Level
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What is this?
A level, or spirit level, is a tool for assessing the conformity of a surface to a vertical or horizontal plane, as well as measuring the degree of deviation. There are laser and digital instruments, but a regular level with flasks of liquid is no worse.
For what?
It is almost impossible to nail a shelf straight or hang a curtain “by eye.” The level is also indispensable in finishing work.
How much?
A regular bubble level costs from 150–200 rubles. Laser levels are much more expensive - from 700 rubles.
What you can, but not necessarily, purchase
A good addition would be to have a level. As a rule, this tool is used when attaching shelves and the like. This is a kind of ruler, usually painted yellow and having a tube with a liquid substance. Used for smooth horizontal arrangement of parts or surfaces.
It will be useful to purchase a caliper. This tool is a size meter.
A gas wrench will be a good addition to your tool kit. It is used to carry out locksmith work. For example, replacing batteries, pipes and other items.
Roulette
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What is this?
Use a tape measure to measure the length. Usually it is a metal tape with a scale wound on a reel in a plastic case. Inside there is a return spring that helps wind the tape. To prevent this from happening spontaneously, the tape measures are equipped with a stopper. It records the required amount of unwound tape. The length of a household tape measure is from 3 to 100 meters.
For what?
Using a tape measure, you can quickly measure distances from and to something, as well as determine the parameters of an object.
How much?
The price depends on the length of the measuring tape. A three-meter tape measure costs from 100 rubles.
Indicator screwdriver - for checking the functionality of electricity and sockets
An electrical voltage tester, or indicator screwdriver, looks like a regular screwdriver, but has a different purpose: it is used to check whether there is voltage in the network so that connecting a new chandelier or replacing an outlet does not end in disaster. Indicator screwdrivers operate without batteries. Simply plug it into the outlet, then touch the contact plate on the probe body with your finger. If there is voltage, the signal LED will light up. Don’t make a mistake when purchasing, because in addition to household ones, there are also car “screwdrivers” that operate with a voltage of 6–24 V.
As the price increases, the indicator screwdriver becomes more and more “smarter”: for example, it can show the voltage level in the network, and non-contact probes will help you find hidden wiring in the wall.
Universal square
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What is this?
A square is a tool for measuring and constructing angles. Metal squares are considered the most practical. In repairs, construction and any DIY work, universal (or combined) angles are often used. They, just like regular ones, consist of a block and a ruler, but the ruler is movable, and the block is multifunctional.
For what?
A universal square can replace several tools at once: a planer, a surface planer, a grinder, a measuring and drawing ruler, and others.
How much?
The price tag for universal angles starts from 500 rubles.
Multifunctional power tool for home
These types of tools are suitable for a wide range of household tasks. You can expand the functionality by purchasing the appropriate attachments, including:
- triangular plates for attaching sanding and polishing sheets;
- narrow attachments for installing spiral and flat blades;
- double-edged knives for cutting any materials;
- scrapers for cleaning the surface from residues of mounting mixtures;
- submersible sheets for creating technical holes of various depths;
- abrasive attachments for gating concrete structures and cutting metal workpieces;
- triangular tongues and carbide pads for grinding and polishing.
The kit comes with several attachments. One such set allows you to replace half of the above tools.
Clamp
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What is it?
A clamp is a tool for securing parts during processing or, for example, gluing. The simplest manual clamp is a bracket and a movable element with clamps (screw or lever) for fixing the part and adjusting the compression force. By the way, this is why a clamp is simply called a clamp or clamp. There are screw, mounting, corner, quick-release and manual clamps. When choosing this tool, you need to pay attention to the distance to which the locking elements can move apart. The larger it is, the better: you can work with both small and large parts.
For what?
The tool is indispensable in carpentry and carpentry work; it allows you to free up your hands.
How much?
The cost of a clamp depends on its type. The simplest manual model can be bought for 200–300 rubles.
