Just bought a $5.00 Workforce tool box at Home Depot and trying to make a list of basic tools I need (Remember I am Fe

[decocritter]

I have a cordless screw driver but lost most of the parts. I do like it, but think I might go for a ratchet one.

I wish there was a basic course one could take on general home repair.

I am fairly resourceful, but not knowledgeable.

[cbelt3]

Geez, you guys travel heavy.
Leatherman tool.
Maybe a short roll of duct tape.

Seriously, a basic home repair toolkit includes the following basic tools:
Flat Screwdriver- small and large
Phillips Screwdriver- small and medium
Adjustable wrench
slip-joint pliers
small hammer
3 meter tape measure
Duct Tape
Teflon tape
Flashlight (any kind that works)
Band-aids
A pencil (stub is fine)
Some sort of (sharp) pocket knife

Optional but proven critical are:
Supply of choice curse words
Phone book containing phone numbers of trusted handy friends, plumbers, HVAC people, carpenters, etc..

For Mac repairs don't forget a few Torx drivers. T7 and T8 being the more popular, I believe.

Cordless screwdrivers or ratcheting multi-blade screwdrivers are nice and things up when you have a lot of screwing to do.

Cordless drills and a small supply of drill bits are helpful for making holes where you need them. A combination square level is helpful for measuring, marking, and leveling things. A small crosscut saw is helpful for basic carpentry stuff. Other tools will be accumulated as you learn new skills.

Your local Lowes or Home depot offers classes on fixing stuff, installing stuff, etc. Your local community college, women's center, etc. may offer some hands on handyperson classes.

If you have a friend who is handy, ask them over when you have a job to be done. Don't let them do the job- ask them to show you how do do it yourself. Make a point of not letting them touch the tools. Most people love to teach.

This forum is filled with folk like me who claim to be handier than we are in real life, and we can be a resource for you.

And finally, keep your sense of humor, take digital photos of what you're taking apart while you're doing it. And remember the basic rules of repair:
Work safely. Always.
Wear proper protection. Eyeglasses, gloves, mask, etc. we like you and don't want you to get hurt.
Take your time. Measure twice, cut once.
Keep your sense of humor. Those of us who think we know everything know it because we've already made every bone-headed mistake in the book. Learn from our pain and scars.

And these 'rules' are strictly tongue in cheek:
If it doesn't fit, force it.
If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway.
If you have parts left over, the thing was probably overdesigned anyway.
It's impossible to trim something longer.
You can't push on a rope.
You can't teach a pig to sing. It's frustrating to you, and annoying to the pig.

[lafinfil]

[decocritter]

Home depot has a

Husky 101 piece Ratcheting Screwdriver Set for $8.00 includes carrying case.

5' Fiberglass Husky ladder for $18.99

[Silencio]

LOL! Nice post, Cbelt.

T8 and T10 are the best Torx to have when fixing portable Macs. And the handy Spudger tool, of course.

As much as I like big power-operated toys and wouldn't mind having a workshop to rival Tim Allen's, I live in a middling-sized apartment and must limit myself to two small toolboxes stashed away in the kitchen.

[decocritter]

I have a very basic cordless drill.

I have about 12 screwdrivers

I have the "curse words". LOL

Just put the safety glasses and masks in the box.

As I walk around, collecting things for the "box", I realize I have a decent collection.

No saw.

I want a sander.




I need a good resource phone book. I don't know any good, fair, repair people. This would be most useful.


Graylocks - Santa needs to get you a new Cordless Screwdriver.

[ho'ard]

I just bought two of those $5 boxes. Not sure what exactly for, but it's a darned good deal.
One will probably serve to upgrade my electrical supplies, which outgrew a smaller box, and the other might become a dedicated bike repair toolbox (oddly I don't have one yet).

I'm drowning in tools . . . I have all sorts of ambitious plans to organize them. I plan to mount pegboard in my enclosed porch tomorrow to hang some . . .


Here's the answer to your question and the one thing you should have--
an 18v cordless set of some sort.
Since you are close to Home Depot I'd recommend Ryobi (it's HD's brand)-- get any kit that has a cordless drill, a flashlight, and not less than two batteries.
Your best bang for the buck might be to buy one that =only= has the light and drill and two batteries, and then buy a sander seperately that also uses the same battery. This way you get two of your identified needs met, and get a drill too :-)

[ho'ard]

Oops, I see you have a cordless drill. Is it a system for which other compatible tools are available?

[decocritter]

My drill is a low end Ryobi cordless small kit. Good for small jobs and hanging pictures, etc.

Funny thing, I was just thinking about going to get another of that tool box for extension cords, phone cords, etc.

There were only 2 left.

[decocritter]

I think I will put a peg board in the basement laundry room I have an exposed wall frame with no sheet rock on the laundry room side. I will paint it white.

That would give me a good place to hang larger things out of the way. My neighbor fashioned one on the inside door of her pantry, and I just love it. She has skillets and large utensils, etc hanging. I don't have a pantry.