ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 19, 1997 TAG: 9701210002
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
HAMMER: A 16-ounce claw hammer with a wooden handle is recommended. It's light enough to handle and hefty enough for most hammering jobs. The wooden handle absorbs shocks better.
SCREWDRIVERS: For very basic jobs, get a 1/4-inch Phillips-head screwdriver and a 1/4-inch slot (or flathead) screwdriver. If you want to be prepared for any job, an inexpensive electric screwdriver (it will cost you about $20) with interchangeable bits is recommended. Cordless ones are even better.
PLIERS: A must-have. Get a basic, sturdy slip-joint pair. Insulated handles help for better gripping.
TAPE MEASURE: They come in several different lengths and are reasonably priced (they are often given away as store promotions). An 8-foot tape is plenty for most people, but longer ones are helpful, too. Some places even carry tape measures that glow in the dark.
ADJUSTABLE WRENCHES: Also called crescent wrenches, these are among the most versatile tools in your box.
UTILITY KNIFE: Simple, easy to use and very sharp. These can cut carpets, drywall, some plastics and cardboard.
CROWBAR: Great for taking things apart - walls for example. Also wonderful for digging yourself out from the big one. A couple of our experts keep this in their earthquake kit.
HACKSAW: If you can only have one saw, this is a good choice. It's small and sharp and can cut fairly easily through metal, wood or plastic.
LEVEL: An inexpensive ``torpedo'' level (shaped like a torpedo) is particularly useful for hobbyists.
PUTTY KNIFE: Equally adept at filling up holes in the wall, scraping off wallpaper or even getting those stickers off your windshield.
VICE-GRIP PLIERS: These are those pliers you can adjust and lock in place. Excellent for holding things when you need one hand free.
DRILL: They do make hand-powered drills, but if you have bigger jobs, a good power drill is indispensable. With a selection of bits and screwdriver attachments, you have a versatile tool.
STAPLE GUN: Our experts say this is one of those tools that will come in so handy, you'll wonder how you did without it.
ALLEN WRENCH SET: Also called hex keys, which are hexagonal wrenches. These are great for putting together or adjusting the furniture you bought and must assemble yourself. Handy for bicycle repairs. Experts recommend getting Bondhus wrenches or ball hexes, which are like Allen wrenches but have a ``ball'' on one end that makes it easier to turn from an angle and get to hard-to-reach places.
FILE/RASP: Not the most obvious tool, but a handy item to smooth rough nails and/or screws on walls and furniture, or for detailed hobby work.
LENGTH: Medium: 53 linesby CNB