Every homeowner, regardless of age, gender, or expertise, should have a kit with the essential tools needed to tackle basic home projects or repairs.
A well-rounded set of dependable, high-quality tools will have you ready to fix any minor issue that arises, whether it’s loose cabinet hinges, leaky faucets, or a picture frame that needs to be hung.
Putting together this collection of essential tools, on the other hand, can be a difficult task. If you’re starting from scratch or simply updating your toolbox, the vast array of tool types, sizes, and prices available can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, most people only require a few basic tools to fix minor damages in their homes.
We’ve sifted through the clutter and compiled this list of the 10 best tools for homeowners to get you started. Your collection will naturally grow over time, but make sure to start with these.
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Overview Of The Best Tools For Homeowners
You can handle most of the damage in your home using the best tools. These tools make you spend less and help you get creative around your home. Below is a list of the 10 best tools for homeowners that are essential and less expensive.
#1 Cordless drill
#2 Multi-Bit Screwdriver
#3 Tape Measure
#4 Hammer
#5 Locking pliers
#6 Stud Finder
#7 Ladder
#8 Flashlight
#9 Work Gloves
#10 Knee Pads
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Why Are The Best Tools For Homeowners Important?
Homeowners should have a few essential tools on hand to help them with small repairs around their homes.
With these tools, it is much easier for you to perform certain tasks around the house. Having the right tools alleviates the burden and aids in:
Time-Saving
One of the benefits of using the best tools for homeowners is that they save time. For instance, consider a screwdriver, which is a necessary household tool.
When your socket becomes loose after a few minutes, you’ll use it to tighten it. You will complete fixing your home repairs much faster if you have screwdrivers of various sizes ranging from small to medium to large.
Also, when compared to manual drilling, a power drill makes work more manageable because it takes less time to make holes where needed.
Cost-Effective
Essential tools can help you save money on the costs of hiring a technician to repair and remodel your home. When working on small tasks around the house, such as broken cabinets or loose door hinges, you will need the best tools for homeowners and a few skills.
A flashlight is inexpensive but useful, especially when the lights are turned off and you need light to change the bulbs throughout the house. Getting a set of tools can be costly and time-consuming, especially if you are unsure of which tools to buy.
Accuracy
Some tools will help you be more accurate when performing tasks around the house. Instead of estimating and guessing, a tape measure will assist you in measuring material widths and heights.
You can use it to ensure that you have gathered the correct information when purchasing furniture for your home.
A level is one of the essential tools that ensure that the tools used in fixing your home are in line.
Avoid estimations and purchase the A level because work completed with it is always appealing. It may appear to be of no use, but it is necessary to avoid making mistakes when leveling objects.
Solving Emergencies at Home
Some home tragedies may need immediate action with the appropriate home tools. To repair or remove nails, you’ll need a hammer. In the event of an accident, most home tools for homeowners will assist you in repairing the damage.
The pliers will assist you in bending metals and removing stuck nails while a ladder will help you reach high places that need to be repaired as soon as possible.
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Types of the Best Tools for Homeowners
Making home repairs entails having the essential tools and materials on hand so that you can get right to work and get on with your life. The various types of home repair tools you can find include:
Tools for Measuring and Marking
With the help of these simple tools, you can ensure accuracy in all aspects of your home repairs. These are part of the best tools for homeowners that mostly come in handy during home repairs.
Saws
They are used to cut wood, plastic, metal, and other materials.
Drilling Tools
When you need to make a hole, these tools will assist you, either by using elbow grease or by allowing electricity to do the work.
Hand Tools
Hand tools are the everyday tools that enable you to perform the most basic home repair tasks, such as hammering, prying, and fastening.
Electrical Equipment
Electricity requires a continuous, clean path to flow. These tools will assist you in measuring and improving your current situation.
Plumbing Equipment
Many of the tools you already own will assist you in repairing plumbing, but some issues may necessitate the use of these specialized tools.
House Painting Equipment
A good paint job is dependent on both the right tools and the right paint. With both of them, you can make your home lovely.
Fasteners
You’ll need some fasteners to hold two things together. It would be helpful if you can know their distinctions and how to select the best one for your home improvement project.
Abrasives
Sanding, shaving, and smoothing a surface can all be used to transform a shabby-looking object into a professional-looking piece of material. This can be done using abrasives to remove rough patches and old layers.
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10 Best Tools For Homeowners
#1 Cordless Drill
A cordless drill’s power and functionality make it useful for a wide range of tasks. This small Bosch 12V model is one of the best tools for homeowners and a good choice for anyone.
It has enough power to handle most drilling and screwing tasks without the added weight and bulk of larger power drills.
Its small size is especially useful when assembling lightweight or particle board furniture, which can be easily damaged by larger drills.
