| Tools
your toolbox shouldn't be without |
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maintenance and fix-it projects can be taxing enough without
finding you don't have the right tools to get the job done. A
well-stocked toolbox will make your job a lot easier and keep you from
making a bunch of needless trips back to the work bench for the right
tool.
Everyone
has their favorite tool and Chip, Mike and John Frentz -- a.k.a. The
Hardware Guys -- are no different. Here is a look at the tools they
can't live without along with their list of what you need to have a
well-stocked toolbox.
Favorite
tools
Chip:
10" locking pliers, a.k.a. ViseGrips®, because its a
multi-use tool that can do many things from cutting wire to clamping
and holding items.
Mike:
The multi-tip, 7-in-1 screwdriver, because with two sizes of Phillips
and flat-head tips along with 1/4" and 5/16" hex drivers, the tool will handle
nearly every job that requires a screwdriver.
John:
Automatic wire strippers.
A
well-stocked toolbox
Multi
tip, AKA 7 in 1 screwdriver
This is one
screwdriver that you can grab and always have the right tip for the
screw head you may come across. Two sizes of Phillips, two sizes of
slotted plus a 1/4" and 5/16" hex drives all nestled in a good heavy-duty
handle.
10”
or 12” Adjustable, AKA Crescent® wrench
A must for tightening the nuts on the water lines leading to the
sink faucets. Snugly fits
the gland nuts on your faucet stems when you need to remove them to
replace a washer.
Mini
Hack Saw
This is a simple handle that holds a hack saw blade allowing the
blade to protrude out the end making it easy to cut off the end of
bolts that are in tight places. Good
for cutting away old rusted plumbing fittings that can’t be removed
by conventional wrenches.
10”
or 12” Slip Joint, AKA Channelock® pliers
Great for
holding a variety of sizes and shapes of nuts.
Also good for tightening those large hard to get to plumbing
nuts under the kitchen sink.
Flashlight
Handy for checking things out under the sink
or in the plumbing accesses behind the bathtub.
Putty
Knife
Yes, you can use it to putty a window. But it’s also highly
versatile. It’s great for scraping things off like old built-up crud
or get one with a heavy blade and you can also use it for a good
prying tool.
Tape
Measurer
Accurate
measurements are important when you’re measuring up that old window
for a new piece of glass.
Tube
of Clear Silicone
Clear silicone is great for getting things
to stick that won’t stay stuck under normal means. It also is a good
filler for cracks and holes.
Pad
of paper and pencil
This might sound too simple, but you never know when you will need to
jot down a size of something to cut, or maybe just to do some quick
math.
Duct
tape
Yes, you have to have a roll of duct tape,
for those emergency hold-together repairs.
