Tools- Putting Together the Basics.

Every home owner needs a basic tool kit. We'll tell you what to include and which items you may want to add later.

by HSM Staff

Even if you're not an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, you still need some basic tools. For everything from hanging a group of frames to tightening a doorknob, the right tool will make the job easier. We have compiled a list of tools every home owner needs in his or her toolbox.

Hammer
A hammer may be the tool that you use most in your home. Consider purchasing two: a lightweight model (7-10 ounces) to keep inside your home and a medium weight model (14-16ounces) that can be stored in the garage. Visit your local home improvement or hardware store and try out several hammers until you find one that's a good fit. Additionally, look for those that have a magnetic nail holder in the hammer's tip.

Screwdriver
Behind the hammer, a screwdriver is the second-most used tool in the home. Choose a model that comes with several interchangeable tips (both small and large flathead and Phillipshead tips) that can be stored in the screwdriver's center shaft. It's more economical than buying several different screwdrivers and having all the tips you need in one model is very convenient. This type of screwdriver may be purchased as a manual screwdriver or a battery powered one.

Purchase a set of mini screwdrivers as well. These are invaluable when it comes to tightening glasses and replacing toy batteries.

Cordless Drill
A cordless drill with several drill bits will allow you to complete jobs more quickly and easily. Try out several models before purchasing. The drill should fit your hand comfortably and feel well balanced. One with a fast charging battery is convenient, but you may still want to purchase additional batteries if your drill will be getting a lot of use.

Saws
A small hacksaw and a cordless circulating saw are the only saws that a home owner will typically need. A hacksaw can be used to cut tubing or wood and the circulating saw is great for cutting plywood.

For demolition, hard to reach spots, and for cutting a variety of materials, many find a reciprocating saw to be indespensable. Just be sure to use the right blade for the right job.

Measuring Tape
Purchase a tape measure that is at least 25 feet long and can support its own weight when extended- when you are measuring across a room or by yourself, it basically guides itself. New electric versions that extend and retract at the touch of a button are available as well.

Level
A level is a must when it comes to hanging pictures, shelves, or curtains. The old-fashioned bubble type is great to use when leveling flat surfaces like bookshelves and frames. And laser levels are handy when setting tile or other flat materials that must stay along a straight path- its beam can be used in place of a chalk line as well.

Pliers
Every home needs a pair of needle-nose and slip-joint pliers. The long nose of needle-nose pliers are designed to reach into tight spaces and most feature a wire cutter as well. Slip-joint pliers are made to grip nuts and other objects in order to tighten or loosen them; purchase a standard model for use with average-sized items and a pair of groove-joint pliers for larger items.

Wrenches
If you only have room for one wrench, make it a Crescent wrench. Also known as an adjustable spanner, a Crescent wrench is handy for a wide variety of jobs around the home.

Staple Gun
A staple gun is great to use with upholstery or screening. A manual model will be adequate for occasional use, but use a powered model for frequent use to avoid tired, aching hands.

Utility Knife
You will use a utility knife for everything from cutting vinyl flooring to trimming wallpaper. Choose one that fits comfortably in your hand and utilizes blades that have a long life. You may want to select a model that stores extra blades within the handle for ease of portability and to avoid searching for a new blade when you need it.

Glue Guide
Using the appropriate glue for household tasks will ensure that your handiwork sticks together.

White Glue- The standard household glue, white glue is used for crafts and for bonding paper to paper. You probably already have a bottle or two on hand.
Glue Stick- Essentially white glue in stick form, glue sticks bond paper well with less mess than its liquid cousin.
Wood Glue- Also called yellow glue or carpenter's glue, wood glue is used for bonding wood surfaces together.
Polyurethane Glue- Polyurethane glues will bond to almost any material making them a good choice when bonding two different materials. Some brands tend to expand so use it sparingly- less is more.
Superglue- Superglue is an ethyl cyanoacrylate and works great on glass, metal, and plastics. Use a small amount as using too much will not bond the surfaces properly.
Epoxy- If you need to create a bond that will never break especially between dissimilar surfaces, use an epoxy. It works well on wood, metal, glass, stone, and many plastics. Epoxy is a two part product, but is relatively simple to use- just follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Construction Adhesive- Construction adhesives are usually dispensed with a caulk gun and create a super strong bond for decks, moldings, and flooring. Most are waterproof so they can be used inside or out and can be a great alternative to driving nails.
Hot Glue- A mainstay for the home crafter or hobbyist, hot glue will bond most nonporous surfaces together. Be sure that your surfaces are dry before applying or the glue will not adhere to the surface.

Tip
Gunk & Goo Remover by Un-Du Products will remove almost any type of adhesive. Ask for it at your local hardware store.

FYI: This Old House
Courtesy Wikipedia.org

This Old House began in 1979 as a one-time, 13-part series on the Boston PBS station WGBH and has since grown into one of the most popular programs on the network.

In its earlier seasons, the series focused on renovating older houses, including those of modest size and value, with the homeowners doing some of the work, as a form of sweat equity. The series covering the renovation of the Westwood house (Weatherbee Farm) became something of a cult classic because of an escalating dispute between the hosts, Vila and Abram, and the homeowners over the direction the project was taking. Vila remarked at the end of the Westwood series that the owners could have contributed more "sweat equity." As the show evolved, it began to focus on higher-end, luxury homes with more of the work done by expert contractors and trades people.

Bob Vila, the original host, left in 1989 following a dispute about doing commercials and created a similar show called Bob Vila's Home Again.

Steve Thomas took over hosting duties after Vila's departure, remaining with the program from 1989 to 2003.

Kevin O'Connor is the current host. Before O'Connor joined the cast, he was a homeowner who appeared on Ask This Old House having problems with wallpaper removal. While O'Connor has been the host, Norm Abram's role has increased to that of a near co-host. In at least a couple season opening episodes (Cambridge, Carlisle, and Austin) Norm has appeared with Kevin to introduce the new project. Norm also filled in for Kevin when his son was born during the Carlisle project.

Did You Know?
Blacksmiths first came up with the idea for the hacksaw in the early 1800s forging blades from broken scythes or wagon springs. Factory made saws were not produced until sometime after the civil war.