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.
Allen wrench
Ball-end Allen wrenches
Bolts
Box wrench
Brads, nails, and spikes, various sizes
Channel-lock pliers (water pump pliers)
Cordless drill/screwdriver
Curved claw hammer
Digging spade
Duct tape
Extendable-handle rake
Glue gun
Hoe
Lag screws, machine screws, sheet metal screws, wood screws
Level (2-inch with aluminum housing)
Lopper
Magnetic tack hammer
Open-end wrench
Pipe wrenches
Pliers, needle-nose and locking long-nose
Portable tool box
Pruning shears
Pry bar
Pump water vacuum (wet/dry vac)
Saw
Screwdrivers, Phillips and flathead
Socket wrench with a ratchet handle
Sledge hammer
Spray lubricant
Staple gun
Strap wrench
Tape measure
Torx screwdrivers
Trowel
Utility knife with a retractable blade
Wire cutters
Work flashlight