Being a home handyperson isn’t that hard if you have the right tools and know how to use them. In the interest of happy households and well-maintained homes, we are pleased to present a comprehensive list of the basic tools required for most do-it-yourself home repair projects.
Toolkit must-haves
Yes, you need a toolbox, and no, it doesn’t have to be lavish. Invest in the best tools you can afford, and take proper care of them. Well made tools built to last a lifetime are an excellent investment, so say home repair experts at DIY Network.
Start by purchasing a compartmented, portable toolbox. A box with one or more lift-out trays will help you keep your household repair tools clean and organized. Please don’t think you have to purchase every conceivable tool at once. Buy the basics, and add to your household toolbox as needed.
Basic home repair tools you’ll need and why
First, get a high-quality claw hammer. There are all sorts of implements with which you can pound in and pull out nails, but a standard claw hammer is fine for now. It’s versatile enough for most jobs and will fit in the bottom portion of your toolbox. The second tool you want to obtain is an all-purpose, adjustable wrench. Because it has jaws that can be adapted to fit practically any nut or bolt, an adjustable wrench is just right for your starter toolkit.
Add a pair of locking pliers to your home repair toolkit, and you’ll be ready anytime you have to grip a pipe or turn a tight fixture. Sometimes called “channel locks,” locking pliers are a tool you’ll turn to again and again. A pair or two of combination pliers should also live in your toolbox. With them, you can twist a screw, pull a nail, cut wire, and perform other simple repair tasks.
Put at least one slot-style screwdriver and one Phillips head driver into your repair kit. Better yet, get a couple of each in varying sizes. If you can afford only one driver at this time, get a screwdriver with interchangeable heads. You can find a variety of screwdrivers and other handy tools at RS online. A tape measure ought to be included in your toolkit, too. A 25-foot tape marked in both American and metric measurements will allow you to determine the length of almost anything you might need to repair.
Do renters need household repair tools?
In a word, yes. It doesn’t matter if you own your own home or pay monthly rent to a landlord. Everyone should have a proper set of basic household tools and know how to use them. There’s no point in waiting around for your landlord to do simple repairs, explains Gizmodo magazine.
People who live in houses or apartments, whether they own or rent, should know how to do a few basic repairs. It’s easy and fun with the right assortment of tools.