Creating a Valuable Basic Home Repair Tool Kit

September 18, 2018

A List of "Don't Be Without" Tools

Nobody wants to call a repair-man every time something small needs to be done around the house. You can pick up new skills and techniques these days just a Youtube video or two, but having the right tools on hand can be just as important. If you want to stock your home repair tool kit right, look for these: Must Have Screwdrivers As you probably know, screwdrivers come in many shapes and sizes, much to the annoyance of the average homeowner. There are basically 3 types of shapes to the tip: flat head (straight), Philips (X-shape) or square. Each one corresponds to a matching screw shape. You'll find the Philips is the most common, but flat head screws are around pretty often for light-weight stuff like light switch cover plates. You should have a set of screwdrivers, covering small, medium and large sizes for each of the head types. Or go with a single screwdriver that comes with interchangeable tips. Save Time with a Drill / Screw Gun A good drill is vital and should double as a power screw gun for those more serious jobs where hand tools aren't going to be enough. A model with a reverse mode is very helpful for removing screws too. Even if you plan on using a hand screwdriver, using a drill to start the hole will make the job easier. Don't Be Without Pliers Getting a good grip means a handy pair of pliers. You should probably have a long-nosed pair as well as a snub-nosed pair, and having a wire-cutter built into the jaws is handy too. Turning a stubborn screw, gripping a small part, bending loose wire or **** Keep Handy an Adjustable Wrench Nuts and bolts are less common in the house than screws and nails, but you do see them in some plumbing or automotive repairs. Rather than having a bulky set in all different sizes, one adjustable wrench can usually do the trick. Essential to Have a Tape Measure A tape measure is a must for any household, used in many situations besides just doing repairs. Get one that is at least 25 feet long and you can take measurements for most situations around the house. Measure lumber before cutting, check to see if an appliance will fit in its new space, or work out the distance where the next nail needs to go. Home Repair is Easier with a Level Putting up shelves or curtain rods, hanging paintings, even placing furniture can use a level to make sure things are in exactly the right place. This simple tool can mean a lot fewer headaches later on. Don't Forget the Hammer And you can't forget the humble hammer. Good for both driving nails as well as pulling them up, try to get one that is a one-piece construction if you want it to last. And sometimes you just need a tool to hit something with. Your basic home tool repair kit is now complete. Keep everything together in a tool bag or even just a plastic tote so you don't have to search the house to find what you need. Even if you are on a budget, try not to buy cheap tools. You want to make sure they are up to the job when you really need them.

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Auto Rates and Finger Prints: Both are Unique to You!

By Jeff Ryan • April 7, 2026

Factors You Can’t Easily Control These factors are built into your profile, but still play a major role: Your location: Claim trends, traffic, and weather patterns where you principally drive. Your age and driving experience: Especially for younger drivers. Other drivers in your household: Their age and driving history. The vehicle you own: Unique to the Year, Make, Model, and Sub-model’s damageability and cost of parts/labor. These factors significantly influence price differences, but they don’t tell the whole story. Factors You Can Control This is where habits and wise decisions can make a real difference: Your driving habits: Minimizing tickets and accidents can have a direct impact. Your coverage choices: Liability limits, deductibles, and optional coverages can vary widely. Your insurance consistency: Avoiding lapses in coverage. Your annual mileage: How much and how often you drive. Discount opportunities: Bundling, pay-in-full, NYS defensive driving course. Your Insurance Score (Yes—You Can Influence It) Insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score as part of their rating process. While it’s based on financial behaviors, it is not permanent—and it can be improved over time. Simple habits like: Paying bills on time Reducing outstanding debt Avoiding excessive credit inquiries… can positively impact your score—and in turn, your insurance rates. Your insurance score is under your control and a worthy mid to long-term project in and of itself. For more information on what you can do to positively influence your score, see: Great 8 Tip #8 - What's Credit Got to Do with Insurance? How Can I Improve My Auto Insurance Score Why Comparing Rates Doesn’t Work When someone says, “I only pay…” , the uniqueness of their fingerprint is missing. What are their: Deductibles Driving history Insurance score Household profile Coverage limits: what they may be giving up in terms of protection. Price without context can be misleading and discouraging.