Build a Basic Home Repair Kit

Tag : Home Tool Kit

-Rotary power drill - more important than a power screwdriver andprobably the most convenient decorating accessory you will everhave. Make sure the drill has variable speeds, a reverse switch andcan hold drill bits up to 3/8 inch.
-Steel tape measure - the model should have a lock button to holdthe extended tape in place; purchase one with at least 25 feet oftape. A 1-foot ruler and a yardstick make good companions.
-24-inch carpenter's level - it should have two bubbles: one formeasuring horizontal level, and the other for marking verticalplumb.
-Handsaw - buy a saw marked "general purpose" to handle any varietyof wood. Look for a steel blade, about 26 inches long, with awooden handle.
-Hacksaw - this thin saw cuts metal; the blades are replaceable andcome in several grades for cutting different strengths of metal.
-Pocketknife and utility knife - the pocketknife comes in handy forall sorts of tasks; the utility knife has a retractable (andreplaceable) blade.
-Putty knife - used to apply and work plaster, spackle, or-yes -putty. You should have two sizes: a 1-inch blade and a wide-bladewall scraper.
-Sandpaper, steel wool, metal file and wire brush-these come inhandy for a variety of cleaning and sharpening tasks.
-Duct tape, electrical tape (yes, they're different) and threetypes of glue: epoxy, white (PVA) and wood glue.
-Spackling compound and wood putty - these make filling holes andgaps in walls and wood easy.
Finally, having both a stepladder and an extension ladder willallow you to tackle hard-to-reach repairs, both indoors and out.