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The well-stocked toolbox
The equipment
you will need for home projects depends on which ones you
intend to tackle. You can progressively add to your
collection as you tackle various jobs around the home. If,
for example, you decide to install or repair wallboard for
the first time, you may already have a hammer, level,
carpenter’s square, and utility knife, but will need to
buy special taping knives and a key hole saw. If you plan
to work on the electrical system, specialized testers and
cable- and wire-stripping tools will be essential. If you
need to fix a plugged-up plumbing system, purchasing a
rubber-cup plunger, drain-clearing flexible auger, or a
toilet (closet) auger may be necessary. If you are working
with plumbing pipes, crescent-type adjustable wrenches, a
vice grip-type wrench and a pair of pipe wrenches (one
smaller, one larger) may be essential. In all cases,
consider personal safety gear, such as safety glasses (or
goggles), gloves, and ear protection, your first priority
when buying equipment. Also provide enough light, either
with clip-on task lamps or with trouble lights, so you
will be able to see what you are doing at all times.
Use the following lists as general guidelines for getting
started and
building your basic collection of tools. To save money in
the long run, tool experts recommend buying the best tools
you can afford, so that subsequent purchases will add to
your collection instead of replacing tools you already
had.
The Basic Toolbox: |