Knife with retractable, replaceable blades
When purchasing such a knife, it is better not to waste time on trifles and choose a more expensive model, since cheap ones often have a low-quality blade clamping mechanism. As for size, just like with a tape measure and a hammer, I think it is better to have two knives: one with a blade width of 9 mm and a larger one with a blade width of 25 mm. The first is suitable for small jobs, such as stripping cable cores. The second knife is useful for more complex work, such as cutting plastic or linoleum.
claw hammer
What is this?
A hammer is a striking tool for hammering nails, breaking objects, and other work. It consists of a monolithic striking part (striker) made of metal and a wooden or plastic handle. Hammers are divided into types depending on the shape of the striking part, size and purpose.
There should be several hammers in the house. But the most universal is a hammer with a nail puller. One side of the striker is made in the form of a fork with curved horns. With it you can not only hammer in, but also pull out nails.
For what?
To nail (or tear off) anything to (from) anything. You can also use a claw hammer to pick out something.
How much?
The starting price of a claw hammer weighing half a kilo is 500 rubles.
A set of tools for the home: the required minimum
A true home craftsman cannot do without tools - certain devices are needed to perform any household work. Even pulling out the same nail with bare hands is quite problematic, if not impossible. But what can we say if the house is undergoing renovations in full swing - at least a minimum set of tools is a must in the house. This is what we will talk about in this article: in it we will study the minimum set of tools for the home, which no owner can do without.
A set of tools for the home: the required minimum
First, you need to understand the concept of tool versatility. To make it more clear, I will give one simple example - for pulling out nails there is a device called a “nail puller”. You can buy it separately or purchase a hammer and claw puller instead. From the same perspective, you can look at pliers with wire cutters - they are sold both individually and in a combined version.
In the professional sphere, such a combination is not very welcome, but for the household, these tools turn out to be indispensable. It is these devices that make up a universal set of tools intended for home use. So what exactly is included in such a set?
- Hammer. There is no need to say much about its purpose and scope of application, since this tool is familiar to all men from childhood - it can build something and break something with equal success. Regarding this, I will say only two things - firstly, it is better to acquire two similar tools (one small for fine work and one large) and, secondly, it is better to purchase a hammer with a nail puller.
- Screwdrivers. There are a great many of them, but in the household, as a rule, only four varieties are used: flat screwdrivers of two types (with a wide end and a narrow one) and Phillips screwdrivers (by analogy with flat screwdrivers, you can buy a large and small cross). It would also be a good idea to get an indicator screwdriver to check the voltage in household electrical wiring.
- Pliers and wire cutters. These tools will be needed to straighten something, bend it, hold it, bite it off - their scope of application in the household is large. I’ll tell you a secret that some people even crack walnuts with their help. But that’s not the point – you can figure out how to use them at home. I want to say only one thing - as a rule, it is enough to purchase one universal pliers equipped with wire cutters.
- Hacksaws. Where would we be without them? To attach the same wooden shelf to the wall, it becomes necessary to cut off a small block or shorten the shelf itself. Hand hacksaws have not been very popular lately, but, nevertheless, they are worthy competition for an electric jigsaw or grinder. It’s better to get two types of hacksaws – for wood and for metal. For residents of the private sector, a garden hacksaw with a curved blade will be an indispensable assistant - with its help it is very convenient to care for trees.
- Set of wrenches. Here, in my opinion, there is nothing to comment on - almost all modern connections are made either using self-tapping screws or using a screw and nut. Even to install a kitchen faucet, a screw-nut fastening is used. Axe. According to popular belief, this instrument should be located directly next to the front door. Its purpose is twofold - with the help of an ax you can chop firewood, and if something happens, you can ward off unwanted guests. I'm joking, of course, but, as they say, there is some truth in every joke. An ax is generally considered a universal tool - it can be used as a hammer, chisel and, if sharpened well, also as a shaving tool.
