Buying tools is like buying shoes. There's always a better model out there and you'll never really have as many as you think you need. Truth be told, most times, the cheapest tools usually get the job done. For me, i started out buying items on an 'is needed' basis. This however was the wrong approach. If I'd have had a fully stocked toolbox from the start, i would have gotten so many menial jobs done myself. I found that the hardware section of shoprite ( The Palms, V.I.) has an amazing selection of hand tools for ridiculously low prices.
Why am i asking you to buy tools? Because the purpose of this blog is to awaken the spirit of DIY that has lain dormant in so many Nigerians. D.I.Y. stands for 'Do It Yourself', an acronym to describe performing tasks that would apparently need professional attention yourself.
Truth be told, not every task is DIY-possible. Unless you are trained for it, I would strongly advise against electrically wiring your own house or fixing a crane. But servicing your car or replacing a ceiling fan are things you may decide to do yourself.
DIY is a truly addictive (not to mention constructive and money saving) habit which is hindered primarily by lack of the right tools to perform the task. How many times have you wanted to disassemble a faulty device only to find that you did not have the right screwdriver size?
Below is what i feel are the barest minimum that should have in your tool box; for the ladies reading this, I'm seriously suppressing the urge to use phrases like "any man's tool box". This is because the general perception is that Nigerian women can't change a light bulb to save their lives and as such, I'm hoping that in the course of time many of you out there will prove me wrong.
1 Tape measure: One of the first rules of proper DIY is accurate measurements. Once you have the proper measurements, your job will always look more professional. The best size is the 8m/ 25ft which is good for most jobs. Try to get one with the rubber coated body as these are more durable and cost only a little more
2. Adjustable spanner: This will handle the set of jobs a socket wrench cannot (see below). Generally, having a spanner set is recommended, but i personally advise getting one of these instead. Not only are they cheaper, it takes up a much smaller space in your toolbox. You can get one that opens as far as 1". The reason being that you hardly encounter bolt sizes larger than this (that YOU would want to open) and if you do, you could always get a second (bigger) one.
Note: Best you get one with an insulated handle; gives better grip as well as protects against electric shocks
3. Cable ties/ tie wraps: Used to secure loose wires....in fact,they are actually used to secure everything. On the completion of any job, you will most probably have loose bits that need to be made neat. This is the tool for you. Along with electrical tape, they give a very tidy finish to your work
4. Electrical tape: Used for taping off electrical wires and just about everything that needs securing. A roll of 5 pieces costs maybe N500
5. A long 'star'/ Philips screwdriver with a magnetic tip: This is used for retrieving screws in hard to reach spots after unscrewing.
6. An assortment of screws, nuts bolts and washers. This will also grow as you tackle more and more tasks, but buying more than you need when in the shops also helps.
7. Concrete nails. These are silver, used to penetrate concrete walls and can be identified by the 'T' on the head.
8. A pair of pliers: You honestly cannot underestimate the importance of this. The uses range from twisting wires, temoving stubborn bits and even cutting and stripping.
9. An exacto/ stanley/ retractable knife: This allows you to do all you would with a blade without hurting yourself. They are also ridiculously cheap and very handy.
10. High duty adhesive: This is the normal 'evostik' that comes in two separate tubes. One is the adhesive itself while the other is a hardener. When both are mixed, they need to be applied ASAP to the two surfaces which need bonding. They can be used to bond wood, plastics or even metal and are available at ANY hardware shop ANYWHERE in Nigeria.
11. A cordless drill: Before you start to ask me if you are a professional builder, hear me out. If you are unable to get one for the price you need, use the website www.aliexpress.com . For those who don't know, it is a Chinese website that ships stuff you buy (most of the time for free) to Nigeria. They also take our Nigerian debit/ credit cards. I bought this drill for less than N10,000 and i've been using it for about a year with no problems. Don't forget to buy a drill bit set as well oh!
12. Wire cutters: A plier might be able to cut wires with its inner jaws, but a wire cutter will do a neater job in tighter spaces.
13. A flashlight. One of those LED types work fantastic as they have clips ypu can use to hang them when using both hands to work.
14. A combo screwdriver/ socket wrench set: This is also for cost saving. Ordinarily, you should get a socet wrench set and a screwdriver set separately, but that could cost a bit. These combo sets save you money as the most common screw and nut sizes are in them.
16. A claw hammer. With these in your box, you should be able to tackle most jobs around the house and car. I have to still say that there are still some other items that while they may seem like a luxury at the early stage, may come in handy in the long run (E.g. Stuff like an insulated ladder or a pair of overalls).
DIY however is not a licence to get oneself killed or injured. Before embarking on any task, make sure that you have the right tools, procedures and information needed to start AND complete the task SAFELY. If a task looks truly beyond your expertise, you can seek professional help and learn from them while they work. There are uncountable videos and manuals on how to perform ANY task on the internet so use Google. In fact use google the minute you start thinking of doing anything...
My next post will be on a task i completed myself, but will be more than happy to post stuff from anyone who wants to share his / hers as long as they have adequate photos or a video (mail me!!) So on a final note, if you aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, go out and get yourself some tools and be a man for Pete's sake!! (That last part na play oh!)
N.B: All images from google and aliexpress..
Very nice. .
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