Tools every man should own … and know how to use

Political correctness, gender-role issues and Viagra notwithstanding, being a man boils down to two basic responsibilities:

1) Own good tools, and

2) Be able to use them. it's as simple as that.

Now, we're not challenging your manhood if you don't know a compound miter saw from a seesaw. But you should at least be able to do basic repairs and modifications around your house. We asked Norm Abram, ubiquitously plaid-shirted master carpenter for PBS' This Old House and host of The New Yankee Workshop, for advice on the tools every man should own:

Hammer. "A lot of guys think bigger is better," Abram says, "but bigger can hurt you, especially if you miss. Go with 16 or 20 ounces, and pick one that feels balanced in your hand, not head-heavy. It's like picking the right golf club - it has to feel right." As for technique, Abram says nothing will mark you as an amateur faster than using the wrong grip: "If you choke up six inches, you might as well be pounding the nail with your bare fist. Hold the hammer as far from the head as possible, and develop a good whole-arm swing."

Measuring tape. A 25-foot retractable model will serve virtually all your needs, especially if you use it properly. "Think in sixteenths of an inch," Abram says. "Don't say, 'It's 15 inches and three little lines.' It's gotta be 15 and three-sixteenths."

Retractable utility knife. "You can do a lot of stuff with one, but be careful," Abram says. "Use common sense, and always cut away from yourself." His utility-knife manhood test: "A guy should be expected to know how to sharpen his pencil with a utility knife. If you have to use a pencil sharpener, that's not cool."

Power drill. "Even for the most minimal jobs, like hanging shelving, you should have a drill and know how to use it properly," the master carpenter advises. "If all you're going to do is hang an occasional picture, you can get by with a 12-volt cordless model. For bigger jobs, you should have a 3/8-inch variable-speed reversible AC-powered drill, the kind with a cord." When drilling, be sure to use a good, sharp bit. For driving screws, practice until you can do it without chewing the screw head.

Circular saw. Just about any homeowner should have one, Abram says. "It can be a pretty intimidating tool for someone who's never used one," he adds. "The key is to make sure you have a really good saw blade, not one that's dull or warped. And don't try to make the tool do something it wasn't designed to do, like cut crooked."

Tool belt. "It's not cool to have your hammer sticking out of your back pocket," Abram says. "A tool belt lets you carry tools and fasteners in a civilized way."

Finally, when shopping for tools, remember this advice: "A cheap tool will perform like a cheap tool," Abram concludes. "Buy the best possible tool you can afford."

After all, it's your manhood that's on the line here.

COPYRIGHT 1998 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group