Top 10 DIY Tips
Posted 8/5/2013 on www.thetoolticket.com
I enjoy completing projects around the house and that accomplished feeling from looking at the finished work. One of my biggest pet peeves is wasting time searching for items or never even finding what I’m looking for to get exactly what I want out of a project.
I’m always looking for what’s new and cool in home improvement, the latest project ideas and best handy tools. Often I find myself going through exhaustive searches to find what I’m looking for. Here is a short list of some handy items to have on the ready when your next project pops up.
I’m always looking for what’s new and cool in home improvement, the latest project ideas and best handy tools. Often I find myself going through exhaustive searches to find what I’m looking for. Here is a short list of some handy items to have on the ready when your next project pops up.
Top 10 DIY tools
1. Mighty Minis’ = Even in the most well-stocked tool boxes, we guarantee there are some little but awfully useful things missing. Everyday items like pencils, pencil sharpeners, clamps, funnels, bit sets, fasteners, glue and tape selections all make great additions to a good DIY tool collection, and they're sure to come in handy on virtually any job or project.
2. Measuring Tape = Regardless if you are trying to measure the length of a bedroom or establishing the circumference of a kitchen table, you will need a good tape measure. Not one of those flimsy $5 tools either. A good tape measure costs a little more (around $25), but will be worth every penny. A good tape measure should reach a length of more than 25 feet, and the tape should feel firm and steady, even when stretched to its farthest lengths. The tape measure should also have a bit of flexibility so it can measure around curves and corners, too. Most DIYers already have one or more tape measures, but they could always use another. High-tech option - step it up and look for a laser measure, they are around $20 and make those across the room measurements much easier to get.
3. Multitool = A good multi-tool is a DIYer's best friend -- or best travel buddy, if you will. The great thing about a multi-tool is its portability. Virtually any tool a DIYer could need is packed into a small, transportable unit. While you won't be able to use it to tear down a wall (mini sledgehammers don't pack much punch), you can whip it out to conduct impromptu furniture repair or open a bottle of wine. These handy little tools typically contain:
4. Jigsaw = If you like to build as much as you like to repair, a jigsaw is a must for your workshop. Jigsaw blades cut up and down instead of side to side, allowing you to cut curves in wood, plastic and metal -- something that's impossible to do with traditional saws. Higher-end models usually contain a precision control system that secures the blade and prevents it from bending or wandering. Choosing a model that includes an adjustable dust blower will ensure those pesky shavings won't obstruct your view, meaning you'll be able to work both more efficiently and more safely.
5. Portable Work-light = Have you ever tried to fix something but couldn't see what you were doing well enough to finish the job? Well, if you keep a portable work light handy, you'll never again have to worry about working in the dark. A work-light illuminates those hard-to-reach places and keeps you going long after the sun has set. Most portable work-lights are made from industrial-strength materials, so they'll keep shining no matter how many times they get knocked over. Many models also come with adjustable brightness settings so you won't risk blinding yourself when working in close quarters.
6. Electric Screwdriver = Whether you are a novice or a pro, an electric screwdriver is truly a must-have. Regardless if you’re mounting shelving, assembling furniture or simply retightening the screws of some loose, old fixtures, twisting a screwdriver one turn at a time gets old (and will probably cause serious hand cramps). An electric screwdriver shortens mundane, uncomfortable tasks into no-hassle jobs that take mere seconds to complete. Using the tool is as simple a pushing a button. Models with an automatic spindle lock will allow you to manually start and finish turning each screw to prevent stripping, and directional controls will help you disassemble projects as quickly and easily as you build them. Attachable nosepieces can grant access to narrow, hard-to-reach spaces that, if armed with only a standard Phillips or flathead, would be next to impossible.
7. Sledgehammer = Yes, the image of a DIYer with a sledgehammer might be a little cliché, but that's because these demo-ready tools are indispensable anytime you need to tear down something. Can you imagine demolishing a wall with a ball-peen hammer? No -- for that kind of job you're going to have to call in the big guns (or one really big hammer). In this case, size does matter, which is why a sledgehammer belongs inside every self-respecting DIYer's tool shed. We must advise, however, that unless you are a professional bodybuilder, you should go with an 8- to 10-pound model -- not a 16- or 20-pounder. The smaller of these giant hammers is capable of doing anything the big version can, and you won't risk throwing out your back.
8. Laser Level = Any respectable DIYer knows how important a good level can be. From accurately hanging pictures to checking the alignment of doors and windows with the rest of a building, levels are an indispensable tool. But there's only so much a bubble or a simple pendulum can tell you, which is why laser levels have become so popular. They can do everything a standard level can do, only better. Yes, most laser levels still rely on the old technology, but reading one is as easy as looking for a beam of red light. Basic laser levels are fairly inexpensive (between $15 and $100), but if you could use it, you may want to consider investing in a self-leveling unit that needs little input or adjustment. Self-leveling units save time are more reliable that standard levels, the improved option does come with a higher price tag (anywhere from $100 to $1,000).
9. Circular Saw = So what if they can't cut in curves? Circular saws are easy to use and, with the right blade, can quickly cut straight through just about anything. A standard blade can slice through any type of wood on the planet, and if you want to rip through metal without a high-powered blowtorch, a circular saw with an abrasive blade is your best bet. These ferocious-looking tools can even tear into demolition work as long as a nail-cutting blade is attached, so if the DIYer in your life ever needs to cut into, well, anything, he's going to need a circular saw.