- Roulette. Almost all types of work cannot be done without measurements - in order to purchase and install, for example, a bedside table, you first need to decide on its dimensions. In repair and construction, such a pocket ruler is generally irreplaceable, and you have to use it constantly.
Also, if we talk about a set of hand tools for the home, it would not be out of place to mention a level, a construction knife and other similar little things, which, although at first glance seem like useless things in the household, there still comes a time when you simply cannot do without them. In general, a set of household tools is an acquired taste, and for a real owner it is constantly replenished and expanded.
Power tools for the home: modern technology makes work easier
If the owner of a house or apartment does not have a basic drill, this is sad and only means that he has absolutely no desire to do anything with his own hands. Modern power tools greatly simplify and facilitate the work of a home craftsman. It may cost a lot of money, but a standard pair (grinder and drill) is quite capable of replacing most hand-held construction tools. Judge for yourself what these tools are capable of.
- Drill. As practice shows, it can be used not only to drill holes in various materials. By purchasing special attachments for this tool, it becomes possible to use it instead of various screwdrivers, as well as instead of stripping and grinding equipment. With its help it is easy to mix various construction mixtures and even tighten nuts.
- Bulgarian. This tool can cut anything, clean, grind, polish and even sharpen.
The only thing this pair of tools can't do is drive nails. Although, who knows, if you replace the fasteners with a self-tapping screw, then the problem will never have happened.
How to choose a set of tools for the home: some tips
There are two ways to assemble home tools - in the first case, purchase each necessary tool separately, and in the second case, purchase it in sets. You probably know that buying in bulk is always cheaper, and this tool is no exception. The only “but” in buying a tool in bulk is the need to spend a large amount of money at once. By purchasing it separately, you spend less money at a time, but it ends up costing more.
The optimal solution is to purchase the entire tool at once. If we talk about a serious arsenal, then you only need to buy two suitcases and a drawer.
- Suitcase No. 1 is a universal set of hand tools for the home. As a rule, such a suitcase contains the required minimum, consisting of a pair of pliers, a hammer, a set of wrenches, a tape measure, screwdrivers, possibly a pair of files and other small tools.
- Suitcase No. 2 – a set of household power tools. Its contents can vary from two to three items. As a rule, this is a drill, grinder and electric jigsaw. Variations of this tool may be different.
- Plastic box. In most cases it is sold empty, but may contain a minimum set of hand tools for the home. The purpose of this box is to store all kinds of auxiliary tools, fasteners and other household rubbish that may come in handy someday.
There is another option to purchase a universal set of tools in a suitcase, or rather in a box. Often, manufacturers combine a plastic box with a suitcase for storing hand tools. In this case, the lid of the box is used for storing tools, and the suitcase itself is divided into many compartments where fasteners and additional attachments for tools are stored.
And finally, I’ll give you a couple of tips that will help you choose a really good set of tools for your home. Firstly, don’t go after cheap prices - remember that free cheese can only be found in a mousetrap. A good tool cannot be cheap - if you save, you risk being left without tools after a year. And, secondly, ask the seller what the set of tools you like is made of - it’s better not to take silumin, it bursts and falls apart even under light loads.
Source
Construction stapler
What is this?
A staple gun (sometimes called a nailer or staple gun) is a tool for driving staples or nails. There are several types: mechanical, electric and pneumatic staplers. In everyday life, a mechanical stapler made of metal is usually sufficient (these are more reliable), which drives staples using a spring and a lever that compresses it.
For what?
An excellent assistant when insulating or covering a balcony, as well as repairing furniture. An excellent alternative to a hammer when working with small nails.
How much?
The cost of mechanical construction staplers starts from 400–500 rubles.
Features of choosing power tools for the home
The main characteristic of any power tool is power. When selecting, it is important to consider the maximum possible load. There is no point in buying equipment with a large power reserve, as this will only increase the cost.
The next aspect is functionality. Manufacturers often equip tools with additional options, such as soft start or protection against unplanned start-up. Such features can be very useful.
