Toolbox Must-Haves Buying Guide
A toolbox is only as useful as what's inside. As many know from experience, there's nothing more frustrating than rummaging through your toolbox only to be disappointed you don't have the right tool 
for the job. Use this guide as a check-list and see what you might be missing the next time you need to break out your tools.
Essential Tools
Hammers
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Claw hammers are great for carpentry work because you can remove nails if needed |
Rubber Mallets deliver a striking blow without the dents. |
Safety goggles should always be worn when hammering anything to protect your eyes. |
Chisels and Punches
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Chisels come in handy for cropping, trimming, or shaving wood or metal. |
Using a punch set instead of a Phillips screwdriver is much safer and far more effective. |
Pliers
Screwdrivers & Hex/Torx Wrenches
Wrenches
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Combination wrenches can withstand great amounts of torque when tightening/loosening fasteners. |
Adjustable wrenches are great because they can take the place of an entire combination wrench set if needed. Not recommended for tightening fasteners. |
Pipe wrenches are essential for any type of pipe or plumbing work. |
Oil filter wrenches allow you to remove an oil filter properly when doing oil changes. |
Time-Saving Equipment
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Rachet and socket sets allow you to quickly remove fasteners with less chance of stripping them. |
Electric screwdrivers remove screws and other fasteners at a safe RPM instead of using a drill with a screwdriver bit. |
Stud finders allow you to quickly and easily locate studs in a wall.
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Multi-tools can sometimes replace an entire toolbox. |
Valuable Extras
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Torque wrenches allow you to tighten fasteners to a specific amount of torque. Highly recommended for any engine work.
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Toolbox levels are extra handy when it comes to woodwork or hanging pictures. |
An electric drill will come in handy time and time again. Do not use as a replacement to a screwdriver or electric screwdriver. |
A heavy duty torch will brighten up any dim work area. |
Tape measures eliminate the guess-work. |
Toolbox Tips
- Always wipe off all tools after dirty jobs.
- Use small Tupperware containers to keep your tools from mixing with loose hardware inside your toolbox.
- Be sure to use each tool for its correct purpose.
- This ensures the tool won't break or cause injuries.
- Use a permanent marker to mark your tools so you can identify them if working with others.
- If you purchase a cordless power tool, look for one with a higher voltage (at least 18 volts).
- This will keep you from having to constantly charge the battery.
- Consider a corded drill for half the price.
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