Essential Tools for the Homeowner
You’ll need tools if you’re going to live in a house, even if you have no intention of remodeling or do-it-yourself projects, even if your only project house-wise is to dial the phone to call in a repairman. If you’ve never purchased tools before, how do you know what to buy? What follows is a list of tools you probably should have in your tool kit for all the things that come up that you never knew you needed tools for.
A word to the wise: avoid cheap tools. Spend the extra money for well-made tools and they will probably last as long or longer than you own your home. Also stay away from the infomercial 150-in-one multi-purpose tools. If one component gets damaged, the entire unit is useless.
l Allen wrench
l Ball-end Allen wrenches
l Bolts
l Box wrench
l Brads, nails, and spikes, various sizes
l Channel-lock pliers (water pump pliers)
l Cordless drill/screwdriver
l Curved claw hammer
l Digging spade
l Duct tape
l Extendable-handle rake
l Glue gun
l Hoe
l Lag screws, machine screws, sheet metal screws, wood screws
l Level (2-inch with aluminum housing)
l Lopper
l Magnetic tack hammer
l Open-end wrench
l Pipe wrenches
l Pliers, needle-nose and locking long-nose
l Portable tool box
l Pruning shears
l Pry bar
l Pump water vacuum (wet/dry vac)
l Saw
l Screwdrivers, Phillips and flathead
l Socket wrench with a ratchet handle
l Sledge hammer
l Spray lubricant
l Staple gun
l Strap wrench
l Tape measure
l Torx screwdrivers
l Trowel
l Utility knife with a retractable blade
l Wire cutters
l Work flashlight
Also include some gardening tools such as a lawn mower and spade for digging flowers. Have all these tools arranged in a shed or your garage so you have easy access when you need them.