Your Home’s Toolbox

Your home requires regular maintenance and care which is made easier and quicker when you have the right tool. Here is a list of tools that every home owner should have in their tool box:

• An assortment of nails, screws, nuts, bolts and washers – having a variety on hand will allow you to be prepared for any project that might spring up.
• Caulking gun
• Claw hammer – used for driving and pulling nails, and generally the most common hammer.
• Crosscut saw – saws come with various-sized teeth and specific numbers of teeth per inch designated by “points”. The higher the number of points, the finer and slower the cutting.
• Drill and drill bits – a good drill whether it is a hand drill or power drill should last a lifetime. When choosing a drill make sure you choose one that will best fit the projects you expect to work on in your home. Don’t forget to purchase a variety of drill bits so you are prepared for any project. If you choose a power drill and the correct accessories this will allow you to grind, sand, and polish.
• Gloves
• Level – these are available in a variety of sizes depending on your needs.
• Measuring tape – you will want to choose a tape that has a solid case and a reliable return mechanism.
• Needle nose pliers with wire cutters – these have thin, tapered jaws for reaching into tight spots or to hold and bend wire.
• Paintbrushes – brushes ranging from an inch to four inches and made from synthetic material are adequate for any homeowner’s tool box. Be sure to use the correct brush for your project. When using latex paint don’t use natural-bristle brushes. The packaging on the brushes usually indicate which paint works best with them. Cut-in work is best done with a chiseled brush, and a one-inch brush is good for trim.
• Plane – this is used to shave wood from boards. When using ensure you cut with the grain and use both hands and work at a slight angle. A sharp blade will give you the best results.
• Pliers – are scissor-like tools with jaws to grips small objects. Having pliers in a variety of sizes is probably a good idea.
• Putty knife/scraping knife – great for small scraping or spackling jobs.
• Rubber mallet/soft-face hammer – used to strike wood handled chisels or to tap soft materials into place that would be damaged by a metal hammer face.
• Safety glasses – never take a chance with your vision while working around the house.
• Screwdriver set – ensure that your toolbox contains both slot head and Phillips head screwdrivers in a variety of sizes. Use a screwdriver that fits the screw head, otherwise you can damage the slot or strip the screw.
• Utility knife – this tool is handy for cutting soft materials such as carpet, drywall, tape and string.
• Wrench (medium) – general use wrenches are used to turn any type of hex or square nut or bolt, or an object with flat surfaces. Plumbing wrenches are used to turn objects with round surfaces, such as pipes.