Single Mom Needing Advice on Tools

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Lexee15

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It sucks being a single parent, mostly cause mom’s gotta take care of everything (I hate putting out the trash!!!):bigyikes:!!! Anyway, I got to thinking and realized I don’t even know if I have everything I need at home in case I need to fix something or in case of an emergency.

I lived alone for about 12 years, since I moved away from home and went to college, I never really thought about this then. I think it was because my dad was just an hour away if I needed something done to the house or if something went wrong I knew I could just call him. Now, I’m 3000 miles away from my dad and I have my ds to take care of, when I was single these things didn’t worry me…they do now.

Anyway, what would you say are absolute necessities when you have a house and there is no man in sight:p :rolleyes:? I want to get a drill also, what do you recommend and would be easiest for a girl (with nails and small hands) to use? How big, what can be done with it, cordless, with a cord, etc.? What should be in my toolbox?

Any information would be very helpful and I will be grateful. Also, should I look for a handyman, do they exist these days and how do I screen them or determine how they charge?
 
One of the major tool companies, maybe Black & Decker(?) has a line of Pink( !! ) tools sized for women’s smaller hands. I haven’t seen them anywhere except on t.v. Maybe you could Google them? Make sure you get a good hammer and several screwdrivers, both Phillips and flat. Also, an adjustable wrench. You might want to look into a good repair manual for simple home repairs.

Peace,
Linda
 
Avon has a tool box, good for crafters, all in pink some of the tools are a bit flimsy for bigger household jobs

DH got each daughter a red toolbox from Sears full of tools as a HS graduation present, and they all agree it is one of their best most used gifts ever.

I put together my own box because I can’t go rooting through the shed or hubby’s tool box.

pick them up in the store (lowes, sears, HD) to see if you like the weight and heft

get a tool box that is sturdy and has a couple of top trays that fold out or lift out

hammers:
small claw hammer
tack hammer if you do upholstery
rubber mallet

t-square ruler and good steel tape measure, one that stays in place until you hit the button to retract it
level with bubble
a stud finder if you will be hanging shelves, pictures etc.
pliers:
needlenose with magnetic tip for picking up spilled tacks or pins
the regular crab claw kind
channel locks for plumbing repairs
wrenches:
socket wrench set (has a ratchet handle and you fit in the socket to fit the job)
box/hex wrench set
pallet knife or box cutter with replaceable blades

screwdrivers - I got an electric one that I love with several choices of tips but you still need both phillips and flat head screwdrivers in at least 3 sizes, including a couple with short handles for tight spaces,
if you do crafting or computer work you might want a mini set as well.

plastic box with assorted fasteners, screws, nuts, bolts and washers

black electrical tape
blue painters masking tape
thick pencils

hacksaw
find a family member who has a small hand power saw and practice with it, will handle most jobs if you are not actually building and doing carpentry, just to cut a length of wood

if you will be refinishing furniture yourself get a belt sander, and have somebody show you how to use it

these are tools I have for myself, although I don’t use them much any more, but at different times in my life when I have been alone they really come in handy. I used to use this toolbox on a couple of job sites, then it became my personal toolbox, but I love having my own. I have a small pocket adjustable wrench and a scout knife I have had since high school.
 
My ex took all of the tools when he came to pick up his personal property. I didn’t have much money at the time, so I went to Target and they had a tool box for 29.99 that had all of the basics. It is nice to have it all in one place. It came with a cordless drill/screwdriver. I think that part is basically pretty useless since it doesn’t have much power. As far as getting a nice cordless drill, I would say go to Costco and get what they are selling. They don’t have the selection, but their prices are good. The DeWalt drill we got there seems to be pretty good with a lot of power.

You can find instructions for just about any repair on line. Just google what it is that you are looking to do. I’ve replaced all the doorknobs and locks myself, snaked a clogged toilet, and patched a hole in the wall myself. I’ve discovered that these things were so easy to do. Much nicer to just do them yourself than have to ask someone. Although my stepfather and next door neighbor have been great about volunteering.
 
You can buy a decent set at Target. They come in various sizes and are reasonably priced (i.e., $30-60).

I would highly recommend one that includes an electric screwdriver. 👍
 
I have an impact wrench in my car to assist with changing tires (so far, I haven’t needed it 🙂 )

Before I got it, I hadn’t heard of one. It’s a power tool. You use it to take the lug nuts off and put them on again after the tire is changed. I’ve tried changing a tire with the hand tool and it’s more amusing than effective.

Another item in my trunk is a portable battery charger so I can jump my own car battery. I also have a good set of jumper cables. I know these aren’t house tools, but I have these for the time when I might be stuck on the side of the road without a man handy.

Good luck!
 
PuzzleAnnie has a pretty good list and the other posters have really good suggestions. I would add a small pry bar, a nice roll of wire (not electrical), and a kit of mixed washers, nails, bolts, nuts and screws some plastic nuts to connect electrical wire. And, get a picture hanging kit while you’re at it. Don’t overbuy until you get some experience and it pays to buy quality tools. One exception–I have a very cheap set of pliers and a cheap multi bit screwdriver in what I think everyone calls the kitchen junk drawer. I probably use them more than anything else I have.

One final idea–Get a nice Swiss Army Knife though not one of the hundred tool monstrosities. I think Wenger’s Grand Teton with the scissors and serrated blade is a must for any household. It great for trips too (though not for your air carry on of course).

Almost forgot–get a plunger and have someone explain how to use it. The need for a plunger usually occurs when stores are closed.
 
proudnifi said:
I have an impact wrench in my car to assist with changing tires (so far, I haven’t needed it 🙂 )

Before I got it, I hadn’t heard of one. It’s a power tool. You use it to take the lug nuts off and put them on again after the tire is changed. I’ve tried changing a tire with the hand tool and it’s more amusing than effective.

