| One of the mistakes most do-it-yourself homeowners | | | | never come one at a time, they usually come in |
| makes during significant home improvement projects is | | | | bunches. And if you’re not willing to create a |
| in trying to complete the job without the right tools. | | | | check-off list to note the ones you've completed, trust |
| How many times have you tried to use a flat-head | | | | me, you spouse will gladly create the check-off list for |
| screwdriver instead of the right wood chisel, for | | | | you. In fact, my spouse typically gives a hug, a kiss, a |
| example? You get the picture, right? All of us are guilty | | | | nibble on the ear -- then slides the check-off list in my |
| of trying to take shortcuts or save money and opt to | | | | shirt pocket and says "Honey, here's a short list of just |
| inventing what I call "poor-boy" methods and ways to | | | | a few things I would like for you to do around the |
| perform a home improvement task using the wrong | | | | house this weekend." That list usually laps around to |
| tool. | | | | the backside of the page. |
| It's not that we don't know better. For we almost | | | | I've found that you just can't say "no" to honey-do |
| always know when we're not working with the right | | | | projects. It doesn't pay. And excuses like "I had planned |
| tools. But, we either can't afford the right tool at the | | | | on watching the Masters golf tournament, or the |
| time, or we're in a hurry and don't want to take the | | | | Superbowl is this weekend, don't go over well." So it's |
| time that it takes to run to Home Depot, Lowe's or the | | | | best to learn how to do things quickly. And to perform |
| local hardware store to buy the correct tool to do the | | | | projects quickly, saving you time to watch the NBA |
| job. | | | | playoffs or that next round of Jeopardy is having the |
| This is particularly the cases when we're being asked | | | | right tools for the job. |
| to do what I call "honey-do" projects. You know what | | | | But as I said, most of us will procrastinate forever and |
| I'm talking about, right? That's when your spouse | | | | try to build skyscrapers using nothing but a hammer |
| (notice I didn't say wife) is sweet to you for no | | | | and a putty knife. Take my word; the best investment |
| apparent reason and after buttering you up tells you | | | | a man can make in his life is in the contents of his |
| (notice I didn't say "asks you")"Honey, this weekend | | | | toolbox and workshop. Sure, that investment can cost |
| when you have some time I would like for you to do | | | | you a fortune over a lifetime, but not if you shop |
| [insert task here] for me." Then before you can | | | | wisely. And that's the point of this article, for the best |
| respond you hear, "Oh, and while you're at it honey | | | | deals you'll find on tools is not at your local Home |
| can you also do [task 2], and [task 3] and [task 4] and | | | | Depot or Lowe's. Don't get me wrong, I love both |
| ......." You get the picture -- that's what I can "honey do | | | | stores and would rather be browsing their shelves |
| projects" and almost all of them will require tools to | | | | than visiting my local sports bar (sounds corny but |
| perform. | | | | true). But when I shop for tools I go online. The savings |
| Notice to that honey-do projects around the house | | | | can be enormous on many items. |