How to Build a Home Tool Kit

It doesn't matter whether you live in your own home or rent. Whether you reside in a spacious single family home or a small condominium--sometime--you're going to need some tools. Hanging pictures, hooking up a stereo, a TV or just putting a bookcase or shelving unit together--all require hand tools. Fortunately, building your own home tool kit doesn't need to be expensive--and quality tools are available at most home, hardware and even department stores. Here are the basics of a home tool kit--that should equip you for most any home maintenance job.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Adjustable wrench
• Utility knife
• Measuring tape
• Small level
• Tool bag or box

Instructions

How to Gather the Essentials

1. Get a set of screwdrivers. This should consist of two or three screwdrivers of different shapes. Flat blades (for switch plates and connectors), Phillips (cross-shaped--lots of computer equipment and even remote controls use Phillips screws) and Robertson or square head (often used in assembling furniture).

2. Have a set of pliers. A set should consist of a pair of needle-nose pliers (reach into narrow openings or remove screws from recesses), a pair of slip-joint pliers (to hold nuts while you tighten a screw) and a pair of wire cutters (to...well...cut wire).

3. Make sure there's a hammer. Although you can use lots of things to drive a nail into a wall, a hammer obviously works best and has less potential for damaging the wall. Hammers are available in different sizes and weights, so you should be able to find one that fits comfortably into your hand at a home or hardware store.

4. Throw in a tape measure. Whether it's for measuring a window for curtains or measuring how wide a new appliance can be, a measuring tape beats an estimate or just holding your hands the "right" distance apart.

How to Add Other Handy Things

1. Pick out a utility knife. These are useful in many different applications like cutting and trimming wallpaper or just to cut some string or twine. A utility knife is like a razor blade with a handle, so be careful when using it.

2. Include an adjustable wrench (often called a crescent wrench) or locking pliers (vise grips). If you ever need to replace a washer in a tap, you'll need one of these, and locking pliers also come in handy to hold things in place when a third hand would be helpful.

3. Consider including a small level in your home tool kit. Small torpedo levels (because of their shape) are only about 12 inches long and relatively inexpensive. A level will make a job like hanging a picture much easier.

4. Purchase a tool box or bag to keep your tools in and figure out a place to store it. This way you can always find the tools you need, when you need them.

Tips & Warnings

• Some other items you might want to include are duct tape or electrical tape, a strong pair of scissors and a spray lubricant (like WD-40).

• Home stores often sell sets of pliers and screwdrivers, so watch for a sale. Home store name brand tools are usually good quality (often have a lifetime warranty) and are a good value.