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 Basic Home
Toolkit for Beginners
According to this video by Guildbrook Farms in the
Appalachian region, choosing the right tools for a basic toolkit
involves finding tools that will have a lot of uses and a degree of
versatility. This would be the sort of toolkit that is useful in the
home or on the road.
One of the first things to consider is how you will carry your tools
around. In this video, we see a common rectangular toolbox with
trays on the inside. Size is something to consider because “as you
fill [the toolbox] up, it’s gonna get heavy, and you want to be able
to carry it around.” A toolbox with a space for larger tools in the
bottom is a good idea for a container.
The first suggestion is a hammer; specifically a claw hammer. Claw
hammers are useful not just for hammering nails, but pulling them
out if necessary. Some hammers come with a second, smaller divot for
smaller nails. This video suggests having multiple sizes of hammers
available.
Next, you want to get a set of screwdrivers for your toolbox,
particularly flathead and Philips head screwdrivers. Screwdrivers
come in a wide variety of sizes, so you want to plan ahead
accordingly and have an assortment of sizes to choose from in your
toolbox. Exchangeable head screwdrivers may have a space built in
for holding other bits that can be swapped out as needed.
For measuring, you want to have tape measures in different lengths
such as shown in twelve and twenty-five foot. You also want to have
a level for measuring angles and to help with hanging things on
walls.
Another useful tool is a pair of needle nose pliers. Pliers like
these are useful for working with wiring, whether you need to bend
or twist or cut, or to grab and twist small nails. You should also
have an adjustable wrench of some kind, and there are a couple of
different options. “The idea is to have one tool to handle multiple
jobs, or multiple sized nuts or bolts.”
For power tools, this video recommends a cordless power screwdriver
or drill. Most of these tools are reversible, meaning they can be
used to drill in or remove screws. You should also have a spare
battery and a charger, and try to have the spare charging whenever
possible. Most drills also have the capacity to store extra drill
bits, which can be very handy.
While a basic toolkit may not have much, you can always add utility
knives, files, razor blades, or scrapers to your collection over
time. Altogether, a tool kit like the one presented here (with the
exception of the power drills) could be put it together for around
$50.
The perfect
starter household DIY tool set
In this video published by Charlie White, a DIY enthusiast from the
United Kingdom, the description of what goes in a basic tool kit is
pretty similar. There’s a typical toolbox with a variety of storage
options built in to it. There’s also a claw hammer, a ratchet
screwdriver, a tape measure, a spirit level & square, a hex key set,
an adjustable wrench (or spanner), a multi-tool, two pairs of
scissors, and a small hacksaw.
Some of the tools in this video are newer additions to a basic tool
kit. For example, the ratchet screwdriver is a type of screwdriver
that works like a socket wrench. “It makes screwing and unscrewing
so much easier, and all the bits are contained around the base of
the screwdriver, and there’s a compartment in the back for a few
more,” says White.
This video points out that putting together a basic toolkit means
looking out for bargains. For example, you can usually find a set of
measuring devices that includes a tape measure, a level, and a set
square, which is useful for measuring and setting right angles.
Hex kits are also a newer addition to basic tool kits. Hex kits, or
allen wrenches, are useful when putting together furniture kits, as
a lot of basic furniture sold in stores is put together with hex
bolts. “It’s also a great little tool for adjusting bike pedals and
brakes,” according to the video.
Another tool to consider is the multi-tool. Multi-tools are similar
to pocket knives, in that they hold a variety of blades and small
implements inside of them. Multi-tools also have built in pliers,
which is very handy, and makes storing easier.
“You’ve got a pair of pliers, wire cutters, a saw, a
couple of screwdriver bits, a bottle opener, a sharp knife, and a
file. Great tool to have in any starter tool kit,” says White.
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This video also suggests having a pair of scissors or two on hand.
“You don’t want to use kitchen scissors when you’re doing DIY, so
these are a great thing to have in your tool set,” says White. He
also suggests a portable saw that can be used for metal or wood.
Additionally, this video also suggests that if you
have a difficult time putting together a tool kit on your own, there
are kits you can buy that come with most of what you need. Towards
the end, White suggests a fifty-piece tool kit, which is
supplemented with a small wood saw and a ratchet screwdriver. This
would cost around 41 pounds, which is also around $50 (as of
September 2019).
Basic Tool Kit
This video, aimed at providing relatively cheaper for home
preparation, demonstrates the usefulness of not just a toolbox, but
a tool bag. A tool bag is useful in terms of accessibility, as it’s
easier to reach into a pouch than it is to mess with a box, where
the latches can be tricky. A tool belt is an alternative.
A lot of the tools shown in this video are touched on elsewhere.
This video does suggest including precision screwdrivers along with
the other types. “They’re good for eyeglasses and small
electronics,” according to the source. 'Stubby' screwdrivers are
useful for hard to reach places.
Along with screwdrivers, your tool box should contain one or two nut
drivers. A nut driver is a tool used much like a screwdriver. The
difference is that a nut driver is used for fastening nuts and
bolts. Additionally, this video recommends having a small assortment
of nails, screws, and 'end pieces and connectors' for electrical
wiring.
This video also suggests having a small bottle of 3-in-1 oil for
your toolbox. “There’s nothing worse than hearing a door hinge creak
and moan,” according to the video. Other sources online recommend
WD-40, which can be used for a variety of purposes other than just
fixing squeaky hinges.
Be sure to have a roll of electrical tape or other adhesive tape in
your toolbox. Electrical tape is useful for any electrical work, and
it comes in small rolls, making it easy to store. If you are working
on anything electrical, you should also have an electric meter for
reading voltage. There should also be a pair of wire cutters for
trimming or crimping wire. Some of these can also “cut small screws
and bolts, which is very helpful.”
This video also recommends Gorilla-tape, and most other sources
suggest duct tape as a catch-all for any kind of adhesion (even air
ducts, if you can believe it). In fact, most sources suggest that if
you have WD-40 and duct tape in your toolbox, you’re already headed
in the right direction.
“It could be the world’s most perfect kit, but there will always be
things I want to add or change about it,” according to this video.
That’s true for anyone looking to put together a basic tool box. You
can always add later, but there are plenty of ideas for where to
start when gathering basic tools.
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