Tool Time Upgrade: Five Ways to Enhance Your Tool Kit
A hammer, a screwdriver, measuring tape, a level, and maybe a drill. If you’re a home owner, chances are you own these basic tools. But once you’ve done your share of home improvement projects, you likely know that sometimes the basics just don’t cut it. So if you’re a DIY-inclined home owner looking to upgrade your tool box, these five tools are definitely deserving of your attention:
(Photo: Trendly)
1. Laser measure
We’ve all been there: You’re extending your tape measure out to the required length and then all of a sudden it goes limp. There are few things more frustrating when you’re trying to get a job started. And a lot of the time there’s not a second person to help you out, so you’ve got to repeat the process and hope it’ll hold, or you’re forced to take the measurement in segments, then add it all up. Well, a laser measure puts an end to all of these cumbersome and time-consuming tactics. Just place it at the end of the area to be measured, point it at the far end and in about four seconds. you’ll get a measurement accurate to within 1/16” inch.
(Photo: Amazon)
Bosch is leading the way in this department, especially with their wildly popular DLR130K unit, available for $89 on Amazon. This model has a range of 130 feet, and gives readings in inches, feet and inches, decimal feet and metric units. And not only does it measure distance, but it also measures area and volume (a cheaper model is available if you’re only interested in measuring distance, up to 50 feet). Another handy feature of this tool is its continuous-length mode with memory, which allows you to take and record different measurements as you move closer or further away. So if you have measurements to make around the house, even infrequently, this awesome device is great addition to any home owner’s tool kit.
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(Photo: Northern Tool)
2. Mini Impact Nailer
For any job that requires driving nails in at an awkward or tight angle, this compact air nailer can prove to be indispensable. And at $35, BOSTITCH’s PN50 is an excellent option. Not only is it compact, light-weight and easy to use, it’s also got some serious attack strength. With an operating PSI range of 70 to 90, it’ll make quick work of nails from 3D to 7DD. Plus, with a magnetic nail guide and 360 degree swivel air fitting, it’s not going to get much easier than this. So if you ever need to work in a tight corner, install joist hangers and metal connectors, or even toenail wall studs, definitely look into this device.
(Photo: Amazon)
3. Drill Press
The drill is an indispensable tool for home owners, but a hand-held drill can be limited by its power, speed, accuracy and versatility. To really get the most out of your woodworking, consider investing in a drill press. WEN’s 8-inch drill press is a top-seller for good reason. It has five different speeds (in the 620-3100 RPM range) and sports a cast iron height-adjustable worktable that can bevel 45 degrees in either direction. This level of power and versatility is really a must if you’re working with cabinets or intricately shaped pieces of wood, like furniture legs. Actually, if you’re doing any job that requires precisely drilled holes with perfect depth, width and angle, it’s time to upgrade to a drill press.
(Photo: Tool Stop)
4. Laser level
When hanging picture frames or installing shelves, hitting the perfect height and location can be a maddening chore of trial and error. But with a laser level it doesn’t have to be that way. The DeWalt DW088K Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser will make those and any other job that requires leveling, mapping or orienting materials a precise and convenient affair. This model features both horizontal and vertical lines, along with magnet backing and attachable bracket. But perhaps the feature that sets this model apart from a lot of its competitors is its angled window that projects the laser directly above and down the ceiling so you won’t have to reset the tool during a job that requires ceiling-to-floor alignment.
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(Photo: Amazon)
5. Reciprocating saw
A saw is a must in most homes. But hand saws can be absolutely exhausting, as well as slow and dangerous. That’s why it’s a good idea to look into buying a reciprocating saw. And once you get your hands on one, you’ll start to see the countless ways this saw can be an ideal tool for your home improvement and maintenance projects. PVC pipes, drywall repair, wood cuts, window fitting, tree branches, exposed nailing…the job list goes on. The 18-volt Milwaukee cordless “recip” saw goes for $120 and is one of the best options on the market. Bring one of these home and watch it quickly become one of your most utilized tools in your arsenal.
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