Are You a Novice or Skilled DIYer? Take This Tools Quiz Knowledge To Find Out!
Written by WerdNerd789
Last updated · 16 min play time
Do you have the right tools in your arsenal to fix the most basic home maintenance issues? Take this tools quiz to test your tools knowledge of what equipment you need to make the most basic of home repairs.
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WerdNerd789Home Repair Tools Quiz Questions
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Question 1
Let's start easy - what is the name of this tool?
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AScrewdriver
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BPlier
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CHammer
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DWrench
Wrench
The term wrench means to suddenly and violently twist or pull. The purpose of a wrench is to turn a bolt or nut, as the name indicates. There are four types of wrenches: open end (such as this picture), adjustable, combination, and Allen.
Question 2
What would you use this tool for?
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ACutting wood
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BCutting drywall
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CCutting carpet
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DSecuring a screw
Cutting drywall
This tool, also known as a file pac cutter, is equipped with dual edges for maximum efficiency. The short blade prevents damage to electrical equipment within the walls. This power tool attachment also cuts seamlessly through back board, plaster, dry foam, roof shingle, and wonder board.
Question 3
Have a clogged toilet that a plunger can't fix? Which toilet tool would you turn to next?
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AScrewdriver
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BSnake
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CDowel
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DToilet auger
Toilet auger
Though a snake works to unclog a drain, snakes are too flimsy to unstick a tough clog. A toilet auger is durable, flexible and designed to maneuver through the drain of a toilet. It consists of a metal shaft at one end and a crank handle at the other.
Question 4
You have a loose shower head but don't want to rip open the tile to re-secure it. What should you use to make it stop wobbling?
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AFoam
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BZip ties
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CDuct tape
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DHot glue
Foam
While you're free to try any of the other methods, they would not work very well--not to mention, zip ties and duct tape would look bad. For a seamless finish and a sturdy shower head, use expanding foam. Expanding foam encases the pipe within the wall and locks it into place.
Question 5
What kind of screw would you use to fix a squeaky floor joist under carpet?
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AEyebolt
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BWood screw
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CTrim screw
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DMasonry screw
Trim screw
Because trim screws have a smaller head than most other screws, they're ideal for using on fabrics and for fine carpentry applications. Unlike a screw with a larger head, such as a wood or masonry screw, trim screws would not cause the carpet to pucker.
Question 6
What would you use a "rawlplug" for?
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AMake an electrical repair
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BFix a leaky faucet
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CSecure a screw in porous or brittle material
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DWashing machine repair
Secure a screw in porous or brittle material
Rawlplugs, otherwise known as "wall plugs" or "anchors", are small plastic inserts that you insert into porous or brittle material in the place in which you also want to insert a screw. Once you drive the screw in, the "wings" of the plug open up and secure the screw and whatever load you hope for the screw to bear.
Question 7
What type of screwdriver would this screw require?
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AHex
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BPhillips
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CFlathead
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DTorx
Phillips
The Phillips screw is characterized by a cross design, whereas a flathead is, as its name implies, flat. A hex screw has a hexagonal head and a torx screw head is star-shaped with six rounded lobes.
Question 8
What is best to use to remove a hex screw?
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AA witch's curse
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BWrench
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CPower drill
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DHex key wrench
Hex key wrench
While all of the above would probably work, the easiest way to go about removing a hex screw is by using a hex key wrench. These little gadgets were designed specifically to take the pain out of unscrewing these tough fasteners.
Question 9
What would you use to make sure you're hanging a heavy shelf or piece of wall art in a secure location?A
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AStud finder
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BBrackets
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CDrywall screw
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DPower drill
Stud finder
A drywall screw, power drill and brackets will do you no good if the heavy object rips them out of the wall. You want to hang heavy objects in a wall stud, which means you need a stud finder.
Question 10
What is this tool called?
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ASocket wrench
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BCrescent wrench
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CHex key wrench
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DMonkey wrench
Hex key wrench
This is a hex key wrench, which is used to remove hex screws. Hex screws are characterized by a hexagonal head, in which the hex key wrench can fit perfectly.