Another mandatory parameter is ergonomics. The tool should be easy to use. Rubberized handle, comfortable location of control elements, dimensions, shape - all these are important components.
Foam gun
What is this?
A foam gun is a tool for working with polyurethane foam. By design, it is a barrel with special valves responsible for the intensity and thickness of the foam supply. The barrel is mounted on a handle with a trigger drive, and a foam cylinder is screwed onto it on top. Previously, such guns were used mainly by professional window and door installers, but due to the impracticality of household cylinders with a plastic tube (in fact, they are disposable), more and more men prefer pistols. It is recommended to buy pistols with the maximum number of metal parts: they are easier to care for.
For what?
Polyurethane foam dries over time and cracks form. To seal them, as well as to install a window or door frame yourself, you will need a foam gun. Polyurethane foam is also used for sound and heat insulation. In this case, you need a spray gun.
How much?
Prices vary. Minimum - 200–250 rubles.
Popular manufacturers of power tools for the home
The market leaders include the 5 most famous companies:
- Bosh produces a wide range of professional power tools for the home. High quality is supported by an optimal price level;
- Makita is a Japanese brand that has gained maximum popularity in Russia due to its ideal price-quality ratio;
- Metabo produces functional, reliable and ergonomic units. The company's products are in slightly less demand due to higher prices;
- Dewalt is an American company that produces reliable professional power tools for the home. Many tools of this brand work longer than their German counterparts, but the price is higher;
- Interskol is a Russian brand specializing in the production of household budget power tools.
Hot glue gun
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What is it?
A hot glue gun is a tool for gluing various surfaces. Glue rods are inserted into the plastic case from the “end”, which are subsequently transformed into liquid glue using heating elements. The glue is supplied through a metal nozzle. During operation, it gets very hot, so the gun is equipped with a special stand; you can’t just put it on the table. There are many models of hot glue guns on the market. They have the same operating principle, but the quality varies.
For what?
Indispensable for fastening work on surfaces that do not tolerate mechanical stress: where it cannot be nailed, it can be glued. It can be used to seal joints and fill seams (note: not suitable for heated surfaces, such as fireplace surrounds). Using this tool, you can quickly and reliably glue a baseboard or glue up loose wallpaper. The main advantage is that the glue sets instantly (in 15–30 seconds).
How much?
The simplest glue guns cost 200–500 rubles. But these are rather flimsy models, created not for serious work, but rather for women’s handmade work. The price tag for good glue guns starts from 1,500 rubles.
Power tools and devices for working with electrical equipment necessary in an apartment (house):
- screwdriver
- hammer drill
- multimeter + phase probe
- soldering iron (+gas torch)
All sorts of whims for the pantry:
- vise
- sharpener
- engraver
Naturally, this list of tools needed in an apartment is not exhaustive, and if you have free funds and space for storing tools, it can be expanded and expanded. This is a list of, let’s say, the minimum necessary tools for solving everyday problems.
Finally, a few words about buying a screwdriver:
If you live in an apartment and you will not need to climb on roofs and install metal tiles, buy yourself not a cordless screwdriver, but a screwdriver powered by a 220-volt network.
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If you still decide to buy a cordless screwdriver, buy one with Li-On batteries. Do not take screwdrivers with nickel-cadmium batteries, as their vagaries in charge-discharge cycles and service life leave much to be desired. Happy shopping and creative success!
PS/ Some of the photos of the tools were honestly borrowed from this site. :)
Jigsaw
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What is this?
A jigsaw is a tool for cutting materials in a curved manner. Many people are familiar with a regular hand jigsaw from school. Let's talk about electric. A jigsaw is a plastic case with an electric motor and a mechanism that provides reciprocating movements of the saw inside. Modern jigsaws can even cut metal up to 3 centimeters thick, and wood up to 14 centimeters thick.
For what?
A jigsaw can cut materials, including at an angle, and it can also make longitudinal, shaped cuts. It can be used to cut ceramic tiles or cut a hole in a countertop.
