Maintaining the Home:
Interior Maintenance
Make a Basic Toolkit for Simple Home Repairs
You will need basic tools to make simple home repairs. You can buy a complete set of tools in a kit or you can buy tools one at a time, as you need them. You may want to buy new or used tools. You also may be able to borrow or rent the tools you need.
- Claw hammer —
Also called a carpenter's hammer or a nail hammer. Use it to drive
and pull nails. A 16-ounce hammer is suggested for normal home
repairs.
- Flat-bladed screwdriver —
Use it to drive and remove screws with straight slots.
- Phillips head screwdriver —
Use it to drive and remove screws with +-shaped slots.
- Pliers —
Use them to grasp and turn objects. Be careful, as plier jaws can
damage smooth surfaces. These also can be used for cutting wire.
- Adjustable wrench —
Use it to turn nuts and bolts. Smooth jaws won't damage shiny fittings.
- Utility knife —
Use it to cut plastic, floor tile, cardboard, etc. It has razor-sharp, replaceable blades.
- Putty knife —
Use it to repair holes in walls.
- Steel tape —
Also called retractable tape, push-pull tape or a tape rule. Use it to take measurements up to 12 feet long.
- Hand drill* —
Also called an eggbeater drill. Use it to drill holes less than ¼
inches in diameter. It works like an eggbeater.
*Electric drills and cordless drills also are available.
- Toilet plunger —
Also called a plumber's friend or suction plunger. Use it to unclog drains or toilet.
By carefully reading instructions and practicing, you can learn to make simple home repairs.
This material was adapted from publications produced by Iowa State University.
Next: Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products