Question 11
What would you use an awl for?
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AFixing a clogged toilet
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BStarting off nail or screw holes
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CScrewing in tiny screws
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DPrying up floorboards
Starting off nail or screw holes
An awl is sharp object with a tiny head that you can use to start off nail or screw holes. You can also use an awl to detect studs or block in stud work.
Question 12
You want to install a door or skylight--which tool should you use to make the hole?
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ASledgehammer
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BDrywall saw
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CReciprocating saw
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DBandsaw
Reciprocating saw
While a sledgehammer would certainly work for demo, it would be messy demo. A drywall saw is far too small to cut a hole, and a bandsaw is a type of table saw. A reciprocating saw works like a precise and aggressive carving knife, perfect for clean demo.
Question 13
What might you use a jigsaw for?
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ACutting through porous materials
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BCutting at 45 degree angles
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CCutting precise flooring material
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DCutting through particularly tough surfaces
Cutting at 45 degree angles
A jigsaw can cut up to 45-degree angles, making it the perfect tool for those tricky trim and framing projects. It's also the only power tool that can effectively cut curves.
Question 14
What's so great about galvanized nails?
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AThey look nice
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BThey're rust resistant
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CThey have extra grippy claws
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DThey attach themselves to studs
They're rust resistant
Galvanized nails are coated in a rust-resistant finish, making them ideal for outdoor projects. This is especially true if you live in a humid or particularly wet environment.
Question 15
You have a small hole in your wall and you want to make the repair ASAP. What kind of material do you use?
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ATopping Compound
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BAll Purpose Compound
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CTaping Compound
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DQuick Setting Patching Compound
Quick Setting Patching Compound
Quick setting patching compound is, as its name implies, quick to set. It's ideal for finishing small repairs and filling holes within minutes. However, you should not use this compound for large jobs.
Question 16
What household item can you use to lubricate a sticking lock and leave no mess?
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ACrisco
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BVegetable oil
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CWD40
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DA pencil
A pencil
Though the other options might work, they would leave a mess. Using pencil lead is a quick and no-mess way to lubricate a lock that sticks.
Question 17
Insulating electrical wires is key to preventing electrical fires. What do you use to do this?
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AElectrical tape
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BInsulation
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CCotton
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DDuct tape
Electrical tape
As its name implies, electrical tape is designed for electrical repairs. It's made of vinyl, which both stretches and provides good insulation. You can also use this type of tape to cover pipes in the winter.
Question 18
What would you use Teflon tape for?
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APlumbing repairs
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BTough holds
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CElectrical repairs
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DVehicle repairs
Plumbing repairs
Teflon tape, also known as plumbers tape and PTFE, helps form a tighter seal when you apply it to a pipe. This tape is essential for performing cheap plumbing repairs.
Question 19
What do you use a router for?
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ATo drive nails into a surface
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BTo detect studs in a wall
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CTo create fancy edges and decorative flairs
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DTo find your direction
To create fancy edges and decorative flairs
A router is a carpenter's best friend, as it allows the user to create decorative flairs and dovetails in the edges of hard surfaces.
Question 20
What would you use a hand planer for?
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ATo spread on drywall mud
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BTo distress wood
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CTo smooth surfaces
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DTo shape wood
To shape wood
You would use a hand planer to shape wood by using force. Hand planers are great for small projects, but for larger projects, you may want to consider using a motorized planer.
Question 21
Name that tool! What is this angular device called?
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AA 90-degree ruler
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BA level
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CA right angle
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DA square
A square
Though this tool is designed to provide you with accurate right angles for any projects, it's not called a 90-degree ruler or a right angle. It's a square, plain and simple.
Question 22
Which of these does a 5-in-1 painter's tool NOT do?
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APull Nails
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BPaint Ceilings
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COpen Paint Cans
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DSpread Putty
Paint Ceilings
A 5-in-1 painter's tool may have been manufactured to do five things, but it's actually great for seven. The sharp edge is for scraping and to spread putty (Uses 1 & 2) ; the pointed edge is for widening cracks and cleaning them out before patching (Use 3); the hole in the center can pull nails (Use 4); the side is ideal for opening cans of paint (Use 5); the handle is a built-in hammer for closing cans of paint (Use 6); and the curved surface can be used to squeeze excess paint out of rollers before you rinse them (Use 7).
