Budget-conscious homeowners take on many do-it-yourself projects, from assembling furniture to hanging drywall. The right equipment is key to getting the job done right. Check to make sure you have these must-have tools for home improvement projects before you get started.
Hammer
Sometimes, you pound nails in, and sometimes, you have to pull them out. Have a claw hammer in your toolbox for whacking wood together and for pulling out bent or misplaced nails.
Screwdriver set
You’ll be undaunted at the words “some assembly required” if you have a good set of screwdrivers. One size definitely does not fit all, so outfit yourself with a selection of both flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers of various lengths and sizes.
Allen wrench set
When you’re finished putting together your new couch or chair, save the Allen wrench that came with it! Like screwdrivers, Allen (or hex) wrenches come in a variety of sizes. If the new chair starts to feel wobbly, a good set of Allen wrenches will help tighten it back up again.
Combination wrench set and adjustable wrench
Bikes, wheeled garden carts, and some kinds of furniture that require nuts and bolts for assembly will also require wrenches of precise sizes. An adjustable wrench will do the trick in many cases. Other times, the nut or bolt will be difficult to reach or hard to grip. A good set of combination wrenches comes in the full array of standard sizes and should include the perfect fit for your project.
Pliers and wire cutters
Pliers can pull out bent things, bend straight things, and help you get a grip on things that you need to twist or turn. Needle-nose pliers are especially handy for getting a grip on something that has broken and that you can’t unscrew or pull out with a claw hammer.
Box cutter or utility knife
A good box cutter or utility knife prevents frustration when you’re opening large cartons or making precise cuts in Styrofoam, vinyl, wallpaper, or other materials you must trim to size. Get a retractable one that stows the blade when you’re not using it to avoid painful accidents.
Retractable, locking tape measure
Measure twice, cut once, right? You’ll need accurate measurements when you’re calculating how much tile or flooring to buy, whether a king-size bed will fit in a certain space, or how tall a shelving unit you can put in your garage.
Drill
A good cordless drill makes holes for screw anchors when you’re hanging heavy items on the wall. It can usually convert to a power screwdriver for things such as building shelves or fastening boards into brackets to make raised garden beds.
Nail or staple gun
You’ll need a quality nail or staple gun to hang drywall, install carpet, repair or replace roofing, or reupholster a couch. Make sure to choose the right kind of nail gun or stapler for your task. If you’re not sure which type to use for what task, ask an expert. Don’t forget to select the matching staples or nails to work with the tool you’ve selected.
This is just a partial list of must-have tools for home improvement projects. A toolbox that includes these items gives any DIYer a good start toward saving money while beautifying and maintaining a home.
