Essential Guy Skill Tools For a Homeowner
Here's list of Guy Skill Tools that
should be in any home toolbox. This is the starter set. If you find that you have a job that requires other tools, buy
the tool. I don't loan or borrow tools. If you need a tool once you will probably need it again. Always buy good quality,
many home stores sell hand tools that have lifetime guarantees. Yes I have broken a tool, I even know a man who broke a
crowbar. Buy what you want; these tools will be with you for the rest of your life. I have had some of mine for 34 years.
Hammer - A 16-ounce finish hammer with a curved claw for pulling nails. I like the wooden handles. Others prefer a fiberglass handle to help cushion the shock of driving nails. Unless you are in the business of building, the fiberglass handle is not necessary. Look for "drop forged" on the hammer head. Drop forge is stronger than cast, this tool is going to be with you for a life time. Buy the one you want.
Tape measure - 25-foot tape measure is what I recommend. I'm on my third tape measure, but I use tools often. So I have worn out 2 of these tape measures. If you go smaller you will be in jam if you are measuring room size wall to wall. Be sure the tape is easy for you to read and is broad and strong enough that it won't bend when it's extended.
Screwdrivers - You can start out with a single screwdriver with interchangeable bits that will do for most jobs around the house.
Level - A small 9 inch "torpedo" level (so named because of its curved ends) will allow you to make sure that whatever you put up is straight and of course - level. All levels are not the same. I have found some that are not true. Buy a good level. You can test a level by placing the level on a flat surface and take a reading, now turn the level 180 degrees. Both readings will be the same on a calibrated level.
Pliers - Needle nose and wire cutting. Both are handy for getting into narrow spaces and a necessity for doing any wiring work.
Pry bar - in most cases an 8 inch pry bar will be all you need for pulling nails or removing moldings.
Utility knife - with retractable and replaceable blades.
Power drill - a 3'8" reversible power drill is good for drilling holes; they can also be used as a power screwdriver. I have a corded drill and a cordless model. The corded model is still in the box and used rarely. You will need a set of various sized drill bits as well.
Safety glasses - An absolute necessity. Only protect the eyes you want to keep.
Stud finder - When hanging shelves, you want to be sure to mount them on studs.
Socket Set - I like the sets that come in zip case or a blow-molded case. You will need metric and SAE sockets. I have a set in my bedroom closet. The set is in a zip up case and all the pieces have a place. It is as handy as a shirt pocket.
Open end wrenches - Again you will need both metric and SAE sizes. I bought a canvas roll-up organizer for mine at Sears. Again this set is in my bedroom closet. The tools I keep in the house are mainly for interior repairs. I have other tool sets for the garage. The garage set tends to get very oily. The cleaner inside set keeps me from staining interior walls and carpets with automotive grease.
Allen wrenches - There are a number of items that require assembly. Most often they require allen wrenches. I have one set that fold out like a pocket knife.
So, there you go. The "must have" basic tools you need to start on your home projects.