So you’re a homeowner now. Congratulations! You’re embarking upon a journey that many covet. Inhabiting your own space, not having to answer to landlords… what could be better?
With this new freedom and pride, though, comes a world of responsibilities. Dealing with a leaky faucet or a moldy bathroom? It’s up to you to fix the problem.
And unless you’re made of money, hiring help isn’t always a plausible option, since repairmen can charge up to $70/hour. So what can you do?
Gear up and grab yourself these 15 essential tools for homeowners.
Below, we’ve listed all of the tools we think every homeowner should own and their uses. It’s time for a trip to the hardware store!
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15 Essential Tools For Homeowners | Get Them Now!
Here are the tools you need to have if you own a home. Go through them and check which ones you don’t have in your possession yet.
1. Manual Screwdriver Set
To us, it’s inconceivable that a homeowner’s toolbox won’t include a set of manual screwdrivers. Whether it’s furniture assembly, tightening or loosening a knob, or simple functions like removing screwed-in covers, screwdrivers come in handy in a number of different scenarios.
When purchasing a set of screwdrivers, go for one that comes with both flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers. A large set of different sizes is preferable since screws come in many sizes and shapes. We also find interchangeable heads on screwdrivers to be extremely helpful; you never know what you’ll need it for!
2. Power Drill
Hopefully, you already have a drill in your arsenal. For those living under a rock: a power drill is required if you want to hasten the process of nailing and screwing–a frequent scenario. From putting together furniture or hanging up a new shelf, the uses of a drill are endless.
The choice between a corded and cordless drill is up to you. The former is thought to be more powerful, but the latter is much more convenient. If you plan to do some heavy DIYing, we’d recommend going with a cordless one.
Furthermore, see to it that your chosen drill has an ergonomic design. Also, it helps to have a variety of drill bits to go with your drill, for any situation.
3. Ladders
From extension ladders to telescoping ones, the varieties and functions of modern ladders are endless for the DIY-loving homeowner. But even if considering simpler variations, consider step ladders, which facilitate simple day-to-day tasks such as changing a lightbulb or reaching a high spot on a shelf.
We have a soft spot for folding ladders, which are not only suited to a number of purposes but also convenient and easy to store. Whichever kind you have a need for, ladders are pretty much indispensable in every household.
4. Pliers
With its angled jaws, a pair of pliers can aid you in a variety of domestic tasks. Not only is it essential for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts, but it can also be used as a wire cutter or clamp. Basically, anything that requires pulling or twisting, pliers will help you do it.
For crimping and fastening purposes, go for a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers. If you’re trying to bend wires and nails in hard-to-reach places, needle-nose pliers are best. Or you can just go all in and get yourself some adjustable pliers!
5. Utility Knife
A utility knife has myriad functions not only for homeowners but for, well, everyone else. From simple tasks like splitting open the bounds of a package to opening up some flooring, your utility knife will surprise you every time with its helpfulness.
Although utility knives are available cheaply, it’s always a good idea to opt for one that is made from durable and robust materials. You will eventually need replacement blades anyway, so it’s best to buy one that is dependable and long-enduring.
6. Flashlight
Not that we even need to explain why this item is on our list, but we’ll break it down for you anyway. A flashlight is absolutely necessary for potentially hundreds of different low-visibility situations you could end up in. Sudden current blackout? You’ll need a flashlight. Doing DIY projects in low lighting? Flashlight.
We recommend buying one flashlight each for every member of the household. Furthermore, rechargeable LED flashlights are a must; they should also be able to provide up to at least 8 hours of light.
7. Claw Hammer
So named for its shape, a claw hammer has one flat side, used for pounding nails, and a curved side with a notch used for taking nails out. No toolbox in the world is complete without one. Hanging up photo frames, building a treehouse, removing bent nails… you name it, a claw hammer is required.
When picking out a claw hammer, ensure that it has shock-absorbing properties and an ergonomic, comfortable grip. You might even want to get two hammers: one large, and one small, so you can switch them up according to the needs of the situation.
8. Level
Despite its unassuming appearance, a level is the ultimate tool in helping you determine whether you’ve set something straight or just slightly askew. You won’t realize just how much you need one until you have to hang up a photo frame or put up some shelving. These guys can help you measure straight lines up to thirty feet, and some of the fancier ones can produce laser lines.
9. Staple Gun
A staple gun is the ultimate solution to tasks that require quick and efficient fastening. Let’s say you’re installing insulation sheets or trying to get your kid’s canopy to stay put on the wall; who do you turn to? A staple gun!
Although you can opt for the traditional staple gun, as most people do, you can also choose from pneumatic and electric models. These latter types do, of course, tend to be more expensive.
10. Tape Measure
Despite its essential function, many homeowners don’t realize the need for a tape measure until the situation calls for it. You’ll constantly be making measurements both inside and outside your home; from crucial DIY projects like putting down trimming to more miscellaneous stuff like measuring the right distance for your bird feeder, a tape measure is absolutely necessary.
11. Handsaw
We weren’t gonna make a list about tools without including the handsaw! These guys are necessary if you’re dealing with particularly stubborn tree branches or unwieldy tubes and pipes. You can also opt for a hacksaw, which can be used to cut metal and plastic as well as wood.
However, do be warned that a saw (of any kind) is a dangerous tool to handle. Unless you or other household members are well-versed in the handling of a saw, you might want to skip buying one to avoid potentially life-altering injuries.
12. Tape
The tape is basically the ultimate fastener in numerous tasks. Duct tape is, of course, the most popular variety, with its super-strength adhesive qualities and thick, unyielding construction. Duct tape can help you repair almost anything that gets torn.
If you do DIY electricity work, you can also consider getting an electrical tape. For painting projects (e.g., protecting trim during paint jobs), get painter’s tape. In short, do your research and get the right kinds of tape for yourself!
13. Electric Extension Cord
Available in many different lengths and types, extension cords come in handy all over the house and beyond it, as well. When hooking up the grill to the generator for an outdoor BBQ party or stringing up lights in the holiday season, extension cords are indispensable. Low-gauge, heavy-duty ones are best, in our opinion.
14. Wrenches
A set of wrenches will come in handy every time your screwdriver fails you. They’re helpful not only in loosening and tightening nuts and bolts but also for applying pressure in a variety of situations, e.g., re-sealing a pipe entrance in the bathroom.
Go for a set that comes with both combination wrenches and adjustable ones. Self-ratcheting ones are also popular as they allow for a better grip.
15. Wheelbarrow
The image of wheelbarrows most of us have in our minds involves gardening and lawn care work. But there’s so much more to them! With their size and portability, wheelbarrows allow you to transport large numbers of any object, be it swept-up leaves, a bunch of soil, or your stash of holiday lights.
Storing Your Tools the Right Way
It’s not enough to simply have all the right tools; it’s also important to store them properly if you want them to be helpful to you for longer. Plus, they should be accessible and easily available on hand during projects.
Most people like to create dedicated storage areas in their basement or garage or build a shed if they’re super handy. Space should be waterproof and relatively dry: with metal components, many tools are susceptible to rust and corrosion.
More importantly, of course, never leave your tools just lying about. Get yourself a tool, chest, box, bag, or cabinet, whatever suits you. Make use of wall-mounted hangers and hooks to store the most frequently used items, such as wrenches and pliers.
Conclusion
So that concludes our list of the essential tools for homeowners! We hope you have found this list helpful and that it has illuminated you. We wish you the best of luck with your new home and every DIY project you undertake in it. Enjoy being a homeowner!