Top 10 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own (and Know How to Use)
By NorTech Services
Owning a home comes with many perks—space, privacy, and the opportunity to make it your own. But with all of those benefits, there’s also the responsibility of maintenance and repairs. Whether you’re handling minor fixes or tackling home improvement projects, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Here are the Top 10 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own (and Know How to Use):
1. Hammer – The Handyman’s Best Friend
Why You Need It:
The hammer is the go-to tool for any DIY project—whether you’re hanging pictures, assembling furniture, or nailing down flooring. It’s simple but incredibly versatile.
How to Use It:
Hold the hammer firmly by the handle, positioning your hand near the end for maximum control. When driving nails, aim for the center of the nail head and strike with a firm, controlled motion. Make sure you’re using the appropriate hammer type (claw hammer for pulling nails, sledgehammer for heavy-duty tasks).
2. Screwdriver Set – For All Your Fastening Needs
Why You Need It:
From tightening loose cabinet knobs to assembling furniture, a quality screwdriver set is essential. Both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers come in various sizes to handle different screws around your home.
How to Use It:
Choose the correct size and type of screwdriver for the screw you need to turn (e.g., flathead for flat screws, Phillips for cross-shaped screws). Make sure the screwdriver fits snugly into the screw to avoid stripping.
3. Tape Measure – Precision is Key
Why You Need It:
Measuring is essential when you’re arranging furniture, hanging pictures, or installing shelves. A tape measure ensures you get the dimensions right every time.
How to Use It:
Extend the tape measure to the desired length and note the reading at the point where the tape meets the item you’re measuring. Always double-check your measurements before cutting or buying materials.
4. Utility Knife – Cutting Made Easy
Why You Need It:
Utility knives are perfect for cutting everything from cardboard to plastic to drywall. They’re precise, compact, and easy to handle for a range of tasks.
How to Use It:
For the cleanest cut, pull the blade straight across the material you’re cutting. Keep your fingers clear of the blade’s path. When the blade dulls, replace it to maintain a clean, safe cut.
5. Pliers – A Grip You Can Count On
Why You Need It:
Pliers are great for gripping, bending, twisting, and cutting wire, nails, and bolts. Whether you’re working on plumbing or electrical repairs, pliers are invaluable.
How to Use It:
Grip the pliers around the item firmly and use the leverage to twist, pull, or pinch. For cutting, use the cutting edge near the base of the pliers for clean cuts.
6. Adjustable Wrench – Flexibility in Tight Spaces
Why You Need It:
An adjustable wrench can fit a variety of bolt sizes, making it an essential tool for tightening or loosening plumbing fixtures, faucets, or automotive parts.
How to Use It:
To adjust the size, rotate the movable jaw until it fits snugly around the nut or bolt you’re working with. Ensure a firm grip to avoid slipping or damaging the nut.
7. Power Drill – Speed Up the Job
Why You Need It:
A power drill saves you time and effort when drilling holes or driving screws into wood, drywall, or masonry. It’s an essential tool for anyone who plans to tackle home repairs or installations.
How to Use It:
Choose the correct drill bit or screwdriver attachment and set the drill to the appropriate speed for the material you’re working with. For drilling holes, apply light pressure, allowing the drill to do the work.
8. Level – Keeping Things Straight
Why You Need It:
Whether you’re hanging shelves or installing a new appliance, a level ensures everything is perfectly aligned. No more crooked pictures or unbalanced furniture!
How to Use It:
Place the level on the surface or object you’re checking. The bubble in the center should align with the markers on the tool, indicating that the surface is level.
9. Saw – For When You Need to Cut Through It
Why You Need It:
For cutting through wood, plastic, or even metal (depending on the saw), a quality hand saw or powered circular saw can make light work of tough tasks like trimming furniture, cutting pipe, or building shelves.
How to Use It:
For hand saws, make long, steady strokes in a consistent direction. For power saws, ensure the blade is sharp, and keep both hands on the saw to maintain control. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when cutting.
10. Flashlight – See What You’re Doing
Why You Need It:
You never know when a light bulb might go out or when you’ll need to get into a dark attic or crawlspace. A flashlight is essential for safe and efficient work, especially during power outages.
How to Use It:
Always have fresh batteries in your flashlight for optimal performance. Use it to inspect dark spaces or during any emergency repairs at night.
Bonus Tool: Cordless Power Tool Set
Why You Need It:
For homeowners who tackle more advanced DIY projects, a cordless power tool set (with a variety of attachments) is worth the investment. These kits typically include drills, saws, and drivers, all powered by rechargeable batteries.
How to Use It:
Make sure to fully charge the batteries before use. Follow each tool’s manual for specific instructions on attachment types and safe operation.
Conclusion: Build Your Toolkit for Success
By having the right tools and knowing how to use them, you can handle a wide variety of home maintenance and repair tasks with ease. Having the essential tools on hand means you’ll be prepared for the unexpected and can keep your home in top condition. Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet or installing new light fixtures, these 10 tools are the foundation of any DIY project.
