When undertaking a home improvement project, it is important to have the right tools, according to officials at Allied Development Co.
Frank Lathrop, district store manager, said people should buy tools that are of good quality. "If you buy a cheaper tool, it will cost you more if you have to replace it."Shirley Allen, hardware buyer for the firm, agrees, and says that in order for people to undertake improvements around the house, they should own several good hand tools and hand power tools. Among those she listed were:
Hammer, with either metal or fiber glass handle, weighing 16 to 20 ounces; measuring tape, preferably 25 feet long and encased in a metal case which is able to take more abuse that a plastic case; tri-square, which is more versatile than a regualr square; level and a chalk line.
Mrs. Allen said that few homeowners own a handsaw anymore. "Most people want a 7 1/4-inch circular saw." In addition to a hand power circular saw, Mrs. Allen recommended a 3/8ths-inch variable speed and reversible hand drill, and perhaps a finishing sander. She also recommended a variety of screwdrivers and pliers.
The hardware buyer said for $175 or less the handy man or woman could buy all the tools for basic home repairs or home improvements.
"Having the right tools for the job saves time, there are less chances for accidents, and the quality of the work is better," she said.
Employed in retail hardware sales for the past 28 years, Mrs. Allen is helping her son build a house - her Christmas gift to him.