We all have tools around the house, but some are more important than others. The following are the most essential tools for homeowners, and whether you’re into DIY or not, you cannot afford to be without these.
You may be familiar with some of these tools, and some may sound unique. But once you become conversant with their functions, it will be easy to see why they’re essential.
Let’s take a look at these tools and what they have to offer.
1. Rotary Tool
With the best rotary tool you can grind, polish, sand, and machine plastic, wood or metal. Whether you call it a rotary tool or a Dremel, the fact remains this is one of those must-have power tools.
Dremel, by the way, is a brand that makes rotary tools, but there are other well-known manufacturers you can try.
Rotary tools work with either wood or metal. You can also buy attachments to extend a rotary tool’s functionality.
A rotary tool is only as powerful as the attachments that come with it. There are lots of these, but you should only buy those that you will use.
Among the most popular are the following:
- Cutting: use a cutting attachment to cut with a straight bit or a wheel. You can also use cutting attachments for intricate work.
- Carving: a carving attachment lets your rotary tool do complex carvings. Wood and metal carvings are available so with just a little practice, you’ll be making intricate carvings.
- Sanding: you can use a rotary tool for sanding intricate objects. Sanding is often used on woodwork, but you can sand metal too.
2. Sockets and Wrenches
The best socket set comes with ratchets, wrenches, and sockets of varying sizes. If you need to tighten or loosen a fastener, you’ll need a good set of sockets and ratchets to do the job.
These sets come with the most commonly used sockets. Some sets have regular sockets while others are designed to work with impact wrenches.
The number of pieces varies per set, with some having 20 while others have hundreds. Having a lot of pieces is nice, but make sure they have what you’re looking for.
If you’re going to buy a socket set, look for those with etchings that denote the number and size. You will need that to sort the sockets especially if they’re in the hundreds.
3. Screwdrivers
Chances are you already have a screwdriver or two, but it’s better to have the best screwdriver set. With a screwdriver set, you’ll have plenty of Philips, flat heads, and other screwdrivers.
If you’re looking for a set, check out this Gearwrench screwdriver set review
Even if you have a few screwdrivers, it’s better to invest in a quality set as there is an assortment of sizes and head types to choose from. The more varied the sizes, the better, as you will likely need it to do different types of work.
4. Hammer Drill
A hammer drill is a power tool that provides a hammering action. With the best hammer drill, you’ll be able to break materials like bricks or concrete to anchor bolts, plugs or screws in them.
Hammer drills are ideal for DIY buffs who perform masonry work. Portable hammer drills are for those who need flexibility, but others are corded and have more power.
Hammer drills used to be a tool that only professionals could afford, but now DIY enthusiasts and homeowners can buy one. And given the benefits we just mentioned, there are lots of good reasons to have a rotary tool in your arsenal.
5. Center Punch
One of the must have tools for mechanics, a center punch lets you punch holes in metals, but they can do a lot more than that. You can, for instance, use the center punch to tighten a knife’s loose handle, and you can use it to mark lines on metal or wood.
You can also use a center punch to tighten a shovel’s handle. You center the punch along the rivet and use a ball-peen hammer to increase the rivet’s head.
You can also use a center punch for mail head countersinking. You can even use this to drive a staple or nail.
6. Putty Knife
Even if you have the best power tools to own, it is still necessary to have a putty knife. You can use it for a variety of applications depending on the tip.
Some putty knives have thin flexible blades, while others have a larger blade and are more suitable for chisel work. These are chisel-type knives and more suited for heavy duty work.
Putty knives are made from different materials, with the best ones made from high carbon steel. However, disposable plastic knives are also available and suited for daily use.
7. Safety Glasses
Read up on DIY safety practice tips and you’re going to find safety glasses mentioned and for good reasons. Whether you’re using a power tool, sanding etc. make sure to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Aside from safety glasses, you should also wear proper clothing and shoes to protect your feet.
8. Metal File
No list of tools every man should have in his garage is complete without mentioning the metal file. With this tool, you can finesse different types of metal with little effort.
Anytime you need to finish or file a metal, this is the tool you’ll need. These are also different types of metal files to choose from and they’re affordable too.
9. Gun Safe
This isn’t exactly a tool, but having the best gun safe is still necessary if you have a firearm. Apart from guns, you can also use a gun safe to store documents and other valuables. Steelwater is my favorite gun safe brand. You may check this Steelwater gun safe reviews to learn more about gun safes and cabinets.
10. Combination Square
A combination square is used for testing, measuring and marking corners. For best results, your pencil needs to be positioned first, and then you gently move the square along the pencil and make the line.
Mark a line 90 degrees along a straight edge to check the accuracy. Turn the square over and create another mark alongside the original.
If you get parallel lines, then it’s a square. This only goes to show how useful a combination square can be.
Other Tools
These are other tools that should be in your toolbox like a saw, hammer, nails, nuts, bolts and cutters. I haven’t included them in the list above because you probably have them already.
- If you do a lot of woodwork, it is better to invest in a rotary tool as it eliminates the need for separate grinders, polishers and other tools. It is also a good idea to invest in quality safety glasses and gear.
- Whatever tools you own, make sure to use them properly.
- Read the safety instructions that came with your tool.
- Work in a clear environment whenever possible.
Final Verdict
So there you have it, the tools all homeowners should own. It might seem like these are too much, but you’d be surprised at how frequently you end up using them.
We often take these tools for granted, but we fret when the thing doesn’t measure to our standards. With the essential tools for homeowners, you won’t be left wanting.