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19 Tools Every Homeowner Should Have

19 Tools Every Homeowner Should Have

5/1/07 1:00 PM

19 Tools Every Homeowner Should Have

Tools. Few things in this world can compare to the sheer, unadulterated manliness of tools. Outdoor grills? Possibly. John Wayne? Alright. Mack Trucks? There you go. It doesn't matter if you're modding a computer case, or restoring a '69 Camaro, a Dremel and spot welder are both tools, and all guys (and even some girls) love them. So what tools have you got? Do you think you have enough? If anything, this list will give you a valid excuse to go out and buy more. Have fun.

Toolbox

A toolbox is a great time-saver. If you don't have one, your stuff will lie all over the place and you can waste precious time just looking for what you need. A toolbox eliminates all that and will force you to get organized, even if you fight it every step of the way.

Hammer

You should never have to sing, 'If I Had a Hammer' or live without a 16-ounce one, as there are few tools more versatile for both small and large jobs. You do not need a big one. That is a misconception. If you think about it, bigger can be painful, especially if you miss your mark. Have two on hand at all times; ball-peen and claw.

Pliers

You will need three kinds: the needle nose, slip-joint and channel-lock. You can't do without pliers for any basic plumbing, woodworking and renovation projects. For double duty, look for a pair with built-in wire stripper. The long and tapering forged head of the needle-nose pliers is particularly useful in electrical work where spaces are often very tight.

Vise Grips (Locking pliers)

These are the 'pit bulls' in your toolbox. The screw drive on the handle is easily adjusted, and the grips clamp onto anything that needs stabilization, particularly metal or PVC pipes. The lever releases the jaws when you've finished the task at hand.

Screwdrivers

Always keep three kinds: #1 & 2 Phillips and three standard (slotted): a stubby, a medium tip and a larger tip. These will see you through most household projects.

Dremel

The "Holy Grail" within many modern toolboxes, and one of the most versatile tools out there. The heart of the Dremel does only one thing, rotates a bit at anywhere from 3,000 to 37,000 rpm. What this tool can do though is nothing short of amazing. Cut, sand, polish, you name it. A definite "must" for any do-it-yourselfer.

Crescent Wrench

At least two kinds here: a 6", 10" or 12"

Pipe Wrench

You should have one small and one medium-sized.

Power Drill

This is one tool the use of which must be mastered for even the most minimal do-it-yourself projects. If the jobs are few and far between and involve hanging a picture once in awhile or something of that ilk, a 12-volt cordless model will suit your needs. For bigger jobs, keep a 3/8-inch variable-speed reversible AC-powered drill with a power cord on hand.

Measuring Tape

Get the 25-foot retractable model as it will be good for all of your jobs, especially if you know how to use it properly. Don't be like me and say '12 inches and three or four little lines.' Twelve inches and three or four sixteenths can make the difference between doing the job correctly and having to do it more than once.

Retractable Utility Knife

Must be used with great care, and when you do use it, always remember to cut away from yourself. Perfect for cutting vinyl flooring, roofing shingles and building materials. One male writer on the subject claims: 'a guy should be expected to know how to sharpen his pencil with a utility knife.' (One can only suppose what protocol this guy's mother/significant other/sister should be expected to know.)

Angle Square

Use it for cut-line marking, layout or to check corners to make sure they are "square" or at right angles to one another.

Pry Bar

This tool cannot be used to eavesdrop on conversations but is very effective when dismantling framing, pulling nails and removing moldings.

Non-contact Voltage Tester

Do not attempt electrical repairs of any kind without this important tool.

Circular Saw

When buying, make sure to purchase a saw with 12 amps minimum. With the appropriate blade, you can cut through metal and concrete. When using, make sure the blade is never dull or warped. Remember too that this tool is a one-trick pony; it can't cut crookedly or in any other direction except for that straight line for which it was designed.

Wood Handsaw

This tool will serve you well when a power saw is too bulky or unwieldy for the task at hand. The Japanese models are very efficient and versatile. If you add a miter box, you will be able to do everything from making picture frames to cutting baseboard and trim.

Spirit Level

Spirit levels are very old fashioned, but they work. The best kind are the ones that line up the air bubbles in a vial. They not only work well, they are also affordable and portable. Unlike their laser counterparts, with the first kind you won't have to worry about running out of batteries.

Chalk Line

Use this tool to snap straight guidelines for cutting plywood or laying floor tile.

Safety glasses

You shouldn't operate without this protective gear. The eyes you save may well be your own!

The following is a list of tools you should have that may not be used all the time but they are still important and you should always have them on hand.

First-aid kit

Do not pass go, do not go to jail or collect $200 dollars without investing in a first-aid kit containing many band-aids and medicated creams.

Duct, electrical, strapping and teflon tape

You may not need these every time you do a household job, but when you do, there will be no substitutes for them.

Tool Belt

The tool belt is a civilized way to carry your tools. Get one and put your tools inside even if you don't feel that you deserve to.

Glues

You will need Elmer's (wood and regular), an epoxy type and an instant glue for almost all of your household projects. Glue guns are also handy for crafts.

Scratch Awls

This woodworking tool is basically a steel spike with its tip sharpened to a fine point. It is used to scribe a line to be followed by a handsaw or chisel.

Whether it be a hammer, screwdriver, or a circular saw, if you have all of these tools then you'll be challenged to find a job you can't handle. Be safe and remember to measure twice, cut once.