Top 10 Basic Tools for Homeowners

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 #1: Tape Measure

A 16-foot or longer retractable tape measure is necessary 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. Also, make sure the markings are clear and easy to read.

Top Tool #2: 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. Choose a hammer with a smooth, crowned striking face to allow you to drive nails flush without damaging the surface.

Top Tool #3: 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, with large and small slotted bits on one end and #1 and #2 Phillips bits on the other, allows you always to have the most common screw sizes available when you need them.

Top Tool #4: Pliers

Pliers are available in many types, the most common being slip joint, adjustable, locking, needle nose, and linesman pliers. Standard slip joint pliers are a good choice if you only have one pair.

Adjustable pliers are also handy since they can handle a wide range of sizes while locking pliers allow you to grip tightly without slipping. Needle nose pliers come in handy in tight spots, and linesman pliers are perfect for cutting wire and other electrical work.

Top Tool #5: Handsaw

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

Other handsaws that come in handy include hacksaws for cutting metal, keyhole and coping saws for cutting curves, and miter saws with a miter box for cutting accurate 90° and 45° angles.

Top Tool #6: Cordless Drill/Driver

A rechargeable, battery-powered drill/driver works fast by drilling holes and driving screws. Lithium-ion batteries provide more power and hold a charge much longer than NiCd or NiMH batteries.

Look for a variable, duel-speed cordless drill with a 3/8” keyless chuck in the 12-volt to 18-volt range. It should also have an adjustable clutch for driving screws and recharge in an hour or less.

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 #7: Level

A level is 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. A small torpedo level is excellent when working in cramped spaces.

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.

Hold the level against a wall with the bubble centered on testing for plumb. Flip the level over to the other side, keeping the same end pointing up. If the bubble is still centered, the level is accurate for plumb.

Top Tool #8: Square

Squares come in several types, including framing and combination squares. A 24” framing square is the best choice for marking wide stock, but a 12” adjustable combination square is more versatile and easier to use.

To check a square’s accuracy, align the square’s edge against a straight edge and draw a 90° line, then flip the square over. If the square’s edge and line align, the square is precisely 90 degrees.

Top Tool #9: Wood Chisels

Wood chisels are used to cut the recess for door hinges, deadbolt locks, and other wood removal projects. A set of 1/4” to 1” wide chisels with plastic handles will tackle most jobs.

It’s important to keep wood chisels sharp and avoid hitting nails or screws, which can chip the cutting edge.

Top Tool #10: Circular Saw

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

Look for a corded circular saw that takes a 7¼” diameter blade. Cordless saws with a lithium-ion battery and a 5½” to 6½” blade work well for smaller projects.

Which basic tools would you never do without?

Photo courtesy of Magnus Manske, Daniel Souza, FastilyClone, Jacopo Werther, Biggishben, S nova, Mauro Cateb, and FastilyClone.