Must Have Tools

Hi there!

I was thinking about the tools that I would like (cuz my birthday isn't too far away), and about the tools I use all the time, and I thought it would be fun to put together a list of my must-have tools. Some I use every day, some just once in a while - but I like owning them, rather than having to borrow them. (It doesn't count as borrowing if they're technically Big A's does it? Or my Dad's? Or the neighbors? Good.)

Some of these tools I use for crafts/projects and some I use around the house for every day upkeep.

SO, without further ado, here's MY list of must-haves (with links if you like, or find any of these things in all of the big package stores).

Leatherman. I keep this in the kitchen drawer. It has just about anything you need to accomplish small tasks without having to lug out a heavy tool box.  A screwdriver, can opener, pliers, little scissors, jack knife, mini-saw, even a beer opener! These are invaluable for the home and for travel - I take mine camping. They also make great gifts!

Cordless Drill. Between the two of us, Big A and I probably use this every week. If you have a home, you'll need it to hang curtains, shelving,  or to put most anything together. Try to get one with a decent sized battery because there's nothing worse than running out of juice mid-project!

Portable Light. We have a couple of portable lights, but I like the short type so that they fit on a table top.

Staple Gun/Glue Gun. Both are very inexpensive, and I use mine every week, if not every day. Actually I have several of each. 

Spray Paint Adaptor. Cheap, so get one! Trust me hand cramps are not necessary.  Get one of these and make spray painting a whole lot easier!

Saw Horses. I have metal saw horses that fold up and have a carrying handle. Throw on a piece of ply wood, and it's the perfect work surface for outside, or for an extra work surface anywhere.

General tool box. Big A has tool boxes as tall as me, but all I really need is a small, general use toolbox.

There are a lot of other handy tools you could invest in, but these are truly on my daily rotation. And here's a list of general tools you might want to keep on hand:

Utility knife

Paint brushes/sponges

Tarps/drop clothes

Different length levels

Tape measures

Wood Glue

Paint buckets

Eye protection

Gloves

WHAT WOULD YOU ADD TO MY LIST???

(Now, if you're working with the real big girl/boy tools, that's a whole other list of must-haves.

But let me talk to Big A before I finish that list!)