Everyday Tools to Have Around the House

First and foremost, I want to be upfront with readers, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The items I have linked in this article do generate a small amount of revenue for me but I want to be very clear, I stand by these products or I would not post them. I am simply trying to provide recommendations and help point people in the direction of products I believe will make their every day lives easier while not breaking the bank either.

Essential Hand Tools

Every household should possess a set of essential hand tools to handle the myriad of minor repairs and maintenance tasks that arise. These tools are invaluable for their versatility and efficiency, making them fundamental components of any effective tool set.

Hammers

A hammer is indispensable for tasks ranging from hanging picture frames to assembling furniture. Whether it’s a claw hammer for extracting nails or a ball-peen hammer for shaping metal, the right hammer can make a significant difference in completing your project efficiently. When choosing a hammer, look for one with a comfortable grip and balanced weight to reduce strain during use.

https://amzn.to/3SC0MnQ-Irwin 16 oz General Purpose Claw Hammer

• The Irwin 16 oz General Purpose Claw Hammer
  • This hammer is both affordable and durable. It comes with a fiberglass handle, is just under 13 inches long, and weighs roughly a pound and a half. This is the perfect hammer for the average homeowner and will take care of most day to day projects. I prefer the fiberglass handles compared to wood handles because they feel more comfortable in my hand and in my experience they tend to hold up better over time.

https://amzn.to/3yenLPe-ESTWING 3lbs Sledge

https://amzn.to/3Yy34s6-ESTWING 3lbs Sledge & Gooseneck Wrecking Bar Combo

https://amzn.to/3SzLyzX-ESTWING 3lbs Sledge & E-5 5 Lb Sure Split Wedge Combo

• ESTWING Sure Strike Drilling/Crack Hammer-3lbs Sledge + Gooseneck Wrecking Bar + E-5 5 Lb Sure Split Wedge
  • If you don’t have a small sledge in your garage, I highly recommend it. These are perfect for driving stakes in the yard or minor demolition. I never thought having one would make that big of a difference but I was definitely mistaken. I’ve used mine for taking down fences, sinking rebar and really taking care of some stubborn tasks around the home, as well as taking it camping. For those that like to camp but may not have room for an axe or aren’t comfortable using one, the sledge and wedge combo would be a great addition to a camping kit for splitting firewood.

https://amzn.to/4d9BKF4-NEIKO 3 LB Dead Blow Hammer

• NEIKO 3 LB Dead Blow Hammer, Neon Orange 
  • A dead blow hammer is a good addition to your tool set if you work on auto parts or do metal work. The reason these hammers are called “Dead Blows” is because they have a chamber in the head of the hammer that contains loose material like sand or steel shot. The purpose of the loose material is to stop the rebound of a strike; the shot shifts forward on impact to absorb the recoil and stop the hammer from bouncing. The uni-cast poly coating also keeps it from causing major marring/scratches and prevents sparking.

Drivers

Screwdrivers are another cornerstone of essential hand tools. Both Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are required to handle various types of screws found in common household items. A high-quality set typically includes multiple sizes, ensuring the correct fit for different screw heads. I always recommend using drivers with magnetic tips. It saves people frustration, time and makes projects easier in the long run.

https://amzn.to/3YqNK0q-6 Piece set by ROTATION

• 6 Piece Magnetic Tip Screwdriver Set by ROTATION-3 Phillips and 3 Flatheads
  • This set is about as simple as they come. If you rarely use tools and simply need something handy around for those rare and random events, such as a loose screw on a chair or you need to replace a battery in a toy for the kiddos, this set will do just fine. It’s cheap, nearly indestructible (as long as your aren’t using it like a crowbar) and it fits most common use screws.

https://amzn.to/3SAO60M-10 Piece set by Amartisan

https://amzn.to/3ytwq05-15 Piece set by Amartisan

https://amzn.to/4cckBcs-72 Piece set by Amartisan

• 10-Piece, 15-Piece, 72-Piece, & 146-Piece Magnetic Screwdrivers Set by Amartisan
  • These sets are similar in price and durability to the Rotation products but the big advantage to these, are the length of the drivers and the fact that they offer a wider variety of options in their larger sets.
    • The 10 Piece offers lengths ranging from 3 inch to 5 inch drivers as well a small key ring 1.5 inch Phillips and Flathead driver for on the go situations.
    • The 15 Piece offers precision tipped drivers for very small fasteners typically used in electronics.
    • The 72 Piece option in my mind, is extremely well priced, offers a wide range of driver options and is my recommendation for most DIYer’s or average homeowner. This set includes: 8 Conventional screwdrivers, 16 Hex keys, a Magnetizer, Magnetic bit holder and 40 Screwdriver bits. There are 6 different screw types including Phillips, Slotted, Torx, Hex, Square and Pozidriv.

