Essential Tools Every Homeowner Should Have in Their Toolbox

 

DIY Game Starter Tools

So you're ready to start your DIY game. Maybe there are some projects around the house that you want to finish. Or maybe you just want to finally hang those photos you've been putting off forever. Regardless of your motivation, every DIY journey begins with putting together the perfect kit to help you tackle any project, big or small.

We've compiled a list of essential tools that both the average homeowner and entry-level DIYer need to be successful.

Essential Tools for Homeowners and Newbie DIYers

1. Tape Measure

You'd be surprised how often you reach for a tape measure for one reason or another. The 25-foot tape covers a wide variety of DIY and home improvement projects. If you're looking for a sturdy tape measure, choose a nylon or acrylic coated blade that won't break or break.

• Average Price: $5 - $20
• Projects you need it for: Projects that require accurate measurements, from home improvement projects to measuring new appliances or furniture.

2. Utility knife

A utility knife is a great basic tool. Low-quality knives are prone to problems such as blades that snap or don't lock in place, so when shopping for a knife, choose a mid-range knife that has a rubber grip to prevent slipping.

• Average price: $15-$30
• Projects you'll need it for: You'll find more uses for this tool than you think. from opening packages to DIY projects like removing a carpet, removing a bathroom or even breaking up an old mattress.

3. Claw Hammer

Although there are many types of hammers, the claw hammer is the most commonly used. Its main use is for nails or wooden nails. Choose a device with a rubber or vinyl handle for shock absorption and an easier grip.

• Average price: $10 - $40
• Projects you'll need it for: Hammers are useful for everything from hanging pictures on the wall to more basic DIY projects like removing tile floors or taking apart a wooden deck.

 4. Screwdriver set

In today's do-it-yourself age, a screwdriver set is essential. And most beginning DIYers learn the hard way that one screwdriver just won't cut it. Find a selection of flat and Phillips screwdrivers in different sizes to cover a variety of projects large and small.

• Average price: $20 - $40
• Projects you'll need it for: You'll use a screwdriver for everything from putting new batteries in your kid's toys to fixing ductwork on your house. 

5. Hardware

Different types and sizes of hardware - or nails and screws - are often useful. Store them in a box with compartments for easy separation, and label them so you can quickly find what you're looking for.

• Average Price: $9-$11 (can be purchased in 6 oz or 1 lb packages)
• Projects You'll Need:
• Finishing nails are used to mold, finish and finish hardwood floor projects.
• Vinyl sheets are used in construction and carpentry and make hammering wood easier.
• Galvanized nails are mainly used in exterior projects, especially roofing, because they are coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Drywall screws are used to attach drywall screws to metal grids and can be used to position ceilings after a wall is knocked down in your home.
• External screws are usually made of stainless steel and are completely rust resistant, making them ideal for new deck construction.

6. Tape

There are many types of tape that may work better for your project than masking tape or masking tape. Each type of tape has different fabrics, polyethylene and glue for different uses.

• Average Price: $7 - $10
• Projects You'll Use:
• The tape offers strong adhesion and can be used for most projects, from art to basement finishing.
• Electrical tape, also known as electrical tape, is pressure sensitive and can be used to insulate wires or other electrically conductive materials.
• Masking tape is designed to protect door frames, baseboards and trim during painting projects. It comes off easily without leaving any residue or damaging the existing paint.
• Plumber's tape - also known as PFTE, thread seal or Teflon tape - is commonly used in pipelines to seal pipe threads.

7. Adjustable Pliers

Adjustable pliers are a great addition to your tool collection. Its angled jaws make this tool useful for turning nuts and bolts. Pliers can also function as crimpers and wire cutters, and may also be called a pincer, tab or locking handle.

• Average price: $15-$30
• Projects you'll use it for: depending on the type you buy, the pliers can be used to grip something large (like a stick or pipe) or smaller objects like nails (like nails) in wood trim when you remove or replace baseboards.

8. Adjustable Half Moon Wrench

Adjustable wrenches have a movable jaw so they can be used with different sized nuts and bolts. At the beginner level, you don't need a full set of different sizes; all it takes is one large adjustable wrench. Be sure to store the key in a cool and dry place to avoid rusting.

