Tools and Home Improvement – Stocking Up Your Toolbox

If you have decided to perform your own home improvement projects, you will need a set of reliable tools. Some people go all out and will buy every type of tool imaginable, while others will only buy what they absolutely need for their projects. All do-it-yourselfers will need a core tool set. By thinking of every tool that you buy as a long-term investment, you will gradually acquire a collection of tools that are essential to every toolbox and will get you through most repair and improvement projects.

Your first step should be to designate a space as your work area. All you need is a place with a source of electrical power and good lighting where you can set up a workbench; it can be in your garage, basement or shed. If you’re really tight on space, you can get a portable workbench that can be folded and stored out of the way when not is use.

Buy tools as you need them and focus on quality rather than quantity. Tool buying may be intimidating for a newbie, especially when you walk down the aisles of stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot. A knowledgeable sales person can help you with your selection.

These are the basic tools that you’ll need to get started with your home improvement projects:
– Allen wrenches (also called hex-keys or setscrew wrenches): L-shaped metal bars that are often sold in sets. They are designed for turning bolts or screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads.
– Carpenter’s level: Straightedge tool with a series of glass tubes that contain liquid with a bubble of air. It shows that a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb) when a bubble in one tube is framed between marks on the glass.
– Claw hammer: Recommended to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome as it cushions the blow to your hand. Get a 16-oz. hammer with a fiberglass handle.
– Metal files: Flat metal bars with shallow grooves forming teeth. They are used to sharpen the edges of putty knives, shovels, scrapers and garden trowels.
– Screwdriver pack: You’ll need both Phillips and slotted screwdrivers in assorted sizes. The Phillips blade has a plus-sign or cross shape, while the slotted blade is flat and straight.
– Slip-joint pliers: These pliers have toothed jaws that are adjustable, giving you leverage to firmly grip objects such as water pipes.
– Staple guns: Used for securing ceiling tile, fabric, insulation and plastic sheeting.
– Three-eighth inch variable speed reversible drill: Available as cordless or plug-in, this tool uses “bits” (steel blades) to drill holes, sand wood or drive in or remove screws.
– Toolbox saws: Small handsaws used to cut materials like shelving or paneling.
– Utility knives : Used for tasks such as trimming heavy wallpaper or opening corrugated cardboard boxes. Purchase a compact knife with replaceable blades.

Here are some other gadgets you will probably want to have:
– Goggles: You need to protect your eyes from metal or hardened paint specks or tiny wood chips. They’re an affordable way to save your eyesight.
– Gray duct tape: Used to seal window screens, tape heating ducts and much more.
– Kneepads: A great way to protect your knees when you’re crawling around on hard debris-covered surfaces, kneepads are cushioned rubber pads that are held in place with elastic strips.
– Ladders: Get a tall self-supporting or extension-type ladder to perform tree trimming, gutter cleaning and other outdoor maintenance projects. A stepladder is a more appropriate choice for painting rooms, changing light bulbs and other household chores. All ladders have a duty rating, which is its maximum safe-load capacity. Wooden ladders are economical, heavy and solid. Aluminum ladders are strong and lightweight. Fiberglass ladders are expensive, electrically nonconductive and strong; it is the best choice if you can afford it.
– Neon circuit breakers: Before you begin any work on an electrical switch or power source, use a circuit tester to make sure wires are safe to handle.
– Notebook: Get a small notebook to record information on your home improvement projects, keep it in your purse or car, and use it for reference when shopping. It’s a handy way to keep track of wallpaper patterns, paint colors, model numbers and dimensions.
– Portable toolbox or crate: Assemble a tool tote for the tools you use most often. It should include scissors, string and other household repair accessories.
– Stud finder: An electronic device that locate metal fasteners behind finished walls. This will help you find sturdy places to hang mirrors, pictures and shelves.
– Wire brush: Used to scrape blistered paint and remove corrosion from spark plugs or rust from metal.