A: Dear "Honey doesn't have a clue":
Last week, we learned about the importance of shopping for, storing, sharpening and servicing your tools. Now, itıs time to have some fun buying
them!
Even the most basic of repairs will require you to have a starter kit of tools. While chances are you wonıt be bringing them home all at once, bear in mind that any investment you do make in this regard will undoubtedly be one of the very few to pay tangible dividends so quickly. But buyers beware:
Success in home repairs has been likened to eating peanuts itıs hard to stop with just one. So, to assist you in prioritizing your purchases, here are my choices for the tools that are the most consistently reliable, valuable and useful for long-term service. In other words, those that are worthy of a spot in anyone's Toolbox Hall of Fame.
1. For ease of use and greater versatility, get a ratcheting screwdriver with inter-changeable heads.
2. A 30-foot sliding steel tape measure. Look for the ones that have different formulaıs for measuring, etc. printed on the back side of the tape.
3. The Black and Decker automatic adjustable wrench. This does for wrenches what power windows did for hand cranks!
4. Vice grips. Not only will they lock down on things, but they also work well as pliers.
5. A 2-foot level. Although you can buy longer ones, this length is appropriate for the size projects a beginner will be tackling.
6. Utility knife. Get the retractable blade model, as you donıt want to give up a pound of flesh every time you reach into your apron.
7. A 1/2-inch power drill (I prefer DeWalt). I would recommend battery operated, with the following exceptions: you are not planning to use it on a
regular basis or that you have physical limitations (battery operated tools are the heavier model).
8. Black and Decker Cyclone 4-n-1 sander. A good sander is often the difference between a rough and a finish carpenter so to speak.
9. A 7 1/4-inch circular saw. Again, I recommend battery operated (see rule 7).
10. Reciprocating saw. Metal, wood, vinyl you name it, this saw cuts it with the proper blades of course.
Remember that tools are an expensive purchase. To ensure a prudent purchase, remember to buy tools that you will grow into, not out of.
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance,
how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.