Every home requires maintenance to keep up its appearance, functionality and value. Often times the need for a minor repair comes at a time when we are busy and the task gets set aside for another day. The trouble is, before you know it we soon have several projects that need our attention! It can be overwhelming. The key to keeping up with repairs is to have the right tools handy so the job gets done quickly and with little effort. You don't need to be a skilled handyman to make most of the repairs that arise in your home. Having the right tools makes the job easy! Below you'll find the ten of the most-used tools for quick and easy home repairs.
Source: PowerDrillReviews.org.
Here are the 10 most important tools that you must have in your home:
1.Tool Box: Before you begin building your tool collection you'll need a place to keep it. Organization is important for saving precious time and energy. Without a tool box, tools usually end stored "wherever" which includes a closet, a shelf, a drawer and the basement. Who wants to look through the entire house for a screw driver? Twenty minutes to find the tool and 30 seconds to tighten the screw! A toll box become the go-to place to find everything needed to make the repair. Tool boxes come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials. You will find plastic and metal tool boxes as well as lightweight canvas tool carriers. Select a style that suits your needs.
2.Screwdriver Set: Screws seem to hold our home together. They'll be found on desk lamps, door hinges and even on eye glasses. Many of the everyday squeaks and rattles can be solved with a quick turn of a screwdriver. Screws typically come in flat blade and Phillips styles. Select a screw driver set that contains both types of screw tips. Screws come in different sizes so you'll need a range of screwdrivers to fit properly into the screw head. One size does not fit all!
3.Wrench Set: Second only to screws, nuts and bolts are found everywhere in the home. Got wobbly kitchen table legs? Squeaky desk chair driving you crazy? Need to assemble a swing set? How about that bicycle tire repair? Sooner or later you will need a wrench set to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. These fasteners come in US standard and metric sizes. Your wrench set should include both types. Look for a range of sizes between ¼" to 11/16" (8-15mm).
4.Hammer: A lot of things are held together by nails. Whether you're repairing a garden fence, building a planter box, or hanging a picture you'll need a hammer. Hammers do more than drive nails. They're great for closing paint can lids or tapping things into place. Hammers come in a variety of sizes based on size and weight. Heavier hammers are made for pounding nails all day and tearing out drywall. These will also have a straight demolition clay. A rounded clay is designed for pulling out nails. For small jobs a lighter hammer will be easier to use.
5.Stud Finder: When you attach something to the wall, it needs to be secure. This includes anything from a picture frame to shelves. Heavy objects must be mounted to the support studs in the wall, otherwise they will eventually pull out of the drywall. A stud finder has an indicator light that signals where wooden and metal studs are located behind the dry wall. The stud finder will show you where to attach a heavy object so it is safe and securely fastened to the wall.
6.Ladder: Ladders make it easy to reach to high places. Ladders also keep you safe by providing a well-balanced footing when working up high. Whether changing a light bulb or cleaning out the rain gutters, a ladder is the only way to go. Trying to balance on a chair or crawling out on the roof is dangerous and asking for trouble. A home needs a step ladder for inside jobs and an extension ladder for outside work. Aluminum ladders are lightweight and easy to carry. For heavier work, like roof repairs, a fiberglass ladder is recommended.
7.Wire Caps: The best way to join two electrical wires is with a wire cap. Wire caps are made of non-conductive plastic and have threads inside. The wire cap is twisted onto the bare wire ends to create a secure connection. Wire caps are commonly used for lamp repairs, ceiling fan connections and at wall outlets. Wire caps come in a variety of sizes depending on the thickness of the wire you want to join.
8.Electrical tape: Electrical tape is a specialized tape designed to insulate electrical connections. Electrical tape will not conduct electricity and prevents short circuits and electrical fires. Electrical tape is often used to wrap wire caps. The tape helps to seal the connection and prevents the wire cap from becoming loose.
9.Safety Glasses/Goggles: Don't forget to protect your eyes! Whether working indoors or out in the yard, there is a chance something can get into your eyes. Our eyes are very delicate, even the tiniest piece of sawdust can cause a lot of irritation. Hammering, sawing, painting or even raking leaves can result in eye damage. Select a pair of safety glasses that are comfortable and are rated for maximum protection. If you wear glasses, use safety goggles. They fit over your prescription glasses or sunglasses and protect both your eyes and glasses!
10. Respirator/Safety mask/Dust mask: Just like your eyes, your nose, throat and lungs need protecting. There are two types of airborne hazards: dust and chemicals. Dust includes fireplace ash, sawdust and even pollen from the yard. A dust mask will protect your nose and throat from these irritants while you work. Chemical irritants include paint and glue fumes and even household cleaners. Dust masks will not protect you from chemicals. A respirator is a type of mask with special filter cartridges that remove dust and chemical vapors. The filter cartridges should be replaced once year to keep the mask effective.