If you are a do it yourself person and maintain your own house, you will
require good tools to do the job. This page describes from of the
tools I have found useful for maintaining my home.
Power Tools
I prefer using corded tools whenver possible, rather than the battery
operated cordless ones. While cordless tools re more convenient (I
have several), I often find the battery is not charged when I need
them. The batteries also wear out and need replacement over time.
- Multi-function Tools - One of the most versatile light-duty tools
for cutting, griding, scraping, and sanding, is the ocillating
multi-finction cutting tool. You can find many adequate version of
this tool, many versions for under $40. I got one of the low end of
the scale, but having it around for light duty work has allowed me to
make cuts and other tasks that would have been difficult with any
other tool. The main trick of using the less expensive versions of
such a tool is to use a light touch - i.e. don't force the cut using
pressure, let the tool do the cutting.
- Cordless screwdriver - While I typically prefere corded
appliances, a cordless power screwdriver is the one tool that really
needs to be cordless. Fortunately the load factor on this device is
such that it does not need a large battery, and the battery will last
a long time. When looking for a cordless power scredriver, one of the
most important features you need is a clutch - in particular, this
will allow you to set the desired torque, the screwdriver will stop
driving the screw when the torque exceeds the selected value. This is
important so that you do not strip your screws, and one of the reasons
that using a low end drill to drive screws is not a good idea. The
particular model of cordless scredrivers that I prefer is the Black
and Decker Pivot Driver 9078, which has a clutch. This model may have
been discontinued, however.
Vacuum Cleaners
There are many vacuum cleaners on the market, and I have had bad luck
with many of them. This is in part due to the large amount of pet
hair in our house, and perhaps in part also due to poor maintenance of
the vacuum itself. But I am extremely happy with my current vacuum
claner, which I selected with an understanding of the environment
within which it would be used. I have been completely amazed, both at
the amount of pet hair it collects, as well as other dirt, especially
when I first used it after having already vacumed with my aold vacuum
cleaner. My recomendation for vacuum cleaners is the Eureka Capture
Plus Pet Lover Bagless. There are several versions of this - I
believe I have an older yellow version, and that is the one I am quite
happy with. I do not have experience with their newer, purple
version, but would hope that it will perform similarly (or perhaps
even better, given its higher price tag).
Tools for Landscaping
I prefer electric outdoor power tools over gas models. This is in
part because I have solar power, making my electricity free. In any
event, Electric tools cost less to operate, though it means you need
to be within reach of an electical outlet (using long extension cords)
and you need to be careful not to cut the cord. Among my outdoor
electrical appliances are a corded electric lawnmower, a chain saw, a
weeder, and a leaf blower.
- Lawn mower
- Chipper
- Chain Saw
- Weed trimmer
- Leaf Blower
Ladders
To reach high points in your house you will want a good ladder. There
are many to choose from, but if you are looking for a ladder that can
be used in many situations, I recommend a Little Giant ladder. I
purchased one several years ago and am quite happy with it. While
somewhat expensive, it is extremely solid and can be reconfigured as
many different kinds of ladders. I can reach the top of my two story
house in one configuration, or use it for smaller jobs, with it folder
into an A frame.