Ditch the Rest: Homeowners, These Are the Only Tools You Need

When I first moved into my new home, I was overwhelmed by the number of tools my contractor suggested. But over the years, I’ve discovered that only a handful are truly essential.

In fact, you just need two power tools and a few hand tools to do most of the maintenance and repair work! Trust me.

Here are the tools that every homeowner should have.

Essential Power Tools for Home

Let’s start with power tools. These tools are necessary for handling more demanding projects around your home or apartment.

Homeowners use these tools to manage demanding projects around their properties. Each has specific advantages to consider with its application and design.

1. Cordless Drill Driver

A cordless drill/driver is a must-have tool for assembling furniture, installing shelves and kitchen cabinets, or even hanging heavy frames.

With no power cords, homeowners receive the convenience of a strong tool that can go almost anywhere. 

The cordless drill/driver is ideal for hard-to-reach areas like the attic, basement, or outdoors. The tool can drill holes and drive screws into most materials, including wood, plastic, and light metal, such as aluminum. 

2. Oscillating Multitool

This may be a surprise for you.  But in my experience, an oscillating multi-tool can be used for a number of tasks, making it a must-have option in a homeowner’s toolbox. 

You can use the oscillating tool for cutting, scraping, sanding, and much more.

• With the right blade, the tool can cut drywall and tiles, remove caulk, or eliminate unwanted sealant.
• Plunging work to create openings in flooring or paneling is possible.
• Some designs can use polishing pads to work with metal or glass surfaces.

 You can quickly change between the different attachments to accomplish multiple tasks while having precise control over its operation. 

In short, an oscillating multitool is a jack-of-all-trades. Whether you’re cutting pipes, drywall, and door jamb, sanding down a rough edge, or scraping off old paint, this tool has you covered.

Optional: Hammer Drill

This is an optional tool, and you only need it when you have to work with bricks or masonry.

The hammer drill, with its percussion motion, allows you to penetrate these materials to install anchors or break them up as part of a demolition effort. With the right attachments, it is also possible to chip and chisel with them for porcelain or plaster projects. 

While optional, a hammer drill is invaluable for drilling into concrete to mount a heavy-duty shelf or anchor outdoor fixtures.

Now, let’s move on to the must-have hand tools that are the backbone of any homeowner’s toolkit.

Hand Tools to Use for Home Maintenance

These tools let you take care of chores almost anywhere on your property. They don’t require a power source to operate.

1. Hammer

A claw hammer can do most of your tasks, from helping you hang pictures to removing nails from wood and even drywall demolition. For heavy-duty demolition work, you will need a sledgehammer. 

Although there are several types of hammers, including different materials, that are available to handle the different tasks, a claw hammer and a sledgehammer would cover most of your work.

2. Pliers

A pliers is primarily used for gripping objects. It provides extra leverage for bending metal, gripping and turning small objects, and loosening or tightening fatners.

Start by investing in a good quality combination pliers. But I would also consider investing in a set that includes needle-nose pliers, slip-joint pliers, and locking pliers for maximum versatility. That way, you can reach different items and maximize this tool’s capabilities. 

3. Wrench Set (Or an Adjustable Wrench)

You might be tempted to purchase an adjustable wrench instead of investing in an entire set of wrenches. While an adjustable wrench can replace an entire set, saving space and money, they tend to slip and damage fasteners.

I would recommend you get a set of box wrenches that will lock the size so that it doesn’t slip. 

4. Channel Lock

Also known as a water pump plier, this hand tool will cover your basic plumbing needs. Its long handles make it helpful for difficult tasks that require more force with leverage or grip.

The tongue and groove pliers are Perfect for plumbing tasks, tightening pipes, or even working on your car.

This tool goes by several names, although it is popularly known as Channel Lock, which is a popular brand that makes tongue and groove pliers. The tool also gets the name water pump plier because of its usefulness for managing plumbing tasks.

5. Screwdriver Set

Finally, a screwdriver set with flat and Philips heads of different sizes would help you fix minor problems with your electric and electronic appliances.

Make sure that you get the one with a test light with an insulated handle to ensure electrical safety.

Closing Thoughts

One of the greatest joys of owning a new home or apartment is caring for it. With access to essential tools, most maintenance tasks are easy to perform.  As a new home or apartment owner, the above listed tools should help you tackle DIY projects or necessary repairs with affordable ease. In return, managing a property’s upkeep requirements becomes much easier. 

What tools do you find indispensable in your home maintenance kit?