Start with a highly recommended how-to book, such as Better Homes & Gardens – New Complete Guide to Home Repair and Improvement and New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual by Reader’s Digest.

With knowledge in hand, it’s a good idea to have a basic set of tools. When choosing, experts advise buying the best quality possible. Good tools can last a lifetime and help ensure professional results, while poor ones tend to break, cause frustration and can even damage a project.

A hardware or home center employee can guide you in quality tool selection. Here are the top ten tools that home experts say should be in every toolbox:

1. Toolbox – Start with a sturdy, latching container that can protect the tools and keep them safe, organized, and ready to go.
2. Safety goggles – Safety is the first step in any do-it-yourself project.
3. Screwdrivers – Start with a couple sizes of both flat blade and Phillips types
4. Hammer – Choose a 16-ounce claw model that fits comfortably in your hand, heavy enough to accomplish most tasks but not too heavy.
5. Tape measure – Choose one with a shock resistant case in a bright colour, so it’s easy to spot in your toolbox. For real convenience, try one with a built-in voice recorder to store your measurements like the Zircon Repeater.
6. Slip-joint pliers with wire cutting jaw.
7. Adjustable wrench.
8. Utility or box knife.
9. Drill – This is the one power tool that’s a must.
10. Stud finder – For dozens of home improvement projects a stud finder can be worth its weight in gold. Try the new Zircon StudSensor Pro SL-AC. It finds studs without guesswork and includes a new WireWarning safety feature so you won’t accidentally nail or drill into live AC voltage.

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