. Take my advice, the next time you go to Bkk, pack the mrs and kids off to central at go there by yourself for a couple of hours of tool shopping bliss!

Bring out a shovel?? Are you out of your mind? They don't use shovels here! Leave that stuff up to the locals or get a pick, hoe and the things the locals use.

Originally Posted by Smithson

What about shovels? Is it possible to buy decent shovels over here?

where I come from they call a spade a spade

but not in Thailand

Originally Posted by Bung

I just got back from Bangkok and had a great shopping trip to an area called Klong Thom where they sell all the tools you will need here. lot's of cheap stuff but when you have a good look there are a lot of high quality tools. I think you could set up a complete workshop with good stuff pretty cheaply. I had a ball. Take my advice, the next time you go to Bkk, pack the mrs and kids off to central at go there by yourself for a couple of hours of tool shopping bliss!

Bring out a shovel?? Are you out of your mind? They don't use shovels here! Leave that stuff up to the locals or get a pick, hoe and the things the locals use.

Ever tried digging with those things they use? The only last a couple of hours with me.

oooh, you big strong man!!

it all depends on what quality you use, some are well made

Originally Posted by DrAndy

oooh, you big strong man!!

it all depends on what quality you use, some are well made

You mean you're able to get long, wooden handled shovels over here? I mean post hole diggers or square mouth, not spades.

Originally Posted by Smithson

Originally Posted by DrAndy

oooh, you big strong man!!

it all depends on what quality you use, some are well made

You mean you're able to get long, wooden handled shovels over here? I mean post hole diggers or square mouth, not spades.

I'm confused......
All this talk about "spades" and "wooden handled shovels". "Post hole diggers" etc.

For the cost of a decent spade you can hire 3-4 Thais for a couple of days and they'll bring the tools they like.

Why would any one want to dig in Thailand when 150Bht will get the job done?

I agree

sub out the work

Originally Posted by DrAndy

I agree

sub out the work

That's great, if only you guys had told the OP at the start of this thread, would have saved several pages directly related to his question.

Originally Posted by Smithson

That's great, if only you guys had told the OP at the start of this thread, would have saved several pages directly related to his question.

Unfortunately I can't spend 24/7 monitoring TD (though it may seem like it).

Seriously though, OP, when it comes to labouring I can't see any reason for it. Supervision yes, but actually wielding the pick isn't worth it. That's one good reason for living here. There are loads of really good threads on construction here and lots of sound advice. Well worth reading. Good luck to you, I hope it all goes well.

Yes, of course, it's also illegal to do work yourself, so getting someone else to do it is logical and obvious.

Maybe ppl are talking about tools just to have their own collection, so for if you have any info on decent shovels please post it.

Originally Posted by Smithson

info on decent shovels please post it.

Yup, the shovel owned by the Thai bloke who lives next door.

Originally Posted by jandajoy

Originally Posted by Smithson

info on decent shovels please post it.

Yup, the shovel owned by the Thai bloke who lives next door.

Thanks, what was the brand and how much did he pay for it?

DIY handle, probably knicked blade. Cost = 150 bht a day, 6-8 hours per day plus a plastic bag of local home brew at the end of his shift. Oh, and wife sometimes gives him some food - bamboo and stuff.

Bargain.