Being a homeowner confers an enduring sense of pride. However, it also comes with immense responsibilities and challenges.
As a homeowner, there will always be property renovations to contend with. Whether it’s repainting your porch, recladding your stucco, or mowing the lawn, these projects require special tools and a bit of technical skills to undertake.
But you can’t go looking for a home renovation technician to get the simplest job done. Sometimes, you only need a handy tutorial and the right tools for the job.
This article highlights the eight essential DIY tools every homeowner should have.
- Tape Measure
A tape measure is easy to overlook until you need to construct a new cow shed, and there’s no other way to take the measurements. It’s prudent to always have this tool in your home, even if there’s no immediate need.
Tape measures come in various lengths. There are equally many DIY stores where you can find everyday marvels, including essential tools like a tape measure.
The thumb rule is to buy a 25-foot tape measure. You might also want to try the tool to gauge its ease of use, essentially measured by the speed and ease with which it retracts.
- Hammer
Pounding a hammer requires a bit of elbow grease, no doubt about that. But the rewards are always worth the effort.
A hammer is indispensable when undertaking projects that require driving nails into (or pulling them out of) objects. You may also need a hammer for tasks like closing a paint can or pounding posts into the ground.
Hammers come in many shapes and designs, including sledgehammers, mallets, ball-peen, and claw hammers. The claw hammer is preferable for its versatility. It’s the only hammer that can drive nails and pull them off.
- Multi-bit Screwdriver
Screws have become a staple component of many home furnishings. You’ll find them in furniture sets, curtain rails, wall hangings, etc. Screws have largely replaced ordinary nails in luxury homes due to their elegant designs.
But just like nails, screw-reinforced items undergo normal wear and tear. And when that happens, the screws can become crooked or inadvertently dislodge from the things they’re used to secure. That’s where a screwdriver comes in.
Since screws are available in different shapes and sizes, it’s best to invest in a multi-bit screwdriver. Buying this tool is more cost-effective than having a complete set of individual screwdrivers.
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- Pliers
Pliers and hammers are usually inseparable. A pair of pliers can help to pull out nails where a claw hammer is hard to come by.
But what truly makes pliers one of the go-to DIY tools for homeowners is their ability to provide maximum grip. The tool can prevent serious injuries when working on sensitive or strenuous tasks.
Expectedly, there are multiple designs to try out. However, the adjustable tongue-and-groove pliers are a winner, especially when working on plumbing projects.
- Ladder
This is probably the only DIY homeowners’ tool that lets you work safely at high elevations.
You can trust a ladder to deliver if you need to clean your gutters, repaint your façade, or pluck fruits from the highest tree branch. Simply set the tool at a generous inclination and begin your ascent.
Another thing that makes ladders unique is that they’re one of the few tools you can quickly build at home. All you need is the suitable framing material (timber, aluminum, or fiberglass) and nails or screws.
- Oscillating Multi-tool
Oscillating multi-tools are synonymous with woodworkers and home renovation technicians. However, these power tools can also prove helpful in undertaking mundane tasks at home.
There’s no shortage of projects that an oscillating multi-tool can help with. You can use the tool to sand down rough edges on your furniture, make drywall, or root grout from newly installed tiles. Other common applications include engraving surfaces, scraping off adhesives, trimming paintings, plunge cuttings, etc.
Note that oscillating tools can be corded or cordless. Insist on the corded variety as it uses both electricity and batteries.
- Manual Multi-tool
If you find the cost of an oscillating multi-tool rather inhibitive, you might consider the manual multi-tool instead.
A manual multi-tool is an extension of several distinct tools, including knives, pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, etc. It can perform nearly the same functions as the more sophisticated oscillating tool but on a smaller scale.
However, manual multi-tools are the better choice in terms of portability. These implements are compact and lightweight enough to fit into your hand. You can incorporate them into your everyday carry (EDC) collection and bring them to the office or while working on a project away from home.
- Assorted Paint Brushes
Painting is one of the most common home renovations. That automatically makes paintbrushes a necessary DIY tool for homeowners.
Depending on the intended usage, paintbrushes are available in different sizes and bristles. For instance, brushes meant to repaint a concrete wall typically have short necks but broad ferrules. That contrasts those intended for painting furniture, which usually have long handles and narrow ferrules.
Note that most paintbrushes are designed to be recycled. So, it’s imperative to clean the brush thoroughly after every use. That’s especially true when working with oil-based paints.
Final Word
Having the right tool doesn’t discredit the significance of technical know-how. While the above implements can help with simple DIY assignments, it’s best to engage a professional for more sophisticated projects.
