DEAR TIM: I am getting ready to move into my first home. I am really excited. But, I just realized that I don't own any tools. My friends and family want to get me started on a tool collection before I move in. What do feel are the most important tools I will need to do a majority of home repairs and improvements? If money were no object, what should I wish for? Ashley W., Danville, VA

DEAR ASHLEY: I remember the euphoria of buying my first home. Your excitement is well deserved and it will be recharged each time you successfully complete a home repair or small home improvement project. You are smart to begin your tool collection now. If you are like most people, you will need tools to do an assortment of projects within the first 24 hours of moving in. My first piece of advice is to buy high quality tools. I have certain tools in my truck and basement that have served me well for nearly 25 years.

Let's talk about your Must-Have tools first. I feel that you should have a new 16 ounce anti-vibration hammer. This type of hammer is designed to absorb shock that can cause arm fatigue and repetitive motion injuries. If you intend to hammer large nails, get a 20 ounce hammer. You will find that an aluminum framing square, retractable razor knife, and a 30 foot tape measure with a 1 inch wide blade will come in very handy.

Next I would like to see you have a 2 foot level. A wide pry bar that works like a traditional crow bar will come in handy for many jobs. A rubber sanding block, adjustable wrench, needle nose pliers and a combination wire cutter / wire stripper will start to round out your hand tool collection.

Be sure to get an assortment of traditional screwdrivers that have both flat head and Phillips tips. A chalk line, professional caulk gun, hacksaw and several putty knives will be needed for many projects.

You absolutely need a power circular saw and a power drill. I have fallen in love with the cordless power tools and really feel the 18 volt models have plenty of power and balance. Many manufacturers offer these two tools in a combination kit that includes a charger and two batteries. Many cordless saws have a 5.5 inch diameter blade that cuts through any 2x material. Many cordless drills have wonderful keyless chucks. You will find that you become very attached to these powerful cordless work-savers.

When you operate the power tools you will need protective eyeglasses and some foam rubber ear plugs. Certain jobs will require you to get up in the air. A six foot tall step ladder will allow you to tackle many jobs. A tool apron, soft sided tool storage bags, and even a plastic tool caddy on wheels will help you store your tools as you work and protect them when not in use.

If the tool fairy appeared before you and said that you could have every tool you could start to name in the next 60 seconds, here is where I would start (Take a deep breath!)

• Power miter box saw
• impulse trim and framing nail gun or a pneumatic nail gun combo kit with hot dog air compressor
• rotary hammer drill
• wood rasp
• cats paw nail puller
• linesman's pliers
• coping saw
• masonry chisels
• assorted squeeze clamps
• propane or acetylene torch kit
• copper tubing cutter
• 14 inch pipe wrench
• extension ladder
• 4 sets of pipe scaffolding
• socket set and ratchets
• wet/dry vacuum
• four foot level
• stainless steel drywall knives and mud pan
• pole sander
• table saw
• quick release drill bit set
• power reciprocating saw
• electronic stud finder
• pop rivet gun set
• mason's trowel
• magnesium concrete hand float
• wheelbarrow
• round point shovel
• square point shovel
• road broom
• extension cords
• belt sander......

  Bzzzzzzzzz .... Time's Up!

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