Looking to stock your toolbox? Paul Ryan, host of the DIY Network's "Weekend Handyman" and "Kitchen Renovation," offers his recommendations for home maintenance must-haves - and some nifty gadgets for more ambitious projects. Still, he says with a laugh, "I always say the best tool you can have for a job is plenty of patience!"
A basic hammer is essential, and if he could have only one, Ryan says it would be a 16-ounce straight claw (or "rip") hammer. "It gives you the most versatility," he says.
A multi-bit screwdriver can save you both time and money, Ryan advises. Just make sure it includes a Phillips head, a standard bit and a variety of sizes. Some models conveniently store the extra bits right in the handle.
Two pair of pliers - a needle-nose and a channel-lock - "will pretty much let you do whatever you need to do," he says. A crescent wrench in a medium size will also work for a variety of projects.
Leather gloves may seem like a luxury at $10-15 a pair, but they'll make life a lot easier. Ryan urges home repairman to splurge. "I always tell people to go ahead and spend the money," he says.
A flashlight lets you see what you're working on. Ryan especially loves the kind that you can clip to the brim of a baseball cap, noting, "It's really good for getting around areas like under the sink."
For more adventurous homeowners who want to tackle bigger renovation projects around the house, Ryan cites a few of the market's coolest new offerings.
A four-piece cordless tool set is an investment that will come in handy for a range of projects - especially one that takes you outdoors or on the roof, away from a power outlet. Ryan recommends tracking down a kit that includes a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, an 18-volt drill and a flashlight. And don't forget the extra battery! "You don't want to be without power halfway through!" he says.
Laser levels can be a lifesaver, and a self-leveling model that sits on a tripod has the added advantage of giving you a reference line all the way around the room, both horizontally or vertically. "I think they're well worth it if you're going to be getting into the higher-end projects," Ryan says.
Sophisticated stud sensors can now differentiate between wood and metal studs, pipes and even hot electrical wires. "They've come a long way," Ryan says.
