JOIN USThe wall clock is about to fall because the nail is loose, the doorknob needs fixing, and the kitchen faucet is dripping. It's difficult to go and look for a plumber or carpenter every time a minor fixing is required. So let's make a list of a few tools that will help you with these small projects:
Screwdriver & hammers
Screwdrivers will help you when you want to install light switches, tighten the kitchen cupboard, or open the lids of metal cans. As for hammers, make sure that you buy a lightweight hammer with a strong metal, which means the strength required to use the hammer shall not reverberate your arm. A hammer will help you with driving nails in the wall to hang pictures, assemble furniture, and also break apart objects when required.
Pliers & wrenches
Pliers give your fingers an extra grip to hold small things. You can use them for twisting wires, holding something that has a round surface like a rod or wire, and it can also be used a part of tasks which involves cutting a wire. All plumbing fixes require a wrench. From a clogged sink to a dripping faucet to stuck radiator valves, all of them require the strength of a wrench. Make sure you buy a large monkey wrench as you would need it in a situation where you need to turn off a jammed plumbing valve.
Utility knife & cordless drill
A utility knife helps you cut strong packaging, strip wiring, or scrap painting. It's also a better replacement for a kitchen knife. In a utility knife, you can also replace the blade easily, plus you need to keep separate knives for cutting your packages and cutting your vegetables. Aside from a utility knife and screwdriver, a cordless drill is a must-have tool in your kit. It is quite useful when it comes to hanging shelves and assembling DIY furniture.
Measuring tape & light
Practically, every household needs a repair or an upgrade periodically that requires measuring. May it be for painting a room wall or purchasing a new sofa or a bed. A 25-foot tape shall suffice; and when you are buying the tape, buy a carpenter's pencil as well to mark your measurements. Emergencies that take place under the sink, back of the cabinet or in a dark corner of the basement are most difficult to solve without appropriate light. It is mandatory to keep a flashlight in the toolbox. It would also be really helpful when the electricity of the house goes out.
Broom
A broom will help you sweep dust and debris outside as well as inside your home. Many homes keep two brooms, the standard one which has stiffer bristles and a shorter base. And a wide broom that is equipped for cleaning debris outside of your home. A broom shall help you clean dry product spills, wipe the floor and also clean up broken glass.
Mop
If you have a tile or wood floor, you need to have a mop in the house. Ideally, keep two mops, a wet one and a dry one. While dusting, you can use a dry mop, and a wet one, along with hot water, and soaps especially designed for floors can be used for cleaning dirt and stains.
Baking soda
Baking soda is the oldest and best cleaning remedy. You can keep an open box in your refrigerator to diminish stale odour or to clean your drains, bathtub, pots and pans.
Bleach
Bleach is absolutely necessary for cleaning white surfaces such as the bathtub, toilet and sinks and the white tile bathrooms. It is also required for sanitising these surfaces. The purifying properties of the bleach will disinfect germs, just make sure you keep these products away from the reach of the children. The best part about these is that besides being reasonably priced they are also DIY tools. Although, once in a while, get a professional cleaning done as they have the expertise to cover the areas that you might miss.
(The author is city head- Bengaluru, SILA)