People who make home repairs DIY projects own extensive tool kits. Different projects require different tools; therefore, DIYers make sure they have everything they need. If you are a homeowner, you are going to need several basic tools. Even if you don’t plan to build a deck or rewire your home, you will still need tools for odd jobs around the house within your skillset.
#1 Hammer
Every home should contain a hammer. You don’t need something too big or expensive. A simple 16-ounce, a smooth-faced claw hammer is all that you need. You are going to need a hammer to hang pictures on the walls and assembling furniture. The claw side is necessary for removing nails.
Without a hammer, simple decorating jobs will be impossible.
#2 Screwdriver Set
You should have a simple set of screwdrivers in your hone. If you have a loose cabinet door, you will need a screwdriver to tighten it up. Screwdrivers are necessary to tighten any loose screw. You will also need a screwdriver to open the battery compartments on toys and other electronics. You also need a flat-head screwdriver to open paint cans.
You don’t need an extensive set of screwdrivers. All you will need is a flat-head and Phillips head screwdriver. Along with the standard size screwdriver, you should also have a stubby version. If you are trying to screw something into a tight spot, the stubby version will make it easier to reach small spaces.
#3 Electric Drill
Screwdrivers are great to tighten one or two screws; however, if you are putting together a toy or ready-to-assemble furniture, you will need to tighten plenty of screws, and an electric bill is best. A drill will allow you to screw several screws in a fraction of the time it would take with a screwdriver.
If you need to screw something into wood or a wall, you will need to use serious force if you are using a screwdriver. An electric drill will have enough force, making it easier on you.
Most electric drills are wireless and rechargeable, allowing you to take the drill anywhere.
#4 Tape Measure
Just because you don’t plan to build an addition on your home, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need a tape measure. There will be many times that you need to measure something in your home, and a tape measure is much more convenient than a ruler or a yardstick. For example, if you are planning to buy a new couch, you will need to measure the area to make sure that the new couch will fit.
If you aren’t a DIYer, you don’t need a fancy tape measure. You can find an adequate tape measure for under $10.
#5 Hand Saw
Many handy homeowners own electric saws because they make building projects easier. If you aren’t a DIYer, you can go with a simple hand saw. This tool is necessary if you need to trim lumber or molding. You will also need a hand saw if you will work on a small project, such as building a birdhouse.
#6 A Set Of Pliers
Every home should have a set of pliers to handle simple tasks around the house. You will need pliers to replace a showerhead, slice wires, or to get a good grip on something. An adequate set of pliers will include:
- Needle-nose pliers
- Side-cutting pliers
- Tongue-and-groove pliers
- Slip-joint pliers
Fortunately, a good set of pliers isn’t very expensive. You can purchase a good set for under $20.
#7 Electric Stapler Gun
Every household should have both a handheld stapler and an electric stapler gun. Handheld staplers are great for stapling sheets of paper together. Electric staple gun are great for jobs that require many staples, such as tacking down loose carpet, installing screens, or tacking down upholstery.
#8 Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable wrenches are often necessary for assembling things. If you need to put a swing set together or furniture, a wrench will come in handy. You will also need a wrench to tighten plumbing fixtures. Your wrench kit should contain a large one and a small one.
#9 4-Foot Level
Every home should have a 4-foot level, even if you don’t ever plan to build something. Levels are essential when you hang things on the wall. If you want to make sure that a picture is straight, you can use the level after putting the nails in the wall. A level will also come in handy if you are hanging two pictures and you want to be sure that they are even after hammering in the nails.
#10 Putty Knife
Every hone should have a putty knife. If you need to scrape paint or wallpaper, you will need a putty knife. This tool is great for scraping anything that is difficult to remove.
#11 Utility Knife
Utility knives, also known as box cutters, are great for opening packages, shaving wood, and handling plenty of other jobs around the house. Many people don’t know this, but when the blade on a utility knife gets dull, you can snap the dull edge off, and you will have a fresh new blade. There is no need to buy a new utility knife when the first blade gets dull.
If you want to have the tools necessary to handle daily tasks and minor household projects, you should make sure that you have each of the tools listed above in your toolbox.
