Building Equipment
Building tools for the do-it-yourselfer
Getting the right building equipment for the job is a good example of the saying "Work smarter, not harder." In the world of home building and home renovations, there is a specific tool for every task, and taking advantage of the choices you have at your disposal can save you a lot of time, labor and money.
Must-Have Building Tools for Every Home
To tackle the kind of minor repairs that every home needs from time to time, it's essential that you have a set of multipurpose hand tools. Even the most basic tool kit should have a hammer, a complete set of wrenches or a socket set, a measuring tape, duct tape, pliers and a manual or power screwdriver (with a complete selection of heads). These tools will help you work your way out of a lot of jams.
You should also have enough plumbing tools on hand to fix minor problems with your toilets and sinks. Augers, pipe threaders, pipe wrenches and plungers will help you correct minor blockages and drainage backups; if necessary, you can supplement these tools with drain-cleaning products, which are available both in chemical and ecologically friendly formulations.
Specialized Building and Construction Tools
If you're performing an extensive home remodeling, you're likely to encounter a need for specialized tools and construction equipment sooner rather than later. Of course, the specific equipment you'll need depends on exactly what it is you're doing, but some of the more widely used specialty tools you may need include drills, saws, scrapers and sanders as well as pry bars, spacers, surface-prep tools and buffers.
Whether you're using hand tools or power tools, safety is a prime consideration. If you're performing any job that may involve bits of flying debris, it is strongly recommended that you protect your eyes with a pair of safety glasses. Gloves not only help prevent blisters, they also offer your hands an extra level of protection against sharp objects and surfaces. Finally, if you're going to be doing any kind of construction, make sure you and everyone else on the job site wears a hard hat and steel-toed safety boots.
