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 my experience, 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 (think of your favorite IKEA furnitures), installing shelves and kitchen cabinets, fixing loose screws, 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 wood, drywall and tiles, remove caulk, or remove 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. If you get a rotary hammer drill 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 pair of pliers is primarily used for gripping objects. It provides extra leverage for bending metal, gripping and turning small objects, and loosening or tightening fasteners.
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. Tape Measure
A tape measure if one of the most essential tools for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.
Imagine that you are buying a new furniture or replacing your fridge or washing machine. A good tape measure helps you avoid costly mistakes by ensuring that your new electrical appliance or furniture fit correctly where you planned to place them.
In my experience a 16-foot (or 5 meters) tape measure is sufficient for everyday tasks around the home. Look for one with a durable blade and an easy-to-read scale for maximum convenience.
From measuring a room for new curtains to determining the correct placement for wall-mounted décor, a tape measure is a simple tool that you’ll reach for again and again.
4. 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.
5. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers (ChannelLock)
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.
6. Screwdriver Set
Finally, a screwdriver set with flat and Phillips heads of different sizes would help you fix minor problems with your electric and electronic appliances.
If you also want to do basic electrical maintenance, 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?
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Dan Miller is a professional toolmaker with extensive experience in the metalworking and tooling industry.
An avid DIY enthusiast and passionate hobbyist woodworker, Dan shares his expert knowledge here.