Everyone should have a basic set of tools in their home, regardless of whether you do repair work professionally or are a casual DIY’er. Having the right tools in place makes it a lot easier when you need to install a set of shelves, assemble furniture, or even just scrape gum or hard stickers from the kitchen floor. Here is a list of handy home improvement tools to always have on hand:
Nippers
Removing nails from wood trim can be a tedious task unless you have a nipper on hand. This affordable tool generally costs under $15 and manages to pull out nails cleanly without damaging the material. Nippers can also be used to cut through and remove small amounts of solid material, such as tile.
Impact Driver
Have you ever tried to remove a screw that just won’t budge? When a regular screwdriver can’t get the work done, grab an impact driver. Impact drivers generally come equipped with various heads, making them suitable for removing screws of any size. It works by applying intense rotational and downward force.[1] Impact drivers can come in handy when removing tight bolts.
Angle Grinder
Angle grinders have a small blade that is perfect for cutting through ceramic tile. It’s also ideal for making intricate cuts around smaller curved areas that require a lot of detail, such as showerheads and power outlets.
Screw Driver Set
The screw driver set is the most basic tool for DIY beginners but it’s also a must-have. They can be used to assemble furniture, install light switches, and tighten loose hardware or furniture. Every home should always have a screwdriver set just in case.
Flashlight
A flashlight is a must-have just in case you need to work in a dark space, such as in the basement or the closet. They also really come in handy during a power outage or natural disaster. Opt for a rechargeable flashlight, which uses LED lights and will last for a long time.
A Set Of Pliers
Pliers give you the right amount of grip for heavy duty jobs, such as removing an old showerhead or slicing a wire. There are a large number of plier types available, including side cutting, long nose, and utility pliers.[2]
Adjustable Feet
Adjustable feet are often used in home improvement projects, such as an above-the-floor bath installation. These are also convenient to keep in the garage in case you need to adjust the height of a DIY work station or a bench. They can also be used to level off an object in case your flooring is uneven.[3]
Putty Knife
Putty knives are generally used to scrape hard residue from a surface or spread material, such as plaster. They can be used to remove paint, stickers, or gum from the floors. Putty knives also come in handy if you’re working on a home renovation project and need to seal grout or apply drywall and plaster.[4]
Power Drill
A power drill is a must-have and useful when assembling furniture or drilling holes in the wall in order to hang paintings and artwork. Drills allow you to attach bits to it to match the size of the screw. Other drill bits can be used in order to drill holes into a surface.
Stud Finder
Want to hang a painting or are you putting up a new set of shelves? A stud finder can be used in order to locate studs designed for framing behind drywall. If you don’t have a stud finder, you’ll end up drilling numerous holes into the wall until you hit a stud, which can result in damage to your wall. Modern electronic stud finders are able to show you where every stud is exactly.[5]
Reference
| [1] | ^ | Wikipedia: Impact Driver |
| [2] | ^ | CCOHS: Hand Tools – Pliers and Wire Cutters |
| [3] | ^ | Vital-Parts: The Vital Guide to Adjustable Feet |
| [4] | ^ | Do It Yourself: What to Consider When Buying a Putty Knife |
| [5] | ^ | How Stuff Works: How do stud finders work? |
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