How much?
A manual electric jigsaw costs from 1,000 rubles.
What to buy: household or professional
The simplified designs of household tools and low power do not make it possible to work quickly and on stream. But this is not required from a tool for home use - so why pay more?
It’s another matter when the master needs it for everyday work. And the quality of work depends on the power of his tools.
Specialized or universal
Most often, the tool will be universal, for example, you can drill holes with a hammer drill, but if necessary, you can also mix the solution.
Universal tools are always beneficial.
Mains or battery
Of course, it’s very convenient when you don’t have to carry a cord with you. But batteries also have disadvantages:
- As a rule, charging does not last long;
- Recharging takes time and is easy to operate;
- The battery life is most often 2-3 years.
Selecting additional functions
- Reverse;
- Speed regulation.
You should not buy all power tools at once - this is not advisable. The owner of a city apartment will need a household hammer drill, a drill, and an electric jigsaw (the most common one).
For a country house you need more tools:
- Circular hand saw;
- Electric jigsaw;
- Powerful drill;
- Chainsaw, etc.
Which is better: buy a set or everything separately?
As a rule, the sets come with low quality components. It's better to buy separately.
Grinder
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What is this?
This is a tool for grinding various surfaces. There are different types of sanders. The simplest one is vibration. A flat rectangular sole is attached to an anchor, which transmits movement from the engine. The operating principle of a delta sander (the platform is similar to the Greek letter “delta”) and a belt sander are similar. The difference is in the nuances: the first can reach corners and other hard-to-reach surfaces, while the second can process not only wood, but also metal and plastic. The most versatile type of sander is the eccentric sander. With this tool you can clean, grind, and polish any surface; you can do both rough and fine work.
For what?
When doing serious repairs, you will thank the grinder more than once. Remove old paint or whitewash? No problem! Clean off rust, dirt or grime? No problem! Fit a part? Easily!
How much?
The simplest grinding machines cost from 500 rubles and above. More serious and efficient units - from 1,500 rubles.
Headlamp
A flashlight, contrary to popular belief, is useful not only in case of a power outage, but also during repairs in remote dark corners of the room where there are no normal light sources. It is usually recommended to buy a simple hand-held flashlight, but, in my opinion, a headlamp is much more convenient, since it does not get in the way in the hand, and if necessary, it can be removed and used as a regular one.
It’s difficult to give any advice on choosing here. Most importantly, don’t buy the cheapest flashlight that will break in a couple of days.
Electric drill/driver
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What is this?
A drill is a tool for drilling holes. This is almost the first instrument that a man acquires for himself. Drills are manual, pneumatic and electric. There are also tools that, in addition to drilling, have an additional function. For example, a drill mixer. The most universal tool on the farm is considered to be a drill/driver with a battery. In order for the tool to work longer without recharging, it is necessary to choose models with a large battery capacity. It is also recommended to purchase a spare battery (sometimes it is included): while one is working, the other is charging.
For what?
A drill-driver is needed to quickly drill a hole, as well as screw or unscrew a bolt or screw. If you've ever had to assemble and hang cabinets, you know how much easier this tool makes the task.
How much?
If you look, you can buy a drill-driver for 500 rubles, but good models cost two to three times more.
Hacksaw
A hand saw or saw is not usually used very often, but it is still useful to have one at home. It is worth saying that recently the popularity of hand saws (and all hand tools) has been rapidly declining, so when purchasing you will probably be offered a jigsaw.
Of course, working with a jigsaw is much more convenient, but do not forget that it costs much more and takes up more space. And given that a hacksaw is used infrequently, all the advantages of a jigsaw may simply not be realized. Therefore, if you are not planning large-scale work, then a hand saw will do the job quite well.
I think this concludes the list of tools that are necessary in every home. Some may feel that this list is missing some tool. But my personal experience shows that in the vast majority of cases this set will be sufficient, and the missing situational tool can always be purchased in addition if necessary.
