First we need a carry around toolbox, nothing to big or bulky, remember you will be filling it up with tools! So we have the hammer, don’t get one that is to heavy, I would say either a 16oz or a 20oz would be fine. A few screwdrivers, screwdrivers come in various sizes like #1 #2 #3 and so on, the bigger the number the bigger the head of the screw is. Make sure you get a few sizes in the straight or slotted type and same with the Philips. I mentioned a wrench earlier but there are several types of wrenches, adjustable, combination, pipe etc. I think an adjustable wrench 12” would cover most bases. A standard pliers or slip joints about 8”.

So far pretty basic... here are a few more tools I would suggest: 25 foot tape measure, a small pry bar, a 2 foot level, utility knife, wire stripper, flashlight, a small set of drill bits that are high speed steel, they will drill through both metal and wood. A cordless drill driver would be great to! When choosing cordless drill where do you start? There are so many brands and so many different sizes shapes and battery voltages to choose from. I always say, “ good tools aren’t cheap and cheap tools aren’t good”. Do some homework, see what your local tool store recommends, not a “big box” a local tool store, you need to make sure that it’s going to be powerful enough for most of your needs but not to powerful that the weight of it makes you not want to use it. The battery system is also important; there are different types such as nicke-lcadium and nickel-metal-hydri. The nickel-metal-hydri is the way to go, it is a bit more expensive but considering that if you don’t use your cordless drill for a week or two the nickel-metal-hdi will keep it’s charge, the ni-cad will be dead. In my opinion if your spending under $200 your not getting a drill that is going to last and give you the power you are looking for, remember” good tools aren’t cheap and cheap tools aren’t good”! Let's talk about safety protection, ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION enough said on that issue, a pair of gloves and hearing protection.

This is the basic toolbox, as you go from project to project or from fixing this to that you will of come across other tools needed for a specific job, if it’s a hand tool I would defiantly add it to your toolbox, if it’s a power tool you may want to ask the advice of your local tool store to either purchase or rent it. You will find over time that your once basic toolbox is not so basic anymore.

Ken Davis was born and raised in Bergen County New Jersey, where with his family owns a retail tool store called TOOLTOWN for more than 45 years. Ken started working with the family in his teens and now with his two brothers are running the business and continuing the family tradition of helping and building relationships with the community. You can stop by his store at http://www.tooltown.com and check out his products, services and other tips-techniques and do it yourself projects

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