As a homeowner, you will face small fix-it jobs to maintain your home–from leaky faucets to crooked cabinets. If you’re feeling brave or have the skills, you may even attempt more serious repairs or tackle home improvement projects, from installing new cabinets to building a new deck.
Thus, you’ll need to have a basic hand tools in your household tool kit to help you accomplish these do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. This article enumerates some of the essential, handy tools for home maintenance tasks.
Basic Tools List for Your Household Tool Kit
- Screwdrivers
- Flashlight
- Tape Measure
- Knife
- Clawed Hammer
- Level
- Wrenches
- Step Ladder
- Pliers
- Cordless Drill
Let’s have a detailed look-
01. Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are one of the basic tools that you’re sure to have heard of. Without these tools, it’s impossible to use and work with screws, which are typically on your cabinets, doors, and even furniture.
There are several types of screwdrivers since there are different types of screws. That said, you’ll need two flat-head screwdrivers (big and small), two Phillips screwdrivers (big and small), and a set of small screwdrivers which you can use to get in a Christmas cracker.
Or you can bypass all these and purchase a multi-bit screwdriver set. After all, you never know when you’ll need them. It’s one of the must-have tools for your household tool kit.
02. Flashlight
A flashlight is one of the must-have tools for your household tool kit. Even the simplest projects can become time-consuming and frustrating when working at night or in low-light areas, such as pipes in cabinets or crawl spaces. And while the work flashlights and flashlight on your smartphone can provide the much-needed light, you’ll want to invest in a heavy-duty, rechargeable flashlight designed for home projects. The right work lights are designed to sit on their own, so you can angle the beam where you want it.
03. Tape Measure
A measuring tape is one of the basic measuring tools. Whether you’re locating the center point of a wall to perfectly hang a picture, framing a new cabinet, or making sure that the sofa will fit before ordering it online, you’ll need the handy tape measure.
Even if you have the gift to ‘eyeball’ it, confirming the measurements with a handy tape measure can save a lot of money and time.
04. Knife
Every household tool kit should have a knife, it is one of the essential cutting tools. Don’t rely on the knife you use for cooking; instead, you want to invest in a utility knife. Whether you’re tossing a bag of rock salt on your iced deck, opening a package, or cutting cable wires, you’ll always find a use for a knife.
In general, there’s only one type of utility knife. However, you can choose between buying a foldable or flip knife that also serves as a pocket knife or a retractable one, also known as a box cutter.
05. Clawed Hammer
A hammer is probably one of the most widely used tools in the world. From hanging picture frames around your home to building a deck or tree house, the opportunities to use a claw hammer are virtually endless.
In general, a claw hammer serves two purposes–pound in a nail or pull it out. Experts recommend getting a medium-weight hammer with a metal or fiberglass handle for better durability.
06. Level
Another handy tool you should have in your household tool kit is a level. The level is a DIYer’s best friend, from sloping shower floors to ensure the straightness of cabinets to bolting the frame of your flatscreen TV on the wall.
Take note that you don’t need to get the biggest one you can find. Look for a level that’s small enough to fit into your regular toolbox, but large enough to see that little bubble.
07. Wrenches
In general, you’ll need a few different wrenches as part of the growing collection of your household tool kit. You’ll need an open-end wrench, Allen wrench, adjustable wrench, socket wrench, and combination wrench.
Every type of wrench has its own purpose. For instance, a socket wrench can be used to loosen or tighten nuts. Meanwhile, adjustable wrenches are used for forming soft iron pipes and are suitable for working around plumbing and piping fittings.
If you don’t have the budget to invest in all types, experts recommend that you invest in an adjustable wrench, socket wrench, and an Allen wrench for starters.
08. Step Ladder
Need to work on something out of your reach? In terms of projects that are way above your head, the ever-dependable ladder can help you get the job done.
Even though you’ve probably done it in the past, using your chair, barstool, or even cabinets and countertops to reach elevated items is quite dangerous. A dedicated ladder can help reduce fall risks by providing you with a sturdy foundation to get your work done faster and more safely.
In general, there are two types of ladders to consider–the step ladder and the extension ladder. For most home projects, the classic step ladder should be fine. However, if you’re expecting to do some roof shingle repairs or do some tree maintenance in your yard, an extension ladder is the better option.
09. Pliers
Plier is one of the must-have tools in the basic tools kit for home. A good set of pliers can be useful in twisting wires or holding objects firmly and is often used with other tools like screwdrivers.
The most popular type is the lineman’s pliers. This handheld plier helps in twisting, cutting, and holding wire and cables. You can also get a set of locking pliers that allows you to lock objects in place.
10. Cordless Drill
A cordless drill is one of the most important power tools in any garage or workshop. Arguably, it should be the first power tool to have in your arsenal. This handy tool can assist you in every home improvement task, from installing cabinets or shelves to assembling furniture to building an entire patio.
Although corded drills are available, cordless drills make your work easier and more convenient. Cordless drills don’t restrict your mobility and can be taken over long distances, for instance, doing repair work in your garage or a secluded shed in your backyard.
Takeaway
To complete any DIY maintenance and improvement project in your home, you need to have the right set of tools in your household tool kit. Whether you’re moving into your first home or want to make sure that you have everything you need, the above tools can help you get things done with less effort.
