Heed the hardware experts` advice about using high-quality tools. Some of their recommendations for a start-up repair kit:
– Don`t buy cheap tools, even hand tools. For example, you should spend $8 to $10 for good long-nose pliers (they`re called long-nose because of the long, pointed ends that can reach into tight spaces).
– Avoid the cheapies you can buy in housewares departments of groceries and drug stores. Rely on hardware stores, do-it-yourself emporiums such as Builders Square and Home Depot, or department stores. Buy tools with established names.
– Just ask. It was a humbling experience to ask a hardware clerk the difference between a bit and a drill. He patiently explained that the bit goes in the drill and sticks out in front to cut holes. He also showed me the difference between wrenches.
– Read up. The books you find at garage sales will do you more good than the rusty tools. Your local library also offers a range of advice books. Some helpful titles: ”Time-Life Books` Complete Home Repair Manual” (Time-Life, $24.95) (Time-Life also has a series of books for specific home-repair projects); ”Home Repair Handbook” (Sunset Books, $9.95 paperback); and
”Reader`s Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual” (Reader`s Digest, $21.95).
