You don’t need a truckload of tools, just a few reliable friends. Grab a pipe wrench, some Teflon tape, a bucket, and a clean rag.
Also pick up two brass compression fittings and a shut-off valve—these are the unsung heroes of a leak-free installation. And yes, you’ll need the actual meter itself, usually a simple positive displacement model from your hardware store.
Pro tip: Buy a meter with a detachable face so you can read it from a distance. It’s like having a Fitbit for your water, minus the screen addiction.