Top 10 Basic Tools for Homeowners

Wet & Forget
by Wet & Forget
Easy
Even if you’re not an avid do-it-yourselfer, every homeowner needs to have these basic tools and know how to use them! This easy list from home improvement guru Danny Lipford will help you be prepared for the small fixes that are sure to pop up.
Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and an approved dust mask, if needed, when working with hand or power tools.
Top Tool Tape Measure


A 16-foot or longer retractable tape measure is a necessity for almost any home improvement project around the house.Choose a tape measure with a 3/4” or wider blade, since the wider the blade, the further the tape can be extended.
Top Tool Hammer


A 16-ounce claw hammer with a cushioned fiberglass handle makes a good, all-around hammer for most home projects. Make sure the hammer feels well balanced and has a comfortable grip.
Top Tool Screwdriver


You used to need a drawer full of different screwdrivers, but thanks to screwdrivers with interchangeable bits, that’s no longer the case. A reversible, multi-bit screwdriver allows you to have the most common screw sizes always available when you need them.
Top Tool Pliers


Pliers are available in many types with the most common being slip joint, adjustable, locking, needle nose, and linesman pliers. If you only have one pair, standard slip joint pliers are a good choice. Adjustable pliers are also handy, since they can handle a wide range of sizes, while locking pliers allow you to grip tightly without slipping.
Top Tool Handsaw


A 26” long crosscut saw with 10-12 teeth-per-inch is a good choice for clean, smooth cut. Rip saws, and crosscut saws with fewer teeth-per-inch, cut faster but leave a rougher cut.
Top Tool Cordless Drill/Driver


A rechargeable, battery powered drill/driver makes fast work of drilling holes and driving screws. A set of high-speed twist drill bits are perfect for drilling small holes in metal or wood, while spade bits work well for drilling larger holes in wood.
Top Tool Level


A level is really two tools in one, since it can be used to find both level and plumb. A 24” level is a good choice for most projects.To check the accuracy of a level, place it on a flat surface with the bubble centered, then reverse ends without turning the level over. If the bubble is still centered, the level is accurate.
Top Tool Square


Squares come in several types, including framing and combination squares. To check the accuracy of a square, align the edge of the square against a straight edge and draw a 90° line, then flip the square over. If the edge of the square and the line align, the square is exactly 90 degrees.
Top Tool Wood Chisels


Wood chisels are used to cut the recess for door hinges and deadbolt locks, as well other wood removal projects. It’s important to keep wood chisels sharp and avoid hitting nails or screws, which can chip the cutting edge.
Top Tool Circular Saw


A portable circular saw makes fast work of cutting plywood and framing when tackling home improvement projects around your house.
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