Tools

Tools are devices that provides a mechanical advantage in accomplishing tasks.

Necessary Shop Tools

Transportation Alternatives' "Tools for Life" guide has two suggested lists for startup shop tools. One is the deluxe ideal set which runs at $2,600. The other is a budget bare-bones list for under $200. Have a gander.

Buying Tools

Quality

The old adage, "you pay for what you get," comes to mind. The best tools are the ones with a life-time warranty and fast replacement turn around. In the long run you will NEVER save money by buying cheap tools that have no warranty. Like it or not, everything will eventually break and wear out especially when they are heavily used by people that are still learning how to use them.

Sources

Check the references section to see a list of Manufacturers.

Getting a tool manufacturer to donate tools costs nothing but requires a good deal of begging.
Buying tools directly from a manufacturer at OEM cost is roughly 75% less than retail cost.
Buying tools via a distributor account costs roughly 50% less than retail cost.
Buying tools from the store costs the most money but can be really convenient.

Tool Theft / Loss

A recovering theft addict is the postmodern version of a kleptomaniac, known to the police and retailers as a shoplifter. These people have a problem, some debate it is even a disease. However, instead of concentrating on this demographic, concentrate on un-intentional lost tools and theft as they can be easily avoided.

Keep a frequent inventory

If you don't know what you have, you won't know what or when something went missing.

Provide aprons in your shop

This prevents someone from forgetting they put a tool in their pocket and being to embarrased to bring it back. So what happens is they leave it in the apron and the aprons stay in the shop. This works so well that sometimes you are left with their keys.

Everything should have a place

If you have different tool sets they should be spray painted different colors. Use paint tape to protect the places on the tool you don't want to get paint on (like rubber handles) and try to paint the places that get the least wear. That way the color will last the longest. Don't use colored tape, it will just fall off.
Zip tie tool hooks down and outline your tool boards.
Paint an obnoxious color (like fluorescent orange) underneath the tools. That way it is easy to see what is missing at a quick glance.

Lock down expensive tools

Have you spent $500 on re-threading tools? Consider putting them in a locking tool chest that only core-volunteers have keys too.

Buy bigger tools

It is easy to put something small in your pocket, but it gets harder as things get bigger. For example, instead of buying lots of cheap 15 mm box wrenches buy the more expensive Park Tool PW-4 Professional Pedal Wrenches. Not only can it be used to take off wheel nuts and pedals but it can be used as a battle axe.

Tool Storage

When storing tools, it's important to make them accessible, but also to find a way to keep them organized.

For ideas on this, see Tool storage.

References

Bike Specific Tools:

Generic / Hard-line tools: