Regular home maintenance requires you to use the right tools, as most homeowners would rather do some repairs and improvements themselves than contact a professional. Whether patching a leak in the faucet, hanging family photos, or putting together furniture, some household jobs work much better when there’s exactly the appropriate tool. Here’s a list of essential tools every homeowner should have, most of which you can easily find at your local tool store.
1. Hammer
A hammer is a must-have for any homeowner. From driving nails into the wall for hanging art to small demolition jobs, a hammer is incredibly versatile. Opt for a claw hammer, which has one side for pounding nails and another for pulling them out. Make sure it’s durable but comfortable enough to handle repeated use.
2. Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are essential for assembling furniture, tightening screws, and even opening battery compartments. You’ll need both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers to cover a variety of tasks around the home. It’s also a good idea to invest in a set that includes different sizes. If you prefer more convenience, consider getting a multi-bit screwdriver that allows you to swap heads as needed, which can be found at any tool store.
3. Measuring Tape
It all starts with a good measuring tape because you need to be accurate when tackling any home improvement project. A good measuring tape makes it possible to work accurately while installing shelves, cutting materials, or measuring a room for new furniture. The right length for most homeowners is a 25-foot tape, which will serve you well in every situation covered above and also remains highly portable even with an extra 5 feet of length over the 20-footer. You can pick one up at any tool store or online.
4. Utility Knife
A utility knife is one of the most versatile tools in any toolbox. From cutting through cardboard and carpet to trimming excess materials, its sharp blade makes quick work of tough materials. Utility knives with retractable blades are safer and can last longer as you can replace the blade when it gets dull.
5. Cordless Drill
A cordless drill is a game-changer for DIY projects. It speeds up tasks like drilling holes or driving screws, making it invaluable for both small repairs and larger renovations. Look for one with multiple speed settings and a variety of drill bits to handle different materials like wood, metal, and plastic. The convenience of being cordless makes it easier to use anywhere around the house.
6. Tool Box
Every homeowner should have a great toolbox to keep everything together in one spot. You will not lose your tools if you have a toolbox. Your tools will be there where you left them and you can find them very easily when you need them again. Toolboxes come in several sizes, and most tool stores have a variety to choose from, so you get one that will fit all your tools as your collection grows.
7. Pliers
Pliers are useful for holding, bending, or cutting wires or objects that are too small to handle. For tasks in and around the home, you should be able to make do with a decent set of pliers, namely the needle nose or slip-joint varieties. For more detailed work like working with wires, needle-nose pliers are a good choice but slip-joint pliers are best for gripping something and performing tasks. Using both kinds gives you all the tools to combat any type of task.
Having the right tools on hand can make home maintenance and improvement projects more manageable. Basic tools like hammers and screwdrivers to more specialized ones such as a stud finder, have their role in your toolbox. Head to the hardware store and fill your toolbox with all of them so you are ready for anything that gets thrown at you. From getting quality tools now, you might save time and annoyance later down the line — or at worst money too: that way you no longer need to worry about whether you can get any kind of project started!
