Are You Ready for Spring Projects?

Back to the Basics:  Building Your Tool Inventory

Both personally and professionally, we all know the importance of having the right tools on hand. While we prefer to plan our DIY projects, some occur unexpectedly. Do you have all the tools you’ll need? Let’s take inventory:

Hammer. They come in various sizes and weights, so find one that is comfortable. The uses are endless, for both indoor and outdoor projects.Check your wood deck for loose boards or nails that are popping up.If you’re still using your 2 lb. hand weight to hang pictures, it’s time to invest in a good hammer!

Cordless Drill. Make sure you choose one that you can easily handle, with a reversible speed. Don’t be intimidated by it-a little practice will make you a pro. Many people prefer screws to nails, so for wood projects, or if you’re building or assembling patio furniture, save time and effort with a drill.

Nuts, bolts, screws. If you’ll be doing your own projects, you’ll need a good assortment of these. You can buy individual sizes as well as assortments. Store them in that plastic container you can’t part with because you know it’ll be useful one day.

Screwdrivers. Start your collection of flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers, which you’ll find in several sizes and lengths. You can’t go wrong with a reversible 4-way, which has interchangeable flat head and Phillips head drivers that are stored in the handle.

Utility or razor knife. Not just for cutting up boxes! If you are doing projects, you will need to cut various materials, whether carpet, cardboard, plastic, wood, etc. This knife is easy to use, and when the blade becomes dull, just replace it and keep going. Blades are stored in the handle.

Measuring tape. How many times have you found yourself standing in the hardware store without your project measurements? A sturdy, retractable measurement tape is indispensable when making plans for the planters and window boxes you want to build. Buy two and keep one in your car’s glove box…you never know when you’ll need it.

Pliers. While it seems like overkill, get yourself three: regular, needle nose and channel lock.You will use these for holding objects firmly, for cutting, and for bending objects.If you’re adding patio lighting or Malibu lights in your garden, you’ll be using your pliers.

Crescent wrench. A versatile tool, this wrench is adjustable and needed for fastening nuts and bolts. It has indoor and outdoor uses, and is regularly used for vehicle and bicycle repair.

These basics will get you started and meet many needs.You can add to your collection as you gain more confidence in your skills and take on more projects.Hardware and home improvement stores sell these basic tools in kits, which is another option to consider over buying them one by one.Have fun building your inventory and good luck with your spring projects!