Owning a home is one of the most satisfying accomplishments in life, but it is hard work to maintain. Rather than spending lots of money on hiring professional services, you can turn your hand to DIY for lots of jobs. We take a look at 21 tools every home should have for basic repairs:
Safety Glasses
Before you do any DIY work, you must protect your eyes from dust, debris, and flying particles. Safety glasses can also block out fumes from strong chemicals, such as paint strippers, so your eyes don’t become itchy and watery. Look for a snug-fitting pair for maximum safety.
Work Gloves
You will also need to shield your hands from cuts, scrapes, and blisters by wearing strong gloves. Choose gloves appropriate for the task, like padded gloves for heavy-duty work or latex gloves for plumbing jobs.
Dust Mask
The last of the safety items is a dust mask to avoid inhaling debris when drilling, sanding, or working in dusty environments. You may need a stronger mask when dealing with harsh chemicals, so be sure to check with the hardware store assistant.
Claw Hammer
A claw hammer is needed for hammering nails, prying boards loose, and driving in wall anchors. These tools are handy for rearranging pictures on your call or relocating shelves when you decorate.
Adjustable Wrench
A wrench is a versatile tool that grips nuts and bolts of various sizes, perfect for plumbing tasks, furniture assembly, and tightening loose fittings.
Tape Measure
A tape measure is essential for measuring distances and ensuring proper placement when hanging shelves. Tapes also come in handy when you’re buying furniture, so you can measure the length of walls when buying a sofa or the space where you want to put a cabinet.
Level
If you want to tour pictures and your shelves straight, then a level will come in handy. A level surface is also needed when installing countertops; otherwise, you will have a lot of spillage on your kitchen floor.
Phillips Head Screwdriver
The Phillips is a must-have screwdriver for tightening or loosening screws with a cross-shaped head. You will need a screwdriver for everything from installing flatpack furniture to tightening door hinges.
Flathead Screwdriver
For screws with a single-slotted head, you will need a flathead screwdriver. This type of screwdriver is used for furniture assembly, electrical repairs, and prying open tight spaces.
Pliers
Pliers are available in various types, including standard, needle-nose, and locking. They are used for gripping, twisting, and cutting wires or loosening stubborn nuts and bolts and can be bought for a few dollars.
Utility Knife
The utility knife is a multipurpose tool for cutting cardboard, carpet, rope, and other materials. It’s best to buy a retractable blade for safety and be careful not to leave it exposed while you’re working.
Stud Finder
A stud finder is an essential tool used to locate the wooden studs behind walls, which are necessary for safely mounting heavy objects like shelves, cabinets, or televisions.
Allen Wrench Set
Allen wrenches are L-shaped tools that come in various sizes that are used for furniture assembly and tightening bolts on appliances. You can also use allen wrenches, sometimes called allen keys, for or bikes.
Putty Knife
A putty knife is used to apply spackle to fill holes in walls, smooth out rough surfaces, and patch cracks. This tool can be tricky to get used to but there’s tutorials on YouTube to help you out.
Flashlight
A flashlight is a must-have accessory for lighting dark crawlspaces, cabinets, or under-sink areas during repairs. They may also be needed when working attics and basements and when electrics are turned off while you work on them.
Plunger
A plunger is a handy tool to quickly unclog drains and toilets. The cup plunger is the most common type, and it has a rubber cup attached to a wooden handle. It’s ideal for unblocking sinks and bathtubs when they get a build-up of hair.
Teflon Tape
Teflon tape, also known as PTFE tape or plumber tape, quickly seals pipe threads to stop or prevent leaking until you can get a permanent fix.
Drill and Drill Bits
A drill is an extremely versatile tool for drilling holes in wood, drywall, or metal when hanging pictures, installing shelves, or running wires. Drill bits are usually bought in larger sets, so you can choose the size appropriate for the material you’re working with and the hole you need.
Ratchet Set
A ratchet set is a set of sockets that attach to a ratchet handle, allowing for easier tightening and loosening of nuts and bolts, especially in confined spaces.
Hammer Saw
A hammer saw is a multifunctional tool combining the features of a hammer and a saw, making it ideal for various DIY projects. It’s particularly useful for tasks requiring both cutting and hammering without the need to switch tools.
Saw
A handsaw or a circular saw is necessary for cutting wood, plastic, and other materials. Even if you’re not planning on taking on large projects, a saw is handy for smaller DIY jobs such as fixing a bench or a garden fence.
The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
When choosing a car, one of the most crucial factors is reliability. But what exactly does it mean when we say a car is reliable? Reliability refers to the vehicle’s ability to perform consistently well over time with minimal issues. A reliable car requires fewer repairs, is cost-effective to maintain, and offers peace of mind to the owner. In this article, we delve into the ten most reliable car brands according to mechanics, explaining why these brands are trusted and highlighting endorsements from institutions, car experts, and reputable websites. The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
