This article is written specifically for all you handypersons of the feminine persuasion out there in DIY land. You have skills and talents that rival any of your male counterparts but they have you at a disadvantage in some areas like having greater physical strength, larger hands, etc and these are things that you should keep in mind when building your basic tool kit.
You can get some really great buys online but in your case getting a tool that has the right weight and fit for your hands is more important, so buy locally from a trusted home center or hardware store. Develop a relationship with the store associates, get to know them because they know tools and can help you buy the tools that are right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask their advice. It gives them a chance to show off their knowledge and they’ll love you for it.
Don’t try and buy every tool that you will ever need the first time out. Besides the fact that no one has that kind of disposable income these days, you really have no idea of what tools beyond the basics that you will need in the future. If you try to anticipate what you will need in the future you may very well end up buying some expensive tools that you will never use. The best and safest way to build up your tool kit is to build it one project at a time. In this article I’m going to concentrate on the basic tools that you will need for home repairs.
· Hammer. A 16oz framers hammer or “claw Hammer” is the one tool that you will use over and over again so make sure you get one with a handle that fits your hand comfortably. Give it a few swings. Make believe you are driving a 16d nail home. If it feels right in your hand buy it.
· Screwdriver set. Next to the claw hammer, screwdrivers are tools that you will use on almost every project that you undertake. You will need both flat blade screwdrivers and Philips head screwdrivers so buy a set containing both in a wide range of sizes.
· A set of Groove-joint pliers which are also known by their trade mark name Channel-lock pliers. These pliers come in handy when working on the plumbing. You should have 4”, 6”, 8”, 10”, 12” and 16” sizes in your basic kit.
· A set of adjustable wrenches, which are also known by their trademark name Crescent wrenches. You should have 4”, 8”, 10”, 12” and 14” adjustable wrenches in your basic tool kit.
· 25ft locking tape measure.
· Utility knife
· 25foot, gfci protected extension cord
· 2 foot and 4 foot levels. These levels also double as straight edges for making layout lines.
· Combination square
· Speed square
· Carpenters framing square
· Assorted putty knives. 1”, 2”, 4”, 6” and 8” knives are good sizes to start with.
· Caulking gun
· Plumb bob
· Safety equipment-work gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs, dust masks, etc.
· Set of woodworking chisels- ¼” through 1” to start with.
· Electronic stud finder
· Dremel Multimax tool
· Air compressor and nail gun
· 7 ½” circular saws, also known by its trademark name, Skill Saw.
· 3/8” 18V cordless drill/driver. These tools can be heavy so check them for weight and balance with their battery pack in place.
· Assorted twist drill in both Letter sizes. Number sizes and fractional sizes.
· Jig saw
· 10” power miter saw
· Handsaws-crosscut and rip
· Router – this is one of the most versatile tools in your basic kit. Learn to use it.
· 10” table saw
· 6 foot ladder, fiberglass
There are more specialized basic tools that you will need for working with electrical and plumbing and I will cover them in future articles in the Home handyperson’s guide series.