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#1 A good utility knife.
You may have a kitchen knife of a pocket knife but there are a few key things that I look for in a knife.
- You want a locking blade
- If you don’t know how to sharpen a blade you’ll want replaceable blades
- You want a handle that is as big as your hand.
- This one from Husky is actually my favorite
#2 A good flashlight
A simple flashlight will do but you I prefer a rechargeable flashlight like this one from Milwaukee since I use them a lot.
Also this head mounted light is a life saver. I really like the fact that it doesn’t have those stupid red/green or strobe light modes that many of the headlamps do. It’s irritating that you have to switch through them all to get the light to turn off, besides, who uses the red or strobe features anyway? This one has three brightness levels and runs on replaceable AAA batteries. I bought a pack of two of them and I love them.
#3 Screw Drivers
It’s nice to have a set of a few different sizes or a multi-bit set. I still have a few of the 6-in-1 Screwdrivers Harbor Freight Freebees laying around but I only get them because they’re free with a coupon. I’ve broken at least 3 or 4 of them in the last year. As soon as the next one breaks I’ll probably pick up something nicer. I have had my eye on this one from Klein that’s actually an 11-in-1.
#4 A good tape measure
You’ll need a descent tape measure. Video coming soon on the difference between a good and a bad tape measure. Sure, a cheapo will get you by if you’re not doing real precise finish carpentry or don’t mind a flimsy tape but few things irritate me faster than a crappy tape measure. I’ve also broke two Stanley’s this year including one FATMAX that I had high hopes for. I think my favorite right now is this 25′ magnetic tape from Milwaukee – yea it’s a bit pricey but its good.
#5 Needle Nose Pliers
Essential for small parts or hard to reach places. Not much more to be said about these. Nothing like the right tool for the job. I like these from Klein because they have a little hole in the cutting jaw for stripping wire – almost a 2-in-1!
#6 Channel Locks (Tongue and Groove Pliers)
So “technically” these are called Tongue and Groove Pliers but I’ve always known them as Channel Locks, or as my Dad would say “Channalocks.” I only recently discovered that Channel Lock is actually a named brand. The point is, these are also essential for various types of plumbing fittings. I own a few different sizes and brands but I will say I trust Channel Lock the most. Maybe I’m biased but they seem to hold up well. I recommend not cheaping out on these because a pair of channel-locks that don’t work well will drive you crazy.
#7 Crescent Wrench (Adjustable Wrenches)
Another one of those that I never new was a brand name. A Crescent Wrench is an adjustable wrench and they will typically do in place of a full wrench set. These are directional though, the jaws are designed to pinch in only one direction. If you use them backwards they will most likely slip and could round the head of the bolt/nut you’re working on. The bottom jaw (short side) should always be in ahead of the top jaw in the direction you’re turning. Again, I recommend not cheaping out of these either, the cheaper versions tend to bend or have excessive slop in the jaw. A good way to tell the difference is how smooth the adjustment screw rolls and how tight it is aganst the jaw. If you can’t get to that part because of the packing before you buy, just shake the thing real hard and if it sounds like a pocket full of change find something else.
#7 Drill Set
If you think you will be tackling DIY projects often then you’ll need a good set of cordless drills. An impact driver and drill combo like this one from RIDGID will make your life easier. It’s my favorite tool combo since it has an impact driver and the Hammer-Drill feature on the drill. This one comes with a fast charge and two 4-Amp-Hour Batteries. For $200 bucks you really cant beat it and ya’ll know I’m a Rigid Fan-Boy. Keep in mind though, regardless of brand, if you only use these tools a few times a year you will have to keep the batteries charged up. Letting the batteries die and sit in a dead state will kill their capacity and ability to recharge. If you don’t plan on using these tools very often then consider the Ryobi battery maintainer or buy corded tools so you don’t have to worry about batteries.
#8 Handsaws (hacksaw and wood saw)
If you rarely have the need to cut anything you can get by with you-powered versions of both. A simple hack saw for cutting metal and a wood saw for cutting… well, wood.
If you have any moderate projects to tackle around the house then you’ll want a circular saw. If you opt for the hand version you’ll probably want a Miter box too.
I really like this cordless version from Rigid (surprise right?) but I will say it performs its best on the 4 or 5-Amp-Hour batteries. The jump up from the old classic rigid batteries or even the 2AH batteries is night and day. Again, if you’re not using the tools a couple times a month then you’re batteries will suffer. I’ll post links for all of these.
#10 A Step Ladder
The simplest task such as changing a light bulb or dusting your ceiling fans are going to require some reach. A ladder is a must have for every home owner. This three step light weight Gorilla Ladder is my most used.
If you need some extra height then this multi-position aluminum ladder is a great option. Also made by Gorilla, it adjusts from a multi-position A-frame to adjustable height extension ladder. I have an older version of this one and although it’s a little on the heavy side it’s a great all-in-one to have on the truck.
Well, that wraps up my list of top 10 tools for the new homeowner. A small investment will help save you money and open the door for some DIY projects around the house. There’s and endless list of tools you “could” have and I’m constantly buying tools that will make my life easier but start here and you’ll be well on your way to DIY’n in no time!
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