If you are a first-time home buyer, there is an additional cost of ownership that you should consider a basic set of hand tools. Such a set of medium quality tools will cost about $150 and will reduce maintenance costs and come in handy for emergency repairs. Most laypersons tend to purchase undersized tools and tools of inferior quality. An inferior tool sometimes is worse than none at all. In fact, such tools can be extremely dangerous.
You'll need: a handsaw, hacksaw, electric drill, pliers, vise grips a large crescent wrench, plunger, a trouble light, hammer, tape measure, a couple of screwdrivers, a level and a square. You might consider a razor knife as well.
The handsaw ought to have eight teeth per inch and should be the crosscut type. This combination of tooth type and spacing is best suited for rough-cutting studs, posts and fencing. It also works well on plastic irrigation pipe. Although the hacksaw is also good for plastic pipe, it is specifically designed for cutting metal. It is used for refabricating a hinge, cutting off a rusted bolt, trimming a bar of steel, shortening a length of metal cable and shaving a shelf bracket, among other things.
An electric drill has more purposes than we have space to mention. With a grindstone attachment, a drill can be used to sharpen knives and tools; with a buffing pad it can be used to polish a car or a brass light fixture. Drill bits can be used to bore holes for drawer and door hardware and to bore-tap holes for gate hinges and hardware. With the right accessories, a driver-drill (combination electric screwdriver and drill) can be your most valuable tool. If you can afford it, get one with a keyless chuck to avoid the frustration of a misplaced chuck key.
Hanging a picture, building a fence and hanging wallpaper are a few of the obvious uses for a level. But did you know that a plumber uses a level to ensure proper drainage slope in waste lines and to be sure that tubs and shower pans drain properly? Or that he uses a level to install kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops? The level makes certain that a project ends up straight and true. And don't forget the square. You'll need one to help you make straight cuts and square corners. Choose your favorite for your tool box from among a large carpenter's square (framing square), a triangular shaped speed square or an adjustable tri-square. If you are like us, eventually you will own one of each.
The first time that you are present when a toilet backs up will be the last time you are without a plunger. In many instances using a plunger can eliminate the need for an emergency call to a plumber. And that can mean a savings of $75 to $150. Not a bad return on a $4 investment.
A number two Phillips head and a quarter-inch flat blade will fulfill most screwdriver requirements. However, you would be well-served to purchase a good quality set to be sure that you have the right tool for every job. If you intend to do a lot of rough carpentry work, a wooden-handled hammer with a straight claw is best. The straight claws can be used for prying, moving walls and pulling large nails with a sideways pry. If your work is in close quarters, like cabinet building and installation, a curved claw hammer works best for pulling nails out in tight spots. Also, the curved claw shortens the overall head length of the hammer and makes it easier to use in confined spaces.
The trouble light and the measuring tape can be used on almost every project. Remember this rule of construction: Work in a clean, well-lighted area. It's safer that way. And measure twice so that you will have to cut only once.
For plumbing, electrical, gardening and equipment repair, a versatile set of gripping tools is a must. A 10-inch set of pliers might seem a bit large for your tool box until the first time you need to hold something firmly. A 14-inch crescent wrench also might appear kind of big, but more often than not, when it comes to gripping, bigger is better. And don't be afraid to purchase the largest set of vise grips that you can find.
