The Essential Tools

Most, if not all, homeowners have a toolbox, and DIYhacksaw and a couple of cold chisels will do. For
(do-it-yourself) junkies can't live without one. However,wood, a chisel and a saw will suffice. To save on
because tools can be so cheap and varied nowadays,space, you could get one of those handles that have a
there's a very strong temptation to just grab one ofbase compatible with removable saw blades. The
everything at the hardware store and then say thatblades and the handles themselves are small, and it's a
you're getting ready for any eventuality. This results ingreat little multitool.
a cluttered garage or tool area and, in many cases,Your testing and measuring instruments are critical for
wasted money. Below are some of the baredetermining when you've done a good enough job.
necessities that your tool box should contain. WhileMake sure to always pack some measuring tape,
they may not prepare you for post-tornado housemeasuring tape, a measuring square, a level, a voltage
rebuilding, they will certainly suffice for fixing that noisytester and an amp meter. Consumable items are also
door in the kitchen or for the regular maintenance jobsimportant, so you should always have a couple of
around the house.pencils, electrical tape, sealant, lubricant, and an array of
The Usual Stuffscrews, nuts, nails, and bolts on stock.
These are the things that everyone has in their sets,Not-So-Usual Necessities
the contents of the usual toolbox. That's another wayNow that we've gone through the usual contents of
of saying "if you don't have the following, get onethe toolbox, let's cover some of the other tool
now." These are tools that even your grandfather had,necessities. These are the items your granddad
so you'd probably be familiar with them already.probably didn't think of putting in the toolbox, but are still
Screwdrivers are absolutely necessary tools. Theyones you should have yourself. Of special mention
come in two general variations (the minus and the plus,here are multitools, which have recently become very
formally known as the flat or straight and the Philips,popular and, more importantly, more affordable.
respectively), but can come in a wide range of sizes.They're those multi-armed trinkets that have several
Just get the usual, fixed-blade, no-frills models unlessattachments on them, hence, the name and their ability
you're expecting to do some specialized work. Theto do several tasks.
teeny tiny versions of screwdrivers are calledVise-grips and a utility knife automatically fall into this
precision sets and are handy to have around.category. They're great for any number of tasks and
Hammers, like screwdrivers, come in a variety of sizesshould be a staple in your toolbox. Have at least two
for different jobs. Two should probably be enough forvise-grips (plumbing jobs and clamping is usually easier
your needs. You could get a medium size (usually 16with two), while a six-inch knife should be good enough.
oz.) for regular jobs and a larger size (usually 32 oz.)A right angle drive helps you get your fasteners into
for the heavy duty work.tight places and impossible spaces and, while not
For plumbing and working with fasteners, you're goingabsolutely necessary, will be convenient to have
to need pliers and wrenches. Usually, a couple of eacharound for several tasks.
(one of each type, snub-nose and long-nose, for theCleaning materials have recently become toolbox
pliers) will do. You can even go the extra mile and getmainstays, and you should always have some, too. A
a wrench set, which has about 10 to 15 pieces.bit of anti-rust agent (WD-40 works great) and a
Saws are obviously necessary tools if you plan totoothbrush are absolute necessities for cleaning and
maintain any wood or metal. For cutting metal, amaintenance.