Toolbox Time

First apartment. Brand new homeowner. Newlyweds. One of the things you'll surely need will be a few tools.

"I received my tool box as a birthday present from my husband a year into our marriage," said Gwen Logan of Gustavus. "It was the best and most useful gift ever."

Kevin Cheney, store manager at Ace Hardware in Kinsman, just put together a small toolbox for his wife's office.

Here's what came to mind when asked about what tools were a necessity in every home:

Hammers come in a wide variety and at many price points. Handles made of wood, fiberglass and a closed-cell plastic are on a rather daunting wall of hammers at the hardware store in Kinsman.

"Guys sometimes pick a straight on; it looks more aggressive," said Cheney. "I'd recommend a curved claw because it works better. The geometry just makes more sense."

Screwdrivers seem to be the thing that disappears around the house. Cheney recommends a screwdriver set. A six piece set is inexpensive and will have the sizes a homeowner needs.

"I have screwdrivers that were my dad's," said Cheney. "They don't wear out - they're still good."

A screwdriver with multiple bits is another choice.

"We sell a '6 in 1' set that has the bits stored in the handle," said John Simcox, who works at Andrews in Howland Corners. "There are two straight, two Phillips and two nut drivers - that's all most people will really need."

When you have kids or a less-than-tidy spouse, you know the frustration of not being able to put your hands on those tools when you need them.

Logan admitted she even used to lock her toolbox. "I put my tools away, therefore my toolbox actually has screwdrivers (a Phillips head and flat), pliers, measuring tape, hammer, WD 40, a level and nails."

Sally Eucker, from Hartford, confesses she doesn't really even have a toolbox. "I generally use whatever I have on hand as a tool - coins or knives for screw drivers, my meat mallet for a hammer, and so on," said Eucker.

"Small, inexpensive pliers could get you out of most any jam," Simcox said. "You could use them for anything you need to get a hold on."

Needlenose pliers can clip things, fix things in tight places, even do jewelry repairs. Simcox confesses he has snap-ring pliers he rarely uses. "I don't think I've used them for two or three years," said Simcox.

What do you think of when someone mentions a monkey wrench? That's the tool you see in the game "Clue." It's an adjustable wrench that changes sizes - so simple a monkey can use it, according to Simcox. Most people now would choose a crescent wrench, with its smaller, still adjustable head.

Both hardware store workers agree that a cordless drill driver is a handy thing to have in your toolbox. They can range in price from $50 to $200, according to Cheney, but it's something you'll reach for over and over.

The drill drivers have rechargeable batteries and may come with some bits and an extra battery.

"You really do get what you pay for here," said Cheney. He advises customers to be careful to look at battery life and what comes with the driver to make the best purchase for the way they'll use the tool.

Ace also stocks a newer kind of drill driver. "The lithium ion batteries that are so much smaller make this a very handy tool," said Cheney. "It small and lightweight and has a little light and some bits; it's an awesome little tool and definitely something I would buy."

Other items mentioned were a small measuring tape, a flashlight and a hacksaw.

"You could cut through most anything with a saw like that," said Simcox.

He also suggested picking up a picture hanging kit that would contain a small selection of hangers, screws, nails and anchors.

"The tool I reach for most in the summer is my metal file," said Eucker. "I use it to keep all of my garden tools in shape."

Shirley Miller, Kinsman, uses a very short screwdriver with a wide blade all the time. "I never use my heavy duty claw hammer," Miller said.

At the bottom of Gwen Logan's toolbox she says there's a blue plastic thing with holes in it. "I think I am supposed to use it to drill holes just right into something," said Logan. "I am sure it is very handy if you know what it is for or why."

In this difficult economy, Cheney said that most purchasers are pretty deliberate. "We've got guys who come in looking for repair parts for their pricier tools - a new cord, something like that. I would urge people to shop carefully - buyer beware - often you do get what you pay for."

Now is a terrific time to look for the items for a small toolbox. It would make a great gift to give a student or young person who's just starting out. You might even be able to find a gift set that has most of the items these hardware experts suggest.