Having the essential tools, every homeowner needs can help you with both minor fixes and major renovations. The tool experts combed through all kinds of home tool kits available so that you wouldn’t have to. It’s possible to buy the products highlighted here from any number of shops, hardware stores, or online retailers like Amazon.
When you first move into your house, it might be helpful to have a basic tool set on hand for tasks like assembling furniture. With time and practice, you can expand your collection to include more challenging assignments. Read on to learn about the most useful instruments, from the most fundamental to the most advanced, for a well-stocked workshop at home.
Screwdrivers
You should have a flathead, Phillips (cross), and Robertson screwdriver in your toolkit. As the name implies, screwdrivers are used to insert and remove screws, making them an indispensable tool. A screwdriver can be put to many different uses, from fixing a broken piece of furniture to installing (or removing) a door hinge to opening a battery compartment when a device needs new batteries. Screws come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s a good idea to keep a supply of each of the above or invest in a cheap multi-bit screwdriver, so you’re never caught without the appropriate bit.
Hammers
Hammers are the most indispensable instrument in any workshop. They can be used to hammer a security alarm sign into your flower bed, close a paint can or retrieve a stray nail. The 16-ounce claw hammer, which has a split and curved head on one side, is adequate for most tasks and is not too heavy to operate; however, there are other types, such as ball-peen, mallet, and sledgehammers.
Pliers
One of the essential tools every homeowner needs are pliers. When you need a firmer hold on something, like a nut you’re trying to tighten or loosen on a piece of furniture, pliers are a great tool to have on hand. When pinching the metal clips that hold some of the pipes inside your washing machine in place, pliers can be used for additional leverage as well as to bend and shape metal, cut and strip wires, and so on.
A Measuring Tape
A tape measure is a must-have for any toolbox because, as the saying goes, “measure twice, cut once.” They’re fun to use and come in handy when figuring out things like how much floor space you have for a new carpet or whether or not you have enough room for that one item of furniture you’ve had your eye on. Who among us didn’t spend hours tinkering with their parents’ tape measure? A full extension, a lock, a retraction, and a floor spin
A Work Light
A work light is typically required when working in the winter or late at night when daylight is limited. Garage work lights are brighter than regular LED lights. That makes them perfect for inspecting the myriad little parts in a garage. Having a desk lamp can ease eye strain and make tasks like cutting, measuring, marking, and pasting much simpler.
A Utility Knife
Knives with retractable blades are more practical for use than folding knives. This item is perfect for slicing down boxes when unpacking after you move. If you’re planning on relocating, local moving to Toronto, and hiring movers, make sure to get help from reliable experts. They will have more experience and know exactly which tools to use and make the packing and unpacking safer for you.
The utility knife blade may be fully extended for cutting through tough materials or folded down into a small point for safely opening fragile parcels during delivery. An old-fashioned Stanley utility knife has been a staple in our toolkit for as long as I can remember. And we still swear by it. It may not have the conveniences of more recent models, but it is as dependable as they come and is constructed like a tank.
Painter’s Knife or Putty
An angled putty knife or painter’s knife is extremely useful around the house. Whether you’re working on big DIY projects or simply ticking off a few tasks, it’s always handy. They’re usually only 1.5 inches wide, so it’s perfect for patching up little bits of drywall. As well as scraping off peeling paint and even chipping off the occasional bit of dried paint or spackle. Make sure you get one with a comfortable, rubberized grip. So it can be held for long periods of time without slipping, even with sweaty palms.
Power Drills
Another one of the essential tools every homeowner needs is a power drill. Sometimes you need more than just a screwdriver to get the job done; driving screws into drywall and hardwood is a tedious and difficult process. A power drill (either corded or cordless) is indispensable for do-it-yourself projects around the house. It can be used to quickly and easily drive in or remove screws, as well as drill holes in walls in preparation for shelves.
Bubble Levels
If you tend to be a perfectionist, a bubble level can help you hang things like bookcases and pictures perfectly perpendicular to the ground. Even if you don’t have a speck of OCD, keep things level for the rest of us. Starting at the torpedo level is a great place to be. Their short, 12-inch length makes them convenient to store and utilize.
Larger carpentry installation jobs benefit from the use of a 24- or 48-inch level. Even more, uncertainty can be removed from the equation using digital levels. That’s if you don’t mind spending a little more money. In addition to a wide variety, Empire Level provides excellent value for its products.
Pry Bars
The last item on our essential tools every homeowner needs list is a pry bar. A pry bar is nothing more than a simple lever that goes well with a hammer. Think of these two items as your small set of tools for destroying things. Use the hammer to wedge the pry bar between two pieces and pull them apart. You could also put the pry bar under an object and use it as a lever to lift it up. For example, you might put a pry bar under a door you’re installing while trying to lift it just enough to line up the hinges with the holes in the doorframe.
