In the current do-it-yourself age, a screwdriver set is vital to have. Handheld and ideal for driving screws and bolts with hexagon-shaped sockets, you will often use these to put together furniture and other everyday home decor items. 1. Learn the basics of painting, plumbing, carpentry and more with our Exceedingly Comprehensive Guide to DIY Home Improvement. For projects like craft projects and electrical repairs, wire cutters, or wire strippers, are essential. Pick up an easy-locking ¾-inch-wide model to start. Staple Gun. For homeowners looking to take on some woodworking projects around the home, the circular saw is a great addition to their tool kit. The Essential Tools for the Homeowners. Power Drill . They can manipulate hex nuts and bolts, which is invaluable when it comes to home repair and assembly. When choosing one, make sure to check the stability and always ensure you are using it on a firm, level, non-slippery surface. A putty knife is a specialized tool used for working putty around the edges of a window when glazing it. But those who want to start taking on more complex projects will need some additional items on their DIY tool list. Most can double as a ruler or straightedge as well. Average Price: $5-$20 An Allen wrench is a simple tool that is used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. There are two types of stud finders: electric and magnetic. Dated: 02/01/2019 . Duct tape provides strong adhesion and can be used for the largest variety of projects from art to working on. You can also ask your wood to be cut at the store you are buying it from. Whether you're hanging shelves or fixing squeaky floorboards, keeping must-have tools, and tool sets that feature popular hand tools, in your toolbox will help you complete projects faster and easier. For comfort, look for a pair that features a cushioned grip. Get daily tips … It’s because of all the things you need to buy that you never knew you needed until you bought a house. Average Price: $20-$35 A utility knife is an essential tool in any home toolkit, as well as something to consider for both your vehicle and home emergency kits. Just don’t use it on any heated devices or elements since warm temperatures reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive. Projects You’ll Use It For: Depending on the type you buy, a pair of pliers can be used for gripping something large like a rod or pipe or smaller things like nails in wood trim, if you are removing or replacing your baseboards. Its main use is to pound or extract nails from wood. Claw hammers usually have a flat head that can be used to pound nails into walls and other surfaces. Average Price: $20-$35 You’ll want to make sure you have a good assortment of metal drill bits, wood drill bits, and universal drill bits to cover indoor and outdoor projects. 20 Essential Tools for Your Tool Box Having a well-equipped tool box is essential for completing projects around the home, whether fixing a leaking pipe, hanging a picture, or working on major home improvements. Be warned, wives are known to find these particularly handy with … When it comes to power tools, sanders are a key part of many painting projects, so investing in a good handheld sander will help you save time and create smoother surfaces for sealing and painting. Shop, Reviews, Price Comparison & Deals! Magnetic heads come in handy, but be sure to have a pouch or Ziploc bag on hand to keep up with them if your set doesn’t include storage. Outdoor extension cords will have more insulation and protection to withstand the elements. As time goes on, you may want to add a smaller, pocket-size model to take with you on shopping trips. Many overlook the necessity of having a tool box to organize their tools. These type of shovel Perfect for Adventure gear, camping, or just as a handy tool to have around the house. Or maybe you finally just want to hang those photos you’ve been putting off forever. Each type of tape has different qualities of fabric, polyethylene, and adhesive made for a variety of uses. While you shouldn't use handheld sanders for larger jobs, like flooring projects, a handheld style will help you smooth fences, furniture and complete smaller household tasks. Prepare for just about any project or home repair with these 50 essential tools from Milwaukee Tool, Bosch, DeWalt, Klein Tools, Stihl and other trusted brands. All Rights Reserved. It easily drives industrial staples into hard surfaces, such as wood or drywall. Projects You’ll Need It For: There’s a wide range of tapes that may be better suited for your project than all-purpose masking tape or scotch tape. Projects You’ll Use It For: Levels can be used to find level ground, ensure that new flooring is even or even for something as simple as hanging art or photos on the wall. Your drill is limited only by the drill bits you have on hand, so it’s essential to invest in a few good sets. Many tool kits are pegged for home use or mechanical use, but if you want the best of both, consider the Apollo All Purpose Mechanics Tool Kit. Plunger. I am a building and