How to Put Together a Toolbox for Your Home

Everyone needs a toolbox.

Every household should have a toolbox with basic tools. Even if you're not a do-it-yourself kind of person, you never know when you might need a tool to do a small project. Keeping a toolbox with a few basic tools can get you started for basic home repairs and maintenance.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Hammer
• All-in-one screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Small adjustable wrench
• Small hand saw
• Small hack saw
• Cordless drill
• Electrical tape
• Duct tape
• Spray lubricant
• Construction adhesive
• Nails and screws

1. Include a tape measure; a 16-foot length is one option. It's OK to get longer but avoid getting one that is shorter. Add a 16-ounce hammer or a 13-ounce alternative if you prefer something lighter. Every household toolbox needs a flat and a Phillips screwdriver, but you can also just add an all-in-one screwdriver. Most have changeable tips that include at minimum two sizes of flathead tips and two Phillips heads. Fancier all-in-ones have additional tips.

2. Place a 10-inch adjustable wrench in the toolbox so you can tighten a faucet or a nut as part of a home maintenance project. Include two saws as well -- a small handsaw for wood and a small hacksaw for metal. Add a small cordless drill for drilling holes and driving and unscrewing screws. Go for a decent quality brand.

3. Round out your household toolbox with a few things that will come in handy: electrical tape, duct tape, spray lubricant, a tube of construction adhesive, nails and screws. You can often find variety packs of various size nails and screws at your local hardware store or home improvement center.

Tips & Warnings

• You can buy all of these tools at your local hardware store or home improvement center.

• Buying a name brand product will ensure that you purchase a quality product and it will hold up longer.

• Craftsman Tools is the Sears brand. They are good quality, affordable tools

• Northern Tools & Harbor Freight Tools do not sell quality, name brand tools.

References

• Bob Vila: The Essential Toolbox
• The New York Times: The Tools You Really Need to Maintain Your Home