What Every Woman Should Have In Her Tool Box!

There were so many times that I wanted to make something or fix something when my husband was at work or gone and I couldn't because all of the tools were locked up in his shop.

So one day I had enough and went to Harbor Freight and bought me my own tool box and bought me my own household set of tools. I was so happy and I had a blast doing it! There were so many things to choose from. I asked a few questions and pretty soon I was sure I had most everything I needed! That place carries just about every thing you can think of and them some! What they did not have, Home Depot did have.

Since then I have been able to do small honey do jobs myself! I can do a lot of things that I was unable to do before. It is amazing how much freedom you have, just by having your own well stocked tool box ladies!

You Need to have your Basic tools: Assorted sizes and types of screws and nails! I find it a good idea to put them in a small plastic box with dividers in it, like the ones used for beads.

There are two basic types of screws: Phillips screws and Flat - head screws and under them are a sub-category: Oval, Round and Flat-head. The Oval-headed screws rise above the surface in a slight oval. The Round-headed screw rises above the surface in a half circle. The Flat-headed screw stays flush with the surface. Do not forget to throw some screw washers into your box!

These common screws range in sizes from #2 - #16.

The most common screw used around the house is the Phillips screws. I used Phillips Round-headed screws for hanging up my cooking utensil racks. My can crusher in the washroom is hung up with the Phillips Flat-head screw.

There are four basic types of nails:

Common nails which are used when it doesn't matter if the head of the nail shows or not. I use them to hang pictures on walls since they are hidden behind them.

Casing nails which are used in building things like cabinets and on interior trim. On more than one occasion I have had to repair a kitchen or bathroom cabinet or trim in my home!

Finishing nails which are used often like casing nails but can be countersunk so you really can't see the head of the nail. I have used these nails to fix my paneling where it was coming loose (when I used to have paneling)! I have also repaired picture frames with these nails.

Common brads are small and thin nails, smaller than 1" and they are countersunk so the head doesn't show. They are used for light building jobs like building a bird house or a doll house.

It is important to have different lengths of nails as well. The length of a nail is designated by its penny size. They come in 2d which is 1" and 60d which is 6". Nails that are longer than 6d are called spikes, shorter than 2d and they are called brads.

Screwdrivers: Phillips and Slotted (small/medium)

Hammer: Medium Claw Hammer and Rubber Mallet Hammer (Used for hammering without leaving marks)

Pliers: Needle Nose and Wire Cutting pliers like the ones you use when doing crafts. You also need a heavier, pair of Slip Joint pliers to pull nails and staples out with.

Bradpuncher and Countersink: To set a brad or countersink a nail without leaving marks.

Measuring Tape:I have measured fabric, the space I wanted between picture frames, and window frames, among other things.

Duct Tape: The Temporary Fix all!Need to patch a garden hose or Tape shut a box this is your stuff!

Bailing/Safety Wire: To hang picture frames for example!

A pair of work gloves.

Elmer's Glue and Wood Glue. I have re-glued a piece of wallpaper down, a knob from a bed post and the edge piece of laminate flooring that was trying to come up!

A Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks: I have put a quick temporary hem in pants, curtains, glued down fabric to reupholster a stool, used it in crafts and other projects.

Now get started, take the first step and buy your own box, and fill it full of tools that are all yours! Then see what things you can start doing on your own!