Best Tools for New Homeowners: Workshop

An all-in-one hand tool kit is a great choice to start off your tool collection. It contains most of the hand tools you’ll need to make small repairs around your home, including a hammer, screwdrivers in various sizes and shapes, wrenches, pliers and more. This will give you the proper tools to do everything most new homeowners will come across, from hanging a picture to prying open a stuck paint can. Some even come with allen keys to help you put together various types of furniture as well.

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Tape Measures

A tape measure is an invaluable tool to have at your disposal as a new homeowner. With it, you can easily measure your space and calculate the size of new furniture, cabinet spacing, appliances and more. You can make sure pictures are the same height off the ground and even measure floor space for new flooring or tile installations.

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Hammers

A hammer is a great tool to have, as you can use it for both building and demolition. A comfortable grip is essential, so find one that you like. Hammers come in various sizes and shapes. If you want to use it for demolition as well, choose a model with a straight or “rip” claw instead of a curved claw.

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Screwdrivers

One of the most versatile tools, a screwdriver can be used all over your new home. A kit with various sizes is a great choice, but if you’re looking to pick up a few by themselves, grab a 1/8-inch tip flat-head, 3/16-inch tip flat-head, a 0 Phillips-head and 2 Phillips-head. This will give you the basic combination to tackle most projects.

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Pliers

Another essential tool, they can pull, pinch or bend metal into shape, tighten bolts and even help open items. A good set will usually include long-nose pliers, combination pliers and locking pliers, which should cover most applications. 

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Wrenches

There are three basic wrench sets you should have around the home, standard adjustable wrenches, allen wrenches and a good socket set. This will ensure that you’ve got the right wrench for any job that may pop up. 

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Investing in an entry-level power drill is a good idea for new homeowners since hand tools can only take you so far with your DIY projects and repairs. There are corded and cordless drills available, some with interchangeable batteries and variable speed and torque settings to suit your needs. Look for a kit that comes with different sized drill bits to give you versatility when tackling your projects.

Your drill can come in handy in a wide range of applications, making it one of the best tools to own. Your drill is limited only by the drill bits you have on hand, so it’s essential to invest in a few good sets. You’ll want to make sure you have an assortment of metal drill bits, wood drill bits, and universal drill bits to cover indoor and outdoor projects.

How to Use a Drill

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You’ll also want to consider investing in a ladder to tackle homeowner projects that are slightly out of reach, such as putting up Christmas lights and doing any ceiling repairs. There are three main types of ladders: step ladders, multi-position ladders and extension ladders.

Step ladders come in a one, two or three step variety but the two or three-step will offer the most versatility to tackle home improvement projects. Keep in mind that these ladders will only get you between 2 to 5 feet from the floor.

Multi-position ladders are moveable and expandable, so you can adjust their height and shape. These ladders are more of an investment up front but offer the most options. If you can only pick one ladder type, this might be the best choice.

Straight ladders, often called extension ladders, are best for a variety of outdoor projects and high ceilings. These can extend up to 30 feet but you’ll want to be sure that you’re wearing proper PPE and following all safety precautions.

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