https://amzn.to/3ytx9OR-146 Piece set by Amartisan

• Finally, the 146 Piece, while I think it is a fantastic product, this set in my mind, is a little over kill for the typical home owner. It has everything most professionals would need and then some. If you want to spend a little extra and make sure you are prepared for everything and anything, this would be the one for you but other wise, I recommend one of the smaller options. This set includes: 15 Conventional Screwdrivers, 4 Insulated Screwdrivers, 12 Precision Screwdrivers, 9 Hex key, 9 Star key, 10 Nut Driver, 2 Offset Screwdrivers, a Voltage tester, a Ratchet Handle, a Magnetizer, a Flex Bar, a Bit Holder, 20 Precision bits and 60 Screwdriver bits.

https://amzn.to/3YsVIpT-Precision Screwdriver Set, Lifegoo 117 in 1 Magnetic Repair Tool Kit

• The Precision Screwdriver Set 117 in 1 Magnetic Repair Tool Kit by LIFEGOO
  • This set is not one I’ve had a chance to personally use yet. I do intend to purchase one in the near future and as soon as I do, I will update this post and give a more accurate description of how I feel about it. I enjoy repairing and building electronics as a hobby and I used to do it for work. I’ve been looking for a set of small drivers that can fit my needs. One of the things that really sticks out about this set, is that it includes both a magnetizer and De-magnetizer for those PC parts that are extra sensitive. The description of this set also indicates that the manufacturer has really taken static electricity into consideration with the antistatic tweezers and non-slip silicone handles. Anyone with electronics experience can tell you, it’s rough to replace chips or diodes because they were accidentally fried by a small shock of static electricity.

Pliers

Pliers are incredibly versatile and come in various forms, such as needle nose, slip joint, and locking pliers. These tools are ideal for gripping, bending, and cutting wires, as well as loosening nuts and bolts in confined spaces. Choose pliers made from durable materials with insulated handles for comfort and protection.

https://amzn.to/3A7ROZs-IRWIN VISE-GRIP 6 Inch Long Nose Pliers

• IRWIN VISE-GRIP 6 Inch Long Nose Pliers
  • A good pair of needle nose pliers will save you so much aggravation in the tight hard to reach places or when working with wire. They are a very versatile tool and are used anywhere from industrial production to arts and crafts. This pair weighs in at 4.5 ounces, has a 6 inch tip that also includes a wire cutter, and features a durable nickel chromium steel body.

https://amzn.to/3WBcd0m-IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Pliers 

• IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Pliers 
  • This includes a 7″ curved jaw locking plier with wire cutter and a 6″ long nose locking pliers with wire cutter. I absolutely love these. Locking pliers are worth their weight in gold. They allow you to clamp whatever you are working on and free up a hand or fingers to work on something else. It enables a person to work solo instead of requiring a second set of hands. The right tool for the job can make a world of difference and if you readers don’t take anything else away from this article, please take that piece of advice seriously. That being said, this is probably the #1 pick for me in this list of products. Even if you don’t like Irwin products and decide to purchase else where or a different brand, this tool is amazing.

Wrenches, including adjustable wrenches and combination wrenches, are crucial for tasks involving bolts and nuts. These tools provide the leverage needed to tighten or loosen fasteners with ease. High-quality wrenches will offer a snug fit and are often made from robust materials like chrome-vanadium steel to withstand high levels of torque.

A tape measure is essential for ensuring precision in your projects, whether you’re measuring spaces for new furniture or marking dimensions for shelving installations. Look for tape measures with clear markings, a durable tape blade, and a reliable locking mechanism to ensure accuracy and durability.

Investing in high-quality essential hand tools enhances functionality and longevity. These tools should not only offer durability but also comfort during use, ensuring that household repairs and maintenance tasks are accomplished with efficiency and ease.

Basic Power Tools

Basic power tools are indispensable for anyone interested in tackling more intensive DIY projects and repairs around the house. These tools not only save significant time and effort compared to their hand-tool counterparts, but they also bring a level of precision and efficiency that is often necessary for more advanced tasks. Among the most essential power tools to have are cordless drills, electric screwdrivers, circular saws, and rotary tools.

A cordless drill is a versatile addition to any toolset, capable of drilling holes and driving screws with ease. Its portability and battery-powered operation make it ideal for use in various locations around the house, from hanging shelves to assembling furniture. When selecting a cordless drill, consider its battery life, torque, and overall power to ensure it can handle your intended projects.

