How do you build the perfect toolbox?

By Taylor McLamb

Whether you are an experienced home-owner or just moving to your starter home, you’re going to want to have your own specialized toolbox handy. Toolboxes aren’t just for those unexpected moments where you need to fix something yourself, they’re great to have for DIY household renovations and crafts.

FOR SECURING ITEMS:

  • Duct tape
  • Super glue
  • Nails
  • Screws
  • Electronic stud finder

FOR MEASURING:

  • Measuring tape
  • Level
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Angle measure
  • Caliper

FOR HAND TOOLS:

  • Hammer
  • Screw driver
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Scissors
  • Heavy-duty bolt cutter
  • Jab saw
  • Utility spears
  • Grip handle axe-carving tool
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Wire stripper and cutter
  • Socket wrench
  • Clamps
  • Claw hammer

WHERE TO START:

Walking into a hardware store as a first-timer and seeing rows upon rows of tools that all look the same can be overwhelming. You want to build a toolbox, but where do you even start?

Steve Farquhar, who specializes in the tools department at The Home Depot, said the biggest mistake he sees buyers make when creating a toolbox is not knowing what they actually need.

“I like to steer people into getting a pre- made toolbox, which lists all the tools it contains,” Farquhar said. “As time goes on and they realize they need another tool too, they can then buy that and put it in.”

Most local hardware stores, like The Home Depot and Lowes, sell pre-made toolboxes, which depending on your
skill set and needs, can be incredibly inexpensive. The Homeowners Toolset at Home Depot only costs $25 and contains 76 pieces, which include many of the items listed above. These toolboxes are perfect for inexperienced DIYers and students. The best part about any toolbox is that you can always add to it when you need a specialized item. It is ever- changing!

PLAY IT SAFE:

Even the most experienced handyman is going to make a few mistakes, so it’s important to stock your toolbox with essential equipment that would help you avoid injury. Most of the tools you’ll be using are very sharp and potentially dangerous when not used correctly. Don’t let this intimidate you, though. It’s always good to handle tools with care and keep safety in mind. Here are a few things to ensure you stay safe:

  • First-aid kit
  • Safety glasses
  • Protective gloves
  • In-ear or earmuff-style hearing protection
  • Respirator mask: to protect your lungs from contaminations Safety lanyard to protect you from a fall
  • Safety harness
  • Back support belt
  • Flashlight