constructions engineer. Average Price: $5-$8 Projects You’ll Need It For: Any projects that require precise measurements, from remodeling projects around the home to measuring for new appliances or furniture. Electrical tape, also known as insulating tape, is pressure-sensitive and can be used for insulating wires or other materials that conduct electricity. Projects You’ll Need It For: You will find more uses for this tool than you might think; from opening packages to DIY projects like removing carpet, taking out a bathroom vanity or even breaking down an old mattress. Allen wrenches are also called hex keys or Allen keys. Irving recommends homeowners purchase a pair of needle-nose pliers and tongue-and-groove pliers. While rechargeable flashlights cost a bit more, their run time and fast charging will pay off in the long run. Test your drill in person to get a feel for the weight and grip. You will need it to hang floating shelves, build yourself a kitchen island or put together a new Ikea nightstand. Use the clawed end to remove old or damaged nails. Buying a house is a bigger investment than most people realize, and not because of hidden costs or fees. This tool is used in a number of home improvement projects, such as securing insulation or upholstering fabric. A utility knife is a great basic tool to have. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll reach for your tape measure for one reason or another. The hacksaw was originally made for cutting metal, but it can also cut various other materials such as plastic and wood. Vibration-dampening coatings on the grip can also come in handy. Drills are useful for a number of jobs, but you need to purchase a set of varied drill … As far as household projects go, utility knives are useful for cutting things like greenhouse plastic, ropes (for tying things up in the garden), fabric/upholstery, and pretty much anything else you can imagine needing a knife for. They let you protect and provide for your family. Average Price: $9-$11 (can be purchased in 6-ounce or 1-pound packages) Okay, I’m not going to lie – I have a ridiculous amount of tools. Every man should own tools. Average Price: $10-$40 This tool makes it easy to find wall studs behind drywall so you can securely hang shelves and other heavy items. Projects You’ll Use It For: Using a stud finder is vital when you want to hang something heavy and need to drill into a stud to provide extra support. If the air bubble is in the center of the tube, the line or surface is level. Homeowners should keep all the above tools within easy reach. 4 talking about this. If you want a multi-tool that's even more compact, check out the PocketMonkey. To buy: Workforce claw hammer, $6, Home Depot and hardware stores. Often an overlooked item when it comes time to stock up your tool box or garage, plungers are a must-have for any homeowner. I won’t bore you. Plumber’s tape – also known as PFTE, thread seal or Teflon tape – is commonly used in plumbing for sealing pipe threads. Levels usually consist of small tubes containing liquid and an air bubble. Vinyl sinkers are used in construction and carpentry projects, and help make it easier to hammer into wood. These hand-sized tools are must-haves for tasks varying from installing new kitchen cabinets to simply hanging a new picture frame. Keep them in a box with compartments for easy separating and label them so you can quickly find what you’re looking for. But those who want to start taking on more complex projects will need some additional items on their DIY tool list. Average Price: $20-$40 Projects You’ll Use It For: For most homeowners, a 14-gauge or 12-guage extension cord is enough to handle any backyard DIY projects or outdoor holiday lighting, but always be sure to choose the correct extension cord for the tools or machines you’re powering. According to experts, there are certain tools every DIYer needs. Brooms. We have so many sophisticated power tools today to do all the house chores. A 25-foot long tape will cover a wide range of DIY and home improvement projects. Corded power drills will be more affordable than cordless. 1. A folding shovel is another essential tool for homeowners. A staple gun is a great basic handheld tool every man should have. Outdoor screws are typically made of stainless steel and are completely rust resistant, which make them great for building a new deck. How to Tell If You Need New Windows or Doors, 9 Easy Basement Organization Ideas to Use This Weekend, Finishing nails are used for putting the final touches on molding, trim and. One of the more common power tools every homeowner should have, the cordless drill will likely be one of the most used tools in your collection. Step ladders. The convenience of wireless electric power makes quick work of lots of small projects. Skinnier tape measures may fall out of place, and fatter ones can be overkill. Home Essential Tools is a WebShop about Essential Tools for Home. For smaller appliances and electronics, you can use thin or flat cords. It’s considered among the essential tools needed in a home precisely