Top 5 Tools Every Handyman Recommends for Your Home Toolbox
Having the right tools at home can save you time, money, and stress when small problems arise. While many problems are best left to the professionals, some of these minor headaches can be fixed with just a few tools. If you’re the homeowner who, for any reason, would rather hand things over to the pros, you can always skip to the bottom of the page and schedule a consultation. For the other homeowners who might be interested in DIY or just want to be a little more prepared, here’s your rundown of the top five tools that every handyman recommends for a well-stocked toolbox.
1. A Good Quality Screwdriver Set
Screwdrivers are the tool that will be more surprisingly useful to you than anything else you’ll ever own. Whether you’re fixing your cabinet hardware or putting together a 100-piece bedframe from IKEA, screwdrivers are an essential part of your home repair kit. You might not expect to need a screwdriver when you’re changing your smoke detectors, but you’ll be happy to have one handy when the low-battery beeping starts.
Make sure your set includes a mix of flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers in multiple sizes. If you’re someone who gets annoyed by having to fish fallen screws from the ground, consider investing in magnetic-tipped ones for easier handling.
2. A Sturdy Hammer
No toolbox is complete without a good hammer. This is another tool that will come in handy when you’re assembling furniture and in many other unknown situations. When that one pesky nail is sticking up in the middle of your living room, you don’t want to have to use one of your cooking pans to put it back in place. For projects that require a lot of hammering, consider minimizing the shock by buying one with a rubberized grip.
3. Tape Measure
Accurate measurements are crucial for any project. This one is a useful tip for any homeowner, whether you consider yourself handy or not. Picture that moment when you’re buying a new washer/dryer. You’ve looked at your old machine a thousand times, and the new one you chose could be its twin. The issue is, when you try to slide it into the same nook, you realize it’s about half an inch too wide. Now, you’re looking at an expensive return, waiting time, and having to go through the picking process yet again.
All this to say that a good-quality tape measure can save you a lot of time and money. Ideally, purchase one that is 25 feet long and has a locking mechanism to make measuring quicker, easier, and more accurate.
4. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench will give you the freedom to tackle a number of jobs that involve plumbing fixtures. Unlike the traditional wrench, an adjustable version can be resized to make it more versatile for everyday use. For the average homeowner, a lot of plumbing issues should be left to the professionals. You can still find a lot of uses for this tool, like tightening your garden hose or even mounting your TV.
5. Power Drill with Bits
A power drill may not be necessary in every home, but for people who find themselves working on a DIY project almost every weekend, they are invaluable. When you’re hanging shelves, installing hardware, or even putting a hole in the wall, a power drill is going to make the work go by much more quickly. When choosing your drill, try to find one that is cordless and comes with an assortment of drill bits and screwdriver attachments.
Conclusion: Build Your Toolbox with Confidence
These five essential tools are a healthy foundation for building a well-rounded toolbox. They’ll give you the head start and confidence to tackle most smaller projects and home repairs. Keep them organized and in a dry space that’s accessible to make sure you don’t have any additional problems when you need them. Having the right tools on hand can be very empowering when you’re looking to tackle basic fixes yourself. For the problems you don’t have the time for, or aren’t comfortable doing yourself, you can always call your local handyman.
Thanks for reading this article from The Handywoman’s Toolbox. Come back monthly for more tips and tricks for the motivated homeowner.