Another essential power tool is the electric screwdriver. This tool simplifies the process of driving screws, making tasks such as installing curtain rods or securing brackets much quicker and easier. The primary considerations when choosing an electric screwdriver are its power, battery life, and ergonomic design, ensuring it is comfortable and effective to use over extended periods.

For cutting tasks, the circular saw proves invaluable. Whether you’re cutting plywood for a new bookshelf or trimming wooden planks for a garden project, a circular saw delivers clean, precise cuts efficiently. Key features to look for include the saw’s blade size, cutting depth, and adjustable speed settings, which provide versatility for a variety of materials and thicknesses.

Lastly, a rotary tool offers an array of functions, from sanding and grinding to polishing and engraving. This multifunctional tool is perfect for detailed work, such as making intricate designs on wood or metal and performing minor repairs. When choosing a rotary tool, prioritize attachments and accessories compatibility, power, and ease of use to maximize its versatility.

Overall, incorporating these basic power tools into your toolkit can greatly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in handling home improvement tasks. Each tool serves a unique purpose, reducing laborious effort and achieving professional-quality results with ease.

Measuring and Layout Tools

Accurate home improvement projects hinge largely on precise measurements, and fundamental measuring and layout tools are indispensable in achieving this fidelity. Among the essential devices, laser levels are prominent, offering the capacity to project perfectly straight lines over considerable distances. This tool eliminates the guesswork often associated with traditional leveling methods, ensuring that every installation, be it shelving or cabinetry, aligns perfectly.

Accompanying the precision of laser levels, stud finders play a pivotal role in detecting the exact position of studs behind walls. This capability is critical when mounting heavy items, as securing them to studs ensures structural integrity and safety. Modern stud finders offer varied functions, including the detection of AC wires, underscoring their utility in comprehensive home maintenance and remodeling.

Chalk lines are another cornerstone of layout tools, providing a swift and reliable means of marking straight lines across surfaces. They are immensely useful for aligning tiles, flooring, and even wallpaper. The process involves coating a string with chalk, stretching it taut across the desired area, and snapping it to leave a precise line. This simple yet effective tool can save considerable time and effort, particularly in large-scale projects.

Lastly, the traditional spirit level remains a trusted ally in numerous home improvement tasks. Its simplicity belies its effectiveness; by relying on a bubble within a liquid-filled vial, users can determine if a surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical. While more advanced tools like laser levels have gained popularity, the spirit level’s ease of use and reliability make it a staple in any toolset.

Employing these measuring and layout tools not only enhances the accuracy of your projects but also ensures efficiency and professionalism. By understanding and correctly utilizing laser levels, stud finders, chalk lines, and spirit levels, homeowners can achieve precise results, preventing costly errors and enhancing the durability and aesthetics of their improvements.

Safety Gear and Accessories

When working with tools at home, the significance of effective safety gear cannot be overstated. Ensuring a safe working environment not only aids in preventing injuries but also safeguards against long-term health risks associated with prolonged exposure to hazardous materials and environments. Essential safety items that should be included in every household tool set are safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, and dust masks.

Safety glasses are paramount in protecting your eyes from flying debris, chemical splashes, and other airborne hazards. Investing in a pair with anti-fog and scratch-resistant lenses can enhance visibility and durability. Equally important are gloves, which protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, and harmful substances. For robust protection, choose gloves tailored to the specific tasks, such as nitrile gloves for chemical handling or leather gloves for heavy-duty work.

Ear protection is crucial, especially when working with noisy tools that can exceed safe sound levels. Prolonged exposure to high-decibel noise can lead to permanent hearing damage. Options such as earplugs or over-ear earmuffs can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss. Additionally, dust masks play a vital role in protecting your respiratory system from inhaling hazardous dust, fumes, and other airborne particles. Wearing appropriate masks, such as N95 respirators, ensures that you are breathing clean air, especially during tasks like sanding, cutting, or working with chemicals.

Beyond personal protective equipment, the organization of your tools plays a significant role in maintaining safety and efficiency. Tool organizers and storage solutions help mitigate risks associated with a cluttered workspace. Proper storage ensures that tools are easily accessible when needed and reduces the chance of accidental injuries caused by tripping over or mishandling scattered tools.

Incorporating these safety gear and accessories into your daily tool use routine not only enhances your protection but also promotes a safer, more organized working environment. Remember, taking these preventive measures can drastically reduce the incidence of accidents and health issues, ensuring that your DIY projects remain both productive and safe.