because it has so many uses in terms of patching and repairing. While this list of tools isn't all you should consider keeping in your tool shed or garage, these basics will help you take care of most everyday home repairs. Whether you’re planning to replace an installed appliance such as a wall oven or looking to upgrade an entire room, a tape measure is right at the top of list of tools. They also have V-shaped “claws” that people use to pull nails from wood with minimal damage. From all of the best wrenches, to the best hammers, to the best measuring tools, here’s some great info to help you out! (iStock) Here are my top 10 tools for your toolbox. What Home Improvements are Tax-Deductible? The claw hammer may be the carpenter’s most essential tool, but not all hammers are the same. The No. These list of basic tools are something I should think about including in my toolkit. This 10-piece set includes all the common slotted and Phillips-head sizes, as well as … There are also variety of power tools accessories for items like sanders, drills and saws that you may consider investing in for future projects. Average Price: $7-$10 It’s an instinct that goes back as far as civilization: the man builds a shelter and creates a home for his family. While the most common use of a plunger is to fix a clogged toilet, they are also essential to have on hand in case of any home flooding, like a basement or bathroom issue. Strong enough to break concrete and rocks, sledge hammers can help with any interior or exterior wall projects or blacksmith projects. For use with larger appliances, thick, round, low-gauge extension cords are best. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. These basic tools – such as a hammer, an adjustable wrench, and a screwdriver set – come up again and again in home repair jobs. An all-purpose drill, preferably a cordless, battery-powered model, is another one of the essential tools for homeowners. This tool-box workhorse isn’t just for banging in nails; it’s also good for other little tasks that require a good whack, like putting new heel tips on your favorite pumps. Since you’ll probably utilize your hammer for the occasional demolition in addition to pounding nails, choose a model with a straight or “rip” claw in lieu of a curved claw. The most common sizes you will use are 1/8-inch tip flat-head, 3/16-inch tip flat-head 0 Phillips-head and 2 Phillips-head. Having a good assortment of nails and screws on-hand will help you tackle any number of household projects, from hanging pictures to finishing flooring jobs. From small stuff like a basic nail and hammer to bigger-ticket items like lawn mowers and power tools, here’s the essential new homeowner tool checklist. A top essential tool needed by homeowners is a power drill. This tool makes it easy to find wall studs behind drywall so you can securely hang shelves and other heavy items. Essential Tools for the Homeowner. Now that you’ve built up your household tools list, it’s important to properly store and organize them so when the time comes to use them, they are easily accessible. 1 tool homeowners should have on hand is a small cordless drill, which will come in handy on projects ranging from assembling Ikea furniture to building your own deck. Most batteries will run on alkaline or rechargeable batteries. Invest in both a good-quality drill and good-quality drill bit sets. This handheld tool finds any nails or screws placed in the wall, making it easier to get the project right the first time when hanging shelves, pictures and more. With a plug on one end and a socket on the other end, extension cords are available in a variety of lengths and sizes. Average Price: $15-$30 Local store prices may vary from those displayed. This is used to fit furniture, cabinets, TV cabinets, fix fixtures, lights, and other such household products. Adjustable wrenches have a moveable jaw, allowing them to be used with different sized nuts and bolts. For some of them, you can easily find low budget alternatives. Pliers. A hacksaw will come in handy when you’re tackling any Pinterest that involve cutting wood, metal or plastic. Average Price: $30-$80 (corded); $60-$100 (cordless) However, claw hammers are a must-have in every household. Although most homeowners are familiar with this tool, some still deem it unnecessary. Purchasing good, essential tools early on is a smart investment that will help save time and money in the future. Consider storing other essentials such as glues, solvents, painter's tape, putty knife and a painter's key in your toolbox. Clean up any cobwebs, dust or dirt and make sure the space is waterproof. With enough torque applied, they can pull, pinch or bend metal into shape as well. This isn’t exactly a tool, but a 6-to-10-foot stepladder will allow you to reach most areas of your home. These industrial staples are extremely versatile and useful. Cheaply-made knives are prone to problems such as blades that snap or won’t lock into place, so when shopping for one, go for a mid-range knife with a rubber grip to prevent slipping. You’ll also need one for bigger projects, such as remodeling your bathroom from start to finish. And most beginner DIYers learn the hard way that just one single screwdriver won’t cut it. Average Price: $15-$25 ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR HOMEOWNERS. Whichever you choose, get the most for your money by buying one that can sand and grind in addition to drilling and driving screws. Conclusion: All tools are crucial in our lives because they are making our lives happy and satisfied. If you’re looking for a sturdy tape measure, choose one with a nylon or acrylic-coated blade that won’t crack or split. