(NC)—While the home may be a family's castle and an escape from today's hectic world, it's probably not perfect. Decorating styles change. There are pictures to hang and shelves to install. Things break. It's too pressing to ignore, but too minor to engage a professional. The question becomes one of where to begin.

Start with a highly recommended how-to book, such as Better Homes & Gardens – New Complete Guide to Home Repair and Improvement and New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual by Reader's Digest.

With knowledge in hand, it's a good idea to have a basic set of tools. When choosing, experts advise buying the best quality possible. Good tools can last a lifetime and help ensure professional results, while poor ones tend to break, cause frustration and can even damage a project.

A hardware or home center employee can guide you in quality tool selection. Here are the top ten tools that home experts say should be in every toolbox:

1. Toolbox – Start with a sturdy, latching container that can protect the tools and keep them safe, organized, and ready to go.

2. Safety goggles – Safety is the first step in any do-it-yourself project.

3. Screwdrivers – Start with a couple sizes of both flat blade and Phillips types

4. Hammer – Choose a 16-ounce claw model that fits comfortably in your hand, heavy enough to accomplish most tasks but not too heavy.

5. Tape measure – Choose one with a shock resistant case in a bright colour, so it's easy to spot in your toolbox. For real convenience, try one with a built-in voice recorder to store your measurements like the Zircon Repeater®.

6. Slip-joint pliers with wire cutting jaw.

7. Adjustable

8. Utility or box knife.

9. Drill – This is the one power tool that's a must.

10. Stud finder – For dozens of home improvement projects a stud finder can be worth its weight in gold. Try the new Zircon StudSensor™ Pro SL-AC. It finds studs without guesswork and includes a new WireWarning™ safety feature so you won't accidentally nail or drill into live AC voltage.

For more information about Zircon's StudSensor Pro SL-AC, Repeater and other cutting-edge electronic hand tools and to find a nearby retailer, visit the company's website at www.zircon.com or call toll-free 800-245-9265.

- News Canada

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