Creating a Starter Tool Kit for the Do-It-Yourselfer

With Christmas approaching, many are on the hunt for the perfect gift for the ones they love. If you happen to know a handyman or do-it-yourselfer in the making, the perfect gift could be a starter tool kit. A starter tool kit contains the essential tools needed for that up and coming do-it-yourselfer to get underway with his or her first projects around the house. A starter tool kit is not expensive and is ideal for just about anyone. Even if the recipient of the gift is not handy around the house, a starter tool kit could be used as a way to develop their home improvement skills. By beginning with the simple tasks, one can become familiar with home repair and renovation and add items to their starter tool kit later down the road.

When creating a starter tool kit remember to stick to the basics. This is a starter kit, not a kit for advanced handymen. The essential items needed for around the house tasks should be included in the kit, but refrain from adding extravagant tools that will only be used by professionals. These tools are both expensive and useless to the beginner.

To create a starter tool kit, you will need to start with a tool bag. Local home improvement stores carry several different tool bags that range in size and price. A starter kit should include a small bag capable of being carried around, not a large rolling style bag.

Once you have chosen the bag, lets move on to the tools. For the starter, we will refrain from power tools aside from a drill. The starter tool kit should include a screwdriver set with phillips and slotted drivers in several size. Add in a claw hammer between 16 and 22 ounces for basic tasks. Now select a set of pliers ranging in size from small to large and at least one pair of needle nose pliers. A medium sized pair of Channel Lock style pliers are essential as is a nail set. Additional items should include a 3/8 basic ratcheting set with both standard and metric size sockets, a basic hacksaw saw, a tape measure at least 25 feet long, a pry bar, a utility knife, and marking pencil.

No onto the electric drill. This item is costly, but essential for most projects and thus should be included in the starter tool kit. Look for a basic drill with a 3/8 inch chuck, multiple speeds, and at least a 9 volt battery. An additional battery is a plus.

Now the starter tool kit is complete and ready for gift giving. The future handyman or woman will thank you for years to come because this kit can keep on giving as he or she tackles numerous home improvement projects.