Thinking about buying tools but not sure where to start? Read this! We'll discuss nine important tools that everyone should have in their home.
They say that a craftsman is only as good as the tools in his toolbox. What tools do you have in yours?
Every homeowner should have a set of handy tools at their disposal. Tools can help you improve your home and make your life more comfortable.
When a light bulb goes out, you don’t just sit there in the dark. You change the bulb. Granted, changing a light bulb requires no tools, but what about the tasks that do require tools? Are you prepared to take care of them?
This article will discuss the tools that every expert has in their arsenal. With these tools, you’ll be ready to make necessary repairs and keep your home as comfortable as ever.
1. Tape Measure
A tape measure is a must-have in your toolbox. Come to think of it, there aren’t many jobs that you can complete without a tape measure.
You need to measure just about every part of a project to be able to fit together all the parts.
A tape measure will come in handy when you make big purchases. After all, you’ll have to know how much space you have before you buy furniture or appliances. Otherwise, it may not fit into your home!
2. Cordless Drill
A cordless drill may not seem like a necessity, but it is. There are some repairs that just can’t be done with hand tools (unless you want your arm muscles to burn for hours).
The best cordless drills come with drill bits and screw bits and have 12-20 volts of power. It’s also helpful to have an extra battery to charge while you are using one for bigger jobs.
Cordless drills save a lot of time and effort when compared to traditional screwdrivers.
3. Hammer
Everyone needs a hammer. It might be the oldest tool in history. We’ve been banging things with rocks for centuries!
When buying your own prehistoric tool, you should choose a heavy-duty hammer that will last a lifetime. Believe it or not, adjusting to a new hammer takes time, so you should find one that’s built for durability.
4. Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is a necessary part of your toolkit because it comes in handy when plumbing issues arise.
No other tool can do the job quite as well.
5. Pliers
Pliers are a tool that can be used for just about any job. If you are lacking in grip strength, a set of pliers will help you for sure.
There are several different types of pliers available. Each one can be used for different kinds of jobs.
Needle nose pliers are great for pinching small objects together or reaching into tight places.
Wire cutters are pliers that can cut wires for electrical jobs.
Vise grips are pliers that can lock into place so you can free your hands for other tasks.
It might make sense to buy a whole set of pliers. Some of the essentials might be missing, but you can fill in the gaps.
6. Knives
Knives aren’t just for the kitchen. Your tool kit can also benefit from a couple of knives.
A putty knife is great to use for fixing walls and filling holes. It can also scrape off old paint or caulking. You will want to choose one that is small enough to fit into tight places but wide enough to smooth down spackle on the wall.
You should also buy a utility knife to cut cardboard or other materials that you are using in your project. They are surprisingly sharp and powerful while being safer than the traditional knife.
7. Screwdrivers
Even if you have a cordless drill, you still want to get a couple of screwdrivers for smaller jobs.
You should get a flathead screwdriver and Phillips screwdriver for different screwheads.
8. Level
There’s nothing more aggravating than a crooked picture hanging on the wall. Obviously, whoever hung it didn’t use a level.
To ensure that never happens to you, use a level when hanging your pictures. It can be a small level that will fit right on top of the picture frame.
9. Hardware
You should also have a variety of hardware at your disposal when the unexpected repair pops up. Here’s a shortlist of hardware you may need:
Nails
For your nail supply, you will need both finishing nails and galvanized nails.
Finishing nails will be most useful inside the house for doing minor repairs and hanging pictures.
Galvanized nails are better for heavy-duty jobs like fixing the deck or fence.
Screws
Most of your home repairs will require wood screws, but some might need machine screws.
If you have a lot of drywall, you may need to use plastic anchors to keep your screw in the wall.
Nuts and Bolts
For an extra-strong hold, you can use nuts and bolts for repairs or DIY projects.
To be ready for anything, you should always have several sizes of all your hardware.
Tip: Don’t Forget Safety Gear!
Whenever you are doing repairs, you should take steps to protect your face and body from harm.
Goggles protect your eyes from debris and shrapnel. Gloves are a good idea if you are working with anything that might burn or cut your hands.
If your project will create a lot of sawdust in the air, you should wear a dust mask to protect your lungs.
Conclusion
If you noticed, most of these tools aren’t electrical or difficult to use. Nobody expects you to become a skilled craftsman overnight.
However, having these tools can help you save hundreds of dollars on repair bills. Plus, they’ll allow you to fix things on your own, without having to wait for a repairman to show up.
Don’t be afraid to take a stab at a few new repairs that you haven’t done before. When in doubt, YouTube it!
Author Bio:
Dominique Daniels is the Business Manager at Highpoint at Cypresswood, a sophisticated apartment community in Houston.
