It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the selection of tools at your hardware or home improvement store.  As a general rule, I rely on the old adage that you get what you pay for. That means, on a limited budget, I pay what I can for what I consider specialty tools and spend the most I can on standard tools that I use the most and hope will last the longest. A well-made, strong set of pliers can often spare me from tantrums and further damaging the stuff I set out to repair.

But the rub always seems to be how many, of what kind, and which quality of manufacture are appropriate for the most critical jobs around the home.  When assembling your home toolkit consider which jobs you’re currently capable of doing and which ones you plan on punting over to the professionals.

A Dizzying Array of Pliers

Considering that my hands can only grip and apply a limited about of force on home hardware, I desperately need a reliable set of pliers—in fact several sets.  My toolkit always has one-each of sturdy needle-nose, slip-joint, linesmen’s, and lock-joint pliers.

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There’s always a best choice set of pliers for the job at-hand.

Here’s what I have:

•    Channel-locks are okay for tightening or removing nuts, bolts, and screws IF you don’t have a matching, open-end wrench that fits perfectly. They’re angled perfectly for getting my elbow grease into the job.

•    Slip-joint pliers, the kind most people pick up at discount stores or garage sales, come in two sections held by a center axle that shifts from loose to tighter. They’re good for general use but, frankly, are terrible for gripping wire, or rounded pipe, or for getting a great hold on nuts and bolts.

•    Linesman’s pliers are indispensable pivoting pliers that work perfectly well for gripping, bending, and snipping wire.

•    Needle-nose pliers can save you from the loony bin when you have to get a purchase on a small or hard-to-reach piece of hardware.

While you’re shopping, you can also find cutting pliers, midget pliers, plumber’s pliers, crimpers and strippers, duckbill pliers, and parrot-nose pliers.

Confused? Consider buying a few of the pliers that serve the most-often uses where you have direct experience.  You may be amazed how much easier repairs can be when you have the right tools.

We love being a business based in Portland, and we love it even more when one of our own gets recognized for greatness.

The Neil Kelly Company, a home remodeling and construction company based in Portland, OR, has been named the 2008 Remodeler of the Year by Professional Remodeler magazine.

It’s easy to see why Professional Remodeler would choose Neil Kelly Co., and President Tom Kelly, as the Remodeler of the Year. In a time of economic downturn, Neil Kelly Co. is showing its biggest year of profits yet. Profits aside, the Neil Kelly Co. has consistently been an aggressive player in the industry since it’s was created in 1947. Neil Kelly Co. is committed to setting high industry standards and driving new and innovative ideas.

As a company in the Pacific Northwest, Neil Kelly Co. has focused much of its attention and marketing efforts on the strong environmental values of Oregon. Understanding that being a leader in the green industry is not only appealing to potential customers, but is destined to be the building preference of all homeowners.

Smart marketing, a green focus and emphasis on the market share that becomes available with the economy hitting other companies, Neil Kelly will likely continue to grow and be an even bigger part of the industry.

We’re a fan of builders providing quality, eco-friendly options and practices for homeowners. So, congratulations to the Neil Kelly Company and their continued success!

Related Links:
Neil Kelly Company
Article – Remodeler of the Year 2008
Article – 10 Most Influential In Remodeling Industry