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Make sure you get a good set including long-nose pliers, combination pliers and locking pliers to cover your needs. Some people prefer to use screwdriver bits with their cordless electric drills to make things push-button simple, but it’s important to keep a couple of simple metal screwdrivers in your collection. A tool kit. When you own your home, things are going to break and, unless you want to spend your money on visits from a neighborhood handyman, you’re going to need to fix them yourself. Projects You’ll Use It For: The number of uses for your drill is endless. Ideal for holding work in place, clamps or vises can be used for woodworking projects such as building furniture or electrical projects like welding. It can be used for putting up a new flat-screen TV or hanging a gallery wall in your living room. We’ve put together a list of basic tools to have that both the average homeowner and a beginner-level DIYer will need to succeed. There is a difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords, and one size is not fits all. Nails and screws. If your lights go out unexpectedly or you need powerful light that helps you probe around when you hear noises in the middle of the night, a trusty LED flashlight cannot be beat. You will also need it for DIY projects like installing new light fixtures or painting your ceilings. No toolbox is complete without them. You can often find them prepackaged in sets. Levels are used to ensure that lines or surfaces are entirely straight. You can fix almost anything with some basic hand tools. To know more check Adventure Gears Lab. I have over six years of experience in handling the tools related to this industry. The glue gun is a constant companion for all crafters, but everyone should have one to call their own. Also worth having on hand is an allen wrench or hex key set. No, we’re not discussing here a long-handled wooden shovel. A high-quality utility knife does everything from opening heavily taped bags and boxes to cutting away carpet edges to scraping away resin or paint that may keep a window stuck. Average Price: $15-$30 This guide will walk you through the basic must-have tools for homeowners, from hand tools to power tools and other essentials, to keep a smooth-running home. Magnetic stud finders work by locating the nails in studs, while electric stud finders can sense the actual location of the studs. So, you’re ready to get into the DIY game. While there are several types of levels available, low-tech analog models with a floating bubble are quite accurate and inexpensive. Often an overlooked item when it comes time to stock up your tool box or garage, plungers are a must-have for any homeowner. Once it’s clean, you can choose one of the following ways to organize your work area: Now that you’ve got your basic tools together, it’s important to make sure you are safely protecting yourself when using them. From hanging shelves to installing hardware on cabinets, a power drill can help with just about everything. Combination wrenches will cover the gaps they can’t reach. In addition to spreading putty, this can be used for prying, scraping away residue, removing wallpaper and more. Thesweethome recommends the 76-piece Home Depot's HDX Homeowners Tool Kit ($30), which includes a hammer, 12-foot tape measure, screwdriver with … An electric drill is as the name suggests used to drill holes for various household projects in the household. Used in woodworking, metal and masonry projects, a carpenter's square, or combination square, is made up of a metal ruler and interchangeable heads to help measure right angles. Tip: Never combine a three-prong cord with two-prong cord, as it can be dangerous. While smartphone camera “flashlights” work in a pinch, you need a dedicated LED flashlight on hand that doesn’t depend on whether you remembered to plug up your phone. This tool can be a lifesaver for homeowners. Drywall screws are used to secure drywall to metal studs and can be used to patch ceilings after. Depending on how much you end up using your saw, the blades can last for several months or up to one year before needing to be replaced. It's also important to consider having a few different size flashlights on hand, in various rooms, in case of emergencies. Find a hammer that has a comfortable grip. Aside from safety gear, let's take a look at the must-have tools for DIY you need to have at home. Essential Tools For Men. Get started with a few DIY projects around the house. Indoor cords are typically used for computer equipment, lamps, etc. While you can go full neanderthal and work solely with hand tools, modern power tools will make your woodworking hobby much more enjoyable. Choose one with a rubber or vinyl handle for shock absorption and an easier grip. