Kitchens.it

DO IT YOURSELF IN THE KITCHEN

Hanging a clock, tightening a screw, fixing a frayed electrical wire: there are many small maintenance jobs that you can do in the kitchen.

What are the basic tools?
Hammer. You will need one for hanging mirrors, pictures, a clock or whatever other thing comes to mind. You can choose different materials - rubber, plastic or steel - the most common type is the carpenter's hammer, which has a claw on one side for pulling out nails.
Pliers and pincers. Pliers help you to grip, squeeze, unite and cut different objects or metal or copper wires. Similar to pliers but rounder and snub nosed, pincers are used above all for pulling out nails and tightening wire bindings.

Adjustable wrench. For tightening and loosening various kinds of nuts and bolts. Sometimes you will need two: one to hold the head of the bolt fast, and one to turn the nut.
Screwdriver. For screwing and unscrewing screws. You will need two types - flat head and Phillips - in at least three different sizes (large medium and small), the minimum for managing the different types and sizes of the most common screws.

Small accessories you can't do without
To complete your tool box, you will need to also get some generic accessories, to be used in various situations.
- A box of nails and screws.
- Electrician's tape for covering any exposed or frayed electrical wires.
- A box cutter and a measuring tape at least two meters long.
- Glue and silicone.

Where to keep these tools?
The last thing you need to get is a tool box to hold all your tools. You can find tool boxes made of metal or of resin, a very tough and lightweight polymer.
Structurally, the two most common kinds are a simple box and that which is equipped with trays that open out like steps.
Finally, for the most demanding do it yourselfer hardware stores sell aluminum trolley cases complete with everything necessary for every household job.

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