The 10 Tools A Homeowner Should Have

1. Tape Measure

Tape measure is a long and flexible tape indented with measurements in both English and Metric systems. It is a versatile tool that is used to measure the length of one point to another or the length of an item. It can turn corners and also be used to measure the perimeter of an object or area such as a door or window frame. The ideal length is about 25 – 30 feet, which should cover the average home owner’s needs for repairs and small projects.

2. Level

Levels range from the new electronic laser guided levels, to the traditional carpenter’s level. But the purpose is still the same, it is to entire that surfaces are evenly flat. These can be used horizontally or vertically, to ensure that your surface is as even as one can make it.

3. Hammer

A classic and essential hand tool. A hammer is a tool with a heavy weighted head. It is often used to drive nails into a surface, to strike on a surface to mold or to destroy an object or surface. More often than not, hammers have a claw on the other end of the head to use to wedge out a nail or to pry two surfaces away. Most hammers are recommended to weigh from 12-16 oz.

4. Screwdriver Set

Screwdrivers are used to put in and take out screws. With various tips that fit various screws such as a cross head for Phillips screws or a flat tip for flat head screws. These also come in different lengths and shapes of heads to accommodate different screw sizes and for different depths a screw might be in. Often, screwdrivers either come in a set of varying lengths and head shapes, to kits with interchangeable heads. Some may come with a magnetic head to help pick up screws from holes and crevices.

5. Pliers

Pliers are a hand tool that is used to hold an item firmly. Usually used to grip on to an item, or to cut or bend them. Consisting of jaws, pivot, and handles, these scissor like tools are primarily used to bend wire or metals, and sometimes strip or cut wire.

6. Wrench

Wrenches are a tool that is used to hold on to and provide mechanical advantage to grip and turn an object. Usually for a nut or bolt and other rotary fasteners. These usually come in a variety of sizes as well, and offer a head with an adjustable grip to ensure it fits whatever space needed to turn.

7. Utility Knife

A bladed tool that’s used to cut with ease. It can easily have its blade replaced by snapping off the dull edge. The blade is also retractable for extra safety measure and comes in different sizes for comfortable grip.

8. Electric Planer

Planers are tools that are used to make a wooden surface even. Using a blade to shave off chunks of wood to even out a surface. Electronic ones are more precise and efficient than traditional ones, and have safety measures built in.

9. Circular Saw

Saws are used to cut wood and other materials. Using a rapidly rotating blade, a circular saw can cut through various materials such as wood, plastics, and metals. These precise tools often have different sizes and types of blades to accommodate for different materials to cut into different shapes and sizes.

10. Cordless Drill

Drills are used to bore holes onto surfaces. With an assortment of different heads, with different sizes and head shapes for different uses. The cordless electric drill is a powerful and useful tool that is able to bore holes into different surfaces, from wood, to metals, to concrete.