| Hanging shelves, installing appliances, fixing leaking faucets--owning a home can mean a lot of work, but every job is easier if you have the right collection of tools. To help you stay on top of standard home maintenance, here's a list of basic tools no home should be without. The Basics
A good assortment of hand tools is a great place to start any home toolbox. Rather than picking out and purchasing individual tools, consider a set like 'Allied 59094 111-Piece Tool Set with Storage Case', full of all the sockets, pliers, and wrenches you'll need for basic maintenance. For car repairs, you can't go wrong with 'Allied 59096 131-Piece Automotive Tool Set', perfectly sized for storing in the trunk. When it comes to standard hand tools like these, buying a set is not only less expensive, it's also a lot easier than buying tools one at a time. Taking Measurements
Will a couch fit? Is that picture centered? How big is the closet? Accurate measurements are key to almost all home projects. That's why the carpenter's tape measure, like this standard 'Stanley 33-425 Powerlock Tape Rule 25' x 1" Blade', is a toolbox necessity. If you're the kind of person who quickly forgets, consider the clever 'Starrett 66988 Blue 25' Electronic Digitape', featuring digital display and memory functions. Finding Level
A little level like this 'Johnson Level & Tool 7500M 9" Magnetic Plastic Torpedo Level' is only 9 inches long and great for leveling appliances, hanging pictures, or working on basic carpentry projects. If you've got plans to build a deck or are pondering a major project, you should probably invest in a 4-foot level, such as this 'Stabila 24670 48" Level for Framing/Trim Carpentry with Hand Holes'. The Stud Finder
The 'Zircon 58052 StudSensor Pro SL' is a clever device shows you where metal or wood studs are located within a wall, so hanging or mounting just about anything becomes a cleaner, simpler project. The 'Black & Decker BDL100S BullsEye Laser Line Generator with Stud Finder' not only locates studs, but it also transmits a horizontal level line across a surface, taking the guesswork out of installing closet shelving, chair railing, pictures, and cabinets, and more. Hammer Time
From rubber mallets to sledge hammers, there are lots of hammer types to choose from. For basic tasks, consider a simple claw hammer, such as the 'Stanley 51-941 Antivibe 16-Ounce Curved Claw Hammer', featuring an ergonomic handle and a tuning fork design that reduces harmful vibrations. The claw lets you easily pull nails out you bend them hammering, and at 16 ounces it's comfortable to swing but still packs enough wallop to drive 16 penny nails with only a few whacks. Going Cordless
A good drill is the first power tool a homeowner should buy. Whether hanging a mirror or installing new kitchen cabinets, the 'Makita 6227DWLE 12V 3/8" Cordless Driver-Drill Kit (2-Speed, Variable Speed, Reversible)' is a smart tool for a do-it-yourselfer to have handy. It's highly versatile, and thanks to it's cordless design, you don't have to mess with extension cords every time you have a job to do. This model is lightweight, at only 3.3 pounds, and comes with two batteries, a charger, plastic case, a four-position flashlight, and an industrial-strength tool bag with 22 interior/exterior compartments, perfect for carrying gear around from job to job. The Right Storage
You'll need something to hold your new stuff, and the 'Bucket Boss Brand 01056 Bucket Boss 56 Organizer' has 56 inside and outside pockets of various sizes to hold hand tools, cordless drills, screws, nuts, bolts, glue, or any other tools you choose to add to your collection. If buckets aren't your style, try the 'Bucket Boss Brand 06067 Pro Super GateMouth': it's lighter than conventional toolboxes and, with advances in material technology, hold up to continuous abuse from sharp edges and points. |
