I have a lot of tools; more tools, in fact, than I have jobs for.

But since part of my job is to write about the latest tools, my growing collection makes perfect business sense.

If you are the typical homeowner, or a real estate agent who deals with those folks, I've come up with a list of the most essential tools, including reasons for each.

This is not a toolbox for the serious do-it-yourselfer. Consider it a first-aid kit for common problems.

You will need a first-aid kit, no matter how often you use tools. The kit should include bandages in a variety of sizes and some sort of antiseptic to prevent infection.

You'll need a hammer. Not a big hammer, but an eight-ounce hammer, which is perfect for banging in those little nails that come with shades and curtain rods.

It's also a perfect choice for banging those nails that pop up from floorboards and out of doorframes, tearing your socks and sweaters.

Anything bigger will be overkill. And even when you use the eight-ounce hammer, you'll need be careful not to the mar surface of what you are nailing.

Which means a nail set.

What's that? A nail set is a tool that fits on the exposed head of a nail. Hit the other end with your eight-ounce hammer and the nail is driven below the surface without hurting anything else.

What about if the nail needs to come out?

The back of the hammer, called the claw, usually does the job. For added leverage and to again avoid marring the surface, use a small block of wood.

Another must is a tape measure. Get one that is made of steel and has a tape that's 25 feet long.

A tape measure is much more versatile than a ruler or yardstick, although you must remember that the length of the device into which the tape retracts has to be added to any measurement -- typically 2.5 inches or so.

You will need a straight edge to draw lines between two points. The tape flexes, and curls slightly. It is better to use the tape to mark several points between the ends of what you are measuring and then use the straight edge to draw a line intersecting all of those points.

A steel yardstick is the best tool.

Keep a few pencils around. Carpenter's pencils, usually available at home centers or hardware stores, are best, though any No. 2 will do. Pencil marks erase easily.

Screwdrivers typically come in two varieties: Phillips head and slotted. You'll need both.

You'll prefer dealing with Phillips head screws, because pressure applied to slotted screw heads tends to compromise them. I wouldn't be able to calculate the number of times I've had to drill out a slotted screw that wouldn't go in or come out.

Phillips head screws afford greater leverage, so if you are using or replacing, go with Phillips heads.

One size screwdriver does not fit all screw heads, so even though there are two varieties, there are different sizes. But the cost of a set of each of these screwdrivers is not prohibitive.

If you want to put a little power behind the screwdriver, you might wish to invest in a battery-powered drill driver, which costs practically nothing these days.

You can buy a set of screwdriver bits to go with the power driver, as well as a set of drill bits to fit most everyday job applications.

Do you need a saw?

Not necessarily. Say you want to put up a simple shelf for books. Nothing fancy, mind you.

You can buy shelving ready to install or have the lumberyard or home center cut the wood to your specifications.

You'll also make use of the drill-driver, the tape measure and the straight edge.

You will need a pair of pliers. I have always had a pair of slip-joint pliers, which has both flat and curved areas to grip objects of different shapes.

But I often find myself using long nose pliers, which are best for making loops in wires and as leverage when I tighten drawer screws that have square heads instead of slotted or Phillips.

You may want to have both.

I also suggest a utility knife with a change of blades.

And you will need a plunger for toilet and sink drains.

And a flashlight. A good flashlight, not that set of five for $2 at the discount store. Flashlights come in handy when you need to find the candles when the lights go out, and when looking through the kitchen drawer for your screwdriver.

Published: September 16, 2004

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