Editor's note: Barry Courter has a 24-year-old son who is a college graduate and a 19-year-old daughter who is a sophomore in college.

Q: Dad, it looks like I'll be renting a house. What will I need in my tool kit?

A: You know I love this stuff. Everyone should have a basic kit for small projects and emergencies. You can buy an all-in-one box or put one together, but buy quality. You'll need a hammer and a flashlight, of course. In the past, a Phillips head and a flathead screwdriver pretty much completed the kit, but now you need drivers with hex and star bits (heads) for all kinds of things. Fortunately, these are often sold together with a single handle. Get at least a three-piece set of pliers, also. A good cordless drill/screwdriver is also handy.

-- Barry Courter