The 18 Tools Every Homeowner Should Have
Apr 18, 2018
3 min read
A well-equipped toolbox is essential for completing jobs around the home — everything from hanging a picture to assembling furniture to major home improvements. Ready to get started? Here are some tools everyone should own, from the most minimalist toolbox to the experienced DIYer.
Toolbox Essentials
- Drill and Drill Bits
Your drill will likely become your best friend. With its many uses, you’ll likely find yourself using it for all your home projects. You’ll also need a pack of drill bits with a good selection of bits in a variety of sizes so you’ll be prepared for whatever repair job comes your way.
- Adjustable Wrench
You probably don’t need a full set of wrenches but you’ll want one or two adjustable ones because its jaws can be adjusted to fit a variety of nuts and bolts.
- Screwdriver Set
Putting together new furniture for your new home? You’ll find that you need a variety of screwdrivers to get the job done.
- Tape Measure
A tape measure is indispensable for estimating material quantities, figuring out placement of objects (like your furniture!) and calculating floor plans.
- Level
Not everyone is good at eyeballing whether something is level or not, but this essential tool takes all the guesswork away.
- Hammer
Maybe the most obvious necessary tool. Pounding nails, pull nails, tapping things into place – it nearly goes without saying why you need a hammer.
- Stud Finder
Cheaper than you might think, a stud finder is a small price to pay to make sure the job is done right. You’ll want one to do things like hanging shelves or a flat-screen TV.
- Pliers
Because there’s not one-size-fits-all plier, you’ll likely want to start with a small set. Needle nose pliers for small items, slip joint pliers for when you need a tight grip, groove joint pliers for bigger jobs.
- Utility Knife
Also known as a box cutter or razor knife, a utility knife will save your good steak knives a lot of damage. It’s likely you’ll find yourself reaching for this tool again and again.
- Putty Knife
A putty knife is great for spreading putty, paste and spackle but can also be used to scrape dried glues and paints.
Garage Basics
- Glasses and Other Safety Gear
Whether you’re working with harsh chemicals, drilling pieces of steel, or cutting a piece of wood, you need to make sure you’re protected. Investing in some anti-fog and shatterproof glasses might be worthwhile.
- Ladder
A ladder is an essential tool for your new home. Whether you’re cleaning out your gutters, painting tall walls or hanging Christmas lights, you’ll definitely need a ladder.
- Wheelbarrow
Save time and your back with a wheelbarrow. It’ll make so many of your lawn projects a lot simpler – especially when moving mulch, grass clippings, leaves, or even stones.
- Pressure Washer
Great for cleaning the outside of your house. You can also use a pressure washer to strip old paint or clean your deck.
- Heavy Duty Gloves
Maybe the number one item you’ll want in your shed. From weeding to trimming the bushes, heavy duty garden gloves can protect your hands from debris, thorns and insects.
- Garden Hose
Plants to water? Tools to clean? Buckets to fill? Every new home owner needs a hose.
- Weed Whacker
If you have a fence, you’ll definitely want to invest in a weed whacker. It will allow you to get right up next the fence and keep your grass looking pristine.
- Electric Sander
If you’re a new home owner that plans to tackle a variety of home improvement projects, you’ll want to consider adding an electric sander to your shed.
Protecting the things that matter most to you, including your new home, means having the right coverage. A Farm Bureau agent can work with you to determine which home insurance coverage is the best fit for your needs and budget.