Build your first home improvement tool kit with commonly used home improvement tools.
Before you can start any home improvement project, you need the right tools. While you don't need every tool that you find at a hardware store, there are tools that you will use often for different projects around your house. Create your first home improvement tool kit with the basic tools, and then buy specialty accessories as you need them. Does this Spark an idea?
Hammer
Every tool kit needs a hammer, which is a device with a handle and a metal head with a flat nose. The nose allows you to drive nails. For general home improvement work, purchase a hammer with a curved claw on the back. This helps you remove crooked or unwanted nails from your surface. If you plan on doing heavy duty masonry work, purchase a hand-drilling hammer. This hammer has a solid, thick head and it is larger than the common hammer. This provides you with more power when hammering into a hard surface.
Drill
Drills are multifunction tools that allow you to create holes and drive in screws. Look for a drill that lets you manipulate the torque, especially if you plan on using this tool to drill through concrete, metal or thick woods like railroad ties. Decide if you prefer a cordless or corded drill. A cordless drill uses a rechargeable battery and it generally comes with the battery and the charger. While cordless drills are more portable, the battery will run out after continued use. Purchase a drill with a good warranty. Do this not only for the protection, but the better brand companies usually offer better warranties.
Screwdriver
While you can use your drill for most of the work of a screwdriver, screwdrivers are needed for hard to get to areas. Also, use this tool for quick screw removal. The smaller screwdrivers work especially well on the small screws found on computers, remotes and electronics. The two main types of screwdrivers are Phillips and flathead. A flathead screwdriver is completely flat while the Phillips has a thicker, grooved head in the shape of an X.
Tape Measure
Tape measures help you figure out the length of a wall or object to determine whether or not something is going to fit in your space. A standard metal tape measure pulls out of a central casing and the metal ribbon has measurements marked on it, including inches and feet and sometimes centimeters. Laser measures also let you measure a space, except that the laser bounces off the end of the object. You receive the final measurement on the laser measure's screen.
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