#2 Multi-Bit Screwdriver
With the wide variety of screw shapes and sizes used today, you’ll need more than one or two screwdrivers to be prepared. A full set of individual screwdrivers is ideal, but a multi-bit model will be handy for a lot of small tasks.
Unlike a standard screwdriver, a multi-bit screwdriver has an interchangeable head that allows removable bits to be swapped in and out.
The bits are all contained within the handle thereby allowing you to tailor the driver to fit any type of screw you come across.
#3 Tape Measure
A tape measure is one of those essential tools you will need when framing out a tool shed. You will also need it when ensuring that your couch will fit before ordering it online or locating the center point of a wall for hanging a picture. Using a tape measure to confirm can save you a lot of time and money.
There are numerous measuring tapes available that you can choose to use. It’s easy to use, inexpensive, and practically indestructible.
#4 Hammer
When it comes to generating force and leverage, hammers are invaluable, and this 16-ounce Irwin Hammer is a good mid-sized model for general housework.
You can modify the striking area to make it a lot more useful, in addition to heavy-duty tasks like driving nails or performing small-scale demolition.
When working on house projects that require a gentler touch, place a wooden block between the hammer and the project.
While still transferring energy, the softer wood will absorb any dents or damage from the hammerhead. This method is excellent for taping stubborn Ikea tabletops into place.
#5 Locking Pliers
This is one of the best tools for homeowners that may get less use than some of your other essential tools, but when you need them, you’ll be glad you have them.
Instead of having to maintain pressure like regular pliers, their adjustable jaws can lock in place. This allows you to tackle the tough stuff, such as loosening stripped nuts or grabbing and pulling out a key snapped in a lock.
Having a full-size model as well as a needle nose option of a Grip Original Locking Pliers Set will enable you to handle both heavy-duty and precision work.
#6 Stud Finder
Drywall anchors have come a long way, but anchoring a TV or a heavy antique mirror to a stud is still one of the best ways to prevent it from pulling out of the wall.
A magnetic stud finder is part of the essential tools for new homeowners because it detects nails or screws in the stud that hold the drywall in place.
We prefer modern whole stud finders that electronically detect the location of the stud and display the entire width. It’s an upgrade that ensures you always hit the center of the stud.
#7 Ladder
While many homeowners can get by with just a simple step stool, a good ladder is essential. You’ll need enough reach to replace burned-out can light in the ceiling or to get to your roof to hang Christmas lights. A 6-foot A-frame ladder is an excellent all-around option.
A multi-position ladder adds even more options if you want to take it a step further. These snap together to form an A-frame ladder and can also be flipped around to form an extension ladder.
You can reach the ceiling in the middle of the room with just one tool, then go outside and climb to the roof.
#8 Flashlight
You’re going to be stuck trying to see into a dark corner sooner or later, which makes a flashlight one of the most essential tools for new homeowners.
Your cell phone can do the job, but it’s not very convenient, and it’s not particularly good at it. A cheap flashlight can be purchased for a few dollars.
However, most cordless tool manufacturers also produce lights. Getting one that works with your existing drill and impact driver combo is a convenient way to get a rechargeable model. Indeed, a flashlight is one of the best tools for homeowners that shouldn’t be ignored.
#9 Work Gloves
Work gloves not only protect your hands from wood splinters and sharp edges while performing work to improve your home, but they also provide a firm grip on tools and materials.
Some custom work gloves have a snug fit that makes it much easier to control intricate hand tools and pick up screws and nails from a toolbox kit.
Their touch-screen-friendly fingertips allow you to keep them on while answering phone calls, which can be quite useful when working outside in cold weather.
#10 Knee Pads
Knee protection is not only for professional tilers and roofers. Even if you only kneel for short periods, the cumulative effect on your kneecap can lead to serious joint problems later in life, such as bursitis and osteoarthritis.
Not only that, but they also protect against unexpected injuries, such as kneeling on a stray screw or nut.
Examples of good knee pads are the NoCry Professional Knee Pads. They’re lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for indoor tasks like replacing lower cabinet doors or installing baseboards.
Care And Maintenance Of The Best Tools For Homeowners
Keep Power Tools Clean
If left unchecked, dust can cause your power tools to grind to a halt. After each job is finished, wipe them down with a rag and store them. Use a damp cloth to deep clean them regularly.
Also, you can use lightly oiled cotton swabs or other slender tools to clean exhausts, intakes, and other difficult-to-reach areas.
Store Tools Correctly
By properly storing your essential tools after use, you can keep them safe from dust, moisture, and other damaging elements.
If possible, store them in their original cases, or store them in storage drawers or tool chests. You can also store them in a garage or basement with a moderately controlled climate.
Adhering to these can protect and organize the best tools for homeowners, making it easier to find the tool you need when you need it.
