A set of basic household hand tools are essential in repair and maintenance, craft and handicraft and decoration projects. These are simple tools that are practical to keep and a starting point in building up a more comprehensive or specialized tool set based on a hobby, utility and/or occupation.
Basic tools are usually used more often and receive most wear, purchasing the best quality one could afford is a realistic and economical, not only it could do a job more easily with less effort and time spent, but also it provide more safety. With quality products and basic tool care one will enjoy long-term benefits.
1. Hammer
A general-all purpose hammer, a simple tool that pounds in nails. Whether choosing a traditional or modern hammer, preferred and practical features would be a medium weight, head weight of 16-20 oz., a smooth face, a straight rip claw and a comfortable handle [1]. Additional features to watch out for modern type are a nail starter, and ergonomic designs of handles and an anti-vibration design.
2. Flat-head Screwdriver
A flat-head or slotted flared tip screwdriver is the most common type, used on screws that have a single vertical slit. The driver head should fit snugly into the screw slot without slipping when turning the screw with the tool. Screws and this tool come in variety of sizes and lengths. A basic standard size would be a flared tip of 1/4"-inch by bar handle length of 4-inch (1/4” x 4”) but 8-inch length would have additional reach and be more practical [2]. Additional feature would be an insulated soft-grip handle, vanadium steel bars and sanded tips.
3. Philip Screw Driver
This is a screwdriver with an “X” or cross-shaped head [2]. This tool comes in four basic sizes labeled from #0 to #4, with #0 being the smallest. The most common size would be #2, preferred length would be 8-inch and make sure to buy the one with a flat or blunt tip.
4. Pliers
Pliers a simple lever and come in three basic types: locking, adjustable and non-adjustable [3] used to extend and increase the strength of hand grip, and suited to a particular task. A first practical pliers to have, classified under the nonadjustable pliers, is an 8-inch needle nose pliers with wire cutter, useful in electrical works. Then, 10-inch adjustable tongue-and-groove pliers or a wrench pliers of the same length would be the next thing to invest since it is useful in plumbing works. An insulated soft handle would also be a comfortable feature.
NTS: Never ever use them to grab your or someone else nose.
5. Wrench
A wrench is a versatile turning tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque [4]. Preferred traditional model is a 10-inch adjustable wrench or spanner with jaw width of 1 ¼ inches or higher or wider, smooth thumb turn, smooth and stable jaw. An open-end head and movable smooth jaw that delicately accommodate different sizes of a fastener, from a bulky hose, bike seat adjustment to small fastener on a toy. An alternative modern model would be an 8-inch adjustable wrench with a wide 1 5/8 inch jaw capacity and slimmer jaw to fit in tight spots.
NTS: Heavy wrenches, like hammers, could double as self-defense weapon, just in case, if one really needs to hit a nut or two of a sawbag.
6. Utility Knife and Blades
Utility knife is a cutting tool used for general or utility purpose. A basic model would be with a retractable blade, non-slip handle and tool-free blade change. An additional feature to look for are additional compatible blades like an 8-inch general purpose saw blade to cut wood, drywall saw blade to cut drywall, and 6-inch hacksaw to cut metal and plastic pipes.
7. Tape Measure
A tape measure, hence the name, is a measuring tool to measure distance. A preferred feature would be about 25-foot with a blade lock and a tang that hooked but doesn’t snag or cause too much abrasion. And the blade would ideally be at least 1 inch wide to keep it from collapsing when extended up to nearly 8 feet. Always check for accuracy and readable marking.
8. Square
A 12-inch speed square is a versatile measuring and layout tool to create an accurate square, make basic measurement and mark lines, use as a protractor, and use as a fence for crosscutting. In addition, the diagonal edge has marking for laying out rafter, roof trim and stair angles [4]. This was invented in 1925 by Albert J. Swanson, who also founded Swanson Tool Company, Inc, so it is just practical to secure a speed square from Swanson, which will provide a pocket sized blue reference book describing the tools functions.
9. Level
A level is a device used to determine something to a horizontal surface or plane. An ideal model would be a 9-inch torpedo level. Before purchasing this item, always check for accuracy.
10. Flashlight
This is a versatile item in your tool set. Any sturdy flashlight would do, but a hands-free, with tillable head would be ideal for repair or any project that requires an extra hand.
Is this simple set of basic hand tools sufficient and efficient for household use? Please share your thoughts and post your comments below. Questions, requests, reactions, suggestions and corrections are all welcome. And do not forget to follow to help this blog create better content.
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As always keep it simple, be prepared and enjoy!
References
1. The Family Handy Man. (n.d.). Choosing the Best Hammer. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/choosing-the-best-hammer/view-all/
2. DIY Author. (2009, August 18). Choosing the Proper Screwdriver. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from http://www.diybyexample.info/2009/08/choosing-the-proper-screwdriver/
3. Kelsey, J. (n.d.). Choosing and Using Pliers. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/choosing-and-using-pliers
4. Kinkead, E.B., Sehbai, D.S. & Tunney, C.J. (Eds.). (1972). Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia (Vols. 9). Australia: McGraw-hill Far Eastern Publishers.
5. Kelsey, J. (n.d.). Choosing and Using Squares. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/choosing-and-using-squares
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