Dr. Fixit

Your Guide to Home repairs

Putting Together the Perfect Home Toolbox

On your mark, get set, wait...read on...

When approaching a do-it-yourself home project your first consideration is limiting the amount of frustration. Having on hand the correct tools will go a long way in doing just that.

The tools we need are listed later *but let*s first consider where we will shop for our tools:

Hummm...let us ponder...Where shall we venture?

- The Humungous Orange MonsterStore?

- The Gargantuan Blue Demon HomeCenter ?

- The Regular Red Franchised Wannabe?

- The 93 cent BumpyBargain Barn?

- Your friendly, informative, knowledgeable neighborhood hardware store? (paying attention?)

- Aunt Gertrude's Springtime Garage Sale?

- The trunk of the whispering man in the parking lot of The Humongous Orange MonsterStore?

There is nothing in this world more satisfying than to shop where sales people actually know what they are talking about. I believe every American town has at least one quality hardware store. (I'd like to know the name of your favorite store in your area and why you like shopping there* email me, Dr.Fixit@sbcglobal.net...I'll pass it on!).

We will be concerned with assembling a general use toolbox that will cover almost all common jobs around the house. There will be times you may not have the exact, correct tool...but this list is a good start. Here are the essential tools you will need to purchase:

- 24 inch toolbox with a take out tray

- measuring tape (16 foot or longer)

- electrical tester (simple two prong lighted)

- electrical tape (your color choice) 

- pencils

- hammer (if it feels good in your hand, get it)

- Phillips screwdriver medium

- slot screwdriver (one medium, one small)

- channel locks

- needle nose pliers

- 24 inch metal level

- utility knife (extra blades)

- heavy duty scissors

- simple wrench set (hold off on Metric)

- Allen wrench set ( hold off on Metric just yet)

- flashlight and batteries

- one metal and one plastic putty knife

- Teflon tape

- work gloves

- crescent wrench (medium size)

Local Hardware Store: $165 (est.)

Orange Monster Store: $155 (est.)

As a general rule you should never buy the cheapest or the most expensive tool. The cheapest will add to frustration and the most expensive will add to frustration of the pocket book.

Okay, now we're prepared...on your mark, get set...let's go!

And so life goes on a little better now...

In the next column: "I've got holes in my walls, cracks in my ceiling, and no one to kiss goodnight!" If you have any question concerning your home or home repairs, feel free to email me. I'm here to help! Dr.Fixit@sbcglobal.net