A Basic Tool Kit for General Home Repairs, Improvements and Basic Decorating
After years of frustration of hammering nails in with the heel of my shoe and installing screws with a butter knife, I decided it was time to put together a basic tool kit to handle basic home repairs, to aid in installing curtain rods, hanging pictures, removing globes on light fixtures, general crafts, etc. Having the right tools makes basic repairs easy.
Here is what I have in my toolbox (actually in my recycled 5 gallon bucket):
Hammer – a medium weight hammer, with a claw end. This sure beats using the heal of a shoe! The claw end makes removing nails easy.
Screwdrivers – I have various sizes of screwdrivers, both flat end and Phillips-end. You can buy a kit from Sears with various sizes and types.
Cordless Drill – I never realized how much I needed this tool! This is a must-have for hanging mini-blinds, window shades and anything else that needs pre-drilling!
Measuring Tape – I have gone through several of these. Don’t waste your money on cheap measuring tapes. Better to go with a name brand like Stanley in atleast a 25’ length.
Pliers - I have a few different pliers but have found that the needle-nose pliers have been the most useful for my purposes. You can get a kit with different types of pliers, wrenches and gripping tools at Sears or your home improvement store.
Retractable Utility Knife – This is a cheap and great invention! From opening boxes cutting drywall, this is a must have item in your basic tool kit. And when the blade is dull, just replace it!
Level – I have a 4 foot level as well as a laser level. The laser level is among my favorite tools for hanging pictures!
Putty Knife – I use this for spackling nail holes in walls, repairing drywall where the door knob has hit the drywall, etc.
Sanding Block - I am partial to sanding blocks rather than sand paper…they are great for smoothing drywall repairs, sanding door edges if they are rubbing or getting stuck in the jamb, etc.
Hardware – it is a good idea to keep a variety of screws, nails, bolts, fasteners, picture hangers, etc on hand. These items are definitely the most difficult for me to keep organized...if you have any suggestions, please let me know!
Miscellaneous – Spackle, painters tape, Goof Off, white glue, electrical tape
Safety – Although I do not have these items currently, I will be adding them to my list...Safety glasses, dust masks, leather gloves and a first aid kit
Other Nice to Have Items: I purchased a few other items over the years that have served me well… I purchased a Dremel, a Mouse Sander, a Roto-Zip and an electic stapler. None of these are really necessary, but I have used them to aid in refinishing furniture, re-upholstering a chair, making a fabric covered cornice for a window, etc.
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Marie Lally
O'Brien Realty
Direct: 301-748-8698 (Best Number to Reach Me!)
Office: 301-884-7400
marie@marielally.com
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