Hand Tools

I always say, “With the right attitude and proper tools, you can do it yourself!” But what are the proper tools? Navigating though a tool coral can be a daunting experience. Just picking out one simple hammer can induce an agonizing mind-meld. You'll find yourself staring at a wall garnished with what seems like a thousand hammers — different types, shapes, grips, weights, colors, brands — and as your brain is on the verge of exploding you'll whimper to yourself, “But all I wanted to do was hang some shelves to display my tea cup collection...”

I understand this pain — I've been there myself! After all, no one is born just knowing which tools and brands one should stock in their toolbox. The list I've comprised includes the ten most useful tools I believe anyone should own along with the companies I think are doing them right. Of course, I stand behind the excellence of my personal brand of tools — Norma Vally Tools — but the specific tools and their manufacturers' I mention in this article are standouts that have made me stand up and say, “Bravo!”

Here are the five Best of the Best: