The DIY Tool Kit – Basic Tools that should be in Everyone’s Home
Even if you’re not into do-it-yourself, building your own, playing architect; even if your idea of repair work is to “dial a number” and get someone else in to do it, you still need to have a basic household tool kit for those little, unexpected jobs that crop up. Here are a few of the most-essential items everyone should have.
A Hammer – For putting up pictures, installing curtain rods, repairing an item coming loose, a medium-weight hammer will suffice for most household jobs.
Two Screwdrivers – Medium sized, one flat head, one Phillips at minimum. You may find it handy to also invest in a set of small screwdrivers for tightening or repair screws in electronics or glasses.
Screw and Nail Assortment – These can be purchased in small sets which include the most-used types and sizes or you can create your own.
Spirit Level – For hanging pictures and mirrors; building or hanging shelves, etc.
Pencils – For marking where to nail, where to drill, or record a measurement
Tape Measure – Measuring for curtains, shelf heights, picture placement, etc.
Wire Cutters/Pliers – Some pliers come with wire cutters built in, but wire cutters are an essential if you don’t want to struggle with trying to get scissors (ruining them in the process) to cut something they weren’t intended for. Two types of pliers are essential as well; needle-nosed and heavy duty for removing stubborn nails, etc.
Tape – Two types are essential, masking tape for painting and duct tape for repairs.