I get asked all the time which tools are the best and what is used for what....
That got me thinking. I guess growing up as a carpenter's daughter those things kind of came as second nature for me, but not everyone is born into toolbox full of tools. So here's what I'd say are the basics that anyone would need to tackle most of their DIY home projects.
1. Hammer- A good one, don't go out and buy that little pink tool kit that comes with a 6" hammer and tiny measuring tape. Those things won't get you anywhere and your projects will take you twice as long. I suggest a standard size hammer with a FLAT face. That is the part of the hammer that you use to hammer in the nail. Think your a lousy shot when is comes to hammering... it just might be that rounded hammer you've got. Trust me, this make a HUGE difference :)
2.Tape measure- Again don't bother with that tiny thing from one of those tool kits if your planning on doing some serious DIYing. Those kind are extremely flimsy and aren't worth a darn people! I would suggest a FATMAX from Stanley that has a 25ft measure. They are extremely sturdy which is great if your trying to measure from floor to ceiling or wall to wall, it wont flop out on ya.
3.Chalk line- This is a little tool that comes in so handy if you need to draw out a really long straight line. It's a little utensil with a string that pulls out and is covered in red chalk. You measure out both ends of your material your cutting, for instance a long piece of sheetrock. Pull out your chalk line, hold it across both ends of your measurement, pull it really tight and snap it. It'll give you a perfect red line to cut along. It really is a time saver!
4. Speed square- This is a little metal tool shaped like a triangle. It has tons of angle measurements on it including 90 and 45. It also has a little lip on the 90 degree side so if you need to draw a straight line on a 2x4 it will hold the perfect angle while you draw.
5. Skil saw- Don't be afraid of power tools! They are your friend, they are going to save you so much time and energy. A skil saw is your basic circular handsaw. It's perfect for cutting things like 2x4 and the like. I use for all sorts of things though. The more comfortable you become with your saw, The more uses you will find for it.
6. Drill- Have you ever tried installing a shelving unit with a little hand screw driver? Yea it can really suck! I suggest a good power drill with multiple speeds so you don't over drill and strip out your screws. A little advice, the cheap ones usually only have one setting.. really really fast and it gets really annoying! Try to find one with an adjustable speed if you can. I have both a cordless and a plug-in. The reason for this is I'm really kind of fond of my plug in because I don't have to stop what I'm doing to change out those rechargeable battery packs or worse completely run out and have to wait for it to charge. this leads me to my next thing...
7. Extension cord- I would say 50ft is a good length. That'll get you up and down ladders and around corners without having to stop and move your plug. You're gonna use this thing for everything. Remember that circular saw?
Well those are just a few of the basic of course you also need things like nails and screws and such... If anyone has any questions I'd be happy to help ya out.I come from several generations of builders so if I don;t have an answer for you, I'm sure I know someone who can help.
Just remember to be careful with those power tools and practice makes perfect! And don't forget to have fun!
P.S. I am not promoting any of the brands pictured above. Always use tools with caution, the raven's nest blog warns that these tools can be dangerous and I cannot be held responsible for accidents:)
