Basic Tool Kit

As you empower yourself to become a fixit person, assemble yourself a basic tool kit. Here's the low-down on what you should have. First, buy the best quality tools within your budget. If you buy tools in a kit rather than individually,

1. BASIC TOOLS: You need a curved claw hammer for obvious reasons. A nail set to counter-sink. A staple gun for screens and upholstery; plus phillips and flat-head screwdrivers for all knids of household repairs from furniture to lighting. I would also add a power drill for pilot holes in walls and wood.

2. GRIPPING TOOLS: Slip joint pliers, an adjustable wrench, a set of open end wrenches and a pair of needle nose pliers. A nut driver is also handy to tighten nuts in small spaces.

3. MEASURING TOOLS: A tape measure, combination square and a torpedo level will help you with jobs from handing shelves and artwork to positioning furniture to checking doors and drawers for square.

4. CUTTING TOOLS: To cut through more repairs have a wood saw, wire cutters, utility knives, craft and hobby knives and a hacksaw.

5. BEYOND THE BASICS: You should always remember safety, so have glasses, masks, gloves and ear protection.