5 ToolBox Essentials for Home DIY Projects

June 15,2013 From: ABC sources

  • It doesn’t matter where you live, or whether you rent or own. As long as you have four walls and a roof to call home, sooner or later there’s going to be something to repair, install or update. Whether you need to mount shelves to a wall, fix a leaky faucet, or just stop the kitchen table from wobbling, having a tool box that’s stocked with a few basic hand tools makes any home improvement project easier. Need a few tips on where to start? Home improvement experts have suggestions for what should cover your most pressing needs.

    \r\n

     

    \r\n
    \r\n
    Tape Measure:Need to measure a piece of wood, a length of wire or a window? Handyman Kamani Sicard, of NYC Handyman in Manhattan, N.Y., believes every household needs a tape measure. Tape measures come in many lengths, but for around-the-house jobs, Sicard recommends a medium-sized one. “If you’re working on a large project, you’ll have enough length, and if you’re working on a smaller project, you’ll have more increments for accuracy. It also won’t be too cumbersome to hold," said Sicard.
    \r\n
     
    \r\n
     
    \r\n
    \r\n
     
    \r\n
    Pliers and Wrench: Both pliers and wrenches provide you with extra grip and leverage for projects around the house, but you’re best off owning one of each, since they’re cut out for slightly different jobs. Pliers are great for anything from pulling out nails to bending wire, and some types even have cutting edges built into their jaws for easy wire cutting. Wrenches, on the other hand, are the tools to reach for when you need grip combined with extra torque for tightening and loosening pipes, as well as turning nuts and bolts.
    \r\n 
    \r\n
     
    \r\n
    \r\n

    Phillips Screwdriver and Screws: Viault suggested packing a standard, or slotted, screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver in your toolkit, as well as accompanying screws. “Phillips screws are better to use than a slotted screw because driving one of them gives a much more positive [more exact] drive,” he said. “My favorite screw is a ¾-inch, No. 8 Phillips pan head screw. You can do anything with that.”

    \r\n

     

    \r\n
    \r\n

    \r\n

    Utility Knife:  A utility knife – also called a box cutter, razor knife or carpet knife – is made up of a hollow plastic or metal handle that houses a retractable razor blade. Utility knives are incredibly useful tools for any do-it-yourselfer, regardless of his or her skill level. They make quick work of slicing through cardboard, drywall, carpet, thin plastics, and even linoleum.

    \r\n

     

    \r\n
    \r\n

    Claw Hammer:While there are many breeds of hammers, Sicard maintains that the claw hammer may be the carpenter’s most essential tool. “A claw hammer is an all-purpose hammer that’s great for any hammering projects around the house,” he said. It’s also useful “for removing nails and screws, and for ripping up old material."
    \r\n
    \r\n

    \r\n

    \r\n

     

    \r\n


    \r\n




    by: Nate

    Related Articles