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Basic tools everyone needs in their home
15
items You don't need to be a professional contractor to get everyday things done around the house. Sometimes you'd be surprised as what you can do if you have the right tools on hand. As an average guy with an average budget, here are the things I consiste...
Sections
3
Everyday Essentials
Project Staples
Niche Precision
Everyday Essentials
The things needed for most tasks
Possibly the most obvious thing to have. So many applications, like driving nails, prying/separating things, or breaking stuff when necessary.
Hammer
Both a flathead and a Phillips. So, so many things in your house need a screwdriver to open it up.
Screwdrivers
Countless times I suddenly needed to measure something and was relieved I had a basic tape on hand.
Tape measure
If you have Amazon boxes showing up every other day and you don't want to gum up a kitchen knife or your pocket knife is on the other side of the house, this box cutter is an amazing tool to have on standby.
Retractable knife (box cutter)
The unsung hero of tools. Having a simple bag is a no-brainer, especially if it zips and is just large enough to hold your most-used items.
Tool bag
Project Staples
Make the work a bit faster and a bit easier
I love this drill. Nothing fancy. Affordable by comparision. Never had an issue with it. Gets the job done every time.
Drill
Hugely beneficial when hanging stuff on the wall. I went years without having drill bits and can't imagine going back.
Drill bits
Many types of pliers out there, each being helpful. In particular, those needle-nose pliers have saved me on many occasions when you need to grab something in a tight space.
Pliers
You never know when you need to know if something is flat, whether a picture on the wall, a piece of furniture, or even your floor.
Level
Nothing worse than getting midway into a task and realizing the cord isn't long enough. Always, always get a longer cord than you think you'll need. Thank me later.
Extension cord
Niche Precision
When you need it, you'll be so glad you already had it
It's a real headache when you need these and don't have them. Think kid toys and eyeglasses. Impossible without a precision screwdriver.
Precision screwdriver set
Every piece of furniture I've ever assembled needs this tool. Having the wrenches in a combined unit like this makes it easier to turn and highly likely that you always have the right size.
Hex key set (Allen wrench)
For everything from cars to bikes to appliances to furniture, my ratchet set gets used monthly. More pieces, more likelihood that you always have the right combination for the job at hand.
Ratchet set
Sometimes regular pliers aren't enough. Having the option to apply and maintain grip or pressure is an unexpected win in some cases.
Locking pliers
Believe it or not, there are times when you'll need to hit/drive things without risking damage. You won't always know you need a mallet until you need a mallet.
Mallet