Hardware Tools: What You Should Have in Your ToolBox

Toolboxes should be packed for safety, versatility and practicality. Whether you want to be able to fix your home's plumbing, your children's computers, or your wife's jewelry, there are very specific tools you'll need. 1. Consider your toolbox: you need a toolbox that is just the right size for you; too big a box and you'll tire carrying it around, too small a box and you'll never have enough room for the tools you need. It is often a good idea to leave the toolbox until last. Once you purchase the tools you need, you'll know how to choose the perfect toolbox. 2. Once you've chosen your toolbox, add safety items. Remember the three Gs: glasses, goggles, and gloves. 3. Add knives and cutting tools, a very long tape measure, and lots of duct tape. 4. There are all sorts of pliers available. When buying pliers choose the right set for the right job. Choosing the right set of pliers is as much about getting the job done as it is about your comfort and safety. 5. As with pliers, there are all sorts of wrenches for all sorts of projects. Consider a multi-wrench for those all-purpose jobs, but also add a pipe wrench, a spud wrench, strap and chain wrench, and a monkey wrench. 6. When purchasing a hammer, always hold it in your palm before buying it. Test it for grip, comfort, and weight. 7. A good set of screwdrivers is obviously a must. Now, depending on the amount of work you need to do, you don't always need to get the most expensive tools. There are many cheaper tools available that will help you get the job done. 8. Saws are also good to have. Consider the types of jobs you'll be doing that might need a saw. There are various types of saws: keyhole, coping, hack, and hand. 9. A good toolbox has lots of trays designed to hold all those odd bits of hardware, such as screws and bolts, washers, nuts, and nails. 10. Last, but not least: don't forget to add a flashlight!