BEGIN YOUR DO-IT-YOURSELF CAREER WITH 15 BASIC TOOLS.Here are our experts' choices for the 15 basic tools no one should do without. We based the list on the most-mentioned tools. But there were a few also-rans the experts recommended if you've got any cash left: wire cutters wire cutters npl → cortaalambres msg inv wire cutters npl → cisaille f wire cutters wire npl → , needle-nose pliers Needle-nose pliers (also known as Long-nose pliers and Pinch Nose Pliers) are both cutting and gripping pliers used by electricians and other tradesmen to bend, re-position and cut wire. , a flashlight, a small mechanics' tool set, an electric saber saw, tiny precision screwdrivers and a selection of small clamps. One note about the box itself. The experts say this might be one of your more important investments. Get one that's sturdy and keeps your tools dry. (A typical metal box costs about $15). If you work with small pieces, you'll want a toolbox See toolkit and toolbar. with trays. If you only have a few tools, canvas totes Totes (more fully Totes»ISOTONER) is a corporation that sells umbrellas, gloves, rubber rain boots, and other similar accessories. Its headquarters is in Cincinnati, Ohio. are perfect and easy to store under the sink or in a drawer. 1. Hammer: A 16-ounce claw hammer with a wooden handle is recommended. It's light enough to handle and hefty enough for most hammering jobs. The wooden handle absorbs shocks better. 2. Screwdrivers: For very basic jobs, get a -1/4-inch Phillips-head screwdriver screwdriver, n See instrument, screwdriver. and a -1/4-inch slot (or flathead) screwdriver. If you want to be prepared for any job, an inexpensive electric screwdriver (it will cost you about $20) with interchangeable bits is recommended. Cordless ones are even better. 3. Pliers pliers, n a tool of pincer design with jaws of varying shapes; used for holding, bending, stretching, contouring, and cutting. pliers, contouring, n : A must-have. Get a basic, sturdy slip-joint pair. Insulated handles help for better gripping. 4. Tape measure: They come in several different lengths and are reasonably priced (they are often given away as store promotions). An 8-foot tape is plenty for most people, but longer ones are helpful, too. Some places even carry tape measures that glow in the dark. 5. Adjustable wrenches : Also called crescent wrenches, these are among the most versatile tools in your box. 6. Utility knife A utility knife (also called a box cutter, a Stanley knife, a razor blade knife, a carpet knife, or a stationery knife) is a common tool used in various trades and crafts for a variety of purposes. : Simple, easy to use and very sharp. These can cut carpets, drywall, some plastics and cardboard. 7. Crowbar: Great for taking things apart - walls for example. Also wonderful for digging yourself out from the big one. A couple of our experts keep this in their earthquake kit. 8. Hacksaw: If you can only have one saw, this is a good choice. It's small and sharp and can cut fairly easily through metal, wood or plastic. 9. Level: An inexpensive ``torpedo'' level (shaped like a torpedo torpedo, in naval warfare torpedo, in naval warfare, a self-propelled submarine projectile loaded with explosives, used for the destruction of enemy ships. Although there were attempts at subsurface warfare in the 16th and 17th cent. ) is particularly useful for hobbyists. 10. Putty knife: Equally adept at filling up holes in the wall, scraping off wallpaper or even getting those stickers off your windshield. 11. Vice-grip pliers: These are those pliers you can adjust and lock in place. Excellent for holding things when you need one hand free. 12. Drill: They do make hand-powered drills, but if you have bigger jobs, a good power drill is indispensable. With a selection of bits and screwdriver attachments, you have a versatile tool. 13. Staple gun sta´ple gun` n. 1. A device used to drive a heavy staple through multiple objects, so as to fasten them together; it has a spring mechanism which stores force as a lever is pulled by the operator's hand, and the force is released all at once : Our experts say this is one of those tools that will come in so handy, you'll wonder how you did without it. 14. Allen wrench set: Also called hex keys, which are hexagonal hex·ag·o·nal adj. 1. Having six sides. 2. Containing a hexagon or shaped like one. 3. Mineralogy wrenches. These are great for putting together or adjusting the furniture you bought and must assemble yourself. Handy for bicycle repairs. Experts recommend getting Bondhus wrenches or ball hexes, which are like Allen wrenches but have a ``ball'' on one end that makes it easier to turn from an angle and get to hard-to-reach places. 15. File/rasp: Not the most obvious tool, but a handy item to smooth rough nails and/or screws on walls and furniture, or for detailed hobby work. |
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