Bill Massey has been a handyman for 18 years. He has hung sheetrock, replaced doors, and remodeled kitchens and bathrooms. Sometimes, though, he has been flabbergasted by the jobs homeowners hire him to do.
"I have been out for some really silly things that people should be able to do themselves," says Massey, who works for Handyman Connection, which has offices in Fresno and Bakersfield, Calif. "I've been called out to hang pictures and put up curtain rods. If you've got a tape measure, a level and a hammer, you should be able to do that on your own. The price of these basic tools could very well pay for a repair guy."
Tony Johnson of Johnson's Handyman Service in Fresno, Calif., says all homeowners should keep a few basic tools close at hand.
"A lot of people today are doing their own repairs or hooking up their own stereos," he says. "You have to have the right tool to do the job."
But don't cut corners when it comes to cost, experts caution.
"When you're buying tools, quality is somewhat of an issue," Massey says. "I'm not saying to go out and find a Snap-on truck and buy the most expensive tool you can, but don't buy something cheap, either."
Many tools come with limited lifetime warranties and are well worth the few extra bucks, Johnson says.
And although a traditional toolbox is fine, Handyman Connection owner Nick Dvorak suggests a canvas caddy. These come in various sizes. Tools are stored vertically to eliminate rummaging around. Prices generally start about $15.
Ready to assemble your own household toolbox? Johnson and Massey are here to help.
Screwdrivers: Aim for both small and medium Phillips and flat-head. A screwdriver can help remove the cover on a TV remote control to change the batteries, tighten door hinges and assemble shelves or toys. A flat-head is perfect for prying the lid from a can of paint. Price each: $4-$10.
Pliers: Stock your toolbox with each of these pliers: needlenose, channellock and linesman, Massey says.
Needlenose have pointed ends and are used for small projects, such as holding wires while repairing a pair of eyeglasses, digging something out of the garbage disposal or removing hair from a shower drain.
Channellocks have adjustable jaw openings with gripping teeth and are perfect for using on round objects, such as loosening the lid of a jar.
Linesman pliers (also called flat-nosed) have serrated jaws for gripping. They often are used for cutting wire.
Price each: $6-$18.
Hammer: Buy a smooth, claw-faced hammer with a metal head and wood or fiber- glass handle. Johnson suggests one that's 8-10 ounces. A hammer's good for the obvious - pounding in or removing nails - as well as putting the lid back on a can of paint or prying open a wood crate. Price: $7-$20.
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