diff --git a/tests/test_helpers.py b/tests/test_helpers.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4597465
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_helpers.py
@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+
+import pytest
+from unittest.mock import Mock
+
+from kittengroomer import FileBase
+from kittengroomer import KittenGroomerBase
+
+### FileBase
+
+class TestFileBase:
+
+    @pytest.fixture
+    def empty_filebase(self):
+        return FileBase('tests/src_simple/blah.conf', '/tests/dst')
+
+    # How do we mock various things that can go wrong with file paths?
+    # What should the object do if it's given a path that isn't a file?
+    # We should probably catch everytime that happens and tell the user.
+
+    def test_mimetypes(self):
+        # the various possible mimetypes including broken ones need to be checked for the right behavior
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_init(self, empty_filebase):
+        # src_path or dest_path could be invalid
+        # log could be not created
+        # what happens if we try to make a new log?
+        # split extension should handle various weird paths as well
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_dangerous(self):
+        # given a FileBase object marked as dangerous, should do nothing
+        # given a FileBase object marked as all other things, should mark as dangerous
+        # Should work regardless of weird paths??
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_has_symlink(self):
+        # given a FileBase object initialized on a symlink, should identify it as a symlink
+        # given a FileBase object initialized as not a symlink, shouldn't do anything
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_make_unknown(self):
+        # given a FileBase object with no marking, should do the right things
+        # given a FileBase object marked unknown, should do nothing
+        # given a FileBase object marked dangerous, should do nothing
+        # given a FileBase object with an unrecognized marking, should ???
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_make_binary(self):
+        # same as above but for binary
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_force_ext(self):
+        # should make a file's extension change
+        # shouldn't change a file's extension if it already is right
+        # should be able to handle weird paths and filetypes
+        pass
+
+
+class TestKittenGroomerBase:
+    
+    def test_instantiation(self):
+        # src_path and dest_path
+        # what if the log file already exists?
+        # we should probably protect access to self.current_file in some way?
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_computehash(self):
+        # what are the ways this could go wrong? Should give the same hash every time?
+        # what is buf doing here?
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_safe_copy(self):
+        #check that it handles weird file path inputs
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_safe_metadata_split(self):
+        # if metadata file already exists
+        # if there is no metadata to write should this work?
+        # check that returned file is writable?
+        pass
+
+
+    def test_list_all_files(self):
+        # various possible types of directories
+        # invalid directory
+        pass