Essential Tools For Every Toolbox

A well-stocked, easily accessible toolbox can make anyone's life just a little easier. Placing your tools in a convenient location can help you avoid the hassle of digging out the toolbox each time. You might be surprised how often you actually need your tools once they are more accessible to you. The following tools will get you on the right path toward a complete tool collection. Along with these tools, do not forget to purchase a toolkit and find a home repair manual that you can easily understand.

Hammer: Hammers are most commonly used for driving nails and splitting things apart. The claw hammer is the most indispensable hammer to have in your toolkit. It is useful for both driving in nails and removing them.

Screwdriver: Screwdrivers vary in size and shape, but the typical hand-held screwdriver consists of a head, a shaft and a handle. Screwdrivers tighten or loosen screws and are identified by the screw heads they tighten or loosen. Phillips screwdrivers are the most basic screwdrivers and every toolbox should have at least a couple varying in size.

Pliers: Pliers are useful in that they increase gripping ability and leverage. Gripping pliers are the most common type and are essential to every toolbox. However, pliers can be useful in other ways as well. Cutting pliers, for example, pinch off materials while crimping pliers are used in crimp electrical terminals and connectors.

Tape Measure: Tape measures can be made of cloth, ribbon or metal. Yet, most toolbox tape measures are made of a stiff metal ribbon and housed in a small plastic case, and is self-retracting but can lock into place. A good length is twenty-five feet.

Saw: Saws are used to cut a variety of materials, though most commonly wood. A saw consists of a serrated blade and a handle, and is powered by hand, steam, water or electricity. A small hand saw will suffice for a basic toolbox, and is all that should be needed for small home projects.

Putty Knife: A putty knife is not used for cutting, but rather is useful for applying and scraping putty. It is a simple tool, but very handy. If has a flat, flexible blade and, fortunately, is the most inexpensive tool listed.

Wrench: Wrenches are used to create leverage when turning nuts or bolts. The most basic wrench is the open-end wrench. It has a handle with a solid piece of metal in a U-shape on the end which grips the nut or bolt. A box-end wrench is a more advanced wrench and is typically used with nuts or bolts in hexagonal shape. Other wrenches include a Crescent wrench, a socket wrench or an Allen wrench.

Awl: An awl is more of a woodworking tool and is useful for starting holes prior to drilling. It is a simple tool as well. A scratch awl consists of a steel spike with a sharpened tip and a handle.