RENO EXPERT: The Doers’ Dozen

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by Jim Caruk

Twelve essential tools every homeowner should have in their toolbox

A wise homeowner knows that it’s usually best to leave large projects to the pros. But even if you have no plans to ever build your own furniture or deck, you should have a proper set of tools to handle routine household chores and maintenance tasks. Here are the key items to include in your toolbox.

Photography: bigstock.com

HAMMER

Everyone needs a hammer, or two. A lighter-weight 16-ounce claw hammer (with a rounded back) is good for general household tasks. If you’ve got plans to build your own fence, deck, or other larger projects, a heavier 20- or 24-ounce framing hammer will help get the job done faster.

A SET OF SCREWDRIVERS

Unfortunately, there’s no global standard for screws. The Canadian-invented, square-headed Robertson screwdriver is generally recognized as the best option to avoid “cam-out” (when the driver slips out of the screw head), but star-pattern Phillips and slot screws are commonly used everywhere else. A complete kit has a couple of different sizes of slot and Phillips drivers, and red-, green-, and black-handled Robertson drivers.

UTILITY KNIFE

The name says it all, this is your utilitarian cutter. But don’t cheap out on a plastic carpet knife. Invest in a sturdy model that locks the blade safely in place. When the tip gets dull, simply snap it off at one of the perforations along the blade.

A CROSSCUT HANDSAW

You certainly wouldn’t want to build an entire deck with a handsaw, but having one is essential for countless small tasks, from shortening a hockey stick for junior to pruning some small tree branches.

A 25-FOOT TAPE MEASURE

Look for a tape measure with clearly labelled measurements and sturdy tab that locks the blade open. A good-quality tape measure will extend out 10′ or more before buckling. And always remember the old adage: measure twice, cut once.

LOCKING PLIERS

Commonly known by the brand name, “Vise Grips,” these tools have two useful features: they’re adjustable and, once you find the right size, they can be locked in place. Bonus feature: there’s usually a wire cutter built into the gap where the two handles meet.

A SOCKET SET

Whether it’s tightening furniture, fixing bikes, or assembling shelves, there are countless jobs you could do with pliers, but are best suited for a socket wrench. A complete set includes both metric and imperial-sized sockets because, in Canada, you never know what you’re going to be up against.

ALLEN OR HEX KEYS

Allen is a commonly used brand name for these hexagonal headed items. Anyone who’s ever put together something from Ikea knows how versatile these little L-shaped tools are. But they’re useless if you don’t have the right size for the job. Pick up a set so you’re never left unhinged.

CORDLESS DRILL/DRIVER

Today’s cordless tools have the power of their corded cousins without the need to find a plug, and the battery life to complete almost any job on a single charge. Look for a model with adjustable speeds. LED lights that turn on when you press the trigger are useful and now a common feature. You should also invest in a set of good-quality driver bits (with Robertson, Phillips, and slot heads) and some drill bits.

A TWO-FOOT LEVEL

Eyeballing those picture frames is a start, but a small level helps verify they’re horizontal. At this size, it’s still easy to manage one-handed.

A QUALITY FLASHLIGHT

Many little fixes require you to get into dark corners. Flashlights are rated in lumens for their light output, the more the brighter. A good option to consider is one that comes with a head strap so you can work hands-free.

A TOOLBOX

How many times have you gone to the “the drawer” where your screwdriver, measuring tape, or flashlight are supposed to be…and they aren’t there. Your tools are often needed to be used in unison. So it makes sense that you keep them all in one place. That can be an old-fashioned metal box or, for more versatility, a modern backpack style tool bag.