Glocally Newark

Do you have a toolbox?

I was sent off to college with a toolbox but, as the only one in my dorm with a cordless drill, I realize that’s rather unusual. While my toolbox has expanded dramatically since then, there are a few tools I find myself always reaching for.

Before you can get cracking on any fun projects, you need the right tools too. If not the ‘right’ tools, you need versatile tools that will get the job done. Below are my favorites. You’ll probably want to fill in the gaps as your DIY repertoire expands but these are the basics; multi-taskers that do a variety of jobs & take up little space.

1. A Saw

Honestly, if you’re only going to own 1 saw, it should probably be a jigsaw {not pictured}. It cuts both straight and curved lines easily and can get in tight places a circular saw can’t. Pictured here is a hacksaw & circular saw because for some reason I can’t find my jigsaw {d’oh!}. I love my circular saw and use it all the time.

2. Needle Nose Pliers

These are great for getting into tight places; ripping out staples, cutting wire, making spiral curls in the wire. Just an incredibly versatile tool.

3. Staple Gun

Have you ever tried to reupholster a chair or headboard without a staple gun? It’s impossible. Also great for tacking down wires & fabric onto a variety of surfaces. I hear electric staple guns are amazing and incredibly easy to use but have never upgraded. The old fashioned kind seems to work just fine for my needs.

4. Robo-Grips

I’m not promoting any particular brand for any other tool but Craftsman’s Robo-Grips rock. Part wrench, part pliers; they combine the functionality of both tools into 1. I love multi-taskers.

5. Box Cutter {aka Utility Knife}

Not just for opening boxes. Need to score a piece of foam-core or cut some drywall? Box cutters. Need to rip up carpet? Box cutters. Struggling with that annoying people-proof plastic clam-shell packaging? Box cutters.

6. Hammer

This is just kind of a “duh” tool. You need a hammer. You can’t have a toolbox without a hammer. It’s required. Trust me.

7. Drill Bit Index

Pictured here are twist bits. This goes hand-in-hand with #10 {cordless drill}. While you may not need a 21 piece set, you’ll need a few. A 10 piece set would probably get you started.

8. Screwdriver

I like this one because it’s actually 4 screwdrivers in 1. The shaft pulls out of the handle and each double-ended bit pull out of the shaft; one bit has a small & large Philips head driver, the other has a small & large flat headed driver.

9. Tape Measure

You won’t get anything even, centered, or exact without a tape measure. I think 30′ is a pretty standard length that will be long enough for most everything you’ll need to measure. I also keep a small 12′ tape measure in my purse. It comes in handy when you’re out and about.

10. Cordless Drill

I don’t know how anyone lives without a cordless drill. I use it for everything from putting up pictures to pre-drilling holes for new chair legs. If you buy one power tool in your lifetime, it should be a cordless drill. I like my 18 volt drill; it gives me more power than my previous 14.4v drill. That said, my 14.4v cordless drill lasted me all through college & our apartment years.

There you have it; Brick City Love’s essential tools!

Did I miss your favorite essential tool? What’s on your top 10 tool list?

{I have not been paid by any company for using or promoting their products. These are just the tools I own & use.}