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Tools Helping This Homeowner & DIY novice
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items From unclogging drains to battling weeds, this list covers the random but essential tools that are helping me figure out life as a homeowner. I’m no expert—just trying to keep things running smoothly (or at least not falling apart). You’ll find a mix...
Sections
7
Weather Proofing
Appliance maintenance
Gardening
Insect Management
Safety
Tools & Products
Weather Proofing
If you have a drafty door I highly recommend. Put this along my doors and NO more draft. It's clear so you don't see it either. 100% worth every penny
Alien Draft Seal Tape 49ft Transparent Silicone
Just a silly organization thing, but I don't have a storage closet, so it helps keep my brooms/mops etc from being all over the place.
voze 5 Racks 4 Hooks Mop Broom Holder
A little pricier but my prefered brand. I can cover more windows, it has a stronger and easier application in my opinion. Must have for colder climates with drafty windows.
Duck Brand Window Insulation Kit - Fits 10 Windows
Can you tell I like weather proofing? This has lasted me 2 years so far. So while it cost a chunk up front I've made up for it in my gas bills 2x over already.
HADOR Magnetic Thermal Door Curtain 36x80 Brown
If you haven't noticed by now I'm lazy. Yes they're are home remedies that can weather proof your outdoor faucets but these are cheap and sooo easy to use.
DELUX Outdoor Faucet Covers 2 Pack, 9.05"x6.89"
We tinted our windows for privacy reasons. It's a decent tint- we've had to redo a couple windows but overall it's been holding strong for 2 years+
KESPEN One Way Privacy Film Black-Silver 17.5x6.5ft
So I have a cat window door. This goes in between the gap between that and my window. Idk what else you use it for but it blocks drafts and bugs.
Door Weather Stripping Seal Kit, 26FT Black
Appliance maintenance
I bought this because our dishwasher arms kept getting clogged. I use it every other week & my dishes finally come clean.
Palksky Dishwasher Cleaner Brush Kit 6PCS
There's a lot of other brands and similar products out there. But not only does this work but it's a year supply for both your washer and dishwasher.
ACTIVE Washing & Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets 48pc
You can probably find a million other similar products, but if you own a home so you should have one of these and learn to clean your laundry vents.
Holikme Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit with Brushes & Vacuum Attachment
Gardening
Was skeptical at first but it's killed some pretty knarly weeds and overgrowth (it can take days for larger overgrown weeds). The wand helps target exact spots as well.
Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer 1 gal
Really you should go 10ft, but these come 2 in a pack and are so easy to install.
Prestantious 7ft Gutter Downspout Extensions, 2-Pack
Not technically a gardening tool but bought it for hot outdoor tasks so were counting it. Works really well, just remember to charge it!
Portable Neck Fan, Bladeless, 360° Cooling, USB Rechargeable
I actually bought this for my parents. Youll either like it or hate depending on how you garden.
FLINTER Garden Kneeler & Seat, 10.2" Wide
Just for killing posion ivy. Works well and fast but you do have to pull the ivy afterwords as it's only a 1 year guarantee.
Bonide 506 Poison Ivy & Oak Killer 32oz 4pk
Love these gloves. Thick so they protect my hands/skin. They're tight enough that they give a good grip but not tight enough that they hurt.
COOLJOB 2 Pairs Women's Breathable Gardening Gloves
Insect Management
I bought this because of the plastic barrier. It was a little safer around my cats (you still need to secure it properly & monitor your pets) and I haven't seen ants in the house since they ate the bait.
Raid Max Liquid Ant Bait, 8 Stations, Indoor/Outdoor
Terro is my preffered brand. I like these because you can attach them to the wall or inside cabinets where my pets don't go. Did I ever see ants go in? No. But did I see ants in my house? No.
Terro T334B Liquid Ant Baits Indoor Trap
Don't judge- I dont have AC. So I use these and they work well for Flys, drain flies and sometimes other insects.
Pic FR10B Sticky Fly Ribbons, 20 Count
Safety
There's different sizes. I have the smallest for now. You can bolt this to the wall/floor and is waterproof.
Home Safes 2.5 Cu Ft Digital Security Box
If you have a pet service, or need visitors to come in & out this is a great way to provide them with key access while keeping your home secure
Puroma Portable Combination Key Lock Box
Also in my pet recs, this is a good basic indoor camera. There's free recording options, as well as paid packages.
Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt 1080p HD Security Camera
Tools & Products
Use this in my basement. It's small but works pretty good!
Dehumidifier 95 OZ, Quiet, 1000 sq.ft, Black
If you can afford this kit, I recommend it. We bought it on sale and have used every single tool on diy & home repair projects. You can get do almost anything using just these tools.
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit w/ 1.5 Ah Battery, 4.0 Ah Battery, & Charger w/ 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger PCL1600K2-PSK005
Everyone has they're brand. RYOBI has dine ok for us. This drill but set us lasted us 5 years. Would last us longer if my husband stopped losing stuff & put them back after using them.
RYOBI Drill and Impact Drive Kit (95-Piece) A989504
I couldn't tell you if this is the best but this is what I've used.
Loctite Tite Foam Big Gaps Spray Sealant 12oz
We have old plumbing and a tree branch we can't afford to remove. So we use this to unclog our pipes instead of paying a plumber. Easy to use. Effective.
VEVOR 75Ft 3/8In Drain Cleaner 250W
I use these in my basement. You can def get sturdier ones. They're a little flimsy while building or moving them. But once out together they hold a decent amount of weight and help me stay organized.
Raybee 5-Tier Heavy Duty Garage Shelves
I used these exclusively before we got a dehumidifier. They're great at sucking moisture and dampness out of places. Easy to dispose of too.
DampRid Fragrance Free Moisture Absorber 18oz 3-Pack
This a good starter auger and is definitely useful but if you have larger/difficult clogs this might not work.
Drainx Pro 50-FT Steel Drum Drain Auger
Once a year I rent a larger shampooer but I use this all the time in my car, to clean up spills, cat messes etc.
BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner
Love this mop. It's smaller, lightweight and easy to use.
O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop Set
Car
It doesn't have to be this jump starter but I recommend getting one. I havent had to use it a lot but when I have its been a lifesaver.
Powrun P-ONE 2000A Portable Jump Starter