You can save time around the house by having a few basic tools stashed in a kitchen drawer. Here are some of the most popular items: a hammer; screwdrivers, both phillips and flathead; a small tape measure; a utility knife; a torpedo level; pliers and an adjustable wrench; and the ever useful duct tape. Most important don't forget to put everything back when you are finished.

A good way to reduce the time you spend searching for tools is to invest in duplicate sets to keep where you need them. For example, if you're always searching for pliers, socket wrench or screwdriver while in the basement, buy extras to keep there. Likewise, other candidates for "on site" tool kits are the kitchen, the garage, and the car.

When you've got a slotted screw that's been so badly damaged that a screwdriver won't turn the head, try this. Set a punch into the slot, off center to the right at an angle. With a hammer, you should be able to budge the screw just enough to finish with locking pliers. Replace it with a philips head screw.

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. Showers account for more than one-fifth of the water Americans use every day. We can conserve more of this precious resource with a low-flow showerhead. If you re not convinced you need to cut your water flow, put a 2-quart pan under your showerhead and turn it on. If it takes less than 12 seconds to fill the pan, you could conserve. Low-flow showerheads limit flow to 2 and a half gallons per minute or less and cost between $8 and $50. Contrary to popular belief, they do not reduce the water pressure of your shower. Some mix the water with air, others pulse and some are elevated to provide a rain shower effect. For between $70 and $250, you can buy one that will even filter chlorine and other chemicals from your water for a truly clean shower that won t dry out your skin. Take a look at the end of your faucet: Most are threaded to receive an aerator. If your existing aerator has a number greater than 2.75 GPM written on it or there isn t one at all, it s an easy upgrade to install. Remove the old one by turning it to the left. If it s stuck, gently use vice grips or tongue-and-groove pliers. Add a piece of Teflon tape over the faucet threads before screwing on the new one to form a tight seal. Faucet aerators only cost $5 to $10 and will pay for themselves in water savings in only a few months. Installing faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads in your home is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental footprint, and it can save you 50 percent of your water and hot water costs to boot. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

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