Having a basic repair and maintenance equipment at home is essential whether you are handy or not. There are small tasks for which it is difficult to find an operator, so you better make do with a small toolbox, no matter how small. Here we tell you what are the essentials.
Maybe you’re one of those people who loves the tool, and that has been done over time with a great DIY tool kit at home. The quality tool lasts a lifetime and is usually a good investment in a house. If, on the other hand, you do not like technical work and all those little “devices of the devil” produce you “allergy”, the advice is practically the same: make yourself with a basic toolbox, but of quality…
If you are buying a couple of quality tools and equipments every time that a repair or maintenance task arises at home, you will do it in a not too long time with an interesting toolbox of about 15 very useful pieces that will last you forever. And you have not spent more than 150-200 € in total, yes, in comfortable installments, because you do not need to buy all the tool at once … The advice is valid for both men and women, often more reluctant to use this type of instrumental.
To avoid absurd purchases (tool that you will never use) or poor quality purchases (the “bad” tool breaks or does not adequately fulfill its function), here are the basics of the toolbox in any house:
Hammer. Maybe it is the essential tool at home. The ones with a wooden handle to absorb part of the impact in each stroke. There are many models, so it is best to get the most universal possible. To keep it in shape, sand it from time to time with grit sandpaper.
Screwdrivers, smooth tip and star, several measures. The idea is to have a small box of various sizes and tips. Essential of star point and smooth tip. Price: a varied kit can cost about 16 euros.
Rolling tape measure. Another basic toolbox … Ideal to have a stop to take action without asking for help.
Pliers. This tool allows you to do many small tasks in the house without leaving your nails or breaking knife tips…
Wrench. Essential, there is no doubt to adjust, mismatch, etc.
Allen wrench. The idea is to have a kit that incorporates different measures. Many pieces of furniture come with a built-in kit for assembly.
Flashlight. To access hidden spaces that need repair. Better to have it on hand in case there is a blackout at home…
Box cutter. Essential to make clean cuts without danger…
Gloves and protective goggles. They may be necessary in many repair or home maintenance jobs as a precaution
Nails, screws, hooks, plugs, sockets, nuts … The best thing is to have everything well classified in a sorting box with different holes for each type of piece. Even better if the box is made of transparent plastic to access what is needed quickly.
Level. Essential for shelves, hangers, mirrors and pictures to be completely straight. A bubble level is enough, but if you do these tasks, a laser-powered, battery-operated laser can often come in handy.
Toolbox. Essential a suitable size, easy opening and that is well compartmentalized. A trolley or suitcase with wheels, with different stackable spaces, can be useful.
Electric drill. Practically the only electrical tool that can be considered essential in a house for DIY tasks. The advice is simple at the time of purchase: quality, please … Ideal rechargeable lithium battery, to work comfortably without cable.
Escalera . According to the house and the utility that you are going to give, you will need a larger or smaller one, but buy a minimum of 3-4 steps to access the roof of the house.
Other essentials … In addition, these other tools and products can be of great help, so it should be done with them little by little:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0hrLJo9mcF0
Adhesives (contact glue, white glue and ultrafast universal glue), handsaw, sergeants, brushes, sandpaper, metal bracket, oil type 3 in 1, silicone gun, staple gun …
How to maintain and store the tool
A storage room, basement or the garage of the house may be the most suitable places. The important thing is that the tool is free of moisture and cleans it after each use. It can be a good measure in some cases to apply a thin layer of oil and pass absorbent paper afterwards to remove the excess of grease. Ideally, it should be stored inside a tool box protected from humidity and extreme temperature changes and in case of doubt, each tool inserted inside its protective case or protected by newspaper.