Tag Archive for: Home Tools

Owning a home comes with responsibilities, including routine maintenance and unexpected repairs. Once you have your home inspection by Middle Tennessee Inspections there will be times that you will need to do those little repairs.  Having the right tools on hand can save you time and money. Here are 22 essential tools every homeowner should have:

1. Claw Hammer

A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own.  Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice.

2. Screwdriver Set

It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are sometimes convenient, but they’re no substitute.  Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw.

Screwdriver Set

3. Adjustable Wrench

Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

4. Tape Measure

Measuring house projects requires a tape measure — not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best.  Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy.

 

5. Torpedo Level

Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the middle — not merely close.

6. Wire Cutters

Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails. The side-cutting style (unlike the stronger end-cutting style) is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.

7. Combination Wrench Set

One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes, and because both varieties are widely used, you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.

8. Utility Knife

Perfect for opening boxes, cutting materials, and small DIY projects, a sharp utility knife is invaluable.

9. Pliers Set

A good set of pliers, including needle-nose and slip-joint pliers, will help with gripping, cutting, and bending materials.  Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.

10. Cordless Drill

A cordless drill with a set of drill bits makes hanging shelves, assembling furniture, and making repairs much easier.

11. Level

Bigger than a torpedo level.  To ensure pictures, shelves, and furniture are installed correctly, a level is a necessary tool.

12. Stud Finder

Avoid costly mistakes by using a stud finder to locate wall studs before drilling or hammering into walls.

13. Flashlight or Headlamp

Middle Tennessee has a lot of power outages.  None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.

14. Adjustable Pliers

Great for plumbing work, gripping large objects, and other heavy-duty tasks.  Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

15. Hex Key (Allen Wrench) Set

Many furniture pieces and appliances require hex keys for assembly and maintenance.

16. Hacksaw

A hacksaw is useful for cutting metal objects, such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws look thin and flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.

17. Safety Gear (Gloves, Goggles, and Ear Protection)

Protect yourself from injuries by keeping safety gloves, goggles, and ear protection on hand.

For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals.  Gloves and ear protection are always useful.

18. Tool Box

Keep your tools organized and easy to access with a sturdy toolbox.

By having these essential tools, homeowners can handle a variety of maintenance tasks efficiently, saving time and money in the long run.

19. Plunger

A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these plumbi

ng issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers — one for the sink and one for the toilet.

20. Electrical Tape

Used to insulate wires from touching each other and to prevent shocks

21. Duct Tape and Electrical Tape

This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.  It also comes in colors!

22. Super-Glue

Just handy