10. Duct Tape = You know you love it. Duct tape is the standard go-to adhesive for every DIYer, and with good reason. This shiny silver material can be used to cover holes in everything from boots to screen doors, and if the tape is applied properly, this sticky adhesive can last for years. It's so versatile that it is required cargo on all space shuttle missions! No, it's not going to permanently patch a leaky radiator hose, but it'll probably work long enough for you to get your car to the shop. Duct tape is something no handyman can ever have enough of, so it should always be stocked in your toolbox. New and improved=duct tape is now available in a large variety of colors and patterns making it even more fun to have on hand.
1. Mighty Minis’ = Even in the most well-stocked tool boxes, we guarantee there are some little but awfully useful things missing. Everyday items like pencils, pencil sharpeners, clamps, funnels, bit sets, fasteners, glue and tape selections all make great additions to a good DIY tool collection, and they're sure to come in handy on virtually any job or project.
2. Measuring Tape = Regardless if you are trying to measure the length of a bedroom or establishing the circumference of a kitchen table, you will need a good tape measure. Not one of those flimsy $5 tools either. A good tape measure costs a little more (around $25), but will be worth every penny. A good tape measure should reach a length of more than 25 feet, and the tape should feel firm and steady, even when stretched to its farthest lengths. The tape measure should also have a bit of flexibility so it can measure around curves and corners, too. Most DIYers already have one or more tape measures, but they could always use another. High-tech option - step it up and look for a laser measure, they are around $20 and make those across the room measurements much easier to get.
3. Multitool = A good multi-tool is a DIYer's best friend -- or best travel buddy, if you will. The great thing about a multi-tool is its portability. Virtually any tool a DIYer could need is packed into a small, transportable unit. While you won't be able to use it to tear down a wall (mini sledgehammers don't pack much punch), you can whip it out to conduct impromptu furniture repair or open a bottle of wine. These handy little tools typically contain:
- pliers
- serrated and standard blades
- miniature saw
- wire stripper
- hard wire cutters
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- corkscrew
- bottle opener
- scissors
4. Jigsaw = If you like to build as much as you like to repair, a jigsaw is a must for your workshop. Jigsaw blades cut up and down instead of side to side, allowing you to cut curves in wood, plastic and metal -- something that's impossible to do with traditional saws. Higher-end models usually contain a precision control system that secures the blade and prevents it from bending or wandering. Choosing a model that includes an adjustable dust blower will ensure those pesky shavings won't obstruct your view, meaning you'll be able to work both more efficiently and more safely.
5. Portable Work-light = Have you ever tried to fix something but couldn't see what you were doing well enough to finish the job? Well, if you keep a portable work light handy, you'll never again have to worry about working in the dark. A work-light illuminates those hard-to-reach places and keeps you going long after the sun has set. Most portable work-lights are made from industrial-strength materials, so they'll keep shining no matter how many times they get knocked over. Many models also come with adjustable brightness settings so you won't risk blinding yourself when working in close quarters.
6. Electric Screwdriver = Whether you are a novice or a pro, an electric screwdriver is truly a must-have. Regardless if you’re mounting shelving, assembling furniture or simply retightening the screws of some loose, old fixtures, twisting a screwdriver one turn at a time gets old (and will probably cause serious hand cramps). An electric screwdriver shortens mundane, uncomfortable tasks into no-hassle jobs that take mere seconds to complete. Using the tool is as simple a pushing a button. Models with an automatic spindle lock will allow you to manually start and finish turning each screw to prevent stripping, and directional controls will help you disassemble projects as quickly and easily as you build them. Attachable nosepieces can grant access to narrow, hard-to-reach spaces that, if armed with only a standard Phillips or flathead, would be next to impossible.
7. Sledgehammer = Yes, the image of a DIYer with a sledgehammer might be a little cliché, but that's because these demo-ready tools are indispensable anytime you need to tear down something. Can you imagine demolishing a wall with a ball-peen hammer? No -- for that kind of job you're going to have to call in the big guns (or one really big hammer). In this case, size does matter, which is why a sledgehammer belongs inside every self-respecting DIYer's tool shed. We must advise, however, that unless you are a professional bodybuilder, you should go with an 8- to 10-pound model -- not a 16- or 20-pounder. The smaller of these giant hammers is capable of doing anything the big version can, and you won't risk throwing out your back.
8. Laser Level = Any respectable DIYer knows how important a good level can be. From accurately hanging pictures to checking the alignment of doors and windows with the rest of a building, levels are an indispensable tool. But there's only so much a bubble or a simple pendulum can tell you, which is why laser levels have become so popular. They can do everything a standard level can do, only better. Yes, most laser levels still rely on the old technology, but reading one is as easy as looking for a beam of red light. Basic laser levels are fairly inexpensive (between $15 and $100), but if you could use it, you may want to consider investing in a self-leveling unit that needs little input or adjustment. Self-leveling units save time are more reliable that standard levels, the improved option does come with a higher price tag (anywhere from $100 to $1,000).
9. Circular Saw = So what if they can't cut in curves? Circular saws are easy to use and, with the right blade, can quickly cut straight through just about anything. A standard blade can slice through any type of wood on the planet, and if you want to rip through metal without a high-powered blowtorch, a circular saw with an abrasive blade is your best bet. These ferocious-looking tools can even tear into demolition work as long as a nail-cutting blade is attached, so if the DIYer in your life ever needs to cut into, well, anything, he's going to need a circular saw.
10. Duct Tape = You know you love it. Duct tape is the standard go-to adhesive for every DIYer, and with good reason. This shiny silver material can be used to cover holes in everything from boots to screen doors, and if the tape is applied properly, this sticky adhesive can last for years. It's so versatile that it is required cargo on all space shuttle missions! No, it's not going to permanently patch a leaky radiator hose, but it'll probably work long enough for you to get your car to the shop. Duct tape is something no handyman can ever have enough of, so it should always be stocked in your toolbox. New and improved=duct tape is now available in a large variety of colors and patterns making it even more fun to have on hand.
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