TIPS FOR BUILDING YOUR BASIC HOME TOOLS KIT

A well-rounded home repair and maintenance tool kit includes the following essential 15 items:

1 A standard claw hammer;

2 An adjustable wrench;

3 A tape measure;

4 Several sizes of screwdrivers (both standard and Phillips head);

5 A cordless drill and set of bits;

6 Standard slip-joint, needle-noise and wire-cutting pliers;

7 A hacksaw for cutting metals and plastics;

8 A medium-size pair of tongue-and-groove pliers;

9 A pair of locking pliers;

10 A general-purpose wood saw;

11 A putty knife

12 A utility light and several long, heavy-duty extension cords;

13 A dependable flashlight;

14 A battery-operated stud finder;

15 A plunger for minor plumbing fixes.

Your essential tools will come in handy for routine repairs such as stopping leaks at the base of a faucet (with your adjustable wrench), or for hanging shelves or pictures (with your hammer, drill, stud finder, tape measure and level).

Needle-nose pliers are just the thing for reaching into tight spaces, twisting small wires; and holding small metal parts and nails in place for screwing or hammering.

Other tools for occasional projects: an electric saber saw, a set of socket wrenches, a circular saw, an electric palm or orbital sander, an assortment of paintbrushes, and a staple gun.

Finally, stock an assortment of nuts, bolts, screws, and metal washers; rubber washers for leaky faucets; duct tape; several sizes of nails or tacks; fine sandpaper; lubricating oil for door hinges; a versatile glue; and a container of liquid drain opener.