Tool Holders and a Basic Tool Inventory:
Tool Organization is the Key to Successful Woodworking and Craft Projects
© 2008 by Kelly Smith all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without author’s written permission
Tool holders are one of the handiest things you can have for those tools that you use most often.
This handy device can take many forms: magnetic, drawer type, or bucket aprons. Which one you use depends
on where you use these tools.
These holders are best suited for light hand tools, not heavier electric power tools.
Tool Storage Strategy
Holders are great for tools that are used the most often; it saves you from pawing thorough
your tool box. A good example is mounting a magnetic one over your work bench or next to your wood
lathe for holding your turning knives.
On the other hand, a toolbox is the way to go for those instruments that are used less frequently.
In the garage, a rolling tool storage chest works well. When I think of these, Craftsman and Proto
are the first two brands that come to mind.
You’ll need a tool box with a handle for mobility around the house. Going from job to job?
Truck bed tool
boxes come in handy. Of course, that presumes that you drive a truck. Otherwise, try one of the newer
plastic ones that fit in the trunk or in the back of a SUV.
Nine Essential Tools for the Home
Let’s take a look at the nine essential tools to have if you’re just starting to stock your
inventory. This applies especially to those who’ve just moved into a new home, or are newly divorced
and find themselves solely responsible for all those pesky little annoyances that inevitably pop up.
- Tape measure. Buy one with a 1 inch wide blade and 25 feet in length. Brands?
Stanley and Lufkin come to mind.
- Hammer. There are different styles: ball peen, roofer’s, claw,
drywall ax, and framing hammers. Buy a 16 ounce straight-claw hammer.
- Screwdrivers. Yes, you need a variety. Luckily, usually you can find a set that
includes most everything. Also, it doesn’t hurt to have a small set of jeweler’s
screwdrivers for those little jobs.
- Pry bar. Buy a small one in the eight to ten inch range. This will come in handy
for a multitude of tasks, many times used in conjunction with your hammer.
- Pliers. You’ll need several. For minor plumbing issues and other tasks demanding
a wider grip, get a pair of “slip joint” or “groove joint” pliers (Channel Locks). Needle
nose pliers will come in handy for those small, tight jobs. And don’t forget Vice Grip
pliers (locking pliers).
- A small saw. Your best bet is a hack saw. Lightweight and easy to use, it can
tackle most small household jobs. Although designed to cut metal, it also does an exceptional
job on wood and plastic PVC.
- A set of nut drivers. Nut drivers speed up the job of removing nuts or bolts. Not
quite as good as a full-blown socket set, but great for light jobs around the house.
- Tin snips (aviation snips). Don’t buy huge ones, but the ones that are six to
eight inches long with plastic handles. The available styles are right cut, left cut, and
straight cut, but a straight cut aviation snips will handle almost any job.
- Utility Knife A utility knife can be your best friend. You can get a model with
or without a retractable blade. Spare blades are stored in the handle. I like to carry a small
whet stone to sharpen it up. But that’s just me: thrifty.
The Joy of a Full Tool Box
So there you have it; the must haves in the world of home maintenance. One caveat here; you really
do get what you pay for. A cheap tool is in the end the most expensive tool. Do NOT
buy one of those packages of “everything you need” for $19.95.
Select individual quality tools.
And don’t forget to bookmark the ICanFixUpMyHome Home Page
for all your DIY questions!
Related Woodworking Articles
|
|
