Construction is a useful life skill that every homeowner should possess, though, of course, not everyone needs to be an expert at it. Simply knowing how to fix minor damages to your car or home is already helpful. But extending your skill range will be more convenient for you and your family.
If you want to improve your skills in simple or DIY construction projects, asses your toolbox; you should have a good number of essential tools in there to allow you to start a wide variety of projects. Besides a hammer, screws, and screwdrivers, fasteners are also a must-have, because they are used for air conditioning installations and roofing systems. If you don’t have those yet, fastener suppliers around Sydney are available and easy to find.
Here the rest of the essential tools your toolbox must have:
1. Hammer and Nails
Just to be specific, the best hammer to have is a 16-ounce unit with a smooth head and a curved claw. This versatile type enables you to perform a number of installations and repairs, such as hanging picture frames, assembling furniture, pulling out nails, and repairing decks.
As for nails, have finishing nails which are used for hanging picture frames and making small repairs. For deck repairs, galvanized nails will come in handy.
2. Screws and Screwdriver
Though screws are normally included in the furniture you buy, having an extra set will never hurt. Of course, you need a screwdriver to make screws to their jobs. Again, to be specific, the best screwdrivers to own are both a Philips and a flat-head type. It is recommended to have a set of varying sizes and types.
3. Wrench
Nuts or bolts are sometimes used in furniture that’s not held together by nails or screws. This is when a wrench, preferably an adjustable type, becomes necessary. Purchase a 6-inch wrench to have something to use in tight spaces and a 10-inch one that can be used to loosen bolts.
4. Handsaw
Having a handsaw is highly convenient in DIY woodworks. There are three basic types of handsaws, but all of them serve the same function. If you’re more comfortable cutting wood with a forward motion, the traditional western saw is suitable for you. If you find a backwards or pulling motion easier, select a Japanese pull saw or a pruning saw.
5. Pliers
Pliers are basically levers that help you grasp objects more tightly so you can either pull or turn them. Purchase a basic set of pliers with three to four different pairs.
6. Drill
For more complex DIY projects, a drill may be necessary. For beginners, a cordless type may be recommended because it’s easier to use compared to corded types, albeit less powerful. But cordless types are undoubtedly more convenient if you’re trying to build a tree-house, for example.
7. Tapes and Tape Measure
Duct tapes and electrical tapes are absolutely essential. Duct have extremely tough adhesives that can fix minor tears, while electrical tapes help repair damaged wiring. And of course, if you want your construction works to look symmetrical and clean, using tape measures is the solution.
Essential DIY Construction and Repair Skills
It would be convenient if you can perform simple construction and repair tasks yourself. For example, maintaining your HVAC system. A pro may still be needed for yearly checkups, but cleaning, inspections, and replacing air filters can be easily done without an expert’s help. Your tools may come in handy too when you need to open up the machine.
Fixing minor plumbing issues is easy to learn as well. Clogs and leaks can be pretty common, so knowing how to solve these problems can save time and money. If you own a bicycle and its gears happen to slip, it only takes a screwdriver to fix the problem. If you need to remove the wheels, a wrench can help you with that.
You may also want to consider making wooden toys for your kids. Ask them to join you as you build their toys so you can bond as well.
Take your DIY construction and repair skills up a notch by upgrading your toolbox and exploring more projects. As you widen your skills, you can earn a sense of accomplishment, which is important for your own well-being, too.
