Choosing the best home improvement tools for your project can be daunting. There are so many different types of tools and accessories for each job, and every tool seems to be designed for a specific purpose. The truth is you don’t have to spend a fortune on high-quality tools. This list will enlighten you on basic tools that are great for any job around the house.
Screwdrivers
You probably have a screwdriver set lying around somewhere, but it’s worth making sure all of the drivers are in good working order before tackling any project. The three basic types of screwdrivers are slotted, Phillips, and Robertson (or square) heads. Most sets include several different sizes of each type, usually ranging from 3/16 inch to 1 inch or 1.5 inches.
Cordless Drill/Driver
If you want to take on some home improvement projects but are short on time or simply don’t want to be bogged down by pulling out an extension cord every time you need to drill something into your wall or another surface, a cordless drill/driver is the answer for you. They have come a long way from their early days, and today they can perform just about any task that you would expect from a traditional drill/driver.
Tongue-and-Groove Pliers
These pliers are used to grip and turn edges of materials like metal. Tongues and grooves are small, parallel slits in a material that fit together with similar grooves or tongues on another piece of material. Tongue-and-groove pliers are used to forcefully grip these interlocking pieces of material to fasten them together. They have straight jaws and are quite versatile, being able to grasp flat or round objects.
Crimping Tool
A crimping tool is used to make connections between two wires or cables. The crimping tool compresses a metal connector around both wires simultaneously, making a secure connection that is highly unlikely to come loose while in use. A variety of sizes are available depending on your application needs. In some cases, you can find crimping tools that have interchangeable dies that allow you to change the shape of the connector based on your needs.
Tape Measure
This is a tool that you won’t realize how much you need until you don’t have it. Make sure to get one that’s at least 25 feet long so you can take measurements over long distances.
