Last week, I got an email from Amy Buckman of 6ABC, here in Philly. She had interviewed me last year, when HIP Chicks was just beginning and she now wanted my help on a piece about the essential tool box. What an opportunity. So I put together a list of basic tools every homeowner ought to own. Here is the printed list of the HIP Chicks-approved essential tool box. I found my favorites at my local Home Depot.
The Essential Power Tool:
- Ryobi 18 volt cordless drill lithium with two batteries, case $99
Essential Hand Tools:
- Stanley 25 foot tape measure $10
- Ratcheting screwdriver/drill bit set $15
- Zircon stud finder $15
- Hammers, 16 oz – $7 and 10 oz, $5 $12
- Levels, 3 foot – $10 and 12-inch torpedo – $5 to $15
- De Walt utility knife $5
- Pliers, set $15
- Wrench, adjustable $10
- Screwdriver set $7
- Husky soft-sided tote $20
Other options to add on:
- Ryobi 18 volt combo set drill, two batteries, case, circular saw, flashlight and reciprocating saw jigsaw – cordless to be used with 18 volt battery from drill kit
For seniors or those with disabilities: Ryobi 12 volt lithium, lighter weight and size, longer battery life but less power.
Drill sets are available with lithium batteries as well for about $50 more. Lithium batteries are lighter, hold charges longer and can be re-charged more times than nickel cadmium types. Lithium are also able to be discarded in regular trash. Nickel cadmium must be recycled and disposed of properly.
Several other specialty tools are worth having on hand to get the job done efficiently and accurately. Shoppers must weigh hourly and daily rentals fees with cost of buying basic homeowner model. Many homeowners will struggle with completing the project in the rental time so purchasing the tool is often a better value. Borrowing is always the better option if available. Folks should consider, if they do borrow, whether they are prepared to replace tools if damaged during their use. Best advice – don’t borrow the high-end tools, unless you can afford to replace/repair them. It is not worth losing a friendship.
