Many of us have that person we call when we need help with car issues, home maintenance or remodeling projects, equipment that won’t start and millions of other problems. That dad, uncle or grandpa that just seems to know how to do everything. That’s Bowie. Bowie is our family’s go-to, and I’m sharing him with you in this ongoing feature called, Ask Bowie. So, need to rewire an outlet? Snowblower won’t start? Furnace won’t fire? Wondering what that strange tool in your toolbox is used for? Submit your questions in the Ask Bowie topic on our Brew City Dads Forum and check back to view this feature often for answers and general wisdom.

Ask Bowie - January 19, 2021

Question - “I recently got married and moved my family into a new house. I’m looking to upgrade my tools from the basic set I got years ago to one that will get me through the majority of household projects and general maintenance. What are the essential tools I need?”

Bowie - You’ll want to consider a tool set that not only gets you through your basic home maintenance projects, but also general automotive and small engine maintenance, and those “some assembly required” furniture purchases you make online. With tools, like many things, you get what you pay for. Tool manufacturers will often advertise 100 piece + tool sets for cheap prices. Many of those include tools you probably won’t use, tools you’ll lose or tools that will break when they meet any sort of heavy resistance. It’s about quality, not quantity. A good set of tools will last you a lifetime. That’s why before you go out and buy new, look for used tools on the various online marketplaces or at estate sales. There are plenty of quality, and affordable, used tools out there.

So, what are the basic tools you should have in your toolbox? I don’t want to assume what you already have, so here is a list of the tools you will use most often as a homeowner:

• Screwdrivers - Most people know what Phillips head and flat head (aka, slot head, flat blade) screwdrivers are. You’ll need a good set that includes at minimum #1 and #2 tips, which refers to the size of the tip of the screwdriver. Those will work with the majority of screw sizes you will encounter in a home. I recommend a set of tiny screwdrivers, sometimes referred to as jewelers’ screwdrivers, for all of those electronic accessories you have that take batteries such as remote controls and many of your kid’s toys. If you want to have all your bases covered, you might consider purchasing a driver kit that comes with 10-20 assorted bits usually including a flat, Phillips, torx, and more.

• Pliers - there five types of pliers I would suggest you start with. The first and probably most common are slip joint pliers. These are the pliers that allow you to adjust the thickness of the opening depending on what you’re trying to grab. The second are channel lock pliers. These will be used on most plumbing projects you might decide to take on. Next are needle nose pliers. There are many uses, but these definitely come in handy when you’re working in small spaces, trying to grab onto something small, or with wiring. Speaking of wiring, you should have a wire cutter. You’ll need these with any electrical work, or really anything requiring you to cut or strip wires. Lastly, I would recommend a vise grip. Again, these are multipurpose but will especially help around the house when you need to remove those broken screws, when you have to clamp something in place or quickly pinch off a leaky hose.

• Wrenches - like screwdrivers and pliers, there are many sizes and options. A quality wrench and socket set are probably your best bets if you can afford it, especially if you’re going to be doing basic auto and small engine maintenance. Many companies manufacture them, but remember, quality over quantity. You get no extra credit by having the most sockets in your toolbox. Plus, the more you have, the harder it is to find the one you need. If auto and small engine maintenance is beyond your comfort level and you only plan to wrench around the house, then you can get by with a small 6” adjustable wrench for starters. If you’ve ordered furniture and have had to put it together at home, then you’ve probably used an Allen wrench. Usually one will be provided, but they aren’t always the best quality. You can buy a small set with common sizes in a case, or a set of Allen wrenches attached together as one tool like a pocket knife. These will make them easier to find later.

• Other - The last few items you’ll need to round out your tool set will be a small carpenter’s hammer, a tape measure and something to put your tools in. For now, just use a small tub. The large tool chests costing thousands of dollars can come later. Lastly, don’t forget a flashlight, and I don’t mean the one attached to your phone. You never know when you might need a flashlight to find that phone when you lose it.

Have a question for Bowie? Email your questions to publisher@brewcitydads.com.