Being a house owner can be pretty challenging sometimes! Whenever something breaks in the house, it’s your responsibility to fix it. Unfortunately, things break all the time! If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a handyman, consider upgrading your skills.
Hanging shelves, installing cabinets, changing a light bulb, or doing minor plumbing work can’t be as difficult as you imagine it!
To be able to fix things around your house, get essential tools from the list below:
Screwdriver
You are a house owner now. So, forget about orange juice with vodka and get a real screwdriver! It will help you to tighten or remove a screw whenever you need it.
There are a lot of types of scrooz fasteners, but don’t let it frustrate you! For basic home repairs, you should definitely buy a cross-slot screwdriver (also known as Phillips head screwdriver) and slotted screwdriver (also called a flat head screwdriver).
To use it, you should turn the driver clockwise and loosen it by simply turning counterclockwise. For the best results, avoid applying extra force; otherwise, a screwdriver can slip from the fastener’s head and hurt you.
Hammer
In order to do some demolition work in your house, get a hammer. You should definitely have one mallet hammer and clawed one (the basic). A medium weight hammer with a rip claw will also allow you to pull out nails.
Ladder
A ladder can be helpful in various situations that might occur in your house. You will be able to reach high areas on your own safely. Also, it will be easier to install a cable satellite dish on the top of your roof. Plus, let’s not forget about emergency situations such as kitty getting stuck on a tree.
There are different types of ladders that you can use during construction work. To learn more about it, check here.
Level
In order to ensure that horizontal and vertical surfaces are straight, get a level. You will be able to use your level every time you need to secure a shelf into a wall. There are a lot of different types of levels – carpenter’s level, torpedo level, and mason’s level. Some homeowners also measure objects with laser levels.
If you are not an expert, consider getting a standard carpenter’s level. To use a level for home improvements or DIY projects, find a vertical or horizontal vial, and place your level in the centre of an object – doorframe, a wall, or fencepost.
Nails and screws
If you want to tackle any basic home repair problem, make sure to have nails and screws in your toolbox. It’s better to get a kit with drywall screws, galvanized nails, finishing nails, vinyl nails, and stud anchors.
Utility knife
A utility knife is also called X-acto knife, box cutter, and a Stanley knife. All you have to know is that it is incredibly sharp. It’s important to mention that using a utility knife is actually safer than cutting with scissors or a dull knife.
You never know what you will have to cut! A utility knife can help you cut through the carpet, remove the old caulk, ensure clean lines in a paint job, and replace a portion of a shingle. Moreover, you will be able to trim wood shims, make clean cuts on laminated plywood, and even repair a window screen! So, not getting it is like a crime!
Wrenches
Another essential thing you should have in your house is a wrench set. It will help you to build furniture, tighten or loosen bolts and nuts. As you can understand, different wrenches serve different purposes.
A list of basic ones includes an Allen wrench, socket wrench, adjustable wrench, open-end wrench, and combination wrench.
If you don’t want to buy the whole set, get yourself at least an Allen wrench in order to loosen nuts and bolts.
Tape measure
Whenever you want a new piece of furniture, you will need to measure centimetres and inches. That’s where you will have a chance to use your tape measure! It can also be useful in case you want to hang art or shelves.
There are two types of tape measure: plastic one and self-retracting metal tape measure. Plastic tape can be an alternative, but it’s better to get a metal one since it will last longer.
Steel Conduit Pipes
Whether you want some lighting in the garden or you’re adding a water feature, a metal conduit pipe will safely encase the cables. Metal conduit is a specialist tubing system designed to protect electrical wiring.
The bottom line
If you don’t want to beg a handyman to help you out with home improvements, get a toolkit. Every house owner should have a screwdriver, hammer, level, tape measure, nails, screws, wrenches, tape measure, utility knife and ladder. It will help you not only improve your skills but also to save a lot of money!
To learn how to do home repairs on your own, find DIY Youtube channels. Also, consider asking your experienced friends to give you a few lessons.
