Tools for Survival

What You Need to Survive When You're on Your Own

By: James Wesley Rawles

Narrated by: Phil Gigante

Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

In his earlier bestselling nonfiction book, How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It, James Wesley, Rawles, outlined the foundations for survivalist living.

Now, he details the tools needed to survive anything from a short-term disruption to a long-term, grid-down scenario. Rawles covers tools for every aspect of self sufficient living, including:

• Food Preservation and Cooking
• Welding and Blacksmithing
• Timber, Firewood, and Lumber
• Firefighting

Field-tested and comprehensive, Tools for Survival is certain to become a must-have reference for the burgeoning survivalist/prepper movement.

©2015 James Wesley, Rawles (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Recorded by arrangement with Plume, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, a Penguin Random House Company.

Very insightful...

This is a book that has a vast wealth of knowledge and resources. Although it seems, at times, that is more directed toward the individual who has a monetary wealth that matches the wealth of knowledge and information, I would encourage anyone who takes preparedness seriously to listen.

I've read it three times now...plan to again soon

Would you listen to Tools for Survival again? Why?

There are those of use that have had practical experience with a wide set of tools, and those that have not. How would we each fare if our high school shop teacher were to walk into our garage/shop/workbench and worked up a safety grade or watched us work to sharpen a lawn mower blade or change the oil in our car, much less other more valuable tricks?

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is really a pragmatic approach to running a bench with quality tools. There is a decisive bent toward American made products (for good reason) and it speaks as if one might be back in their garage helping their dad on a Saturday morning after cartoons. They were good times for me.

What about Phil Gigante’s performance did you like?

Phil Gigante's voice and diction was good. Nothing was too distracting, not too much accent, lisp, tone, intonation, resonance, etc. that is until he started pronouncing gun manufactures. "mosin nagant" was particularly amusing. very good overall

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Tools for Survival?

I've gone back to each chapter and started taking inventory of my own shop with new eyes: teaching my own sons best practices. Call it Boy scouts for men. A 1895 man looked a lot different than "men" today.

Any additional comments?

Get this book now and listen to it while in your shop. Get the first book next "green cover"

Not what i though - but my fault

If you could sum up Tools for Survival in three words, what would they be?

Really long list.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tools for Survival?

The talking points on firearms was pretty cool, mainly because I know close to nothing about guns.

Any additional comments?

An exhaustive list of things you will need in the event of a natural disaster that would leave you completely self reliant. I thought this was going to be more of a "how to" rather than "what to have".

Knowledge is best

if your looking to start off the grid, this has some of the best information needed to get started. very good presentation and order block paragraphs.

Ties it all together

If you could sum up Tools for Survival in three words, what would they be?

I have the retreat - now what? I've moved to the the Redoubt but how do I set up my shop and what tools do I need? This book explains it.

What did you like best about this story?

Shop layout methodology

What about Phil Gigante’s performance did you like?

a fine narrator

Any additional comments?

Went a bit long on the sewing section... I would have spent less time on it.

Informative

I enjoyed the audiobook as some areas i was holding my own and others i knew needed improvement.

Great resource too pass along to others.

food for thought

a comprehensive look at things and skills needed for the days ahead. time to get to work!

Great book

I highly recommend this book for you. In a story form you can learn many things to prep for every day life or prep for a catastrophe.

Pretty good if one did not grow up using tools.

A solid reference for people with no background in hands on labor and tool use. Good brand recommendations for those with experience.
This kept me entertained while I maintained my gravel driveway.
Worth a listen to pick up the odd tip.
Rawles sticks to 30 caliber battle rifles as do I, so that must mean I am wise to do so. 🤣

Lots of tools needed for EOTWAWKI...

In very similar format to "How to Survive the End of the World as We Know it." This book feels like James is taking a fellow (very serious) prepper on a tour of his place... tangentially sharing what tools and processes work well for him. You are going to find a lot of product names, SKU numbers, web sites and lists. Someone seriously interested in preparing a retreat will find ideas about welding, leatherwork, sewing machines, screwdrivers, canning tools, logging, fencing, woodworking, gardening, car repair... and of course guns. The book is a general overview of ideas... that dives into some specifics... but not enough for you to learn a skill. He does suggest multiple books that would help someone learn more.

There were a few new to me ideas that applied to my "being prepared" needs but most were far and beyond my scope interests and finances. As with his last book, it almost feels like having it in hard copy would be more productive as a reference tool. Audio was fine.

For fun I have to note... I just finished reading about Grandma Gatewood and her 3 Appalachian Trail (2,200 mile) hikes taken when she was 67 and older in the 1950's... carrying a shower curtain, wool blanket, vienna sausages and homemade stuff sack. I just couldn't get the contrast out of my mind. The world has sure changed since then... and we seem to need a lot more tools.