One thing we realized, when trying to work on our January Jumpstart was that our toolbox was lacking. In preparation for LA Spring Cure 08, we're going to remedy that. Here's are the basic tools on our list. Have we left out anything you think is essential?

• Toolbox: we're old school. We use a red metal one with two drawers.


• A reversible drill with a bit set: Our favorite tool.


• Hammer: Look for one that's 16 oz with a fiberglass shaft and a rip claw.


• A 16 foot tape measure: Get one that locks. We also have a traveling one. We have this at the ready when checking furniture listings.


• Vise grip pliers: A workhorse tool. You might need a couple of different sizes.


• A set of screwdrivers: a good mixed set includes flat and Phillips head drivers, maybe even a magnetic head.


• Needle nose pliers: if you can find a pair with a wire cutting blade, grab 'em.


• Safety glasses: We don’t start a project without these.


• Safety gloves. A must for protecting your hand while stripping furniture. A stud finder: Start here when hanging pictures


• A level: Indispensible for hanging pictures.


• A utility knife: Look for replaceable blades and keep some on hand.


• Staple gun: Tackle basic reupholstery jobs armed with one of these.


• Duct tape: For quick repairs and emergencies.


• Glue: White glue and crazy glue for repairing crockery repair.


• A wire cutter and stripper: Easier for electrical jobs than using a plier.


• Electrical tester: A lifesaver when doing electrical work. Always test it in a working outlet before starting a job.


• A 1/2 steel chisel: Plain. Simple. Useful.


• Pry bar: Hexagonal steel's the way to go here.


• A short handsaw: easier to manuver than a circular saw.

RELATED LINKS

• LA Spring Cure 08: Getting Started