Top Tools You Should Have for Basic Home Repairs
October 22, 2024
7 min read
Owning a home is an exciting milestone, but with it comes the inevitable task of dealing with small fixes and repairs. From hanging pictures and fixing wobbly furniture to measuring for a new shelf or tightening a leaky faucet, these everyday challenges come with the territory of homeownership. Fortunately, with a few essential tools, you can confidently tackle most basic home repairs without needing to call in a professional.
You don’t need a fully stocked workshop to handle these tasks—just a simple toolkit filled with versatile, high-quality tools. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or new to handling home repairs, the right tools can make the job easier and less intimidating.
1. Step Stool
At first glance, a step stool might seem like a minor accessory, but it’s one of the most essential tools you can own. Whether you’re changing lightbulbs, hanging curtains, or dusting off that hard-to-reach shelf, a sturdy step stool ensures you can safely reach high places without risking a fall by standing on an unstable chair.
When choosing a step stool, opt for one that’s lightweight but sturdy, with wide, non-slip steps and rubber feet for added stability. A foldable design makes it easy to store in small spaces when not in use. Whether you’re hanging artwork or accessing a tall kitchen cabinet, a good step stool will keep you safe and steady.
When using a step stool, always make sure it’s placed on a flat, stable surface, and never stand on the top step unless the design specifically allows it.
2. Tape Measure
A tape measure is a must-have tool for every home project, big or small. From measuring spaces for new furniture to ensuring your picture frames are evenly spaced, a good tape measure ensures accuracy and prevents mistakes. Whether you’re hanging shelves or cutting materials to fit a specific size, a tape measure is a fundamental tool that will guide you through your home projects.
A 25-foot tape measure is versatile enough to handle most home tasks, providing enough length for larger projects while still being manageable for smaller jobs. Choose a tape measure with a locking mechanism, which allows you to hold measurements in place without the tape retracting. The markings should be clear and easy to read, preferably in both inches and centimeters.
Whether you’re measuring furniture, walls, or artwork, a reliable tape measure helps ensure your projects come together with precision.
3. Utility Knife
A utility knife is one of those tools that you might not think about until you need it—and then you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. From opening boxes to cutting carpets or trimming wallpaper, this versatile tool is a must-have for a variety of tasks around the house.
Utility knives are designed for precision cutting, making them ideal for home projects like removing old caulk, scoring drywall, or slicing through packaging. Look for a utility knife with a retractable blade and an ergonomic handle for easy, safe use. Blades are easy to replace, and keeping a few spares on hand ensures you’re always ready for your next project.
Handy Tip: Always retract the blade when not in use and replace it when it becomes dull. A sharp blade is safer than a dull one because it requires less force, reducing the risk of slipping.
4. Screwdriver Set
No toolkit is complete without a good set of screwdrivers. Whether you’re assembling furniture, tightening door hinges, or replacing a light switch cover, screwdrivers are one of the most frequently used tools in any household. Having a variety of sizes ensures you’ll have the right tool for the job.
At a minimum, your screwdriver set should include both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers. These two types of screws are the most common in household projects. For added convenience, consider a multi-bit screwdriver that allows you to swap out different heads, saving you space in your toolkit while giving you the flexibility to handle various tasks.
Magnetic-tip screwdrivers could make your life easier by holding screws in place, especially in hard-to-reach areas. They also help prevent screws from dropping and getting lost in tight spaces.
5. Stud Finder
If you’re planning to hang heavy items like shelves, mirrors, or a TV mount, a stud finder is a tool you won’t want to skip. This device helps you locate the studs (the vertical beams) behind your walls, which provide much-needed support when securing heavy objects.
Using a stud finder ensures that you’re screwing or nailing into a solid piece of wood, not just drywall, which could save you from accidents down the line. There are two main types of stud finders—magnetic, which detects the metal nails in the studs, and electronic, which senses density changes in the wall. Both work well, but electronic stud finders tend to be more accurate.
Handy Tip: If you don’t have a stud finder on hand, you can try tapping on the wall and listening for a solid sound, which could indicate the presence of a stud. This method is less precise but can work in a pinch.
6. Power Drill
If there’s one power tool every homeowner should invest in, it’s a cordless power drill. From hanging heavy pictures to assembling flat-pack furniture or installing curtain rods, a power drill could save you time and effort. A drill allows you to make holes quickly and efficiently, as well as drive screws with ease, which is especially handy for larger or more repetitive tasks.
Look for a lightweight, cordless model with a rechargeable battery for maximum convenience and mobility. Adjustable speed settings and a variety of drill bits (which are typically sold separately) will give you the versatility to handle different materials, from wood to metal.
When drilling into drywall or wood, start with a smaller drill bit to create a pilot hole before using a larger screw. This helps prevent splitting the material and makes driving the screw easier.
7. Adjustable Wrench
Unlike traditional wrenches, which come in different sizes, an adjustable wrench can be used for a wide variety of tasks. The adjustable jaw opens and closes to fit nuts and bolts of different sizes, making it one of the most versatile tools in your kit.
This tool is great for small plumbing repairs, such as tightening or loosening pipes under the sink, as well as for assembling furniture that uses bolts and nuts. Look for a wrench with a comfortable grip and smooth adjustment for ease of use.
Handy Tip: Always ensure the jaws of the wrench are tightened securely around the bolt or nut before applying pressure. This reduces slippage and prevents damage to the fastener.
8. Metal Yardstick
A metal yardstick might not be the first tool that comes to mind, but it’s incredibly useful for tasks that require long, precise measurements and straight edges. Whether you’re marking cuts on a piece of wood, lining up artwork, or ensuring a shelf is level, a metal yardstick gives you the accuracy and stability you need.
Unlike tape measures, which can bend or flex, a metal yardstick provides a rigid guide for marking straight lines, ensuring precision in your DIY projects. Its durability also means you won’t have to worry about wear and tear over time.
Handy Tip: When cutting or trimming materials, use your metal yardstick as a straight edge to guide your utility knife, ensuring an even, clean cut.
9. Claw Hammer
The claw hammer is an iconic tool that no toolkit should be without. It’s perfect for driving nails into wood, but it can also be used for demolition tasks, removing nails, or even prying apart materials during a repair. The dual-sided design—a flat hammering head and a curved claw—makes it versatile enough to handle a variety of household tasks.
Look for a hammer with a comfortable, non-slip grip and a weight that feels balanced in your hand. A 16-ounce hammer is ideal for most home repairs, offering enough weight for tough jobs without being too heavy for everyday use.
When removing nails with the claw end of the hammer, place a small scrap of wood under the hammer’s head to prevent damaging the surface you’re working on.
Conclusion
With the right tools in hand, handling basic home repairs could be a stress-free and even satisfying experience. Whether it’s tightening a loose bolt, hanging new décor, or fixing a leaky faucet, these essential tools provide you with the confidence and capability to maintain your home. From a sturdy step stool to a versatile power drill, each of these tools has a specific purpose, and together, they form a reliable toolkit that equips you for most household tasks.
Remember, you don’t need to be an expert or have a garage full of tools to tackle everyday fixes. Start with the basics, invest in quality tools that will last, and take your time learning how to use each one. With these eight essential tools, you’ll be ready to handle whatever small repairs come your way, all while keeping your home in top shape.
