10 Must-Have Tools For The Toolbox
Ten Essential Hand Tools Every Homeowner Or DIYer Should Own
Jun 18, 2007
Most new homeowners face a common dilemma: They have a list of renovation projects they’d like to do, but don’t have the money in the budget to afford them. Luckily, many home renovation projects can be handled by a fairly competent DIYer. But before you can begin anything, you’ll need a few basic tools.
A claw hammer
A tool for bashing things is the most prehistoric on this list. But a good basher is as essential for homeowners as it was for cave dwellers. For starters, you’ll need a basic, 16 to 22 ounce hammer that feels comfortable in your grip. Anything too dainty and you won’t be able to drive anything but pushpins; too heavy and you’ll spend more time patching drywall than hanging pictures. The “claw” refers to the curved hook on the back end for removing nails.
Screwdrivers
You’ll need a set of screwdrivers that includes various sizes of slot head, Phillips and, if you’re living in Canada, red, green, and black-handled Robertson screwdrivers. For a more detailed description of each type see, “Types of Screwdrivers.”
Locking pliers
Two pairs of adjustable locking pliers (commonly referred to by the ubiquitous brand name, Vise-Grips) with a 2”-jaw opening will be enough to get you started on a variety of basic plumbing, woodworking, and renovation jobs. For double-duty tools, look for a pair with a wire stripper built-in.
Tape measure
Don’t bother with any gizmos or gadgets like automatically extending and retracting models. Keep it simple and sturdy. Unless you plan on building a lot of decks or fences, 25’ should be long enough.
Pencil
It sounds obvious (not to mention decidedly low-tech) but almost any reno job will require you to make a mark or two on something. You’ll be at a loss without one handy.
Wood handsaw
You’d have to be a Luddite to build a deck with a handsaw. But sometimes a power saw is too bulky or unwieldy to tackle small jobs. Add a mitre box and you can do everything from make picture frames to cutting baseboard trim. If you’re only going to buy one handsaw, pick up a versatile and efficient Japanese one.
Spirit level
Even the most inept handyman can hang a picture. To hang it properly, you’ll need a level. Spirit levels (the kind where you line up the air bubbles in a vial) are old-fashioned, affordable, portable, and they work. And, unlike the laser version, the batteries won’t run out in the middle of a job.
Utility knife
A knife is essential for countless jobs from cutting carpet and scoring drywall to sharpening your pencil. (A pair of kitchen scissors is another handy toolbox item to have on hand).
Cordless drill/driver
Today’s top of the line cordless drills max out at 18V. Unless you’re a professional contractor you won’t likely ever need that much power. Find yourself one that’s a balance between power, budget, and battery life, and then pick up a set of drill bits to go with it.
Power saws
At the very least you’ll want a circular saw in your collection for cutting large volumes of lumber. After that, the most versatile investment for your cutting buck is a sliding compound mitre saw. One with a 12”-blade enables you to cut almost any dimension lumber you can find on the building center shelves, and the tilting blade lets you cut any angle mitre as well. If you anticipate a lot of renos, a reciprocating saw might be a good investment, not to mention a fun tool to work with. (Used safely, of course.)
