Toolbox Guide

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By Brent Gentling

A drill is one of the most common things I grab when doing many projects around the house. In my opinion Milwaukee makes the best drills on the market and this combo kit is perfect for any level of DIY’er. Plus, if you've never used an impact driver before, once you use it you will ask yourself where has this been my whole life.

Whether it's making sure your deck beam is level or you're hanging a picture frame, a level is truly versatile and is needed in a variety of different types of projects. Get a good one because they can last a lifetime.

A hammer should feel good in your hand, and even if you’ve never used one before, you still know what to do with it. They're so versatile and it's important to have on hand, from driving in a yard stack to hammering in a nail for the mirror in the bathroom.

A quality tape measure makes a difference. I measure things every day, and having a good tape measure on hand saves time and effort. This Milwaukee brand measurer is easier to read than other brands and has a magnetic front. Remember that there is a measurement on the back side of the tape as well, so if you need to run it to the end of a wall, just butt the back of the tape up to the wall and add that to your measurement.

There are a lot of sanders out there but the most important one to have on hand, in my opinion, is a random orbital sander. It does an amazing job sanding down numerous materials and because the pad moves in random directions while it spins, it cuts down the chances of seeing sanding marks in your finished product.

I personally have a couple dozen types of saws. They are all important in different ways, but the most versatile saw I own is the circular saw. It can take the place of a chop saw and table saw in a pinch. It's so important to have on hand, and the best part about it is that they are so compact compared to other types of saws. Just be careful!

A small item that looks simple but is so complex if you truly learn how to use it. From drawing a straight line on a board, to figuring out the correct pitch of your roof, this little guy has so many hidden uses and always comes in handy.

I always try to come prepared for any type of project and having a good set of drills and bits is so important to have on hand. They make life so much easier. Whether it's a screw you just purchased and need to drill in place or having to remove a screw that's been there for decades—you need the right bit for the job.

This is one item that I never thought I would need but I eventually purchased it and realized that I should have purchased it a long time ago. From lining up a door or hanging cabinets, to siding, to hanging multiple picture frames, they are all much easier projects when you have a laser level. I use it all the time and never thought it could be so handy until I started using it.