You know the feeling: You're in the middle of a project and proceeding with enthusiasm when — wham! — you discover you don't have the tool you need for the next step. Or, even more maddening, you know you have it, but you can't find it.With the tips below, you'll not only learn what tools and gadgets you need for every job; you'll find out how to take care of them, too. Let's get started with assembling your toolbox:
- A drill driver is really a combination of a drill and a screwdriver. Look for one that's lightweight enough to hold over your head if you need to. Also check the number of volts in the battery; you want something between 12 and 18 volts. That will give you all the power you need.
- A jigsaw lets you cut anything you want out of wood: curves, small details.
- A compound miter saw lets you make straight or angled cuts. It's great if you're installing molding or anything that needs mitered corners.
- A power nailer is the hot-glue gun of home improvement.
- A laser level sticks to the wall and shoots out a beam that forms a perfectly level line across the wall. It's great for hanging pictures, mounting curtain rods or putting up shelves.
