15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
by Nick Gromicko and Rob London
The following items are essential tools, but this list is by no
means exhaustive. Feel free to ask an InterNACHI inspector during your
next inspection about other tools that you might find useful.
1. Plunger
A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient
household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however,
you can usually remedy these plumbing issues relatively quickly. It is
best to have two plungers — one for the sink and one for the toilet.
2. Combination Wrench Set
One end of a
combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts
and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes, and because
both varieties are widely used, you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For
the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you,
instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.
3. Slip-Joint Pliers
Use slip-joint pliers
to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of
pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and
curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a
built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw
size to suit most tasks.
4. Adjustable Wrench Adjustable
wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if
they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal
for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the
jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.
5. Caulking Gun
Caulking is the process of sealing up cracks and gaps in various
structures and certain types of piping. Caulking can provide noise
mitigation and thermal insulation, and control water penetration. Caulk
should be applied only to areas that are clean and dry.
6. Flashlight
None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually
inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only
with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually
sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.
7. Tape Measure
Measuring house projects requires a tape measure — not a ruler or a
yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is
best. Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy.
8. Hacksaw
A hacksaw is usefu for cutting metal objects, such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws
look thin and flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest
of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality
hacksaw frame.
9. Torpedo Level
Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf,
appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is
unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal
or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a
45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the
middle — not merely close.
10. Safety Glasses / Goggles
For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear
safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix
chemicals.
11. Claw Hammer
A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own. Use it to
drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in
combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a
16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice.
12. Screwdriver Set
It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a
flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are
sometimes convenient, but they’re no substitute. Manual screwdrivers
can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the
screw.
13. Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails. The side-cutting style (unlike the stronger end-cutting style) is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.
14. Respirator / Safety Mask
While paints and other coatings are now manufactured to be less toxic
(and lead-free) than in previous decades, most still contain dangerous
chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid
accidentally inhaling. A mask should also be worn when working in
dusty and dirty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs
of 10 and should be thrown away after use. Full and half-face
respirators can be used to prevent the inhalation of very fine particles
that ordinary facemasks will not not stop.
15. Duct Tape
This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was
widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military
equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency
kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.