One of the universal truths of living in a house is that there are always projects that need to be done. Some of them are fall into the repair and function department, others in the purely decorative. At time the number of projects that need to be tackled seem a bit overwhelming and home-owners feel that completing those that must be done and those they wish to have done will be very expensive.
Many home-owners have long been do-it-yourselfers and, thanks to the internet and the number of easily to follow plans that are available, that number is growing. One of the keys to being a successful do-it-yourselfer is to have the right tools.
For example, say you wish to build a small shed for your gardening and yard working tools. The project only requires a few tools. However, selecting the right ones not only make the project easier but can have an impact on how the finished shed looks.
The five main tools you’ll need
- Saws
You’ll be making a lot of cuts when you build your shed and you have several options on how to proceed.
Crosscut saw – Instead of having your boards cut to length consider cutting them yourself. The old adage of “cut one measure twice” comes into play here. Nothing scuttles a task quicker than a yard full of lumber that is the incorrect size. Cutting the boards yourself also give you the advantage of flexibility as you can change the size of the shed. Make sure that your saw is sharp. Even if it is brand new, consider having the hardware shop sharpen it more. A dull saw is no fun to use.
Using a circular saw is an even better alternative. Circular saws will reduce the time and effort required to build your shed considerably. They have the advantage of being useful for ripping boards lengthwise as well as making cross cuts. If your shed is the first of many DIY projects a circular saw is a great investment.
Mitre saw – You will have several boards that need to be crosscut at an angle in building your shed. While you can make these cuts with a crosscut or circular saw, a mitre saw gives you the most accurate cut. Powered mitre saws are the most prevalent, but you can still find manual ones. Both provide the same precision, so it is basically a question of time and exertion.
- Hammer
Experienced do-it-yourselfers will tell you that the most expensive tool you will ever buy is a cheap hammer. A quality hammer will last a lifetime. Select a hammer with good balance; well-balanced hammers are far easier to use and cause less stress on your tendons and muscles. Make sure to select a hammer made from high-carbon steel.
The type of handle depends on your personal preference. Many professionals declare that hickory hands are still the best, with fiberglass and one-piece steel hammers following. For most home projects selecting a hammer that feels right to you is fine.
You may also wish to consider using nail guns. For your shed project you will be using finishing and framing nails. Nail guns are extremely accurate and make the job quicker. - Spirit Level
Most of us don’t have the ability to make sure that a board is straight and level just by looking at it. A spirit level helps insure that your boards are straight and level in all directions. - Tape measure
From the basic layout to the cutting of the lumber, you will be using measuring frequently. Just as with hammers, buying a quality tape measure is best. It will provide years of use. - Safety Goggles
One of the most important items you need is safety googles. Any home project has the potential to cause eye injuries which can range from the minor to severe. With your shed, you’ll have lots of sawdust and the potential for small flying debris. Self-protection is once again an area where you want to purchase a quality product. Most people gravitate toward safety googles. While these do a great job, they only protect your eyes.
You may wish to consider a full face shield for the most protection, although some people find the shields uncomfortable. While the face shield is optional, safety googles are not. Buy them and use them even when making one “quick cut".
Learn more about how to build a shed by watching our informative video below