A
well-equipped toolbox is essential for completing jobs around the home -
everything from hanging a picture frame to putting together furniture or doing
major home improvements. Here are the tools everyone should own, from the most minimalist
toolbox to a kit for the experienced DIY person.
First,
let’s talk about how you’re going to amass all these handy tools. Racking them
all up at once could run you, hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The
smartest way is to buy the basic tools you need to have on hand just in case
and any additional ones you need for the project you’re doing; then pick up others
along the way with each new project.
To rent or buy?
If
you’re only going to use it once or twice (for example, a floor sander), definitely
rent. If you’re likely to use it at least once a year, then we suggest to buy.
The basic tool kit
A
universal toolbox should include these essential tools:
Screwdriver set: From
prying the lids off of paint pots to unscrewing battery compartments,
screwdrivers are must-have tools. Aim for flat and Phillips head screwdrivers
in various sizes; you can often buy these in kits. Look for magnetic tips and
comfortable grips to make screwing or unscrewing easier.
Claw Hammer: No toolbox
would be complete without a good hammer. One end is used to drive nails in, the
other side to pull nails out of wood or a wall.
Pliers: Locking,
adjustable pliers are very versatile. Because they lock in place, they can be
used as a clamp, or, as mentioned above, in lieu of a wrench, wire cutter, or
more.
Adjustable Wrench: An
adjustable, crescent wrench is like having multiple wrenches in one. You’ll
need one to tighten nuts and bolts and loosen plumbing fixtures.
Tape Measure: You might
have heard the saying “measure twice, cut once.” Well, you need a tape measure
for that and to do other things like make sure furniture will fit in a room and
measuring windows for blinds. Tape measures come in varying widths, with the
wider widths easier to support with one hand when extended.
Level: A level ensures you
don’t hang or install anything (including your flat-screen TV and shelves) less
than horizontally perfect. Many mobile apps that serve as a virtual level, but
a longer 3- to 4-foot metal level will go a long way. For hands-free leveling,
a laser level is ideal.
Utility Knife: For opening
boxes, sharpening pencils, and more, the utility knife is a toolbox workhorse.
Quikfast recommend buying one with built-in blade storage and rubber-covered
handles for comfort.
Work Light or Flashlight: You’ll
need a flashlight for your emergency kit anyway, but you could get a dedicated
LED light, head lamp, or work lamp to make sure you’re sawing/screwing/nailing
or otherwise DIY correctly in low or no light.
Electric Drill: Cordless
drills are convenient for working anywhere, but the corded kinds cost less and
don’t require expensive battery replacements. Whichever type you get, an
electric drill not only drills holes and drives screws, but, with different
bits, also sands and grinds materials and even stirs paint.
Hacksaw: A hacksaw cuts
through wood and even metal and plastic pipes. Look for the kind you can easily
replace with new blades.
Toolbox: Though not your
standard tools, a well-equipped toolbox should also include: safety goggles,
work gloves, pencil, superglue, and, of course, duct tape and WD-40.
Be a professional
Level
up with upgraded versions of the above tools, plus some inexpensive specialty
tools for tackling more types of projects.
Ratcheting screwdriver:
This type of screwdriver locks into place when you turn it clockwise and
loosens when you turn counter-clockwise, which lessens the stress on your
wrist. Most store a variety of screwdriver heads in the handle and may also
bend 90 degrees or more for greater versatility.
Set of pliers: Beyond the adjustable
pliers, other pliers to pick up include needle-nose and wire-cutting (or
diagonal) pliers, for more exacting gripping work (like fixing jewelry) or,
well, cutting wire.
Socket Wrench: For large
projects where you have to tighten or loosen many nuts and bolts, a socket
wrench set with a ratcheting handle is the way to go.
Allen keys: Allen keys are
L-shaped tools used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in the
head. You’ll often find these used in furniture kits and for bike repairs.
Pipe wrench: A pipe
wrench, as the name implies, is used for turning plumbing pipes and other
fittings. Although large scale plumbing jobs are best left to the pros, you can
save a bunch on small jobs like putting in a new faucet if you have the proper
tools.
Combination Square: When
you want to make cuts that are at true 90-degree angles or otherwise precisely
measure and mark the angles of the corners, you’ll need a combination square.
Wood Magazine recommends picking up both a 6” and a 12” combination square and
lists eight ways you can use them.
Chisel: A set of sharp
chisels comes in handy when you’re working with wood or doing something like
changing the deadbolt on your front door (where you need to carve out some part
of the wall). There are many types of chisels, made for specialized purposes,
but the basic design of them all is the same.
Crosscut Saw: The
jack-of-all-trades saw (what most people imagine first when thinking of the
classic saw shape), the crosscut saw is perfect for small jobs like cutting
2x4s and for cutting across wood grain.
Finally
Remember
to put your tools back in the same place, whether you store them in a simple
drawer, an actual toolbox, or a full-fledged workshop. Trust me, it’s really no
fun walking around your house wondering where your wrench is when a pipe is
leaking!