8 Must Have Tools For Homeowners
Here are 10 basic tools to keep on hand and few more bonus tools that are a good idea to add over time.
Whether you’re buying a new house or old house, something will eventually need to be fixed. Whether it’s a loose screw, hanging a picture, or measuring a space for a new piece of furniture, you’ll want to make the small investment in a basic set of tools. It’s better to have them on hand before you need them rather than scramble to buy them at the last minute.
This is the most expensive tool on the list but, in my opinion a cordless drill, at least, should be at the top of every homeowners list. I also say at least because an impact driver is a better option for driving screws. A drill will get the job done but an impact driver will make your life easier. It’s likely you’ll need to hang pictures, hand curtains or assemble some furniture. You’ll need to drill holes in the wall and the only way to do that is with a drill. There are many different brands of tools, personally I use Ryobi since their line of battery powered tools is expansive. Craftsman is also a good brand but if you want a step up, go with DeWalt or Milwaukee. It’s crucial to stick with one brand so you’re only buying one kind of battery.
Craftsman Cordless Drill
And as a bonus you’ll also need a set of driver bits and a set of drill bits …do yourself a favor and buy titanium drill bits. If you ever have to drill through metal, you’ll be glad you have them.
2. Screwdriver Set
Screwdrivers are a better option than a drill or driver for most small tasks around the house. It’s the ideal tool for tightening cabinet hardware, installing light switches or fixing a chair leg. Get a set with slotted, phillips and stubby version of each for getting into tight spaces.
Screwdriver set
3. Tape Measure
You’ll probably need a tape measure the day you move in, if not when you’re still looking at houses. From measuring walls for the amount of paint to buy or measuring a space to see if furniture fits to buying a 2x4 and realizing it’s not actually 2 inches by 4 inches, you should keep a tape measure on hand. I think I have 7 or 8 between my workshop and house. My favorite, by far, is this one made by Fastcap. It has black numbering on a white background which makes it very easy to read. The increments are carefully laid out with some being more prominent than others making it easy to find the measurement you’re looking for. It also has the scale on both sides in the direction you’re looking at meaning you can use it in the same manner whether you’re measuring from the right, or the left…hence the name Lefty/Righty. It also has a pencil sharpener and a spot for jotting down a measurement. And it’s available in metric.
FastCap Tape Measure
4. Hammer
For quick fixes around the house, this stuff will stick to anything. Use it to repair everything…except ducts. You can also use Gorilla Tape and I hear Gaffers Tape is even better. One thing to keep in mind, there is always a better and more specific option than duct tape. You should only use it for a quick fix and then follow up with a long term fix.
Duct Tape
6. Flash Light
Pick up a rechargeable flashlight and never get left in the dark when the power goes out. Consider picking one up that also functions as a phone charging device.
7. Pliers
Get a grip…on just about anything in your house. Whether it’s straightening out a bent electrical plug or tightening a loose faucet, this set has you covered. There is a pair of channel locks, needle nose and even some for clipping wires.
7 Piece Pliers Set
8. Utility Knife
A utility knife comes in handy for a lot of tasks that involve cutting…opening plastic packages, cutting the packing tape on all those Amazon boxes your wife orders, slicing rope, cutting up cardboard or even sharpening a pencil.