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Basic Tools for the Budget Decorator

© Barbara Nicholson Bell

You really don't need to spend a great deal of money, set up a state-of-the-art workshop or become the "toolmeister" of the neighborhood to do simple decorating projects. There are good quality tools available at reasonable cost and you can put together a kit that serves most of your project needs.

If you aren't still living at home and depending on Dad to hang pictures for you, you might already know how to use a hammer and screwdriver. Now's the time to actually go to the hardware department or store to purchase your own!

The Basics:

• Medium-weight (16 oz.) claw hammer. This gets its name from the two-pronged extension opposite the hitting surface. The handle of the hammer may be wood, fiberglass or aluminum. If it is not wood there should be a padded grip for comfort. Professionals are divided in their preference, but to me, the wood handle absorbs more of the impact so that your arm doesn't get tired as fast. Aluminum or fiberglass handled hammers are lighter weight, and may last longer. Try hefting several of each in your price range and see what feels comfortable to you.
  
• Screwdrivers, one long and one short each, Phillips-head and flat-head. You may also find multi-tipped screwdrivers with several interchangeable heads. These cost a little more but are very convenient. Look for the quality of the edge of a flat-head screw - cheaper ones will have a rough or stamped look. Try to have two sizes of heads for each type, for small and large screws.
  
• Tape measure. A 25-foot retractable tape measure is essential, will cover most project needs and is inexpensive.
  
• Utility knife or box-cutter. There are two basic kinds of utility knives or box cutters. A slim, pencil-like knife with a long blade that snaps off in sections to get a fresh cutting edge will work for cutting cardboard, acetate, mat board, string, etc. Using it for prolonged periods will be uncomfortable. The other kind, usually in a heavy metal torpedo shape, has replaceable blades that can be stored inside the tool. This type of knife is suitable for cutting carpet, vinyl tile, balsa and veneers, heavy cord, and scoring wood or drywall.
  
• Needle (long) nosed pliers. You'll find many uses for these pliers, from picking up tiny objects to holding a nail in place while hammering so you don't hit your thumb! You can bend heavy wire, or hold a small object while painting it. Very useful!