For many gals these days, having a well-equipped toolbox is still something they would assume only their beloved dads had in the garage. But what if instead of always turning to someone else every time there’s a house project to do, you had the necessary tools and the know-how to take care of these things on your own? Well, you can! In fact, we have created a list of 6 basic tools for you we think every woman should have in their toolbox.
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One the most common tools everyone literally needs at home. Not only is a good, solid hammer great to drive nails into wood, but also can work well in small demolition jobs. We suggest you opt for a 16-ounce hammer, as it is sufficiently heavy for almost all basic home repairs, yet light enough not to be a nuisance when you carry it around. When it comes to its handle, you should know that a wooden one is a thing of the past, as it can easily break, so you should go for a long-lasting synthetic one. Additionally, you want a hammer with a good balance in your hands (i.e. that isn’t head-heavy), so go to your hardware store and try several out before making the selection. Check out this article to learn more on how to find a proper hammer.
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When we talk about screwdrivers, we should distinguish between the flathead one and the one invented by Mister Henry F. Phillips. The former is characterized by a single blade that fits into the slot of a flathead screw, while the latter has a four-star point at the top that fits into the corresponding shallow, cross-shaped depression on a screw. Although the Phillips screw has practically replaced a flathead screw in most projects, having a few flathead drivers in your toolbox is still a good idea—apart from driving in screws, you can also use it for light scrapping, nudging and prying. As there are screws of different sizes, you should have a set that will meet all your DIY needs.
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Whether you are building a birdhouse or simply measuring to see if a new TV is going to fit in your living room, a trustworthy 25′ inch retractable tape measure is simply a must. Plus it is kind of fun to pull the measuring tape all the way out and see it retract.
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Of all the tools in your DIY kit, this cutie usually sees most of the action. This adjustable super-wrench has a sliding jaw that you use to modify its width—a crafty feature you can use when dealing with different size nuts and bolts. Just bare in mind, when you’re using this omnipotent tool, the movable jaw is situated on the side of where the rotation is performed because this reduces the chance of backlash.
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A decent cordless drill is definitely a must-have in your toolbox. You can use it for driving screws into a 2×4 or drilling holes into drywall. When selecting your drill, make sure you buy one with sufficient power (you can infer by the voltage of its battery). Although you can find drills with batteries up to 18v, increased voltage implies increased weight, so an 18-volt bad boy can weigh up to 5 kilos. Generally a 12-volt unit is what you are looking for. Additionally, ensure your drill is reversible and has multiple speeds. The reversible feature comes in handy if there is a need to remove several of the screws if something goes awry during a project.
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Whether you need to put a mantle over the fireplace or hang up a picture, a straight line is simply crucial. You don’t want to put some nails in the wall, only to see that things are crooked when you step back. In order to get the job done properly the first time, use a level. There are more and more sophisticated laser levels available in the market these days. Although you can’t beat the sense of satisfaction when you manage to nudge that little bubble in the center. For those tech savvy gals, there is even several iPhone level app worth checking out.
Now we have given you a list of several must-have, it’s time for you to go out and fill your toolbox with these essential tools. Who knows what DIY ideas might tempt you take on. Maybe even installing one of these stylish bathroom vanities on your own? With the right tools and the “can do” attitude, we know you can!