Question 23
What do you do with a pocket hole jig?
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AGrasp onto or pull on something
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BMake quick, strong joints in wood
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CCut wood at sharp, precise angles
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DSecure an object to a wall
Make quick, strong joints in wood
This tool helps you make quick, small and pocket-sized holes in wood surfaces. Once the hole is made, you can drive a screw through it to create a tight, strong joint between two pieces of wood. You might use this tool to build cabinets, bookcases, chairs or other pieces of furniture.
Question 24
What is the most essential function of a wire nut?
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AStrengthen the connection between conductors
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BSecure a wire to a device
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CProtect your fingertips while performing electrical work
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DTemporarily secure exposed wires
Strengthen the connection between conductors
Thanks to its insulative plastic shell and cone shape, which you twist onto the exposed wires, you can create a secure connection between two conductors. With a properly-applied wire nut, you can ensure conductors never disconnect from one another.
Question 25
What is the designed use for a center punch?
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ACreate holes in brick
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BStart holes in metal
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CStart holes in drywall
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DPut holes in paper
Start holes in metal
In theory, a center punch is used to start holes in metal. However, this tool is so much more useful than that. You can use it to tighten a loose handle on a shovel, hammer or knife, use it as a pencil in a pinch or countersink a large nail head with it.
Question 26
If you need to hold a pipe firm in place, what do you use?
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AC-clamps
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BPipe wrench
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CMiter clamp
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DVice grip
Pipe wrench
When you need to hold a piece of plumbing or piping firmly in place and nothing else seems to do the trick, a pipe wrench is necessary. A pipe wrench may not be versatile, but the teeth are perfect for biting into the smooth, round surfaces of piping materials.
Question 27
What is the more common term for "Diagonal pliers"?
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ALineman's pliers
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BNeedle nose pliers
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CWire snips / Wire cutters
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DLocking pliers
Wire snips / Wire cutters
Diagonal pliers go by many names, one of the more common of which is "wire snips". This type of plier is designed to cut wires, hence its name. The cutting edges of the jaws intersect the joint rivet at an angle, or on a "diagonal," hence the name.
Question 28
Have tree limbs overhanging your home? Which is a safe type of saw to use to cut them down?
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AJig saw
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BBow saw
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CChain saw
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DHacksaw
Bow saw
The ribbon-thin steel blade of the bow saw is offset by its razor sharp and sturdy teeth . Though sharp, the sturdy yet lightweight steel frame of this narrow saw makes it ideal for cutting through wood when perched precariously on a ladder.
Question 29
Need to cut electrical cable or steel wire? Which type of plier should you rely on?
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ASide cutting pliers
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BLocking pliers
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CFencing plier
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DTongue and groove pliers
Side cutting pliers
Side cutting pliers go by many other names, including wire cutters, wire snips, lineman pliers, electrician's pliers and diagonal pliers. The heavy jaws and sheers set at a diagonal angle make these shears ideal for cutting through electrical wire and steel wire. Some heavier-duty models can cut through bolts and nails.
Question 30
Hard plastics, cable, iron, steel, even ceramic! You name it, this saw can cut through it. What is it?
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AKeyhole saw
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BMiter saw
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CHacksaw
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DBow saw
Hacksaw
The hacksaw is fine-toothed and can be equipped with a carbide-grit rod blade or a bimetal blade. Regardless of the material the blade is made of, the saw's tensile force is so strong it can hold the blade straight as an arrow through tough cuts.
Question 31
What tool will help you cut everything from rubber to copper, and from aluminum to sheet metal?
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APneumatic tool
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BPincers
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CJapanese saw
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DSnips
Snips
All-purpose snips can cut through copper, steel, aluminum rubber. Have heavy duty cardboard you need to cut through? Use your snips! Pro models are designed for singular types of cuts such as left curves, right curves, and straight cuts, but all-purpose is ideal for homeowners who have odd jobs they want to complete around the house.
