If you are a home owner or a first-time home buyer, you know that owning your home comes with many responsibilities. One of the responsibilities you need to be prepared for is home repair. The effortless way to fix any problems would be to pick up the phone and dial the repair man to fix the minor or structural issue. Nowadays, a lot of people are learning how to fix the repairs themselves, which in turn saves you a lot of money. Luckily, I have come up with a helpful guide that can explain the exact tools you’ll need to fix any problem! Without further ado, here is the homeowner’s tool kit!
Step #1:
Before doing anything, purchase a step-by-step guide on home repairs. One example would be: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Simple Home Repair. This guide not only gives you the tools you will need to fix the repair, but it provides step-by-step instructions with pictures!
See below for the set of tools you will need to fix the job! I always keep these handy for any problems I might be faced with.
Handsaw: I know what you’re saying, a handsaw over an electric one, why bother. Hear me out though, there are plenty of reasons why choosing a handsaw over an electric one may be the right choice. With a handsaw, you are able to get better detail when cutting, have cleaner cuts and in those times where there is no electricity, you’ve got your handsaw.
Level: A level is super handy to have for leveling everything from picture frames, to bookshelves, to your new clothes dryer.
Vise Grips: Vise grip pliers come in handy when you need an extra hand but only have your own two mitts to work with. These multipurpose tools can be used as pliers, a pipe wrench, an adjustable wrench, wire cutters, a ratchet, or a clamp.
Tape Measure: A tape measure is a great tool for around the house and can get used to measure so many items. Whether you’re building a cabinet or measuring to see if that flat screen TV will fit in your den, a dependable 25′ retractable metal measuring tape is a must.
Stiff-Bladed Putty Knife: A 2-inch-wide blade putty knife can handle everything from applying wall patching compound to scraping away loose paint.
Needle Nose Pliers: This tool is specifically an electrician’s tool. Needle nose pliers are good for any household project which requires you to cut, bend, grip, or strip wire. They’re particularly useful for getting into small areas because of their long skinny shape.
Wire Cutter: This tool is good for splicing and cutting wires, but also, to grip small objects or to strip insulation.
Screw Diver: A screw driver is a basic tool that every homeowner should have, it is one of those tools that is used over and over again. You can purchase a set of screw drivers or a screw driver with interchangeable tips. TIP: When looking for a set of screwdrivers in sizes you’ll use most, the three sizes of slotted-screw drivers and three Phillips-head screw drivers are sized #1, #2, and #3.
Pry Bar: Before something new can be installed, something old usually has to go. A pry bar is good for removing nails from wood removing tiles, as well as removing baseboard or other trimmings. If it’s a big something, look for a 15-inch or larger pry bar; a 7-inch bar handles smaller jobs.
Hammer: A hammer is another basic tool that will be used over 1000 times (not over exaggerating). A good, solid hammer can be used for driving nails into wood, hanging picture frames, fixing the roof,cutting into wood, small demolition jobs and don’t forget, a hammer can be used for any nail! When shopping, I would look for a classic 16-ounce hammer. It is heavy enough for most basic home repairs as well as light enough for you to carry around without it being a bother.
Utility Knife: While it may not be the most exciting of the tools, your utility knife will never be found gathering dust at the bottom of your toolbox. This tool is good for cutting open boxes, cutting through dry wall, cutting up old carpet and the list goes on. This tool is a must have!
Reversible Drill: A reversible drill is good to have when you are using the drill to both drive screws and remove screws. Actually, a 3/8th-inch model is probably one of the handiest (and most common) tools any homeowner can have. Purchasing a cordless drill can make projects around the house a lot easier also!
With a little knowledge and the right tools fixing your own home repairs makes life a lot and saves you a ton of money in your pocket!
