Nine Must-Have Tools For Your Tool Box

A well-stocked tool box is necessary for homeowners and renters to do basic home repairs and simple DIY projects. From hanging pictures to assembling furniture, a good set of tools lets you take on all types of projects instead of calling somebody else to get the job done.

Tape Measure

The golden rule of DIY is to measure twice and cut once. You need a tape measure to do this. A 12-foot tape measure is long enough for most homeowners’ needs. It’s also small enough to fit in a drawer or tool box and won’t break your budget.

Unless you are building a shed or tackling a larger DIY project, avoid the contractor-grade 25-foot tape measures which are heavy and expensive.

Ball Peen Hammer

A traditional claw hammer is a must for construction, but an 8-ounce ball peen hammer is better for DIYers for tapping picture hangers into walls or making light-duty repairs.

A ball peen hammer is lightweight, takes up less space in a tool box, and has no sharp claw to navigate around, making it a better choice for general household use.

Screwdrivers

A good set of screwdrivers can help with a range of home improvement tasks from installing overhead lights to changing cabinet pulls. You need at least three different sizes of flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers to cover most jobs.

A multi-bit screwdriver has interchangeable screwdriver heads and will take up less room in your tool box, but it’s easy to misplace one of those bits. If you’ve got more space, buy a screwdriver set. A good set of screwdrivers could last you the rest of your life.

Adjustable Wrench

A pair of high-quality adjustable wrenches can take the place of multiple wrench sets. An 8-inch wrench hits the sweet spot for most projects, but if you plan on doing light plumbing or other heavier home repairs consider buying a full set of standard and metric wrenches.

Utility Knife

A utility knife or box cutter is the most used item in your tool box. Utility knives are indispensable for opening packages as well as any household task that requires cutting, scraping and scoring. Keep one in your tool box, but keep a second one in your kitchen drawer or somewhere else for easy access. A folding pocket knife can do the same tasks, but if you want to keep your blade sharp opt for a utility knife that uses replaceable blades.

Torpedo Level

You need a sturdy, 9-inch torpedo level for hanging shelves, mirrors or televisions straight. Hang them with no level, and they’ll end up crooked. Look for a level with a bubble that is easy to see and can take both horizontal and vertical measurements. It’s also good to have a level with built-in magnets which can help you go hands-free and make small adjustments to a metal surface.

Hex Keys

Hex keys are also known as allen wrenches or allen keys. Hex keys can be used to tighten bike seat posts and assemble flat pack furniture. Sometimes products include hex keys with the instructions but having your own set with longer handles will make the job much easier. A full set of allen wrenches in standard and metric sizes will get more use around your home than you realize.

Socket Wrench Set

If you plan to do any mechanical or auto repair, you will need a good socket wrench set. Choose one with a 3/8” drive to cover most uses and sockets in standard and metric sizes.

Unless you are a mechanic, you don’t need those giant sets with 50 or more sockets. You’ll be fine with a socket set half that size.

Personal Protection Equipment

Personal protection equipment (PPE) includes safety glasses, work gloves and hearing protection. Keep these items in your tool box so you have no excuse not to use them. Use safety glasses any time you are striking or grinding something, as well as during yard work or working on something overhead that might cause dust or debris to fall.

Work gloves prevent splinters and protect your hands from minor nicks and scratches. Leather work gloves are the most durable and are ideal for gardening and heavy-duty applications. Nitrile work gloves allow for the most feel and will keep your hands dry and clean. But a good multipurpose work glove can cover almost every job.

Use hearing protection around loud equipment such as lawn mowers or heavy machinery. Earmuffs offer the most protection, but ear plugs are smaller and easier to carry. Still need more information on what tools to get? Visit www.lowes.com to watch the DIY Basics video series and view tool buying guides to help you find the right tools for your project.

—Reprinted courtesy of Lowe’s