Question 32
When you drop a screw in a tight place or need to work with extreme care, which type of tool should you turn to?
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AGutter tongs
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BChisel
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CNeedle-nose plier
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DLocking plier
Needle-nose plier
Needle-nose pliers are delicate and have a nose that may not be as thin as a needle, but that is pretty narrow nonetheless. Use this sturdy yet delicate tool to fish tools out of tight places and perform intricate tasks, such as producing a hook at the end of a wire and hooking that wire under the terminal screw.
Question 33
Pictured here is an all-purpose power tool no homeowner should go without. What is it?
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AOscillating tool
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BRouter
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CCordless drill
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DNail gun
Cordless drill
While just about any power drill will come in handy at one point or another during homeownership, one tool you'll find yourself turning to time and time again is the power drill. Ditch the handheld screwdriver and drive an anchor into just about any surface with ease.
Question 34
You can't have a power drill without this pictured essential accessory. What is it?
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ASolar charger
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BCord
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CAdapter
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DDrill bit set
Drill bit set
A power drill doesn't need a cord or adapter, and power tools haven't yet come so far as to utilize solar. That said, your drill would be useless without all the necessary bits to match your variety of screws. Most kits come with Phillips, flat heads, star bits, hex bits, extensions and so much more, in a variety of sizes.
Question 35
What's a less common term for a "vise grip"?
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AV-Clamp
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BC-Clamp
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CBench vise
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DLocking plier
Locking plier
The locking plier, patented in 1924, functions like an ordinary set of pliers but also performs the job of a welding clamp and wrench. This powerful tool has such a strong grip it is capable of removing even the most stubborn of staples and nails.
Question 36
It's compact. It's speedy. It's precise. It's about 30 feet long. And best of all, you will use it all. The. Time. What is it?
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ATape measure
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BLevel
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CSquare
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DDrill
Tape measure
If you don't own a tape measure, tape rule, measuring tape or any other similarly-named gadget, do you even own a home? As a homeowner, you will use this device to measure everything from how much space you have in which to fit a new couch to what length deck boards you need to how much your kid has grown in the last year. When you're done taking measurements, clip the tool to your belt.
Question 37
What tool do you need to ensure a perfect straightedge?
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ASquare
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BTape measure
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CRuler
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DLevel
Level
While you can use the other tools to tediously measure a straightedge, a level makes the process so much simpler by informing you of in which direction you need to move an object. Most modern levels even allow you to ensure an object is vertically straight as well as horizontally straight.
Question 38
What tool makes it oh-so-easy to mark straight lines while ripping long boards or laying out wall plates while framing?
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ANail gun
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BCarpenter's pencil
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CChalk Line
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DScrewdriver
Chalk Line
Technology is pretty cool, but sometimes, something as simple as chalk combined with an old-fashioned hand-cranked spool does the trick. This is especially the case when trying to mark straight lines during a construction project.
Question 39
What type of nail is easy to drive in but nearly impossible to pull out?
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AGalvanized nail
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BMasonry nail
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CVinyl sinkers
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DFinishing nail
Vinyl sinkers
The vinyl coating on vinyl sinkers makes them easier to hammer in but extremely difficult to extricate. For this reason, they're often used on large construction projects meant to last.
Question 40
Have electrical issues but don't know where to even begin looking to resolve the issue? Use this tool.
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APlug-in circuit analyzers
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BMultimeter
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COhmmeter
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DInductance tester
Multimeter
While the other tools can help you safely test for electrical currents, a multimeter can help you diagnose specific electrical problems. Many homeowners use this tool to diagnose appliance wiring problems.
Question 41
When heavy material weighs down your gutters, what can you use to clear your drains?
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AGutter vacuum
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BGutter tongs
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CGutter rotary cleaning system
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DGutter flusher
Gutter tongs
Gutter tongs allow you to effectively rid your gutters of the wet, heavy residue that your gutter vacuum couldn't suck up. Best of all, you don't need a ladder to use this tool, as the tongs are operated by a rope attached to a metal pole.
