For Do-it-yourself Home Repairs, These Tools Are Essential

In business, providing employees with the proper tools to do their jobs is the key to success. The same can be said for home maintenance tasks as well. Having quality tools on hand is essential for do-it-yourself repairs or renovations. After all, without the proper tools, you could possibly end up spending more money rather than saving it.

Studies show that sales of do-it-yourself home projects have steadily increased from 200 billion in 2003 to 250 billion in 2005. That growth is expected to increase 5.3 percent each year through 2007. That's a big jump when you consider that in 1970, only one-third of Americans attempted home repairs. By 1996, that number dramatically increased to almost 90 percent. Today, the hardware industry reports that just about every consumer will perform some type of home improvement work.

But for any do-it-yourself, regardless of experience, there is one must-have item: A properly equipped toolbox. Whether it's painting, plumbing, or assembling a desk, a well-stocked toolbox of quality equipment is needed in order to achieve the best possible results. The first order of business is the box itself. Hardware experts suggest that homeowners invest in a 19-inch metal toolbox that is designed to conveniently store tools.

The next task is selecting the tools. Hand tool experts recommend that homeowners have at least the following basic tools on hand:

* Hammer: There are a number of hammers on the market, with various weights and durability. For most home improvement jobs, tool professionals say a 16-ounce claw hammer with a wooden handle will suffice. When deciding upon a hammer, check out various wooden-and fiberglass-handled hammers to determine which feels more comfortable when holding it and is well balanced when lifting to swing it.

* Screwdrivers: The selection is vast in this category, with choices like manual, cordless, or electric. Your choice should be based on how often you plan to use the tool. For instance, basic jobs around the home can be accomplished using ¼-inch Phillips head and ¼-inch flathead screwdrivers. The best buy for your money are screwdrivers made from good-quality steel. For more involved home improvement tasks, an electric or cordless screwdriver may be a better investment because both come with interchangeable bits. Another option is a ratchet driver, which comes with interchangeable heads.

* Pliers: No toolbox should be without this all-purpose tool. Experts recommend a pair of slip-joint and vice-grip pliers. Look for ones with insulated handles for better gripping. If you plan to do electrical work, you might want to consider adding a pair of needlenose pliers to your toolbox. Some even have a wire stripper built right into the pliers. Usually 5- or 6-inch needlenose pliers are sufficient for most jobs.

* Wrenches: Here's another versatile tool that comes in handy for even the most basic jobs around the house. It's best to get a selection of adjustable wrenches, including a hexagonal wrench. This type of tool is essential for assembling furniture, toys and other items. Since wrenches come in a variety of sizes, experts advise on an 8-inch wrench, which is perfect for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts.

* Wire Cutters: While these come in handy for cutting wires, they can also be used for craft decorating jobs, like cutting silk flower stems. The size of your hand decides which length of wire cutters to buy, but usually it's either 5-or 6-inch.

* Utility and putty knives: A utility knife is an essential tool, especially for cutting plastics, cardboard, carpets and drywall. For safety purposes, select a model with a retractable blade. Equally important is a putty knife for quick and easy repair of holes in walls, scraping off sticky substances or removing wallpaper.

* Saw: Whether manual or electric, a saw will come in handy with renovation projects that involve cutting through wood. An eight-point crosscut saw is the most commonly used tool for basic home projects that call for cutting boards of wood across the grain. Experts also recommend a hacksaw because its small size makes it easier to handle and the sharp blade can effortlessly cut through wood, plastic, or metal.

* Drill: The hand-powered drills on the market today are aptly designed for most small and medium home repair and improvement jobs. Depending upon how much do-it-yourself work you take on around the house, it may be worth investing in a good quality power drill that could handle the smaller as well as bigger tasks. A drill with one-third horsepower, variable speed and reversible capability is the best buy. Be sure the drills come with a good assortment of bits and screwdriver attachments.

* File: To keep your tools in best working order, a 6-or 8-inch file is a good investment. The long metal bars on the file have shallow grooves, perfect for sharpening blades or tools.

* Tape measure: A measuring tape comes in a variety of styles, from cloth to plastic and steel tapes that retract automatically. Usually an eight-foot measurement is sufficient, but for measuring drapes, area rugs or panels, professionals say a 12-foot-long, ½-inch wide steel tape measure that automatically retracts is the best choice for ease of use.

In addition to these essential tools, you might also want to add some other useful items, such as duct tape and safety goggles, to your toolbox. And remember to care for your tools, cleaning rust and debris from them to ensure maximum performance.