DIY Basics

  
 
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Are you new to home D.I.Y. projects? Perhaps you've just purchased your first home, and you're getting ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle some of the improvements yourself.  But perhaps, you're feeling just a bit lost, or maybe intimidated by the daunting tasks ahead of you.

When it comes to doing it yourself, the first step is having the basic tools needed for most home repairs and improvements. Like many things in life, the right tool can make life (and maintaining your home) easier and happier. Every homeowner should have the following basic tools to take care of routine maintenance around the house.

1. Adjustable Wrench (Medium-size) — Your general-use wrench should turn any type of bolt, flat surface or hex or square nut or bolt. Plumbing wrenches are used for such round surfaces as pipes. Invest in the best quality you can, since this will be a well-used tool, and keep it oiled to avoid rust.

2. Caulking Gun — This metal device has a trigger handle and a notched rod that extends from the back. Squeeze the trigger gently to apply sealants to a variety of surfaces. Caulk comes in different types, sizes and colors, but your gun should be able to handle all of them.

3. Claw Hammer — The single greatest tool of all time.  The hammer has an infinite set of practical applications.  A good old 16 oz claw hammer will provide a lifetime of reliable service. Look for one that suits your hand size and strength.

4. Drill and Drill Bits — Either a hand drill or a power drill should last a lifetime. Select the type that's appropriate to the kind of projects you expect to do around the house. Additional accessories for a power drill will allow you to grind, sand, polish and complete other jobs. Pick up a variety of drill bits when you buy the drill, preferably in an organized packet or box.

5. Level — A level is a wood or metal tool with a small glass window in the middle that holds liquid. The little bubble inside the liquid floats to the center of the window when the level is straight. Levels come in a variety of sizes, usually 24 to 48 inches, depending on the need.

6. Measuring Tape — Measuring things by the length of your hand or shoe isn’t exactly an accurate practice.  Get yourself a 25 foot retractable measuring tape that will be capable of handling all of your measuring needs. Take a look around. 

7. Pliers— Needle-nose or long-nose pliers have thin, tapered jaws to reach into tight spots or to hold and bend wire. You’ll probably use needle-nose pliers most often, but heavy grooved pliers and wire cutting pliers will come in handy at times too.

8. Screwdriver Set —  I bet most of the manmade objects around you are being held together by screws.  Throughout your lifetime you’re going to need to tighten a whole lot of them in all different sizes and varieties.  A decent multi-head screwdriver with a wide assortment of screwdriver heads is your best bet.

9. Utility Knife — A utility knife is also known as a trimming or carpet knife. This handy tool cuts soft materials, such as carpet, drywall, tape and string. Be sure to keep the blades sharp.

10. Putty Knife — A putty or spackling knife has a narrow blade with a squared-off end and is used primarily to apply glazing compound or for small scraping or spackling jobs.

 Define the problem you are trying to fix. Need to hang something? Figure out all of your options. Will you be using hooks? Bolts? Nails? Screws? There are endless ways of doing almost anything, but usually there is one "best" way.

Look for "how-to's" for people who've done your task a million times. Try asking for help or picking up a pamphlet at Home Depot, or check online for videos and help

Once you've got a good idea how you're going to tackle the problem, be sure you have all the tools and supplies you need.

Measure twice and cut once. The key to being a good do it yourselfer is  to do your homework, have the right tools and the right supplies and plan your project step by step.

A bonus to trying to fix things and tackling problems by yourself is that you're bound to make mistakes, which gives you opportunity to fix more things.

 

Innovative Improvements is dedicated to providing  quality information for improving all aspects of everyday life.

 

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