If you are gathering tools to have together in your tool box ready for fix ups and repairs, a tape measure is a definite must have. Tape measures come in handy in so many situations, that I know people who carry a tape measure on their hip just in case they need it.

You don’t need to buy a fancy tape measure either, just a plain old metal or plastic cased one that measures up to 30 feet. I use a tape measure at least twice a month and I even keep mine in my kitchen in a junk drawer just in case.

They are very easy to use and are almost indestructible.

A level is probably one of those tools that you don’t think you would have any use for, but you would be wrong. A level comes in handy so many times, and I have a few that I use all the time. I have a couple different sizes and shapes and they are great to have when building a piece of furniture, or putting up a picture frame or when putting up shelving.

Levels are inexpensive, they don’t take up much room and you will be surprised how often you will use one.

There are so many different styles of levels out now that you are sure to find the perfect one for you. They come in many sizes, some are magnetized, some have lasers and some suction cups so you can stick them right on the wall. You can get one at your local hardware store.

A jig saw is used to cut wood and can be used to cut metal with a metal cutting blade. Jigsaws are great and very useful. I still don’t own one yet, and I borrow my dad’s all the time.

I have used it to cut a space for my dishwasher to fit into my cabinets and to cut out odd shapes in plywood.

Jigsaw’s can be priced from about $60 and up. I would recommend getting a good one which would run you about $100.00 and extra blades are about $11.00 for a pack of 2. This saw is a must for anyone who likes to build small projects and make intricate cuts into wood.

I have decided to start a bi-weekly post on TOOLS only. There are soo many tools out there, and it took me a long time to figure out what a lot of them are and how they work. I used to hear people talk about tools and I thought they were talking another language.

Now I have a knowledge of tools and I want to share them with you. This post I will start with a basic tool that most people have to use at least once in their lifetime and that’s a HAMMER.

A basic Hammer is very easy to use, and is usually made of a solid wood handle and a hard metal type base which is where you “hit” your objects such as a nail. There is also a claw to pull out nails that either don’t make it all the way into your wood, or that are stray and need to be removed. Hammers are very easy to use and everyone should have one in their home.

Ever since I moved from home with my parents when I was 18 I have started my own tool collection. I knew when I was leaving that I would need to get some tools together because I would use my dad’s tools all the time, and even though I don’t live more than 4 miles up the street, I wanted to have my own set so I didn’t have to bother him all the time. I am proud of what I have gathered over the past 6 years and one of the first tools to get for my collection was a Battery powered drill and saw. I got those as a gift from my dad.

Next gift from my dad was a jig saw. My now husband bought me a very nice circular saw. My dad also bought me a Miter box saw. I bought myself a nice set of screwdrivers, hammers, levels and misc. other smll tools. My husband has also bought me a nice tool belt and very nice plastic foldable saw horses. I have also been given a used table saw. I love all my tools and the collection will keep growing. Tools are great to have around especially for someone like me who builds and crafts many items almost on a daily basis.