Tools 201: Expanding the Do-It-Yourself Tool Chest

Going beyond the basic screwdriver, hammer, pliers, tape measure, level, and ladder, here are the 'right tools' for intermediate jobs

A power drill is your best friend for drilling holes and tightening screws. (Gianluca Cinnante/Shutterstock)

Whether you’re a homeowner or apartment dweller, you’ve probably already discovered the sense of satisfaction that comes from something as simple as grabbing a nearby screwdriver and tightening a loose knob on a dresser drawer, or using pliers to fix a leak beneath the sink.

Having the right tools and knowing how to use them is empowering.

You may just find yourself tossing aside the mini-tools that come with your next ready-to-assemble bookcase to use your nicer ones. If you find yourself wandering around the house looking for more projects, it may be time to take things—and your toolbox—to the next level.

More Power to You

Whether you’re hanging a mirror or building a workbench, a power drill is your best friend for drilling holes, tightening screws, and so much more. In fact, what you can do with it is only limited by your collection of drill bits.

Standard twist drill bits will do most basic jobs and, along with a set of screwdriver bits that turn the drill into a power screwdriver, may be all you ever need. Consider brad-point drill bits for more precision work; their sharp center guide point keeps you on your mark. Spade bits work in a similar fashion and are commonly available in widths of up to 1 1/2 inches. Masonry bits feature carbide tips for drilling into concrete, brick, and stone. Cobalt bits are the best choice for metal, as they dissipate heat quickly. Hole saw bits are used to drill new doorknobs and deadbolt locks.

While corded drills are still available and may deliver higher power depending on the model, if you’re only going to have one drill, a grab-and-go cordless one is the best choice. A 1/4-inch drill is best suited for light-duty uses, while a 3/8-inch model—which accepts more bit sizes—is a more versatile, all-around choice, especially when compared to a 1/2-inch drill designed for heavier applications, which may be more than you’ll ever need.

Look for a variable-speed drill that gives you the versatility to work with softwood, hardwood, metal, and masonry, with a keyless chuck—the part that tightens to hold the bit in place—to make changing drill and screwdriver bits much easier and faster. Don’t forget to look at all the brushes you can attach to a drill to make quick work of tough cleaning jobs.

A quality ratchet set will level uneven dishwasher legs one day, and help you work on your vehicle the next. (arhendrix/Shutterstock)

Making the Cut

When you get to intermediate-level projects, chances are you’re going to need to cut some wood. The least expensive option is a hand saw with a miter box that features pegs and slots to hold narrow wood securely in place as you saw at a variety of pre-set angles. This combination works well for softwoods such as baseboard molding or picture frames.

For larger projects, or when dealing with large sheets of plywood, you’ll want to use a circular saw. Cordless models, which typically range from 5 3/8 inches to 6 1/2 inches, are ideal for light-duty use, while corded models are recommended for masonry, steel, or continuous woodcutting. The bigger the blade, the deeper the cut; as an example, a 5 3/8-inch blade can cut through two inches at a 90-degree angle in a single pass.

Saw features include electric brakes to reverse the electricity when you release the trigger for safer, quicker stopping; a spindle or shaft lock to make blade changing easier; bevel stops to allow quick adjustments for angled cutting; and a laser guide to improve accuracy by showing you where you’re cutting.

For clearing tubs, showers, and bathroom sink clogs, consider acquiring a plumbing snake. (nito/Shutterstock)

Holding Things Together

Bolts are used in a variety of fastening applications, often in annoyingly tight spaces. A quality ratchet set (also known as socket wrenches) will level uneven dishwasher legs one day, and help you work on your vehicle the next. A basic set starts at 13 pieces, either in metric or inches/SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). Both metric and SAE systems are available with ratchet handles in 1/4-inch size for small bolt heads and extremely tight spots, 3/8-inch for general duty, or 1/2-inch for heavy-duty jobs.

Extension bars extend your reach into awkward spaces. Adapters allow a 1/4-inch socket to be used with a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch handle, or vice versa. Six-point sockets grip firmer, while 12-point sockets are easier to line up quickly. Deep sockets are for nuts on long bolts or specific uses such as a spark plug socket, which has rubber inside to protect the plug head.

Keep It Flowing

A drain snake is the tool you buy hoping to never use—but you probably will. The smallest is a toilet auger that features a three-foot crank cable to clear out the toilet line when a plunger isn’t doing the job.

For tubs, showers, and bathroom sink clogs, consider a plumbing snake with 25 feet of 1/4- to 5/16-inch cable. A medium snake featuring 50 to 75 feet of 3/8- to 1/2-inch cable is designed for kitchen or washing machine clogs that have gone deep into the drain. Larger snakes and power models are available if your clog is in the 3-inch or larger line going to the street, but even a toilet auger can save you hundreds of dollars and time spent waiting on a plumber to arrive.

Get the Job Done

The old adage says, “You’re only as good as the tools you use.” If so, these power tools will make you better than ever.

Essential Illumination

A portable work light allows you to have bright light exactly where you need it. Use it around the workshop, in your car’s engine bay, while plumbing under a dark sink, or, if it’s battery-powered, during a power outage. Some have magnets for attaching to metal.

Clean All

A wet/dry vacuum is always there for you. It cleans up sawdust and project scraps after a fun day in the workshop, spiffs up the front porch before the in-laws arrive, and removes standing water before it can damage the home.

Air Source

A portable air compressor opens up a whole new world. You can clean screens, filters, and much more with the blowgun attachment, turn it into a paint sprayer, and inflate everything from oversized pool toys to—my favorite use—car tires, in minutes, with zero huffing and puffing.