Don't throw broken stuff -- and money --
away! Spend a few bucks on some basic tools that will save you hundreds of
dollars each year.
Which tools do you need in your fix-it
toolbox? I recommend these basics:
* A good quality 8- or 16-ounce curved-claw
hammer for installing and removing nails
* An adjustable wrench (6, 8, or 10 inches
long) for tightening and loosening bolts
* A set of screwdrivers or a combination
screwdriver with assorted tips (standard and Phillips) for tightening and
loosening screws
* Adjustable pliers (6, 8, 10, or 12 inches
long) for holding or turning things
* A basic multimeter for testing electrical
voltage, current, and resistance.
That's about it. For less than
$25--including the cost of a small toolbox or tool apron to hold
everything--you can have the basic tools you need to fix hundreds of things in
your household. Buy at least medium quality. A $3.00 hammer is hardly worth
three bucks. A $10.00 hammer may last you many years. Besides, you'll probably
save the cost of the tools on your first repair--and you get to keep the tools!
You also can expand your budget to upgrade
any of the basic tools covered here. For example, you can invest a couple
dollars more to get a better set of screwdrivers or even a power screwdriver
with assorted tips. If you want to add on to this basic toolbox to make tasks
easier--or to make even more repairs--you can get these:
* Hand or power drill with assorted bits
for drilling holes in wood, metal, or plastic
* Wire stripper for cutting and removing
the outer wrapper (insulation) from around wires
* Retractable-blade utility knife for
cutting softer materials such as plastics
* Measuring tape for measuring the height,
width, or depth of various materials
* Hand, hack, or power saw for cutting
wood, plastic, or metal (depending on the blade used)
* Set of wrenches (open- and closed-end)
with standard (inches) and metric (millimeter) sizes for bolts and nuts
* Socket wrench set with standard (U.S.)
and metric sizes using 1/4-, 3/8-, or 1/2-inch ratchet drives for bolts and
nuts
* Allen wrench set for tightening and
loosening Allen-head screws and bolts
* Files are useful for removing excess
metal, plastic, and wood.
In addition to common screws and
screwdrivers, you may occasionally run in to spanner and Torx fasteners. Both
are designed to resist tampering. A spanner bit has a notch in the middle
(sometimes found on coffee makers). Torx fasteners have six points. Torx
tamper-resistant screws have a post in the center that makes it even more
difficult to open (found on some microwaves). If you need to get past one of
these fasteners, you can purchase these special tools at larger hardware stores
or auto parts centers.
A basic tool kit for painting projects will
include these items:
* Paint brushes or paint pads for applying
paint and other finishes to smaller surfaces (better brushes will cost more,
but will last a lot longer and spread paint more easily and evenly)
* Paint roller (frame and cover) and tray
for applying paint and other finishes to larger surfaces (a better quality
roller cover will last for years and apply paint more easily and evenly)
* Cartridge gun for applying caulking and
other sealers
* Scrapers and sandpaper for removing paint
and other finishes from wood, metal, or plastic
* A-frame ladder or sturdy stepstool for
reaching higher locations
One of the keys to quick repairs is having
a convenient place to work. Tools, standard parts, and good lighting are all
together in one place. And it's a place where you can leave things spread out
if needed without complaints or losing parts. Like where?