Homeowner tool kit | Part two
The thing with building a toolkit is that it’s never ending. The more jobs you start to do around the home, the more specialist tools you seem to need/want.
TEAR IT DOWN
If you have a hankering to pull out a wall on advice from a professional, or make some trendy pallet furniture, then another tool to add to the kit is a “doggy bar”. This is a tool designed for pulling out nails and/or cutting straight through nails. With a claw at each end, this puppy can pull out nails from any angle, making demolition a breeze.
PUT IT TOGETHER
Kitset furniture is a great concept. For the DIYer it gives a sense of accomplishment, without the sawdust and blisters. With all the screws, nuts and bolts supplied, you simply follow the instructions - and a bookcase or coffee table is created. A fair amount of the screws have an internal hex head to tighten, so they’ll need an “Allen Key” if the kitset doesn’t come with one. A set of 10 different sizes will cost around $25. You’ll find a use for them on all sorts of occasions, including the kids’ bikes and the loose shower mixer.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Every time you enter the hardware store, shelves full of shiny powertools just seem to be saying, “take me home.”
I’m going to advise you on what will get the most use, and a couple of items you can add to the kit - but first let’s get you geared up in some safety stuff. Safety gear is all about protection, and the four most important areas to protect are eyes, ears, hands and feet. Pretty simple, really; earmuffs or plugs, goggles or glasses, gloves and boots or at least covered shoes.
CIRCULAR SAW
Commonly called a skillsaw (a brandname from early saws), these come in 3 sizes: 7¼”, 8¼” and 9¼”. For the DIYer, the 8¼” model is ideal. A named brand like Hitachi, Makita, Bosch or deWalt will last you a lifetime. There are cheap brands, but when a new blade costs the same as the saw it makes you a little dubious of the quality. An 8¼“ saw with a good blade will cross cut and rip most timbers up to 75mm deep. Most important is the blade. A blunt blade will work the saw’s motor, and these motors won’t stop until they blow a bearing or catch on fire, and I’ve seen both first hand. On special you can pick up a branded saw for under $200.
DRILL
Years ago I would have suggested your first drill be electric/powered. But with battery technology and the development of tools powered by battery, these days if you want to make holes, a battery drill is the way to go. Prices range from $69 up to $699 so it can be a little confusing. Battery type is a no-brainer. Lithium Iron is the only way to go; it will have a longer life and will hold its charge the longest. You’ll want to consider the size of the holes, and how many there are. If you plan on using your drill for lots of large holes with auger bits (the ones that remove the material), then 18 volt, 13mm chuck is the only way to go; but that’s at the top end in price, generally for builders, plumbers and electricians. If you’re just using it a few times a month, and for the odd large hole, a 14-volt will be sufficient. If you want to use holesaws then you’ll need a 13mm chuck. For a battery drill that will last at least 10 years and perform most tasks around the home, expect to pay between $150 and $300.
Good luck, and keep growing that tool kit!
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This article is intended as a general discussion only. BNZ recommends the recipient get independent advice. The views expressed are the writer’s own and do not necessarily represent those of BNZ or its related entities.
