Tools every homeowner should have

 

May 5, 2011

 

As many first-time home buyers quickly find out, buying a home comes with a number of new responsibilities and repair projects that they didn’t have to deal with when renting.  For many people, it may be difficult to understand where to begin.

 

As a starting point, Bankrate.com says there are a number of tools homeowners should have to take care of those jobs.

 

 

Regardless of the maintenance project, Bankrate says eye protection is important, so having one or two pairs of safety glasses is essential for homeowners.

 

 

A hammer can be useful in a number of situations, Bankrate says, from hanging pictures to assembling furniture, it’s always a useful item to have on hand.

 

 

A set of assorted screwdrivers can also take care of a number of maintenance issues.  Bankrate says it’s important to have a well-mixed set, which includes various sizes of both standard and Phillips head drivers, to take care of all issues.

 

 

Bankrate says it’s also important to make sure a tool kit includes a quality tape measure, with at least a 3/4-inch wide tape.  Skinnier tape measures may fold or bend too easily, while wider models are excessive for many household uses.

 

 

While it’s not necessary to have a full-size level like those used at construction sites, Bankrate says having a small basic level can be very useful throughout the house for checking if pictures and cabinets are even.

 

 

Having a set of needle-nose pliers is essential for work in tight spaces, where larger tools are difficult to maneuver, Bankrate says.  For homeowners who may be planning electrical work, many pliers also come with a set of wire cutters built-in near the hinge.

 

 

Bankrate says there’s often no substitute for a retractable utility knife.  They can be very useful for trimming carpeting, slicing plastic or even cutting a hole in drywall for a light switch.  Many also come with replaceable blades, so there’s no need to deal with a dull blade.

 

 

Last but not least, Bankrate also says it’s important to have a toolbox or bag to hold all of their tools together.  Otherwise, homeowners may spend more time looking for tools they need than it actually takes to complete the project at hand.