Many different kinds of basic hand tools are needed for home repairs.
It is often difficult to do many home repair projects without a hammer and a screwdriver. When you set out to tackle a home repair job, it helps to identify the other basic hand tools that you may need to use on home repairs. It takes the right tool to do the job, and to use the right tool you must first identify it. Does this Spark an idea?
Pliers
Pliers are made from two interconnected pieces that come together like a pair of scissors to help you grip things during a project. The grooved tip on pliers is designed to help give you extra grip to remove nails, staples or turn a screw that has the top slots stripped out and can no longer accommodate a screwdriver. Teeth at the center of the pliers are used to turn a bolt or a nut.
Vice Grips
Vice grips are similar to pliers, but the grips have an extra mechanism that can lock them into place for added strength. A knob on the end of the vice grip handle turns to adjust the grips, and a release lever on the other handle releases the grip after the job is completed. Vice grips are used to hold piping in place during plumbing, turn bolts or nuts that pliers cannot move or remove a nail with a broken head.
Measuring Tape
A measuring tape is a long but flexible metal ruler rolled up in a compact container. You can lock a measuring tape to the desired length to help you measure long distances, and the retraction mechanism recoils the tape when you release it. Measuring tapes commonly come in 10-, 25- or 50-foot lengths.
Stud Finder
Most stud finders are electric and require a battery. The job of a stud finder is to help you determine where the wooden studs are in a wall so that you can safely install items like cabinets, shelves and heavy picture frames. Run the stud finder over the wall, and it will either light up or give a sound when it has found a wall stud.
Utility Knife
A utility knife is really a metal or plastic casing that houses a razor blade. You use a utility knife to cut things like rugs, drywall, insulation and weather stripping. The handle of the knife opens to allow you to change the blade inside.
Tags: basic hand tools, home repair, home repairs, right tool, stud finder, utility knife
