For many homeowners, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are not about saving money. They are about the satisfaction of undertaking and successfully completing a task. Research has shown that homeowners who have undertaken some kind of DIY project are usually more emotionally attached to their house and show more pride in its maintenance and upkeep. It is only natural for every homeowner to consider undertaking a DIY project that will help add a personal touch to their home. Before you plan to undertake any kind of DIY project, it is important to ensure that you have the right tools at your disposal. Undertaking a special project may require you to purchase specialized tools, but other than that, there are a number of tools that you will be using repeatedly for various projects. Here is a list of essential tools and gadgets that should be in the toolbox of every DIY homeowner:
Variable-Speed Drill
A drill is obviously one of the most essential pieces of equipment in any toolbox. However, it is important to make sure that you purchase the right kind of drill. Most cheap drills have a set speed and the only thing that can be changed is the direction in which the drill bit turns. This rudimentary type of drill maybe good enough for most tasks, but is far from ideal for indulging in DIY projects. You will find yourself dealing with a variety of materials and lacking the ability to vary the speed of the drill can be a real drawback. A variable-speed drill may cost more, but guarantees that you won’t muck up your project. They are also much better than their standard counterparts in terms of quality and reliability.
Extra-tough Utility Knife
A handsaw may be sufficient for general cutting and sawing purposes, but does not offer the accuracy or finesse of using a utility knife. If your cuts need to be extremely accurate and flowing, a utility knife will be the best tool at your disposal. Standard utility knives available in stationary shops are fine for cutting cardboard and polystyrene, but struggle with anything tougher. Home improvement stores carry a series of extra-tough utility knives, designed specifically for home improvement projects. These knives can cut through dry wall like hot knife through butter. They are extremely durable and one utility knife can last you a lifetime if taken care of.
Screwdrivers and Pliers Set
Screwdrivers and pliers have something in common: you never seem to have the right one when you require it. The biggest mistake people make is to purchase different types of screwdrivers and pliers when they require them. Not only is it very frustrating, it has often led to many DIY projects getting derailed. Invest in a good quality screwdriver and plier set that contains all the different types of screwdriver heads and pliers you will ever require. You do not have to shell out a mini fortune for the professional-grade sets used by contractors; there are special sets available for homeowners undertaking DIY projects. Not only will it save you time and effort, it will also save you money in the long run.
This article is written by Berett Johnson. He works in a company which provides installation of Gutters in Sunshine, Templestowe, etc. He likes writing articles on home impovement in his free time.