The Right Stuff

What makes doing it yourself fun?

When I was a college student living in a basement apartment, I had an idea for my bathroom. This tiny tiny bathroom had exposed pipes and a concrete shower stall and was just, um, icky. On a long drive I had an idea, and by that evening the bathroom was transformed. Some metallic sage Ralph Lauren paint and 200 keys I had collected hanging from the pipes made that little ugly room my ugly room. The fun was seeing my daydream come to life.

Today my projects can are a little more sophisticated, but I have had more failures than I care to admit. What I've learned is this: you do actually need to acquire some skills to be a carpenter, tile-layer, floor refinisher or plumber. Really.

Since we all have home dreams and will certainly be trying our hands at various building endeavors again, here's the truth: You will be more successful doing even the littlest jobs yourself if you at least start with the right tools.

I found this great list on the web. The author says that for less than $200, we can own these basic tools. But, spend a little more, come on, don't be cheap! You'll be happier with the results, your level will actually read level, your knife will be sharper. Then commit to taking a little care of these things. Without these basic tools, trying to maintain your home is like trying to get the beans out of the can without a can opener. You'll end up with a useless mess.

Would you add anything to this list? Have any examples or funny stories to share? Chime in on the Designing Doors Forum!


THE ESSENTIALS

• Toolbox
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Vise grips
• Needle-nose pliers
• Screwdrivers (mixed set)
• Wire cutter/stripper
• Tape measure (16-foot)--Oh I have a funny story about this. For graduation I was given a "Do It Herself" toolkit (not nearly as nice as the one pictured above!). 212 pieces, most of which were nails and screws, and some basics like a mini-hammer and a 6-foot tape measure. Just so you know, there is very little you can measure with a 6-foot tape. I did try. I'd make marks at 6 feet and measure from there. When you go for the tape measure, go for the best. The Stanley Fat Max is rigid, accurate, sturdy, and a little pricey. Buy it, care for it. Measure precisely with it!
• Electrical tester
• Reversible drill with bit set (There is just no reason to use a drill with a cord. It's a pain in the butt. If you can afford two drills do it--one for drilling, one for screwing. That way you won't have to change bits every few minutes when you are mid-project.)
• 1/2-inch steel chisel
• Utility knife
• Handsaw
• 9-inch torpedo level
• Safety glasses

6 NICE-TO-HAVES

• 7-1/4-inch circular saw
• Electronic stud finder
• Carpenter's square
• Random orbital sander
• Staple gun (get the heavy duty one unless you really are just stapling balsa wood)
• Clamps

That's my two-cents for today. Happy Spring, everyone!