Big City Living
If you're thoroughly convinced that the only tools you'll ever need for living the city life are nail clippers and a pair of scissors, it's time to get with the program. Here's a rundown of ten tools for your apartment that you never thought you'd need.
Cordless Power Screwdriver
Tightening screws on your new IKEA bookcase? Don't expect to use that worn-out Phillips-headscrewdriverleft by the previous tenant. Pick up a cordless power screwdriver. This baby has the accessibility of a ballpoint pen and the efficiency of an Indy 500 pit stop mechanic. You'll wonder how you ever got by without one.
Microfiber Cloth
Yourplasma TVis so dusty that everything you watch looks like it's being viewed through the window of an abandoned house. Wait, put that tissue down—you're going to scratch the screen! Instead, grab a microfiber cloth. Just make sure you wash it thoroughly after each use, because the plethora of particles it collects can themselves cause scratches the next time around.
Adjustable Wrench
Your kitchenfaucetsprays like the neighborhood bully holding his thumb over the spout of a garden hose. Too bad the fixed-size wrench you borrowed from your neighbor is too big. What you really need is an adjustable wrench. They come in various sizes, but go for one on the larger side—you can always make it smaller.
Hot Glue Gun
Oh, no! Startled by the sound of thesmoke alarm, you accidentally back into a side table and watch a family heirloom crash to the floor. Quick! Get the hot glue gun! There's no shortage of scenarios where a strong restorative adhesive can be of use. Just be super careful when using the gun—and always wear gloves.
Handheld Electric Bug Zapper
With the weather getting warmer, tiny winged creatures will soon be flying the friendly skies of your apartment. Unlike otherpests, flying ones are tough to eradicate. Swap your flyswatter for a handheld bug zapper, and you'll never have to worry about wiping bug juice off the wall. Just don't touch the mesh part—ZAP!
Claw Grabber
That little toy you won at the county fair as a kid can actually come in pretty handy—orclaw-y.Need to fetch something from underneath your desk? Use the claw! It's also helpful when you need to adjust tough-to-reach cables behind your家庭娱乐系统stem. You'll find the claw surprisingly versatile.
Step Stool
The beeping of yoursmoke alarmis driving you up the wall—literally, because you're climbing up your new bookcase trying to change the battery. You think for a second, then drag over that old rickety wooden chair you found on the street. Now, hold on! No need to risk breaking bones. Use something a little sturdier, something made for the purpose: the good old step stool.
Laser Level
No apartment would be complete without wall decor, whether framed paintings or just a couple of thumbtacked posters. If only you could hang them up straight! Time to toss away that protractor you've been using since elementary school. Get yourself alaser level. It'll give you perfectly straight lines every single time. Use it for a multitude of other DIY projects that require precision alignment.
Thera Cane
Now that you've changed the batteries on your smoke alarm, fixed your kitchen faucet, and dusted off the screens on all your electronic devices, you're left with quite a few knots in your back. Forget the masseuse—add a Thera Cane to your shopping list. This little-known self-massage tool will provide you with immediate muscular pain relief in those hard-to-reach areas whenever you need it.
Solar Power Generator
It's not like in the suburbs: "When the lights go down in the city...," standard generators aren't an option. Invest in asolar powergenerator, and you won't have to restock your entire fridge the next time the grid goes out. Just be ready for a rendition of "Kumbaya" from everyone who ends up crashing at your place.
For More...
If you are interested in more about tools, consider:
7 Essential Measuring Tools for Any Job
Why Every DIYer Needs a Thickness Planer
The $20 Japanese Pull Saw: A DIYer's Best Bang for the Buck
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