Your home is your sanctuary and the place you go to after a long day. It needs to be comfortable, safe, and have everything you need if something happens, like a pipe bursting or something breaking down. Every home needs basic tools and materials, from hammers and screwdrivers to nails, screws, etc. Having the right tools at home will save you time and money.
You don’t need to be a full-time contractor or repairman to do most household repairs or maintenance, but you will need a few tools — and the right tool for each job. Many problems can be fixed relatively simply by homeowners themselves. Home appliance repair is one of America’s most common do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.
Here are a few must-have items that could turn you into your handyman:
Grommet Toolkit
It is incredible how many grommets wear out or get lost, so it is great to have a kit to replace them yourself. A grommet kit comes in different sizes and will help you install grommets in various materials.
They are typically made from metal, rubber, plastic, leather, nylon, and canvas. Grommets are used on clothing items like jackets and bags that might be exposed to rough surfaces like rocks or branches.
They keep the fabric from wearing against itself, which could otherwise cause holes. This is your tool if you have ever wanted to make your curtains or needed to repair a shower curtain liner. This tool will dramatically strengthen the hole and allow you to insert a fastener (such as a rope or cord) securely.
Set of Pliers
Pliers are hand tool that is meant to secure items firmly in place. They are thought to have evolved from tongs used to handle molten metal in Bronze Age Europe, and they provide excellent grips when gripping tiny objects or getting into tight spaces. They are also advantageous when bending and squeezing a wide range of materials.
Its design develops a mechanical advantage, enabling the hand’s gripping power to be magnified and precisely concentrated on an item. A set of pliers should include slip-joint pliers, needle-nose pliers, and locking pliers/vise grips. Each pair serves a different purpose, but all can help with various household projects.
Slip-joint pliers are the most versatile and can grip a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. They can also be used to twist or cut wires.
Needle-nose pliers have long, narrow jaws that allow you to reach into small spaces and grip tiny objects.
Locking pliers/vise grips are useful for holding irregularly shaped objects or slippery materials like pipes. They can also be used to twist or cut wires.
Claw Hammer
A claw hammer is a two-faced tool, with one side having a metalhead that you use to drive nails into something and another that you can use to pull them out. The metal head can be plain or chiseled into a waffle pattern for a better grip.
You can also get hammerheads made of fiberglass if you’re worried about damaging anything by swinging too hard. The claw hammer is easy to spot because of its distinct shape — the head has a sharp point that curves inward, forming a “claw,” which is used for pulling out nails.
This is one of the most versatile tools and can be used for a wide range of tasks such as driving nails, removing nails, prying boards apart, and even breaking glass in an emergency.
Duct Tape
Acquiring duct tape might seem just for temporarily patching leaks in your roof or muffler, but there are plenty of other uses for this versatile adhesive. For example, if you have torn screens on your windows or broken pipes under your sink, duct tape will get you through until the repairs are made.
Duct tape is also perfect for bundling cords or hoses together, and you can even use it to make a temporary handle for a tool. It can be used to repair ripped upholstery, holes in drywall, and cracks in the wood. You can even use it to make a splint in an emergency.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to duct tape, so it is definitely a handyman essential.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
If you lose power or need to go rummaging in a dark cabinet, it is good to have a flashlight handy. A small LED flashlight takes up very little space and can be used to illuminate the inside of your refrigerator while you hunt for something.
You can also buy an emergency crank radio that features a built-in light and make sure you keep the radio charged. It is also essential to have one if there is an emergency where lighting is necessary.
Extra batteries are also helpful because nothing is worse than having a flashlight with no batteries. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place, so they don’t leak and damage your devices.
Bonus: Locksmith Tools
In the event that you misplace your room key or get locked out, you should always have a set of locksmith tools on hand. It is preferable if you keep one in your home and another in your vehicle or emergency bag. There are various lockpicking kits and accessories that you can purchase online. With these tools, it is less likely that you will need to hire a locksmith, which will save you money.
Final Words
If you’re looking for these tools, you probably already know how useful they are in the right situations. While there are many tools that a professional might have on hand, you don’t need them to patch up minor roofing issues around your home.
By familiarizing yourself with the right tools, you will be better prepared next time a storm takes out part of your roof or some water makes it into your attic.
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