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Homeowners often take on basic home maintenance responsibilities themselves. Being equipped with the appropriate toolkit will save them from expensive handyman fees while inspiring them to undertake DIY projects themselves.
Here are six important tools every homeowner should have in their arsenal.
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Screwdriver
A screwdriver is a crucial part of every homeowner’s toolkit. It’s used for tasks ranging from assembling furniture to installing light fixtures and tightening loose cabinet doors. A comprehensive set of screwdrivers of various sizes and types, including both flathead and Phillips varieties, ensures that you’re prepared for any job.
Consider purchasing models with magnetic tips, which facilitate holding and retrieving screws, and insulated handles for jobs involving electricity. For more intricate tasks, a precision screwdriver set is recommended. Always store your screwdrivers properly to prevent damage to the tips, which could render them useless.
Hammer
From hanging pictures to assembling furniture, a good hammer can make all the difference in getting projects finished. Select one with an appropriate head weight and handle that is comfortable to hold without breaking or shattering under pressure.
A claw hammer features one flat side for pounding nails and another with V-shaped notches that help remove nails without damaging surfaces. Look for one with a solid grip handle to absorb shock, as this will reduce vibrations on your arm.
Tape Measure
A tape measure is indispensable if you’re taking on any DIY projects around your house. Not only is it cheap and easy to store away, but its uses span from determining space availability for new furniture purchases to measuring window pane length.
When shopping for a tape measure, look for models with hook slots on either end of the blade to hold nails or screws and a belt clip to attach to pants or tool belts. A durable steel blade with rust resistance should also be considered.
Flashlight
Homeowners need a flashlight as part of their home maintenance arsenal, particularly for DIY projects and DIY repairs. Utilizing a flashlight while performing tasks will allow you to see in tight spaces better and reduce risks during maintenance work, helping prevent accidents.
Flashlights are indispensable when disaster strikes. Keep a flashlight and extra batteries in an emergency kit, just in case.
Bright lights from flashlights can also quickly disorient an intruder, giving you precious seconds to assess and determine your course of action. Some flashlights even include SOS modes specifically for this purpose – these could also signal for help or rescue workers should there be an incident.
Pliers
Whether you live in a condominium, house or cooperative building, routine maintenance and repairs fall upon you. That means having the proper tools on hand at all times.
Your toolkit must contain quality pliers. Standard slip-joint pliers offer plenty of versatility when gripping, bending, tightening and cutting objects, but for more complicated jobs, you should get yourself a set with crimping pliers; these help crimp connectors onto wires while holding smaller components securely and provide comfort through rubberized grips for decreased muscle and joint stress.
Ladder
Many minor problems can be tackled using a ladder, from changing light bulbs and clearing gutters of debris to hanging picture frames. Be sure to select one with sufficient height without compromising stability.
An average ladder costs $50-100; for greater versatility, consider purchasing a multiposition model that can adjust for various tasks. Always read and follow your ladder’s safety warnings and instructions, and follow the “golden rule” of ladder safety: maintain three points of contact – two hands and a foot or both feet and hand – until reaching your destination. This simple tip could save your life.
Level
A level is invaluable for ensuring lines or surfaces are perfectly level, whether hanging items on the wall, laying tiles, or shelving systems in your home. Look out for models that also double as rulers or straightedges.
For projects requiring more high-tech approaches, consider purchasing a laser level. These tools use light projection to align pictures or smaller shelves on one wall while also detecting any metal objects behind walls – they’re an invaluable addition to your toolbox and especially helpful if you’re a new homeowner.
