9 essential items for any toolbox
The contents of a person’s toolbox can be as unique as they are, depending on their personal preference and any specialized projects they find themselves working on often. But there are some absolute essentials that everyone should have, because eventually there will be a use for them. Choose the type, brand and weight that works best for you, but definitely make sure you have all of these at your disposal so you don’t get caught with your tool belt down!
Hand saw
A short saw with combination teeth will come in handy if you have to cut some smaller tree limbs or light metals.
Tape measure
Don’t cheap out on this one. Flimsy tapes will bend after a couple feet, and most of the time you’re measuring distances much greater than that.
Chalk line
This one’s a must for drawing long, straight lines. Plus, it doubles as a plumb bob. If you don’t know what that is, trust me, it’s a benefit!
Speed square
Used as a straight-edge guide or for as a quick measuring substitute for a rule or tape, this square that’s actually a triangle can help you achieve precise results.
Level
The last thing you want when you’re hanging something is a crooked outcome. A quality level will make sure your angles are accurate and your pictures and drywall are straight. And like a speed square, most levels can be used for measuring as well.
Claw hammer
As I said at the beginning, pick the one that works best for you, because there are a ton of variations out there. But if you’re looking for an all-purpose hammer, a 20-ouncer is a good general weight to use for everything from pounding nails to demolishing drywall.
Channel lock pliers
These parallel jaws will help you get a firm grip on anything and keep the wear and tear on your hands and fingers to a minimum.
Needle nose pliers
These are ideal for gripping things in tight spots. Look for one that has a built-in wire cutter (most of them do) because the chances are good you’ll need one of those at some point.
Screwdriver
If you only want one screwdriver in your toolbox, look for a modular one that has a handle with flathead and Phillips head attachments. Otherwise you’ll need several of each type, which is fine, you’ll just have more essentials than nine!
If you have all of these already, kudos to you! If not, take a trip to your local hardware or home improvement store soon. You’ll be glad you did!
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