To begin with, we have to make the decision of how big our toolbox should be. If we want to have a basic set that serves only to mount a piece of furniture or hang a picture, in addition to making a simple repair, it does not make sense to buy an excessively large toolbox that will occupy too much space. If, on the contrary, we have planned to have a good set of tools to tackle more complicated DIY home tasks, a small box cannot hold all the utensils, leaving some outside.
In our opinion, unless we are very clear that we want only the basics, it is better to get hold of a medium-sized toolbox with ample space for several: in the end, over time, we always end up making an acquisition that we have to look for accommodated in our toolbox. We will differentiate them by material: metal, cloth or plastic. Spoiler: the plastic ones are the cheapest.
In the box of a handyman, there are certain tools that are essential. We are going to give you a review:
Hammer
If someone asks you to think about a tool, a hammer comes to your head. Undoubtedly is an essential tool and although sometimes we can substitute hammering with some object, in our toolbox there must be a hammer. There are many types of hammer depending on its use. We, at home, where we are going to use the hammer will be putting tacos into the wall, assembling furniture or doing small carpentry jobs that do not require much effort. For this, we would be enough with a carpenter’s hammer or a screwdriver.
Ratcheting Wrench
Although a set of ratcheting wrenches can be wonderful, it is much more expensive and takes up more space than a wrench. This adapts to all types of measurements always within a range, so whatever the size of the nut, we can tighten or loosen.
As for the ratcheting wrenches, we would recommend spending a little more than other tools. The difference between a good hammer and a bad hammer will be noticed mainly in its duration, resistance or comfort of use, but the hammer blows do not matter. However, a bad monkey wrench will not hold up well, either because the thread is loosened or because it “dances” a bit. In addition, you may not only suffer by using it, but you may also end up teasing the nut, rounding it off and making it useless. This occurs, especially, in small nuts.
So, how can you choose the right one? Ratcheting wrench buying guide only can show you the right path to have a perfect ratcheting wrench.
Screwdrivers
Another of the basic tools in a toolbox is the screwdriver. In particular, we recommend having at least two: one star and one flat tip. It can also be worth, instead of the star one type Pozidriv, similar but still gets more grip. In general, the majority of screws that are used nowadays are star-head or Pozidriv, but from time to time we will find a slot head, for which a flat screwdriver will be essential.
You also have to keep in mind that size is important. The variety in screw sizes is huge, so consequently, we are interested in having a variety of sizes in the screwdrivers.
Pliers
No doubt all boxes must contain pliers. They are one of the most multifunctional tools that we will have and the most helpful. Cut, pinch, grip, tighten … In many cases they are used as the stainless steel extension of our hands: what we cannot tighten, hold or bend with our fingers, we do with pliers.
As in the case of hammers, there are countless models of pliers, each designed for more specific functions. However, with the universal model, we will be able to optimally perform most of the classic pliers’ functions such as cutting wires, clamping with the tip, grabbing nuts or pipes.