Question 42
When your durable, long-lasting vinyl siding becomes cracked or damaged and it's time to replace it, which tool can you count on to help remove the joints that lock the pieces together?
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AGooseneck bar
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BBall peen hammer
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CZip tool
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DPry bar
Zip tool
The zip tool was designed with vinyl siding in mind. This little tool is equipped with a metal bar with a small, perfectly angled hook at one end. You can maneuver this little hook seamlessly under the top and bottom edges of the vinyl and pop each piece away from where they're joined with another. Most importantly, you won't damage the remaining siding in the process.
Question 43
What tool would you use to measure the voltage and resistance of an electrical connection?
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AContinuity Tester
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BVolt/Ohmmeter
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CSolenoid Voltage Tester
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DMultimeter
Volt/Ohmmeter
Electrical resistance is measure in terms of "ohms," hence the name of this tool. Modern ohmmeters do more than just measure voltage and resistance - they also measure current electrical flow (amperage) and emit a signal when it comes across a complete circuit.
Question 44
Need a quick fix to a piece of tile that just won't stay put, or to hide a crack in a newly grouted floor? What should you use?
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AGlue
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BMortar
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CCaulk
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DBonding Adhesive
Caulk
While glue, mortar and bonding adhesive aren't unusable, caulk is one of those items most homeowners have on hand from some past project or another. It's also easy to use and quick to dry, meaning you can make the repair with little effort and in little time.
Question 45
You need this most basic tool to guide your way. Common brands are Maglite, Fenix, and SureFire.
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AMounted Overhead Light
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BUtility Shop Light
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CFlashlight
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DCandle
Flashlight
Overhead and utility shop lights are great when you plan on working in one area, but when you own a home, you can't count on maintenance issues always arising in the same place. You may need to crawl through an attic, maneuver through your basement or peer beneath the kitchen sink. Each of these jobs requires one basic yet essential tool: a flashlight.
Question 46
Want to remove a rusted on bolt, pin or rivet? Which tool should you use to do this cleanly and efficiently?
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AHacksaw
-
BAxe
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CCold Chisel
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DTorch
Cold Chisel
When working with cold, rusted on metal, you need a cold chisel. When you hit a cold chisel just right with a ball-peen hammer, you can cut straight through cold metal like butter.
Question 47
What type of hammer should you use to strike a cold chisel or punch?
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AJoiner's Mallet
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BClub Hammer
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CCross Peen
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DBall Peen
Ball Peen
The ball end of a ball peen hammer is ideal for striking cold chisels and punches just so. The dome-shaped end is designed to work curved sheet metal and roll over the edges of rivets (peening).
Question 48
Don't want a drawer full of tools? What tool can help you eliminate half the equipment in your toolbox?
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AMultibit Screwdriver
-
BHammer
-
CGun
-
DPocket Knife
Multibit Screwdriver
A multibit screwdriver does away with the need for the many types of screwdrivers you'll find yourself needing as a homeowner, including a Phillips, flathead, torx, hex, pozidriv and others. This multi tool comes with interchangeable tips in a compact case. While you can get the same convenience from a power tool, a handheld screwdriver is often preferable for small jobs.
Question 49
What tool should you use to remove trim or paneling in your home?
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AKnife
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BPry Bar
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CStaple gun
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DFlamethrower
Pry Bar
A pry bar is smaller and flatter than a gooseneck bar, making it a better alternative when working with thin, indoor paneling and small trim nails. The thin nature of a pry bar allows you to easily maneuver it beneath paneling, while the nail slots make it easy to lift out trim nails.
Question 50
There will be times when your home maintenance project requires a high extended reach. Which tool will best help you to get the job done?
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AStep Ladder
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BTelescoping Hanger Retriever
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CExtension Ladder
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DEZ Reacher
Extension Ladder
Reachers and retrievers won't help you when you need to make a hands-on repair, and while step ladders are handy for reaching up into out-of-reach cupboards, they won't be very helpful when you need to make, say, a roofing or gutter fix. For more extensive projects, you need an extension ladder.
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