Most Important Toolbox Tools

Folks often ask me “What are the most important half a dozen or so hand tools to have in your toolbox?” Well, that’s kind of a tough question to answer but, here are my choices. Number one of course, would be a hammer. Now you can get hammers in a lot of different varieties: fiberglass handle, wood handle or steel handle. But the most important thing is to pick a hammer that feels comfortable and well-balanced. That’s the one that will work the best for you. 

I’d certainly want a good set of screwdrivers – at least four: a medium size flat blade, a smaller-size flat blade, a medium-size Philips and a small Philips. For gripping tools, I’d certainly want an adjustable wrench for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts like this one right here, a pair of standard pliers, again for gripping and for bending wires. Some kind of a cutting tool too or cutting plier for snipping wires. This diagonal cutter would be my choice. And finally, a tape measure. I’d prefer one that’s 24 feet long, about an inch wide so it has a good stand out. This is very handy when it comes to working by yourself and there’s no one to grab that other end.

Well, you may not be able to tackle every do-it-yourself job with these tools but you certainly can get a good start.