DIY Home Tool Set Essentials

A variety of tools are essential for small home maintenance projects. The tools can be stored in a cabinet and/or drawer in the garage or on your porch. In my last home I used several drawers in a dresser. Any location that is easily accessible for storing tools will work.

Purchasing quality tools is expensive. But, if you use them only for their intended purposes they will last a long time. Financially, most people do not have the resources to assemble a tool kit all at one time. Just add a new tool (or two) to your set every couple months.

Sears runs excellent sales on their tools. They carry the Craftsman brand which offers a lifetime warranty. You need to take the broken tool into Sears with you in order to make the exchange. Check garage/yard sales and auctions for tools, too. They can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of new tools. You can check out what condition they are in before you decide whether or not to make the purchase.

Some tools to collect over time are noted in this article. They are in no particular order of importance.

16 oz Straight Claw Hammer with a Smooth Face- It will be hard to drive a larger nail if you choose a lighter hammer. This hammer will work great for framing or finish work.

Needle Nose Pliers- They work well if you need to get into a tight spot. They also work for holding finish nails.

Straight Slip Joint Pliers- These pliers adjust to two different sizes. It works well for gripping small items such as nuts and bolts.

Arc Joint Pliers- This tool can be opened to multiple sizes. It can be used to grasp larger objects.

Adjustable Wrench- Used to tighten (or loosen) bolts.

Allan Wrench- Used to tighten (or loosen) set screws.

Screw Drivers- This tool is useable for many daily tasks you encounter. Since there are so many different types of screws it would be best to have several sizes of Phillips and Slotted screwdrivers. Another option is purchasing a driver with changeable bits.

25' Tape Measure- This can be used for measuring anything from furniture to the size of a room.

Staple Gun and Staples- Its uses include putting weather stripping in place, tacking carpet under layment (padding), upholstery projects and so much more.

9" Torpedo Level- Works great to level/balance your household appliances.

Utility Knife- Get one with a retractable blade. You can use it to cut a box for recycling or various carpenter projects.

Pry Bar- Used to get behind a piece of trim or remove a broken tile without damaging the surrounding objects.

Putty Knife- Get one with a flexible blade. It can be used for loosening objects that are stuck where they do not belong. Or, cutting in when you are painting.

Flashlight- A necessary object for seeing in a dark corner.

Spring Clamps- Used for holding your project in place until the glue dries.

Chalk Box- This insures that you snap a straight line for whatever project you are working on.

Gorilla Glue- Multipurpose glue that can be used on wood, paper, cardboard and some plastics.

Have fun assembling your tool kit!