• Average Price: $20-$35
• Projects You'll Use It For: You use them to loosen or tighten a nut or bolt, such as plumbing or assembling new furniture.

9. Hex wrenches

A hex wrench is a simple tool used to drive hex head bolts and screws. Choose a set of different sizes to fit different projects. Sex keys are also called decasselis or decasselis.

• Average price: $5 - $15
• Projects you'll use it for: These keys are used in a variety of ways, including assembling or repairing furniture, repairing bicycles, or even letting your adventurous child pick the lock on the door.

10. Level

Levels are used to ensure that lines or surfaces are perfectly straight. Airplanes usually consist of small tubes with liquid and air bubbles. If the air bubble is in the center of the tube, the line or surface is flat. Most can also function as a ruler or direct line.

• Price Range: $10 - $40
• Projects You'll Use It For: Levels can be used to find level ground, level a new floor, or even something as simple as hanging art or pictures. on the wall

11. Ladder

Not really a tool, but a 6-10 foot ladder will get you to most parts of your home. When choosing it, check the stability and always make sure you use it on a solid, flat and non-slip surface.

• Average price: $70 - $100
• Projects you'll use it for: A ladder often comes in handy in your home, especially when you're doing simple jobs like vacuuming, changing light bulbs, or reaching tall cabinets. . You'll also need it for DIY projects like installing new light fixtures or painting ceilings.

Advanced Home Improvement Tools for the DIY Pro

Homeowners should keep all of the above tools close at hand. But those who want to tackle more complex projects will need to add to their list of DIY tools.

1. Stud Finder

This tool makes it easy to find wall studs behind drywall so you can hang shelves and other heavy items securely. There are two types of stud finders: electric and magnetic. Magnetic stud finders locate studs on studs, while electric stud finders can locate actual studs.

• Average Price: $20 - $35
• Projects You'll Use It For: Using a stud finder is essential when you want to hang something heavy and need to drill a stud head for extra support. It can be used to install a new flat screen TV or hang a gallery wall in the living room.

2. Drill

Corded drills are cheaper than cordless drills. Whatever you choose, you'll get the most bang for your buck if you buy a machine that can grind and sand in addition to drilling and screw-tightening. Test the drill in person to get a feel for the weight and grip. You need 12 volts or 18 volts if you plan to do projects that involve drilling metal, plastic, or tile.

• Average price: $30-$80 (wired); $60-$100 (Undrillable)
• Projects you'll use it for: The uses for your drill are endless. You need it to hang floating shelves, build a kitchen island or put together a new Ikea nightstand.

3. Saw

The saw was originally created to cut metal, but it can also cut many other materials such as plastic and wood. Depending on how much you use the saw, the blades can last several months or even a year before they need to be replaced.

• Average price: $15-$25
• Projects you'll use it for: Try your hand at a wooden table that uses wood? A hacksaw is useful for Pinterest when it comes to cutting wood, metal or plastic. You'll also need it for larger projects, like a start-to-finish bathroom remodel.

4. Putty trowel

A putty trowel is a special tool used to putty around the edges of a window when glazing. In addition to applying putty, it can be used for digging, scraping debris, removing wallpaper and more.

• Average Price: $5 - $8
• Projects You'll Use It For: You're covered in putty shovels for a variety of projects, from scraping old paint off porches to removing kitchen cabinets.

5. Durable extension cord

Extension cords are essential in the home because the electrical outlet may not always be in the right place where you need it. They come in different types, lengths and sizes. Thick, round, fine-gauge extension cords are best for use with larger appliances. For smaller appliances and electronics, you can use thin or flat cables.

• Average Price: $18-$40
• Projects It's Used For: For most homeowners, a 14-foot or 12-foot extension cord is sufficient for any yard project or outdoor holiday lighting, but always remember to choose the right extension cord for tools or machinery used.

The Best Way To Store Your Tools

Now that you've compiled your list of household tools, it's important to properly store and organize them so they're easily accessible when needed.

For starters, you can designate space in your garage, basement, or shed as storage. Clean up any cobwebs, dust or dirt and make sure the room is waterproof. Once it's clean, you can choose one of the following ways to organize your workspace:

• Toolbox or toolbox
• Toolbox or tool bag
• Workbench
• Garage or basement. Cabinets
• Wall hooks and hangers.