Typically, most contracting professionals don’t encourage taking on do-it-yourself projects that you are not qualified or experienced to handle. For a variety of safety, structural and cosmetic reasons, detailed projects should be left to the professionals. However, there are times when the average homeowner, who considers himself to be handy around the home, can successfully tackle small repairs.
However, first you will need the correct tools. Here, Stan Grabowski, the manager of the New Jersey-based construction company Small Home Repairs LLC, describes the components of the ideal tool box for your home.
Hammer: A 16-ounce hammer is always good to have around the house. From his own experiences, he recommends getting one with a fiberglass handle, as wood ones tend to break more easily.
Pliers: A sturdy set of pliers and channel locks are good to have on hand, he explains, because they can pull out small nails and tacks that a hammer is too bulky to get to.
Sand paper: A great tool and one of Grabowski’s favorites is the electric belt sander. It works like magic when you have the right paper grit, he says. When you purchase the sander, it is recommended that you also buy fine, medium and coarse grit paper so that you will be able to complete a project no matter what type of sanding you need to do.
Saws: A hack saw or a combination saw are both good tools to have on hand. He recommends looking for one that can cut thinner objects like molding, or even stakes for your garden.
If you are wondering whether or not to buy an electric saw, Grabowski says that it is a great tool to have, but should only be used by a skilled craftsman because it can sometimes be hard to maneuver. That’s why he recommends that a less experienced homeowner first get acquainted with the other tools mentioned here before buying this type of saw.
Screwdrivers: You will need a good set of hand screwdrivers as well as a multi-head driver that you can interchange with the same bits that you have for a screw gun, he says. Sometimes, though, a screw gun is too powerful for a project and will actually strip a screw until it is unusable. In those instances, you will need to use a hand screwdriver.
Tape measure: A 16- or 25-foot locking tape measure is always a must. Opt for one that is not too bulky or heavy and that can fit easily in your pocket.
Wood chisel: As a carpenter by trade, Grabowski says he is biased towards recommending that homeowners purchase a wood chisel with a metal edge in its handle for hitting with the hammer. A set of three is generally pretty inexpensive and he suggests getting chisels that are sized from one inch down to 3/8 of an inch because these are the most commonly used.
And, never underestimate the importance of having the right tool box or bag to carry all of your newly acquired in tools in as well. You should always look for one that can hold more tools then you have right now, he recommends. Because once you purchase a few, over the years, it will likely become a hobby.