Inspect Tools for Wear or Damage
Inspect tools regularly for signs of wear or damage and apply special care with power cords. If you notice frayed insulation or exposed wires, have the cord repaired or replaced by a professional quickly unless you have the necessary skills.
Damaged power cords have the potential to cause electric shock or fire. Also, check the prongs of the cord to see if they are bent or loose. Then repair or replace any of them if necessary.
Lubricate Tool’s Moving Parts
Lubricate moving parts to ensure peak performance. It not only keeps a tool’s mechanics running smoothly but also reduces the possibility of rust forming.
While standard machine oil is a good choice, check your owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends or requires a particular type of oil.
Keep your Batteries in Shape
Batteries can be kept in good condition by fully charging and then fully discharging them once every couple of weeks. Don’t leave your batteries unused for long periods. You can use them once every two weeks.
Ensure to clean contacts with cotton swabs and alcohol to care for batteries. The batteries that will not be used for a while should be stored in a dry, clean place away from extreme heat.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Tools For Homeowners
To get the best tools for homeowners, consider these few tips below. You can make your purchase based on them and be sure to buy only the essential tools suitable for your home repairs.
Buy Tools with High Quality
Owning a comprehensive collection of hundreds of tools may impress your home improvement buddies. However, if you have never or very rarely used the full range of tools at your disposal then, you’ve most likely squandered your money.
You’ve to focus on your immediate needs and what you’ll need most frequently in the future. Think quality over quantity when it comes to getting your essential tools.
Test Tools Before You Buy
You can buy online if you want, but it’s best to inspect a tool in person to determine its size and quality of construction. Good tools are similar to clothing in that they should fit in your palm. Getting to know a tool firsthand is the best way to avoid buyer’s remorse.
Determine Your Level of Skill
If you’re a novice who has never done much housework, narrow your search to the best tools for homeowners with simple designs.
When you know how to use a tool, it reduces the possibility of injuring yourself or causing accidental damage. Again, you should take extra precautions when using powerful power tools. Make sure you understand how the tools work before you turn them on.
Consider the Requirements
Different projects necessitate the use of different home tools. Before you start a project, such as building a bookcase, take the time to learn about it. Knowing what tools are required for the task at hand can help you avoid over-or under-purchasing.
Have Extra Batteries
Battery-powered drills have completely replaced older non-battery models. As long-lasting as lithium batteries are, they can’t last forever, and once they lose their charge, they’re rendered useless.
Fortunately, many manufacturers sell drills, saws, and other tools with two batteries, so if you shop wisely, you can keep working with little interruption.
Safety and Security of Tools
Get protective goggles, earplugs, and facemasks because they help to keep you safe while you are working.
There are commonly safety risks in any number of home improvement works, even those that appear to be completely harmless. Safety equipment is not an option; it is required and is among the best tools for homeowners.
Ask Questions Before Buying Any Tool
When shopping for your essential tools, make sure to ask salespeople which products are best suited to your tasks and needs. This helps you to know how to handle and make proper use of your tools instead of getting confused while working.
Conclusion
With this guide, you can make your choice on which of the 10 best tools for homeowners listed above you will like to start with. When you buy the essential tools for your home, it will help you complete your minor repairs more efficiently while saving time and money.
Furthermore, you will be able to solve your home repair issues without involving the help of an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Tools For Homeowners
You can do that by looking for a toolset that contains all, or at least the majority of the tools you require. Choose one that includes wrenches, sockets, and extensions with SAE and Metric measurements if you’re just starting.
If you need something more essential, you can choose one that includes pliers, screwdrivers, and a torque wrench.
Drills are excellent cordless tools due to how often we use them. Similarly, because impact drivers and impact wrenches are handheld tools, cordless is the best option for these mobile-friendly tools.
The standard 5-in-1 painter’s tool has a stainless steel blade that is detailed to function as a putty knife, scraper, gouger, paint roller cleaner, and paint can opener, all in one device.
Small hammer drills can be used to drive screws, but many are too large and powerful. Impact drivers are ideal for heavy-duty driving, but most are not designed for delicate, precision work.
To select a drill, keep an eye out for two values here: voltage and torque. The general rule is that a higher voltage indicates a more powerful drill.
The majority of cordless drills available today are 18V, though lower (7.2V) and higher (20V) options are available.
Drills can be divided into three categories. They are the traditional drills, impact drivers, and hammer drills.
Reference
- Finehomesandliving.com – The Importance of Tools for Every Homeowner
- Howstuffworks.com – Home Repair Tools
- Bobvila.com – The 10 Commandments of Buying the Right Tools
- Protoolreviews.com – Top 10 Essential Tools For New Homeowners
- Insider.com – 13 Essential Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolkit
