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We gave you a quick, comprehensive guide to the power tools you need in your shed. Now it’s time for us to give you a helpful guide to the basic toolbox in your garage. You may have tools that are collecting dust and others that need to be replaced from too much use. Either way, Warner Service is breaking down your basic toolbox: 

Claw hammer. This tool will be used for almost every project. It’ll sit at the top of your toolbox, so make sure it’s practically indestructible. You can never go wrong with a quality claw hammer. 

Nails. You shouldn’t have a hammer without nails, so pick up a variety pack at your local hardware store. You’ll need them sooner than you think.

Phillips screwdriver. A Phillips screwdriver has a four-star point at the end that fits into most screws’ shallow, cross-shaped holes. It allows homeowners to apply more torque than a flathead screwdriver, so your project gets done faster. 

Tape measure. Having a reliable tape measure is the key to success for so many household projects. Whether you’re building a kitchen cabinet or measuring the distance between shelves, a retractable, dependable tape measure is a must-have in any toolbox.

Putty knife. Made for repairing holes in the wall, this tool is necessary for any homeowner. From fixing thumbtack residue to total renovations, holes in the wall are no match for a good putty knife and some top-notch plaster.

Crescent wrench. This handy dandy tool is guaranteed to see a lot of action. The crescent wrench is like having multiple wrenches in one tool. It’s adjustable, so you can use it for different nuts and bolts.

Locking pliers. Also known as vise grip pliers, these bad boys lock in place, allowing users to disengage with one hand. They can also be used as a pipe wrench, an adjustable wrench, wire cutters, a ratchet or a clamp. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of pliers.

Utility knife. Speaking of Swiss Army knife-like tools, you need a utility knife. This tool is for everything from opening boxes to sharpening pencils (the old-fashioned way, clearly). Just make sure you get a slip-resistant utility knife. 

Level. You need a level. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise because if you listen to them, you’ll have crooked pictures and shelves for the rest of your life.

Needle-nose pliers. This tool is the cornerstone of electrical work. Good needle-nose pliers are comfortable to grip, and they create clean, smooth cuts with every pivot.

Staple gun. OK, so technically this could be considered a power tool, but they have hand-powered versions, too! No matter which model you choose, every homeowner should have a good staple gun on hand.

Carpenter’s square. This just looks like a funny-shaped ruler, but it’s an important tool. Also known as a rafter square, builder’s square, combination square or roofer’s square, this tool is made for framing, laying out and marking patterns for stairways, framing and roofing.

Safety goggles. Safety first! (Or in this case, last to make an ironic point.) When it comes to do-it-yourself projects, purchasing a quality pair of safety goggles is the smartest thing any homeowner can do. Put them on before handling any of the tools we mentioned above, so you can focus on the project without risking injury.

And there you have it. We’ve given you a comprehensive guide to the best tools in the business. If you need more of our advice, schedule a maintenance check-up with Warner Service today.

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