Another item in my trunk is a portable battery charger so I can jump my own car battery. I also have a good set of jumper cables. I know these aren’t house tools, but I have these for the time when I might be stuck on the side of the road without a man handy.

Good luck!
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I use a long breaker bar with a socket that fits the lug nuts. It works much easier than a standard lug wrench. It provides decent torque because it is about two feet long.

I also recommended getting a hydraulic floor jack. I changed a tire with the scissor jack that came with my car, and the car rolled off the jack. :eek: I was not injured but bought a better jack after that incident. I have changed tires 8 times (nails are attracted to my tires! :eek: ). I have also jump-started a car three times, using jumper cables.
 
PoliSciProf said:
PuzzleAnnie has a pretty good list and the other posters have really good suggestions. I would add a small pry bar, a nice roll of wire (not electrical), and a kit of mixed washers, nails, bolts, nuts and screws some plastic nuts to connect electrical wire. And, get a picture hanging kit while you’re at it. Don’t overbuy until you get some experience and it pays to buy quality tools. One exception–I have a very cheap set of pliers and a cheap multi bit screwdriver in what I think everyone calls the kitchen junk drawer. I probably use them more than anything else I have.

One final idea–Get a nice Swiss Army Knive though not one of the hundred tool monstrosities. I think Wenger’s Grand Teton with the scissors and serrated blade is must for any household. It great for trips too (though not for your air carry on of course).
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Great choices. I would also recommend some hollow wall anchors and hollow door anchors (for putting hooks on doors).
 
Almost forgot again–Get a battery powered lantern (the kind used for camping) with spare batteries and keep a few flashlights around for power outages. Ditto a few candles and matches. The kind of rechargeable flashlight that plugs into a wall socket until needed is a solid investment.
 
The last post reminded me of something. Even though this might not be classified as ‘tools’, it was very useful after Katrina.

I live in South East Mississippi two hours from the Gulf Coast. We never thought we would ever see huge direct effects of any hurricane but we did. No electricity for about 2-3 weeks and no water for about a week if I remember correctly.

What helped us out. Plenty of large buckets to keep water in, solar/windup radio, battery powered lamps, one scrub board for laundry, one large ice chest to dump all the ice in before it melts and to keep drinks cool in once it does melt.

A gas can and a generator. You don’t ever want to be stuck without those things.

Also if you have youngsters, a battery powered fan.
 
Lexee… Sweetie, you can always get a hold of me and I can either send a son up to Chicago or I can come up if you need help. As for tools… yes, get one of the prepackaged sets and add to it as you need stuff.
Typical stuff you will use:
hanging curtains and shades:
drill
phillips screwdriver
small level

shelves:
same as above for pre-packed but if making your own…add
sander
hammer
saw

bathroom needs
2 crescent wrenches
assorted washers and screws
pipe tape
pipe dope

Windows (panes):
utility blade
points (little things that hold glass in)
glazing
GLOVES

changing locks:
screw drivers
drill and special bits (only if door isn’t pre-drilled)

Things you should always have…
electrical tape
duct tape
screwdrivers phillips and common
wrench (crescent)
pliers (you don’t know how handy these are!!!)
needle-nose
cutters
hammer
measuring tape
utility knife (kind with razor blades)
scissors
hand, hack or keyhole saw
FIRST AID KIT
 
BlestOne said:
Lexee… Sweetie, you can always get a hold of me and I can either send a son up to Chicago or I can come up if you need help. As for tools… yes, get one of the prepackaged sets and add to it as you need stuff.
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You are toooo sweet:wink: :love: , thank you, but I would never make you travel that far…or one of your son’s…unless I’m in a real bind that is:whistle: :crying: !
 
Everyone has covered tools, so I will make a suggestion for your other question.

Yes, handymen do still exist. Ask around at your parish. Maybe your KofC can help out, or know someone reputable that can. I wouldn’t go looking in the want ads. You have to be sooo careful about who you bring into your home.
 
Kanda said:
Everyone has covered tools, so I will make a suggestion for your other question.

Yes, handymen do still exist. Ask around at your parish. Maybe your KofC can help out, or know someone reputable that can. I wouldn’t go looking in the want ads. You have to be sooo careful about who you bring into your home.
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:amen:
That’s why I get real nervous about ANYONE (male) coming to my house for anything. My soon-to-be ex-husband still has stuff here so I use it to make it look like a man lives here:blush: , I’m not sure if that’s ok to do, but what else can I do:shrug: ? I also don’t know what I’m going to do when he takes it:shrug: .
 
Lexee15 said:
:amen:
That’s why I get real nervous about ANYONE (male) coming to my house for anything. My soon-to-be ex-husband still has stuff here so I use it to make it look like a man lives here:blush: , I’m not sure if that’s ok to do, but what else can I do:shrug: ? I also don’t know what I’m going to do when he takes it:shrug: .
Click to expand...
Get a black leather jacket that is three sizes too big for you, and hang it in the coat closet where it can be seen from the door. Maybe throw a motorcycle helmet on the floor nearby, as well.

On the subject of tools, I have a big pair of self-sharpening scissors that I got in 1979, that I have used for literally every cutting job - they’re great for stiff fabrics, cardboard, venetian blinds, and bristol board, as well as regular cutting jobs.
 
I didn’t get a chance to read all the posts but I think you got
some very practical advice. Here’s something I read —on the
light side of things:
“You need just two things to fix things around the house,
duct tape for things that move and shouldn’t and WD-40 for
those things that don’t move and should.”
 
well…
you can always save a lot of money on tools and knock on the door of a nearby eligible bachelor, ask for some help.

Worked for my wife when we met :rolleyes:
 
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