Top 5 Tool Buying Tips

Can you have too many tools?

There are many tool buying tips but here are the Top 5 Tool Buying Tips that apply for a typical homeowner who wants to do some projects around the house.

1. Less is more: That tool set on sale with all the bits, screwdrivers, socket set, metric and imperial sockets, wrenches and pliers is not such a good deal if you will never use all the bits in your lifetime. They are made of low-quality steel so the parts you will use the most will not last. Often the clasps on the case will break and the pieces will constantly be falling out. You are better off to buy a better quality of the tool you will need.

2. Expensive isn’t always better: While expensive tools may have higher standards of quality, that doesn’t mean that they are right for the average homeowner doing minor projects around the house. The professional can justify the cost based on the amount of use. However, using a pricey table saw twice a year doesn’t justify the cost. Also, more expensive tools are generally more complicated with features that you won’t need.

3. Know your skill level: If you are a beginner who hasn’t done a lot of work around the house in the past, it may not be the best idea to buy the biggest, newest tool. Simplicity, at first, will allow you to get accustomed to using tools while minimizing the risk of injury or damage to your home. It’s best to avoid big power tools, like table saws, to make sure you know how to use it and avoid major costly mistakes to your home or body while using a tool you can’t properly control.

4. Rent tools you won’t need again: It may be prudent to rent rather than buy everything you see in your local home improvement store if you are just doing a one-off project. Renting tools will also force you to get the job done before you have to return it rather than having it drag on all year.

5. Go to store demos: The big hardware stores have demo classes for DIY projects. Also, they often have tools available at sales events that you can try out. Ask questions and check out YouTube so that you know how to use the tools you are buying.

To conclude my tool buying tips, rather than having a garage full of tools you will hardly ever use, hire a handyman who has all the tools and the skill and experience to do a better job. It does not help the resale value of your home to have things looking like they were not done by a professional.

About the Author: Stan The Ancaster Handyman

My name is Stanley McCall. I was born in Scotland and came to Canada when 11 years old. Growing up in Brantford my mother instilled in me the importance of having a career. I decided after working my summers in factories that I would rather work with my mind than labour in factories all my life. Because of that decision, I went to Mohawk College to get a career in Mechanical Design Drafting. I found that I have a skill for understanding design issues and designing solutions in my mind then conveying that on paper so that it could be built. Throughout my career, I have designed food processing equipment, case packaging equipment, paper mills, sawmills, printing presses and steel mill equipment. I ended my career working for a global consulting engineering company checking the designs and drawings of junior engineers who had engineering degrees but no experience conveying their designs on paper so that it could be built. While I was pursuing my career I raised a family, renovated three houses and did over 20 years of volunteer work as a director in charge of the maintenance of Mount Forest Camp. Unable to retire to a rocking chair in 2014 I started my business as The Ancaster Handyman. Many people have said to me that it is hard to find a good handyman. I decided that I would be a good handyman and that it would be easy to find me and know that you have found a good handyman. To accomplish this I would have to be a good handyman, get lots of reviews and testimonials in as many places as possible on the internet so that no matter where people found me on the internet they would know that they have found a good handyman. Someone with integrity who they could trust to do a good job and could rely on to give them sound advice. Proof that I have accomplished this is seen in the fact that I have been recognized by Trusted Pros to be the best handyman in Ancaster for three years now. I am also a lifetime member of ACHP (The Association of Certified Handyman Professionals". I am Ancaster's only Certified Profesional Handyman. To be a member of ACHP you have to be committed to running an ethical business. If I say I can do a job you can trust me to do a good job. If I didn't feel I could do a good job I would refer you to someone else. If you want a cover-up job so that you can sell your house you have found the wrong handyman. I do not do cover-up jobs. My reputation and membership in ACHP is too important to risk over making a quick buck.

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