With our economy, bank accounts and home values tanking faster than a Nicholas Cage movie, a lot of us are choosing "do-it-yourself" over "call-the-guy" when things need fixing around the house. And before you can take on these projects you gotta have the right tools. But knowing which ones are most important to have on hand, and spend your money on, is the key.

I spoke to Anthony Gilardi, Master Carpenter from HGTV's Myles of Style - and a guy who never leaves home without his tool belt - to get his list of every guy's must haves for tool belt, tool box, and tool shed. The ones that are essential to keep your butt covered for most home-related jobs.

Here are his lists and advice:

Gentlemen, let’s face it, we need to prepare for anything that comes our way... anything. Remember, a job is a job, whether you’re getting paid or just taking on a project around the house. Take it seriously, and safety first.

On a personal note: Reward yourself after every job. What I do is buy myself a new tool - preferably one I don’t already have - after every job well done. That’s the best, and most satisfying, way to accumulate your tools.

Oh, and no matter where you are, ALWAYS have these four things with you:
1. Gallon of clean, drinkable water.
2. Hand soap.
3. Deodorant.
4. At least one extra clean shirt.
(Remember, you need to be prepared for anything...)

Here we go:
Top 10 Things Every Guy Should Have in His Tool Belt at All Times
1. Retractable Tape Measure (at least 25 feet long, I prefer 32 feet)
2. Hammer (16 to 20 oz should be perfect, I prefer straight claw)
3. Utility Knife (with extras blade compartment)
4. Safety Glasses (preferably wrap around or side protectors)
5. Pliers with wire cutter combo
6. Crescent Wrench (6 to 8 inch)
7. Screw Driver (should a combo set with at least two choices, Flathead and Philips)
8. Six-Inch Framing Square
9. Small Sanding Block
10. Nail Sets (at least 3 different sizes)


Top 10 Things Every Guy Should Have in His Tool Box
Before we go any further, in case you're confused, I'm talking a portable tool box that you’ll be carrying into EVERY job.

Now, some guys go old school with an open wooden box, some guys like a more durable metal closed box. Now-a-days we can buy a cool round bag system that fits perfectly inside a 5 gallon bucket. I have a few different kinds to use depending on my mood, but keep in mind, I'm a professional. Listen, pick your poison, doesn't matter to me, as long as you have these essentials inside:

1. Full-size Framing Square. (Most professional closed metal boxes will have a punch-out slot on the top so you can fit your square inside. Make sure yours has one.)
2. Finish Hand Saw. (I like a wooden handle with 1/8" teeth. Find one you get a feel for and run with it.)
3. Small Block of Wax. (Tip: you'll need this handy item to lube your hand saw and your courser screws. Just run it down the teeth a couple of times. It stops any binding when using harder woods.)
4. Coping Saw. (These blades break very easily, make sure you have spares.) 5. Plumb Bob. (Have a couple hundred feet of string in a handy spool, and keep the end of the string from becoming loose. Use tape if you have to.)
6. Chalk Line. (Keep a tube of extra chalk in the box as well.)
7. Flat Bar. (You might also want to have a Cat's Paw around as well.)
8. Two-Foot Level. (See "Lock-up Essentials" for all other sizes of levels.)
9. Rubber Mallet. (No need for more than 20 oz.)
10. Calculator. (Have one you know you can use, keep it simple.)


Top 10 “Locked Essentials” Every Guy Should Own
First of all let me clarify what this means: Whether it be the trunk of your car, the cab or bed of your pick up truck, your tool shed, garage, or where ever you plan to store your tools, these tools need to be under lock and key... got it?

1. Table Saw. (There are great portable table saws that come with wheels to consider.)
2. Chop Saw. (Don’t feel you have to break the bank on a 12” professional compound miter saw with an expandable stand. Although they are great, and if you have the means I highly recommend one, a 10” miter saw with a safety bar is all you really need.)
3. Circular Saw. (7 1/4” at least.)
4. Reciprocating Saw. (Stock up on different sizes of both wood and metal blades.)
5. Saber Saw or Jig Saw. (Stock up on different sizes of both wood and metal blades.)
6. Levels. (I like to have a two-foot, four-foot, six-foot and eight-foot, but start off with just a two and a four. Save the larger ones when it’s time to reward yourself.)
7. Power Sanders. You should have a Belt Sander and an Orbital Sander. (Stock up on varieties of sand paper for both. 80, 100, and 220 are the most common.)
8. Nail Gun with Compressor. Both Framing and Finish. (I know a nice set could get pricey, but believe me, do what you can to get your hands on one. Save up for a good one, you’ll thank yourself.)
9. Cordless Drill/ Screw Gun. (Don’t go with anything less than an 18 volt, trust me. I would also grab extra batteries and chargers. Don’t forget your drill/screw bits. Tip: Get a power strip and have extra batteries charging at all times.)
10. Buckets of Nails and Screws, at least 5 pounds each. I know there are many sizes of both, but you'll want to stock up on:
Screws -
Drywall: 1”, 1 1/4”, 1 5/8”, 2”, 2 1/2” and 3”.
Exterior/ Galvanized: Same
Nails -
Finish: 4d, 6d, 8d, 10d.
Framing or Common: 6d, 8d, 12d, 16d.

And if you have any questions for me on these tools, how to use them, or anything else, stop by my site, www.anthonygilardi.com, or email me at questions@anthonygilardi.com.