Have you ever been caught unprepared with a task to hammer or pull out a nail, unscrew a bolt, saw the leg of the table, or to solve a different household problem? Sooner or later, it will come to you as sooner or later, any furniture or appliance may require a repair. But how are you supposed to fix the problem if your toolbox is empty?

It is always better to find local specialists for more complex issues, like HVAC services in Chicago, who will do the job quickly and efficiently. Still, there are lots of things you can fix yourself by using manual tools – you only need to know what to acquire first and how to take proper care of those tools. Thus, your home tool kit must include the following items:

Hammers

Almost no repair can be done without using hammers as they can be helpful in most situations – from assembling furniture to shaping metal. Household hammers mainly differ in the weight of the striker – the steel part of the tool. It is better to have at least two hammers – one with a light striker that will allow you to hammer small nails quickly, and the other with a heavy one, for more complex works.

Screwdrivers

Although these tools can be replaced with electric ones, they are still more convenient in some situations. Depending on the slot of the mounting material, you may need a Phillips-head or a flat screwdriver. The size of a screw also affects the size of a screwdriver, so it is recommended to get these tools in several sizes (about three sizes for each of the two types of slots) or invest in an advanced screwdriver with multiple replaceable bits.

Pliers and Pincers

You need to have a pair of pliers and pincers in your home tool kit in case you need to squeeze and cut tiny parts. Like any other tools, they come in various sizes and types, so you should choose one depending on your purpose: side cutters for cutting the wire or tongue-and-groove pliers for holding nuts and bolts, clamping materials, or items of irregular shape.

Wrenches

If you do not have a spanner (size-specific wrench) or it does not do the job for some reason, choosing a wrench of the most suitable type will help. Those are the most commonly used wrench types:

  • An open-end wrench that grips the part from opposite sides – the most widespread type of this tool;
  • A box-end wrench that grips the nut or a bolt from all sides is very convenient and equipped with a special ratchet that allows you to unscrew or turn the part without moving the tool;
  • A socket wrench is more applicable for car owners as the device is designed to help you with the jobs in hard-to-reach places, such as in the cars’ wheels;
  • Adjustable wrench allows you to work with parts of almost any size; thus, it is the most universal and optimal tool to have at your disposal.

Saws

A saw will be a great addition to your tool kit that will make all of your DIYs, furniture adjustments, or minor room repairs more effortless and less time-consuming. A regular saw is suitable for wood, plastic, other soft materials, and you will need a hacksaw for metal and other harder materials.

Maintenance Advice

Manual tools are more primitive in structure than electric ones and require careful use and maintenance. Here are some tips if you want to make them serve you longer:

  1. Prevent them from rust. Wipe the devices right away if they get wet, and in case the rust is still there, treat the tools with an anti-rust solution or spray without delay.
  2. Clean them right after every use.
  3. Remember to sharpen saws, hacksaws, and other similar devices. Working with a dull instrument is more dangerous than with a freshly sharpened one.
  4. Watch the handles. This part of screwdrivers, hammers, and saws often falls into disrepair, making it difficult to use them later.

Conclusion

You cannot be protected from small breakages at home, and in most times, taking matters into your own hands will be more reasonable and money-saving than calling for a service at any slight inconvenience. To succeed, you will need to arrange a comprehensive toolset. It is better to start by including all the essential manual tools to fix any common home issue and then improve it depending on your additional needs, such as a car or electronic devices repairs.

The broader your arsenal is, the more household issues you can solve. It is essential to choose the right set of tools for your productive and organized home and then expand it when necessary. Following the rules of exploitation and care, you will always have your tools ready for use.

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