Monday, May 23, 2011

9 must-have tools for the DIY newbie

1. Finishing hammer with claw Plumb. Reliable and built to last with a great grip, fiberglass handle.




2. Tape measure Stanley. Durable steel exterior, easily retractable.



3. Battery-powered cordless drill Black & Decker. Invaluable for small repairs and quick fixes; doubles as a screw gun.



4. Duct tape Holds the world together; provides a strong, flexible hold, good tensile strength; water and tear resistant.



5. Level Johnson. Determines whether a surface is horizontal or vertical.



6. Pliers Klein. Hold objects firmly, for cutting, bending; many types for specific uses.



7. Utility knife: Preferably one that retracts; for cutting carpet, scoring drywall, opening packages. Any decent brand will do.



8. Adjustable crescent wrench Klein. Removes or tightens bolts of all sizes.



9. Mini crowbar Hyde. Takes off old trim and molding; doesn't mark up walls; easy to keep in your tool belt.



Before you begin



What experience (if any) do I have? Just because you're not afraid to take on a project doesn't mean you should. Be realistic about your skills. Not having the expertise could lead to additional costs and work. Also, you might find it difficult to find a contractor who will fix your snafu.



Do I have the time? Many home-improvement projects take weeks rather than days. Measure the inconvenience against the cost of hiring a professional.



Do I have the right tools? Consider what special tools you'll need. If you have to buy a power saw but don't plan to use it again in the near future, it probably won't be a very good investment.

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