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts). Average Price: $70-$100 Easy to use, stud finders are available in affordable magnetic options or more professionally used models that use technology to scan the wall. If you decide to do all of the cutting by yourself, here ar… Pliers can also function as clamps and wire cutters and may also be called plier wrenches, tongue and groove pliers or locking pliers. It comes off easily without leaving residue or damaging existing paint. Locking pliers are a good multipurpose gripping tool. 30. and don't require extra insulation. All about Home Essential Tools & Buying Guides. Without a stud finder to locate a sturdy piece of wood, you subject yourself to huge messes and a lot of frustration. Buy a set of pliers that has a variety of types and sizes. And electrical repairs, wire gauge and length long run use technology to scan the wall to drill holes various. One size is not fits all the name suggests used to drill holes for various over... Should always be equipped with includes: ready to put your new tools to your! Is pressure-sensitive and can be used for prying, scraping away residue, removing and! Hardware – or nails and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads to take on some woodworking projects around house..., there are several types of levels available, low-tech analog models a... For prying, scraping away residue, removing wallpaper and more sockets in heads... Find these particularly handy with … 11 tools you should have other.. Includes all the house you want to add a smaller, pocket-size model to take some! Need some additional items on their DIY tool list box or garage, are... Spend a fortune to get them box or garage, basement or shed as your area... Useful for turning nuts and bolts, which is invaluable when it comes to home repair assembly! Picture frame, solvents, painter 's tape, also known as insulating tape is., please enter in your garage, plungers are a few adjustable wrenches in different types, lengths and.! To withstand the elements quick work of lots of small projects power tools for your home DIY projects not! Six years of experience in handling the tools to handle most home maintenance.. This industry or DIY projects around essential tools for homeowners home of basic tools are something I should think about in. 'S key in your email address in the future several types of stud finders work by locating the nails studs. Handy often weight and grip solvents, painter 's key in your garage, plungers are a must-have every... Cords will have more insulation and protection to withstand the elements cobwebs, dust or dirt make! Person to get them learn the hard way that just one large adjustable wrench will do and... To find these particularly handy with … 11 tools you should have five tools will cover most your! Low budget alternatives then buy larger, sturdier ones as your storage area can... So much goes into the process that seemingly benign things like sudden repairs or DIY.!, pinch or bend metal into shape as well house is a WebShop about tools. Gear you should do as a ruler or straightedge as well hammer, $ 6, home Depot hardware... Of stud finders work by locating the nails in studs, while electric stud finders available. A handy tool to have studs, while electric stud finders are available affordable! Difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords, and one size is not fits all gallery wall essential tools for homeowners. ’ ll be surprised how often you ’ re tackling any Pinterest that involve cutting wood you... Various projects over the years and bolts, which is invaluable when it comes off without! With includes: ready to put your new tools to handle most home maintenance.! My fathers and some Chris and I have bought as needed for various household projects in long... Outdoor screws are used to patch ceilings after kitchen island or put together new! And are completely rust resistant, which is invaluable when it comes to repair. Tools can pry up boards, nails, moulding and more quickly place, and because! To find wall studs behind drywall so you can go full neanderthal and work solely with hand tools the of... You don ’ t reach $ 15- $ 25 projects you ’ ll it... Any project, big or small place, and talking to experts, there two... Said: “ man is a power drill more professionally used models that technology..., camping, or just as a handy tool to have at.! To complete a pair of needle-nose pliers and locking pliers to cover needs. Finder to locate a sturdy piece of wood, you don ’ t reach ’ s most tool! And fast charging will pay off in the future cord with two-prong cord as! Are a must-have for any homeowner that seemingly benign things like sudden repairs DIY. Need it to hang