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Having the necessary tools is like locking the door to the house before you leave. It’s required for home maintenance and safety. Owning a home is an incredible privilege as well as an immense burden for those who constantly address repairs.
However, the annoyance of do-it-yourself repairs is nothing compared to the heartache of receiving bills from associated vendors. Home repair is not only an instantaneous fix but it saves money over time. Actually, the more tools you own, the more repairs you can address and accumulate added money saved.
Here’s how to stock your box with the tool essentials.
Tool Belt
The novice repair-person makes multiple trips back and forth to truck or toolbox, constantly arriving at new points in the project to warrant different tools. Rather than waste more time going back and forth, purchase a tool belt, serving as a mini toolbox, carrying all the appropriate needs.
Hammer
Hammers help put things together and tear them apart, an essential staple of any toolbox. Depending on the nature of to-be projects, consider the size, weight, and design of particular hammers. For example, a ball-pine does not feature the ‘V’ shape in the back but rather a small, wrecking-like ball, used for specific jobs.
Pliers
Pliers are tools that serve multiple purposes, and often come in handy for jobs you would not think about normally. For instance, curved-head pliers can get in small areas to hold pieces of machines in place, helping with car repairs.
Screwdriver
Screws come in many different sizes as well as attached heads. Therefore, screwdrivers must accommodate a number of dimensions. Rather than purchase multiple screwdrivers, buy a set that can address a number of home repairs in the bathroom, kitchen, living area, etc.
Measuring Tape
As the adage goes, ‘measure twice and cut once,’ meaning taking the time to ensure dimensions guarantees a great result as opposed to doing things in a helter-skelter fashion. Measure the walls for hanging pictures, the length of your bathroom to insert a new cabinet, and figure the area of your backyard for advanced planning.
Vise Grips
Also referred to as ‘locking pliers,’ vise grips help stabilize entities of address such as PVC pipes or metal. A lever on one hand locks the tool in place and when finished, the other handle releases the grip.
Wire Cutter
Strip the casing off a number of wires and cables as needed for electrical work or attend to your home entertainment center. While some attempt to strip wires with conventional pliers, it’s much easier to with wire cutters. The difference is like using a butter knife or steak knife for addressing a porterhouse. If you need hand tools but can’t decide on specific devices, visit a number of online tool sites.
Utility Knife
A utility knife with replaceable blades addresses a number of in-home needs, whether it’s cutting extra fabric off the end of the sofa or scraping surface tarnish off of metal. Considering a sturdy blade won’t bend or chip, the tool is also good for wedging and cutting at wires in hard-to-reach places.
Electric Stud Finder
Stud finders are fantastic for homeowners who love to interior decorate but want to ensure pictures, televisions, and other home needs are attached to a sturdy stud rather than drywall that could crumble under the weight of particular implements. Stud finders are quick solutions to a common problem that often plagues homeowners and designers.
Sander
Perhaps a bit advanced for a beginner tool handler, a sander can address a number of wood surfaces, ensuring a smooth finish to make a dated piece look more like new again.
Drill Set
Drills, also a bit more advanced but never a waste of investment, are convenient tools to own. Rather than screw and unscrew a number of implements by hand, save time and energy by automating the process. Since drill sets can get expensive, make a purchase based on your average home repair needs. Alternatively, a hardware supplier may allow you to rent one by day or weekend.
GUEST BLOGGER: Jack Rhodes is always fixing things. When he’s not working out of his toolbox, he’s using his computer to help others keep their homes in great shape.
