Know The Different Types of Hand Tools that Should be in Your Tool Box

7 Hand Tools That Should Be in Your Tool Box

As nice as power tools are, there is still a place in this hustle and bustle, high tech world for plain old, down to earth hand tools.

Regardless of what type of project or job you may be involved in, there is very little doubt that at some point between start and finish of said project you will need a hand tool or two…or three.

In fact, you would probably be hard pressed to complete any type of woodworking, construction or weekend warrior DIY job without a few indispensable hand tools in your trusty toolbox.

Here is a list of 7 top hand tools that should be in every well stocked tool box:

 Hammer: Every tool box needs a hammer. Specifically, if you can only have one---a claw hammer. This tool was one of the first hand tools to be invented and its usefulness has not lessened through the centuries. With a good claw hammer, you can not only drive nails, but it will also serve double duty as a dandy pry bar, too.

 Screwdriver: Make that a multi-bit screwdriver, please. For everything from electrical outlet covers to cabinet hardware to furniture; screws are holding it all together. It's simple to remove old screws if you want to change out your cabinet pulls, but not so simple if you don't have the correct screwdriver. There are a variety of screws in common use, so instead of investing in a variety of screwdrivers with tips to fit all of them, just get a multi-bit screwdriver with interchangeable tips for the assorted types of screws.

 Level: Every well equipped toolbox needs a level. Otherwise, if you want to put up shelves or hang pictures, add chair rail and many other jobs that require keeping to the straight and narrow…you may end up with a crooked disaster. There are all sorts of levels. Many people go with a plain spirit level and throw in a plum bob for snapping a chalk line when necessary.

 Putty Knife: These little workhorses are ideal for scraping sheetrock mud, applying joint compound and filling nail holes; but they're also great for scrapping other stuff, as well. Putty knives come in a range of widths from about 1" up to 6" and can come in handy for scraping old paint, wallpaper, caulking and more.

 Pliers: It would be a poor tool box that didn't include a pair of pliers. There are quite a few types of pliers: needle nose, flat nose, stripping, locking, crimping, tongue and groove or slip joint, pincers and more. Perhaps the basic slip joint pliers are the most important, but it would be nice to have a pair of some of the others, too, especially the stripping, locking and needle nose types.

 Tape Measure: Where would you be without a tape measure on almost any job? You don't want the dressmaker type of tape measure for your toolbox that only goes to five feet. Get the heavy duty, sturdy, retractable, metal type that measures up to 25 feet and you're good to go.

 Hacksaw: If you can only have one saw in your hand tool collection, go with a hacksaw. It is lightweight and user friendly and will cut through an assortment of materials from PVC or metal pipe for plumbing to wood or acrylics. A hacksaw is versatile and can come in immensely handy. Be sure to choose one that will accept interchangeable blades and use the blade best suited to the job.

There are other hand tools that would be great to have in your toolbox, but at the very least you should include these seven! Properly cared for, these hand tools will provide you with a lifetime of trusty service.