| A tool box that has all the right tools, and that you can | | | | sizes should handle most jobs. Again, as you learn |
| get out and use easily, will make your life as a | | | | more, you may want to have a crosspoint or a hex |
| homeowner (or even a renter) infinitely easier. Gather | | | | screwdriver as well. |
| all of the common tools you need for just about every | | | | - Pliers. Pliers enable you to grab things firmly. But there |
| job, invest in a sturdy tool box, and keep it in an easy | | | | are also pliers that do more than grip, such as cutting |
| to reach place, and each time you have a small | | | | pliers or crimping pliers for electrical work. But even |
| problem like a picture falling down, you will not be | | | | gripping pliers come in different types such as flat |
| tempted to put it off since everything will be ready for | | | | nose, round nose and needle nose. |
| you. | | | | - Tape measure. You don't even want to start a job if |
| After a while, you may feel you need extra features | | | | you can't measure it. You can get a tape measure |
| and space, and a real toolbox will give those to you. | | | | that is metallic ribbon in a retracting case, but even if |
| If you are just starting out in acquiring your tools, a | | | | you just start out with a cloth tap measure that you roll |
| small tackle box may serve the purpose of a tool box, | | | | up, you will need at least 25 foot length in your toolbox. |
| as long as it is sturdy and big enough to hold the basic | | | | - A saw. There are different types of saws depending |
| tools. There are even tools boxes that have molded | | | | on the material to be cut. A saw is simply a serrated |
| spaces to fit the various tools perfectly. | | | | blade with a handle and you can have a hand saw, |
| So what tools do you want in your toolbox? Here is | | | | which may be enough for a basic tool set, or a |
| what you should have, at a minimum. | | | | powered saw. A frame saw may be needed for |
| - A home repair manual. This is not a tool, but you will | | | | larger jobs. |
| use it often when you come across problems, so | | | | - Putty knife. This is used for scraping and applying |
| keep it right in your tool box for reference. | | | | putty, but it has other uses as well. The flexible blade |
| - A hammer. No one can do without a hammer for the | | | | can be squeezed under many surfaces to help in |
| most basic repairs such as if piece of trim is loose. A | | | | removal. |
| claw hammer has a claw that can remove nails. There | | | | - Wrench. You will add leverage when you are turning |
| are a lot of other kinds of hammers, such as framing | | | | nuts and bolts if you use a wrench. The open end |
| hammer, balpeen hammer, a mallet or a sledge | | | | wrench is the basic kind that you can lock to a certain |
| hammer. You will learn from experience if you need | | | | size to grasp the nut or bolt. Other types are box end, |
| any of these. | | | | crescent, socket and allen wrench. |
| - Screwdriver. You tighten or loosen screws with a | | | | - Awl. Primarily used in woodworking, it starts a hole |
| screwdriver. It is a simple enough tool with a handle, | | | | before you start drilling, or you can draw a line with an |
| shaft and head. The two basic kinds you should have | | | | awl to use as a guide for your saw. |
| are a slotted and a Phillips. A few of these in different | | | | |