There's nothing worse than finding out that you don't have the hand tools you need when you need them.
Probably one of the worst feelings is knowing that you're going to have to drop what you are doing to run to the store for a small hammer or a pipe wrench; something you probably should have had on hand to begin with.
Most discount stores do a pretty good job of providing you with one of those little kits that have "everything you need" around the house.
I say Phooey! If you don't have enough tools to repair the U.
S.
S.
Minnow, then you don't have any tools at all! Somewhere between my own personal theories and those of these small chain discount stores the truth lies.
We've put together a little checklist to help you out.
Hammers are where it's at.
If something doesn't fit, hammer it into place.
I promise you will need two hammers around the house.
One for the tiny little picture nails and one for that huge honkin' nail you want to drive into the next state.
Having a small hammer for one and a larger hammer for the other is needed.
I'm fairly sure you can figure out which to use when.
A screw driver set is definitely needed.
One of those universal "everything" sets are nice but pieces tend to get lost.
For this reason I prefer the old fashioned set in addition to the all-in-one.
Back ups to back ups.
Plus the universal sets generally can handle the torque that the solid shaft can, so it's better to have both ends covered.
For pliers, use standard adjustable pliers and needle nose pliers.
Each can be used for several different things.
Needle nose pliers are great for things like getting screws that are broken out of cabinets or picture nails that have been driven too far in.
Standard pliers can be used on small pipes or to tighten water fittings or anything else that might need tightening.
A set of pipe wrenches, small and large are also a good idea.
While pliers are great for smaller projects, pipe wrenches are built for pipes and they should be used on, yes, pipes.
Nothing can take their place for torque and grab.
A pipe saw or hack saw is also a good idea.
These are pretty versatile in that they can be used on other things if need be.
Next we need to look at a drill with bits.
Any drill will do, but think cordless for home use.
Why? Because there's not always electrical outlets around and it's easier than a 50 foot extension cord.
They do make those cordless screwdrivers.
I don't suggest them very often; they fall into the "better than nothing" category.
A nice sized cordless drill will do.
With this list you won't be able to build the ark, but you will be able to fix stuff around the house.
These tools cover just about every basic household need.
It is suggested that you get a nice measuring tape as well, you know, for measuring.
Good luck in all you do and remember to watch those fingers!
Probably one of the worst feelings is knowing that you're going to have to drop what you are doing to run to the store for a small hammer or a pipe wrench; something you probably should have had on hand to begin with.
Most discount stores do a pretty good job of providing you with one of those little kits that have "everything you need" around the house.
I say Phooey! If you don't have enough tools to repair the U.
S.
S.
Minnow, then you don't have any tools at all! Somewhere between my own personal theories and those of these small chain discount stores the truth lies.
We've put together a little checklist to help you out.
Hammers are where it's at.
If something doesn't fit, hammer it into place.
I promise you will need two hammers around the house.
One for the tiny little picture nails and one for that huge honkin' nail you want to drive into the next state.
Having a small hammer for one and a larger hammer for the other is needed.
I'm fairly sure you can figure out which to use when.
A screw driver set is definitely needed.
One of those universal "everything" sets are nice but pieces tend to get lost.
For this reason I prefer the old fashioned set in addition to the all-in-one.
Back ups to back ups.
Plus the universal sets generally can handle the torque that the solid shaft can, so it's better to have both ends covered.
For pliers, use standard adjustable pliers and needle nose pliers.
Each can be used for several different things.
Needle nose pliers are great for things like getting screws that are broken out of cabinets or picture nails that have been driven too far in.
Standard pliers can be used on small pipes or to tighten water fittings or anything else that might need tightening.
A set of pipe wrenches, small and large are also a good idea.
While pliers are great for smaller projects, pipe wrenches are built for pipes and they should be used on, yes, pipes.
Nothing can take their place for torque and grab.
A pipe saw or hack saw is also a good idea.
These are pretty versatile in that they can be used on other things if need be.
Next we need to look at a drill with bits.
Any drill will do, but think cordless for home use.
Why? Because there's not always electrical outlets around and it's easier than a 50 foot extension cord.
They do make those cordless screwdrivers.
I don't suggest them very often; they fall into the "better than nothing" category.
A nice sized cordless drill will do.
With this list you won't be able to build the ark, but you will be able to fix stuff around the house.
These tools cover just about every basic household need.
It is suggested that you get a nice measuring tape as well, you know, for measuring.
Good luck in all you do and remember to watch those fingers!
SHARE
