20.10 Recommended toolbox for an apartment

It fits in a medium box or a tool bag. Store it in a closet by the door, with the household kit (chapter 2).

Checklist: apartment toolbox

Basics

• Quality multitool (one per adult, in the bags)
• Screwdriver set (flat and Phillips) or a screwdriver with interchangeable bits
• Claw hammer
• Locking pliers, needle-nose pliers, and cutting pliers
• 12 in (30 cm) adjustable wrench for gas and water (or a 4-in-1 utility key)
• Medium pipe (Stillson) wrench
• Pry bar (crowbar), 18–24 in (45–60 cm)
• Utility knife with spare blades
• Tape measure
• Headlamp and batteries

Cutting

• Folding saw for wood
• Small hacksaw (metal saw)
• Heavy-duty scissors
• Fixed-blade knife with sheath (in the car or evacuation kit)
• Dual-grit sharpening stone

Repair and sealing

• Duct tape, 2 rolls
• Self-fusing silicone repair tape
• Electrical tape
• Teflon thread tape
• Heavy plastic sheeting in a roll, enough to cover the largest window
• Metal hose clamps in several sizes
• Assorted plastic zip ties
• Epoxy glue and pipe repair putty
• Assorted screws, nails, wall anchors
• Galvanized wire
• Nylon rope or paracord, 50 ft (15 m)
• A piece of plywood the size of your largest window (if you have space)

Protection

• Leather work gloves, one pair per adult Cut-resistant gloves
• Safety glasses
• N95 masks (debris dust)
• ABC fire extinguisher, inspected (chapter 9)

Locations and knowledge

• Apartment water shutoff valve located: ____________________
• Electrical panel located: ____________________
• Is there gas in the apartment? Yes / No. Appliance valves located: ____________________
• 24-hour maintenance phone: ____________________
• All adults have practiced shutting off the water
• Knives and cutting tools sharpened and oiled (checked twice a year)