The tool chest

Every grrl should be prepared to deal with simple household maintenance.  It just isn't cool to have to go to your neighbor's every time you need to do a simple task.  We aren't helpless little things, we can do it on our own, thank you very much.  However, in order to get the job done, you need the tools.  The following is a list of basics that no grrl should be without.  These will get you started and you can move on from there.

 

Hammer

I feel silly even mentioning this, but the other day I was at a friend's house and she was using a shoe to put a nail in the wall.  I about fell over.  You can get hammers in several different weights and materials.  Choose the mid-weight (16 ounces, I believe) for a good all around hammer.  It will do most jobs with ease.  I also keep a smaller one in my kitchen, but I'm one of those grrls that's always fixing things...

 

Screwdrivers

Prepare yourself with several different types.  There are flathead and Phillips screwdrivers.  The flatheads are flat and the Phillips head is for the screws that have the little 'x' indentations.  You should have several sizes of each, at the least a small one and a slightly larger one of each.  I prefer wider handles.  You get a better grip and if you are doing a lot of screwing (mind out of the gutter!) your hands won't cramp as quickly

 

Utility Knife

One of the things that I keep in the kitchen "junk drawer" and in the shed.  It's perfect for cutting through cardboard and other materials (I use it for rope all the time).  I have several different types.  My current preference is one that uses a razor blade, but I used to prefer the type that has the blades that snap off.  It's entirely up to you.

 

Putty knife

When looking at putty knives, you want one that is a bit flexible yet sturdy.  They come in various sizes and I have several.  I find myself going for my 1.5 inch knife the most often.

 

Ratchet set

This will look like a bunch of little cylinders and a couple various handles.  I had no clue what to do with them at first and now find myself using them all the time (especially when taking apart or putting together furniture, my daybed and futon come to mind instantly).  You use this tool to either tighten or loosen nuts & bolts.

 

Tape Measure

Look for a tape measure that is 25 feet long, it's about as long as you'll ever need. If you need something longer, measure with string, fold the string to a manageable length, then measure and multiply.   Also look for a tape that has a metal clip on the end that moves slightly.  This allows you to maintain accuracy by either hooking the end on an edge or butting it up against something.  Another thing to look for is the width.  The wider the tape, the less likely it will collapse over long distances.

 

 Combination Square

This is the tool that you need when marking and/or checking angles, measuring short distances, and/or drawing a straight line.  It is perfect for hanging things.  It also works well when wallpapering.

 

Pliers

Another tool that I find myself grabbing all the time.  They are great for holding things in place as well as for tightening & loosening things.

 

Long-nose pliers

These are perfect for bending wires....any jewelry makers out there can attest to that!  They also come in handy for holding/gripping things in tight little spaces.  Buy a pair that is comfortable to hold.

 

Electric drill

Since buying my house, I've found that I use this all the time.  You can use it for both making holes in various materials and for driving in screws (makes quick work of it!).  A cordless drill will serve most needs, but be aware that they'll cost a bit more and be less powerful than their corded cousins.  It's also a pain when you're just about done the job and the battery dies.  I have one of each and find myself liking the corded one more, though the cordless one is very convenient for quick little jobs.  You'll also need bits (the things that stick out of the drill).  Make sure that you buy the correct ones for the job.  Wood bits won't do a thing to masonry (brick & concrete block).

 

Plunger

This should be obvious.  Do you really want to go to the cute guy across the hall and ask to borrow a plunger?  I didn't think so.

 

Nails & other fasteners

Buy yourself an assortment pack and then just keep adding to it.  

 

Handheld sander

Oh how I love this little guy!  It makes for very quick work of a pain of a task, though I'm not one with patience to sand something as smooth as a baby's bottom.  This probably isn't on the 'mandatory' list, but definitely close.  If you plan to refinish furniture or cabinetry, invest in one...you'll be glad that you did.

 

 

 

Brooke Hunter the grrl behind grrl-e-grrl.com