Every time a picture needs to be hung or a screw tightened, you have to borrow tools from a friend or the neighbor next door. Using the sole of your boot to bang in a nail or the edge of a kitchen knife to tighten a furniture leg just isn't working for you anymore. Maybe it is time that you began assembling your own tool box full of essentials. Three basic tools that everyone should start out with include:
Basic Hammer
This tool can do so many things. The best all-purpose hammer is the claw hammer. Of course the main use is to pound nails into hard surfaces, but you ca also n pull out old nails from walls and fences, put up new ones for pictures and mirrors, and even build simple structures for your home or garden. If you need to break apart an item for disposal, shape a piece of metal for a project, or even pound a chicken breast for an exotic entree, a hammer can also be the perfect tool.
Multi-Head Screwdriver
Instead of having several screwdrivers and Phillips for different projects and tasks, it is wise to invest in a tool that can take on many forms. If you can switch out the heads of the screwdriver depending on the task at hand, you can get by with this one spectacular tool. Assemble toys and games, remove or tighten screws in furniture, add screws to picture frames and other small items, scrape gum from under tables, and even use a flat-head screwdriver to flip open a difficult metal top of a food can.
Pliers
No, we are not going to pull any teeth out here! These pliers are indispensable for so many tasks including pulling out staples or small nails, loosening small bolts, bending wire or small metal tabs, and so much more. Most pliers are adjustable so they can grip larger nuts and bolts if necessary. You can even use the indispensable pliers to open those tight caps on your finger nail polish.
Once you begin collecting these basics, you can go on to selecting and purchasing other tool essentials. You’ll want to consult a local store like Koontz Hardware for some personal recommendations too. Be sure to store them in a locked tool kit (another item on your list) so friends and family members don't "borrow" your equipment. This is also a great place to store such basics as batteries, duct tape, electrical tape, eyeglass kits, and much, much more.
