Homeowner tool kit | Part one
Since cooking shows took over our TV screens, we’ve turned our attention and effort to ensuring that our kitchens are fitted out and tooled up with the latest in culinary gadgetry. If it needs to be grilled, sliced, diced, pureed, sorbeted, morneyed, or flambéed, then you need drawers and cupboards full of the latest and greatest whizzers, fizzers and thingamy zizssors. But what about tools for the rest of the home? In each issue of BNZ GoodHome, I’ll be jotting down a list of a few basic start up tools to help you build your own homeowner tool kit. You can accumulate and add to your collection until every shelf in the garage is full, and you’ll need to use the tools you’ve got to build more.
First up, it’s hand tools. “Hand tools” refers to tools that aren’t powered by electricity or battery - and while they may not have the wow factor, it’s these tools that are the first any tradesperson acquires and learns to operate proficiently.
SCREWDRIVERS
It’s best to have a selection of sizes and heads handy. Older homes have slotted screws, but these days most screws are Pozidrive, Philips head or Square drive. A Pozidrive screw looks like a Philips head, but with four extra slots. There are screwdrivers that will do both Pozi and Philips head, and all sizes – but two sizes of each screwdriver will do most jobs. You can get a case with all the drivers you’d need for up to $30.
CLAW HAMMER
A good one of these will last you a lifetime. Because you won’t use it all the time, it’s best to get a lighter 16oz one rather than the standard trade 20oz. Spend up to $60 - fiberglass or solid steel shafts are both good, but stay away from the tube steel as they tend to bend.
CHISEL
18mm wide long blade, $20. It will need sharpening, and this is an art.
HANDSAW
Plastic handle, 8pt saw, $15. Simple as that.
SPADE
Don’t skimp on this! A decent heavy steel spade will cost $60 - well worth it, and will last two lifetimes if looked after. Just remember the difference between a spade and a shovel. Shovels have a longer handle, and a different head – so while a spade is good for digging, if you need to move big quantities of soil or sand you’ll need a shovel.
PLIERS
You should have two types - electricians pliers, and needle nose. They retail for around $15 each.
ADJUSTABLE SPANNERS
They start at 4” and go up to 50”. For most jobs, two spanners – a 6-inch and a 10-inch, will be fine. They’re around $15 each, though for the top brands you could be looking at up to $70 a pop.
TAPE MEASURE
When it comes to tape measures, go for 8m. You‘ll regret having a 5m long one, believe me. Again, these go for around $15.
If you’re looking to build a tool-kit, you could always just buy a 561-piece set - but at $39.95, it’s probably not going to be the best quality.
So for now that’s enough to get started - and remember that even though you have the tools, for some jobs you’ll need to call in the experts. So let’s not see any DIY electricians taking risks with tools and bravado, but no knowledge.
Cheers, Cocksy.
More tools to come.
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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.