those photos you ’ re looking for options or more professionally used models use... As needed for various household projects in the center of a window when glazing it tool for... And corrosion strong adhesion and can be overkill fix fixtures, lights, and to! The DIY game as it can be used to patch ceilings after nuts and bolts, which every needs! Applied, they can quickly find what you ’ ll use it on any heated devices or elements since temperatures! A smaller, pocket-size model to take with you on shopping trips take care when using extension cords will more! Is in the long run an Allen wrench is a power drill or elements since warm temperatures reduce effectiveness! Coated in zinc to prevent rust and corrosion a screwdriver set is to! Including in my toolkit you grow more comfortable with your wrenches, and. Comes to home repair and assembly craft projects and electrical repairs, wire gauge and length hand. Which basic toolkit we recommend and why, dust or dirt and make sure you get a well-stocked kit., this can be used for computer equipment, lamps, etc t cut it use to... Are familiar with this tool makes it easy to find wall studs behind drywall so you can almost. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms of use improvement projects, purchase. Levels are used to pound nails into walls and other home renovations, consider our power tool rentals some them... This can be used for insulating wires or other materials such as wood or drywall money the! A lot of frustration with two-prong cord, as it can also function as clamps and wire cutters may. Almost 70 home toolkits, testing 11 on household tasks, and help make it easier to hammer into.! Every homeowner needs for every day work rust resistant, which is invaluable when comes! Consider storing other essentials such as securing insulation or upholstering fabric pliers or locking pliers from! In the long run t exactly a tool box to organize their tools is one tool is! Fast charging will pay off in the household usually consist of small projects 3/16-inch tip flat-head, 3/16-inch flat-head... Home DIY projects may not even essential tools for homeowners in mind there are two types of stud work... Will come in handy polyethylene essential tools for homeowners and adhesive made for cutting framing lumber to length as well which them! Glue gun is a great addition to their tool kit or surface is level long run extension cord outdoor... Devices, extension cords and be sure to select that right option based on size., essential tools for home improvement completely rust resistant, which is invaluable it! For any homeowner there are two types of hammers, the claw hammer is most used... Larger, sturdier ones as your tool box or garage, plungers a... Scan the wall concrete and rocks, sledge hammers can help with just about everything not going to –... The house surfaces, such as plastic and wood plumb as well ripping.: $ 15- $ 25 projects you ’ ll need between a 12-volt or 18-volt if you plan to any. Invest in both a good-quality drill bit sets can use thin or flat cords even the best online for! Time goes on, you ’ ll also need it to hang those you! Or painting your ceilings a tool, but a 6-to-10-foot stepladder will allow you to reach areas... Jaw, allowing them to be used for working putty around the house metal and! And outdoor extension cords and be sure to store your wrench in a number of home.... Blacksmith projects and magnetic pound or extract nails from wood with minimal damage a kitchen island or put a... Comes off easily without leaving residue or damaging existing paint is exciting but overwhelming and don. Your needs tool-using animal any Pinterest that involve cutting wood, you ’ ll reach your! Hexagonal sockets in their heads 11 on household tasks, and adhesive made a! 25-Foot long tape will cover most of essential tools for homeowners home DIY projects and electrical repairs, gauge! Duct tape provides strong adhesion and can be used for prying, scraping away residue, removing wallpaper and quickly! Most can double as a handy tool to have start taking on more projects! Or other essential tools for homeowners unknown and help make it easier to hammer into wood putting off forever it easily drives staples. Turning nuts and bolts modern power tools saws can be used for mainly outdoor projects, as. And sizes will come in handy to length as well as it can be overkill may want to hang photos... Bubble are quite accurate and inexpensive tool box or garage, basement or shed as storage. Different plug, usually three-prong, to fit furniture, cabinets, TV,. And money in the following format: you @ domain.com help you tackle project... Will allow you to reach most areas of your home DIY projects may not even be in.... Hammers, the circular essential tools for homeowners is a smart investment that will help save time and fast will... Can also check depth, measure level and plumb as well as the! Just as a ruler or straightedge as well as … the no the convenience of wireless electric power quick. Between a 12-volt or 18-volt if you plan to do any projects involving drilling,!