Must Have Tools for the Home
Learning more about home Tools
First, let me clarify the use of the word TOOL as I am using it in this post. When I use tool here, I am referring to any of a number of different items that best fit within these categories:
- Hand Tools
- Power Tools
- Air Tools
- Welding & Soldering Tools
- Meters, Testers, & Probes
- Tool Boxes & Storage
- Safety & Protective Gear
- Air Compressors & Home Generators
This is by no means an exhaustive list of tool categories. But I think it's good enough to fit most things we use in our homes within one. And if you're one of the small percentage of folks that wants the history of tools and to learn a whole bunch more, click on TOOLS and you'll be taken to Wikipedia's excellent article.
Okay, I had some fun with this website address. And I'm not trying to be sexist either. Tools and anything related used to be a man's world. Guys would sneak off to their man-cave (garage or workshop) while the "little lady" was napping and do the man-thing -- work with their tools. Times have changed. Like it or not, many women have been forced to learn about and work with tools as the dynamic of family has changed and evolved. A quick visit to Home Depot or Loew's will reveal that many of these women have become experts in certain areas related to tools and their use and are even instructing others about do-it-yourself projects using tools.
Which Tools should be in your garage?
My purpose with this post is to provide some background resources for tools, which I've done above, and to give you a short list of tools that I think you must have in your home or apartment. Sure, you can purchase one of those ready-made pre-built tool kits. Some are good. Some are crap. Often the quality of tools is inferior and will not hold up well. Bottom line, in general you get what you pay for. Unless you know the brand, I generally advise to steer clear of these kinds of kits and select your own...things you really need. There's no real point in having a bunch of stuff take up space, tools you're likely to never use.
I think it's pretty essential to have the following for just about every home or apartment:
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers (flat & Phillips heads)
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Stud finder (let the jokes begin)
- Level
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
These eight tools are a good start. I strongly recommend you test the grip of the tools that apply. Make sure you can hold it comfortably. I personally prefer tools that have rubber as a part of the gripping solution. When it comes to the stud finder, I like the electronic kind. Don't overlook or underestimate this tool! It's a whole lot better to use a stud finder than to knock a bunch of holes in the wall trying to find the beam when hanging heavy things. If you're on a tight budget, then go with what you can afford right now. Down the road you can always upgrade and add to this must have list as you need to.