10 Must-Have Tools For The Homeowner
The Right Tool Shall Set You Free! -Anonymous
Over the years, I’ve realized that I tend to use some tools more often than the others. Tools like a flashlight or a basic drill are so versatile and inexpensive, these tools should be in the toolbag of every homeowner! Then there are tools that you may not use often like the fire-extinguisher, but you don’t want to wait till disaster strikes!
If you are a homeowner, make sure you are covered when it comes to basic tools.
Flashlight
A flashlight is no doubt very useful, you know what’s even more versatile? A Headlight! Frees both your hands and illuminates your workarea as your head turns. I can’t remember when was the last time I chose a flashlight over a headlight! Get a headlight with an adjustable focus. I found that little feature extremely useful.
Toilet Plunger
I hope I never have to use this tool and this is one tool you don’t want to borrow from your neighbor! Don’t wait till it is too late, always have one handy.
Hammer
A hammer is probably one of the oldest tools around and there isn’t much you can do to improve it! You can drive nails and you can remove nails – and if you own a home, you are going to do that quite often! Get a sturdy hammer with a comfort grip for shock absorption.
Voltage tester
Gone are the days when you had to physically touch a live wire to tell if it was live or not. Now you get non-contact testers that both flashes and gives an audible beep when you bring the tester close to a hot wire. Indispensable and saved me from getting electrocuted more than once!
Level tool
If there is one job I hate, it is hanging pictures. You would think by now there would be a better way to put pictures up level and straight, but no! Picture Frame technology is still the same. BUT, the technology behind levelers have greatly improved! Here’s one tool that I endorse wholeheartedly! It’s a traditional bubble level with a laser pointer with both a visual and an audible level indicator and to top it all, even has a suction holder! And trust me, you WILL make use of all of the above features!
Tape Measure
Don’t buy a home without it! Always have a tape measure handy. Have one… no at least two! These things have a habit of disappearing!
Utility Knife
Boxes, packages, sacks of potatoes… yeah you need a utility knife! A quality utility knife will last forever and is extremely handy.
Screwdrivers
Have two sets, a precision screw driver and a regular one. And keep them in a place you can find them!
Sockets, wrenches and pliers
Assembling furniture, replacing faucets, stripping wires – each job requires a different set of tools and there isn’t one tool that does it all. Sockets, wrenches and pliers are an absolute must. Save some money by buying a kit rather than individual pieces.
Drill
A drill is used for fastening, drilling and cleaning jobs. Yes, I said cleaning. More specifically bath tub cleaning and for removing soap scums! There are drill bits for almost anything including a brushes for cleaning nuts, bolts, kitchen sinks and even bath tubs! Have a portable drill with at least two batteries and good set of drill bits.
Tapes
Duct tape, electrical tapes, masking tapes, packing tapes and scotch tapes. Don’t skimp, you’ll need all of them!
Glue
There are different kinds of glues – general purpose craft and stationary glue to high bond gorilla glue. Keep them both handy.
Safety Equipment
No matter what tool you use, always remember, safety first. Nothing is worth an eye or an arm or a leg! Safety goggles, Fire extinguisher, fire escape ladder, dust masks, ear muffs and gloves. Make sure you have them all.
I’m no expert, but having owned a home for a few years, these, in my opinion, are the absolute minimum tools a homeowner will need!
My favorite would be the headband flashlight tool, what’s yours?
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