If you're a seasoned homeowner, you likely have a hearty collection of tools. The collection matures over the years and, in time, you find yourself ready for any house-related woe. As a new homeowner, you may not even think about tools until the very second you find yourself in a dire situation without a single promising apparatus. Deciding what tools are most practical and which ones will serve you best isn't always easy. If you want to begin building a solid tool collection but are not sure where to start, check out our list below. These are some of the tools we think every homeowner should have!
1. Basic Tool Box
In your basic, store bought tool box, you will find just about everything you need for fixes around the house. You really can't go wrong with a hammer, some screwdrivers, wrenches, a tape measure, and a few allen wrenches. Sold at most retail stores, your basic tool set is the perfect tool starting point.
2. Drill Set
Invest in a good drill set for all your hanging, hole-making, and DIY ventures. Unless you manage to hurt yourself, you will never regret having a drill on hand.
3. Stud Finder
When you're hanging something on the wall, particularly something on the heavy side, don't guess. Find those studs and secure it to the wall with confidence! Stud finders are an easy way to find the studs in your walls, and they can be purchased for under ten bucks.
3. Extension Cord
This is an easy one to forget about. Have at least one or two extension cords laying around for when you need them to hang lights or vacuum out your car. Having a power strip available is never a bad idea either. Outlets are not always where you need them to be. Arm yourself with enough cords and power strips to make things happen!
4. Lawnmower
When going from renting to owning a home, the first tool you may find yourself in need of is a lawnmower. Keep your yard looking healthy and attractive with proper maintenance. This is especially important if you're living within a homeowner's association. Lawnmowers can be costly, which is why we think there is nothing wrong with checking out garage sales and Craigslist.
5. Step Stool / Ladder
As long as homes have high parts, homeowners will find needs for step stools and ladders. Do yourself a favor and add one or two of these to your Tools To Get list.
6. Flashlight
Keep a few flashlights and batteries stashed for need-to-see emergencies. Cell phone flashlights are convenient, but they eat up your phone battery which, in a power outage, you probably don't want. Not to mention flashlights are designed for holing like a flashlight.
7. Heavy Duty Pruner
Be prepared to cut back overgrowth with a pair of heavy duty trimmers. These are awesome for gardening and general outdoor maintenance. Using a pair of capable pruners definitely beats trying to break unwanted twigs off trees.
8. Plunger
The need for a plunger goes without explanation.
9. Wheelbarrow
Adding a wheelbarrow to your tool stockpile will amp up your lawn care game. Haul anything (well, maybe not anything) anywhere! Wheelbarrows make gardening and lawn cleanup a breeze! You can even use wheelbarrows to transport things too heavy to carry. What's not to love about a wheelbarrow?
10. WD40
WD40 is arguably the most popular penetrating oil out there. Keep some on hand to stop squeaks, unstick the stuck, and displace moisture. Reader's Digest offers up over fifty uses for WD40. A product so versatile is a homeowner must have.
It's probably not necessary to go out and buy all of the above at once, but picking up these tools here and there will better prepare you for the inevitable sticky situations homeowners find themselves in. Once you have all the basics covered, move on to more adventurous tools like pressure washers, hacksaws, and electric sanders. In time, you and your tool belt will be unstoppable!