As part of the role men assume as the ‘man of the house’, they relish being the ‘handyman of the house’ as well. This function that forms part of their psyche becomes even more evident when home repair or home improvement projects are needed.

Because of the schedule most men keep, home improvement activities are usually restricted to the weekends. With the limited time, projects have to be properly planned for in advance so that work can be done and completed more efficiently. This includes buying the right tools and equipment they will need for the job.

It is no wonder that men love shopping for tools and collecting these in their work shed or tool box. It gives them a sense of authority when they have a complete kit as well as a sense of fulfillment when the time comes for them to bring out their ‘toys’. So what are the tools that should complete a man’s tool set?

With safety as a priority, some of the basic protective equipment should include headgear, a pair of goggles and a pair of ear plugs.

For the actual work, the essentials that are needed for home repairs and improvement are a hammer, drill, screwdrivers, a saw and a pair of pliers.

A hammer is one of the most common tools to have in the home. It is handy for keeping nails in place as they do tend to loosen with time or even hanging that latest family picture on the wall.

For boring holes for screws and the like, a drill does the work. Though conventional types require plugging them into a wall outlet for power, newer drills are cordless. The cordless drill gives more mobility and ease of use.

Screwdrivers come in several types. Most used are the Phillips and flat screwdrivers. These complement the drill after it has bored a hole into the wall or any other surface.

For cutting through thick material, you will need a saw. It is important to maintain it by keeping it clean and sharp. You will need this to slice through wood, plastic or metal. You can choose either the manual or electronic saw.

For activities that require working with electrical wires, owning a pair of pliers is a must. This tool can be used for tasks such as repairing a doorbell or installing a new appliance. It can cut through wires, and make electrical work easy.

As these tools can also be dangerous, it is vital to practice safety precautions at all times. Tools should be kept away from children, securing them preferably in a tool shed or box that should always be kept locked. This is a great way to maintain the tools so that they can serve its purpose for a lengthy period of time.