Home repair: Homeowners need basic tools for do-it-yourself projects

Whether buying a new or existing home, there are certain tools every homeowner needs for do-it-yourself projects around the house.

"A set of screwdrivers, Channellocks (groove joint pliers) and pliers. You can do 95 percent of what you need to do with those," Las Vegas native Bob Beville said. "And maybe a battery-powered drill. Those come in real handy."

Beville has done projects around his home most of his life, including building a workshop in his back yard.

"I really enjoy building buildings -- framing -- like workshops and garages. In short order you can see a lot happening. It gives you a sense of accomplishment," said the 67-year-old, who admits to learning by the trial-and-error method.

Now retired from the telephone company where he worked as a technician, Beville said he enjoys making furniture and picture frames out of distressed wood.

While many of the saws and drills he uses for his hobby wouldn't be practical for the average homeowner, Beville recommends buying a 20-ounce carpenter's hammer; a set of adjustable wrenches, ranging from 6 to 12 inches; a set of open-end wrenches, ranging from one-quarter-inch to three-quarters of an inch; a set of open-end wrenches in metric measures; a set of drill bits, ranging from one-eighth inch to three-eighths of an inch; a set of masonry drill bits; needlenose, wire cutting and gas pliers; a hacksaw and spare blade; 100-foot extension cord; and 12-foot tape measure.

"You never know when you might find a leaky faucet. It could take days to get a plumber out when you could really just tighten it yourself," said Lee Ethington, manager of the tool and hardware department at Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse in Henderson.

Basic tool kits, featuring most of the tools Beville recommends, are available at home improvement and discount retail stores. The kits generally come in plastic cases resembling briefcases or in metal boxes and cost less than $50.

"The kit will make a difference. It makes it easier to do a variety of projects," Ethington said.

He recommended Lowe's 56-piece deluxe household tool kit which includes a variety of pliers, wrenches, an eight-in-one screwdriver, hex key set, hammer, tape measure, level, utility knife and assortment of fasteners, as well as the box itself. Priced at $39.96, Ethington said the tools would cost about $150 if purchased separately.

Mike Klimek, president of Pro Handyman Corp. and a licensed contractor, said no homeowner should be without a drill-driver combo. Part drill and part screwdriver, the tool can be used for a number of chores around the house including changing locks, or hanging miniblinds, built-in can openers and ceiling fans.

"A cordless driver is helpful, especially if you've got a lot of things to put together. It saves a lot of time and you're not so sore afterward," Ethington said.

The price of the tool varies depending on its make and voltage. Klimek said for most purposes, a 9.6-volt drill-driver combo should provide enough power.

And though they won't fit in any toolbox, no homeowner should be without a ladder. Klimek said ordinary chores such as changing light bulbs and batteries in smoke alarms become major challenges without a ladder.

Ethington agreed, adding that ladders are invaluable for those who purchase new homes and need to install window coverings.

Ladders are rated by the weight they can hold and the material from which they are made. A 6-foot aluminum ladder should be sufficient for homeowners, Klimek said.

For hanging pictures, homeowners will need tape measures and levels. Klimek said tape measures also help when determining how much paint will be necessary to repaint a room.

An assortment of nails also is essential for hanging pictures, although Klimek said he prefers to use 1 1/4-inch coarse drywall screws.

"They're sharp, go into about anything and hold most paintings," he said.

Picture-hanging kits featuring a variety of nails, screws and other fasteners are available and usually cost less than $10.

Klimek recommends putting the screws and fasteners in a stud whenever possible. A simple, inexpensive device called a "stud finder" can help homeowners determine where the solid wood beams are hiding behind their drywall.

Other items for homeowners to consider are a utility knife with a retractable blade, flashlight, twine, how-to books and WD-40. From lubricating sliding glass doors to eliminating the gummy residue from tape, "WD-40 has a zillion uses," Klimek said.

Like many "collectors," Klimek said he began accumulating tools a few at a time after buying a new house.

In all cases though, and especially if you plan on doing repairs regularly, Klimek said to "buy the best you can afford."

Klimek knows what he's talking about, too. Among the tools he uses are some he received more than 25 years ago as Christmas gifts from his parents.

Although he realizes many people are "strapped for cash" after purchasing their first home, Klimek said the investment will eventually pay off. The more expensive tools work better and last longer, he said.

Beville, who started his tool collection about 45 years ago, also recommends buying quality tools.

Klimek offered a word of caution to homeowners about to tackle do-it-yourself projects. He said they should consider "how much trouble they can get into."

"If you only have one bathroom and want to replace the toilet, you should know what you are doing," Klimek said, pointing out that problems could leave a homeowner without a bathroom until professional help arrives.

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