Take time to choose your tools carefully

Tag : Hand Tool Bits

Bill Massey has been a handyman for 18 years. He has hungsheetrock, replaced doors, and remodeled kitchens and bathrooms.Sometimes, though, he has been flabbergasted by the jobs homeownershire him to do.

"I have been out for some really silly things that people should beable to do themselves," says Massey, who works for HandymanConnection, which has offices in Fresno and Bakersfield, Calif."I've been called out to hang pictures and put up curtain rods. Ifyou've got a tape measure, a level and a hammer, you should be ableto do that on your own. The price of these basic tools could verywell pay for a repair guy."

Tony Johnson of Johnson's Handyman Service in Fresno, Calif., saysall homeowners should keep a few basic tools close at hand.

"A lot of people today are doing their own repairs or hooking uptheir own stereos," he says. "You have to have the right tool to dothe job."

But don't cut corners when it comes to cost, experts caution.

"When you're buying tools, quality is somewhat of an issue," Masseysays. "I'm not saying to go out and find a Snap-on truck and buythe most expensive tool you can, but don't buy something cheap,either."

Many tools come with limited lifetime warranties and are well worththe few extra bucks, Johnson says.

And although a traditional toolbox is fine, Handyman Connectionowner Nick Dvorak suggests a canvas caddy. These come in varioussizes. Tools are stored vertically to eliminate rummaging around.Prices generally start about $15.

Ready to assemble your own household toolbox? Johnson and Masseyare here to help.

Screwdrivers: Aim for both small and medium Phillips and flat-head. Ascrewdriver can help remove the cover on a TV remote control tochange the batteries, tighten door hinges and assemble shelves ortoys. A flat-head is perfect for prying the lid from a can of paint.