This is continued from In My Toolbox: Must-Haves For The DIY Girl…

Looking at your toolbox, you may be realizing that the extent of your handy-woman tools includes one mighty hammer that has seen you through and through. If that’s the case, good for you. Every diy girl started somewhere. You may also be realizing that the projects you have been saving up for a sunny day require a few more necessities to get the job done. Here is a continued breakdown of the must haves for your building up your darling toolbox…

Level
The name says it all. Levels come in many different sizes but a 6”-12” works for almost everything. Say goodbye to crooked shelves, disheveled frames, and topsy turvy wall hangings. Bonus feature, some are magnetic!

Tape Measure
A 10′-30′ will suit most projects. Make sure it is in inches and not meters (unless you intend to venture over to Europe for your projects, which maybe you are—lucky girl!). The LeverLock tape measure made by Stanley has wonderful testimony.

Square
Sometimes in life, things just don’t make sense. Calling a (sometimes) triangle shaped tool a square is one of those things. These are inexpensive and invaluable for making straight and square lines (Aha, hence, the name!)

Hang & Level
For those moments that you are needing to hang frames yet find yourself alone with the task, this handy tool is a wonderful multitasking life saver. The picture hanging tool is designed to mark where the nail goes without any holes or scratches that often come with the trial and error in hanging pictures “just so”. It works with all types of hanging hardware for both vertical and horizontal hanging frames.

Cordless Drill
Out of all the basics for your toolbox, this is probably the most expensive. A 9 volt or 12 volt will drill through most materials and work great for driving screws as well. This tool is worth the investment, especially if you foresee yourself becoming very DIY savvy. Drills are made by a long list of various manufacturers. Do a bit of research to find a drill that feels good in the hand and is not so heavy; find one that fits your size and strength.

Drill bits and Drivers
A simple set of eight to ten bits ranging from 1/16th inch to 3/8th inch is a great start. Add a simple set of screwdriver bits and your toolbox will be smiling.