13 Tools Every Budget-Conscious Homeowner Should Own

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Homeownership is a combination of fun and responsibility. Having a place to call your own is something special, but of course that also means the inevitable upkeep. It doesn’t matter if you need to fix a leaky faucet or hang a new set of shelves, having the right tools ready to go can save you money and stress. The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to build a functional toolkit.

Most of the time you don’t even need a workshop that looks like a hardware store to get the job done. If you do a bit of planning, you can invest in a few essentials that will leave your home in great shape without leaving you broke. Now, let’s take a look at the tools every savvy homeowner should keep handy.

Work Gloves

Your hands need to be protected when doing dirty, sharp or heavy work. According to MCR Safety, work glove is a durable pair of gloves that keep you safe when you are handling rough material or gardening. They also provide a bit of grip so you won’t lose your hold in the middle of the task.

Toolbox

How are you going to keep all these treasures? Your tools are easy to find and keep in a sturdy toolbox. You don’t need to be fancy, a simple plastic model with compartments for small items will do.

Measuring Tape

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Have you ever hung a curtain rod and found it to be completely off center? Those headaches can be saved by a trusty measuring tape. Whether you’re arranging furniture or embarking on a DIY project, it pays to have accurate measurements.

Cordless Drill

A power tool is more than just a cordless drill, it’s a power move. Once you’ve got this up your sleeve, assembling furniture and mounting heavy objects is a cinch. Cordless drills are among the most versatile tools, with uses from minor repairs to serious home projects.

Utility Knife

A sharp utility knife is more useful than you think, from opening packages to trimming out materials. Get a retractable one with replaceable blades, as it’s safer, and will work for a much longer period.

Level

Have you ever eyed a shelf and found it pitched like a roller coaster? Your projects stay straight and steady with a small level. A basic bubble level is fine, but a digital level adds a bit of precision if you’re fancy.

Stud Finder

Hanging a heavy mirror or TV? A stud finder will keep you from accidentally punching holes into hollow walls. This is an underrated tool that will pay for itself in peace of mind and solid builds very quickly.

Flashlight or Headlamp

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Yes, you have a phone with a flashlight on it, but a dedicated tool will give brighter light and longer battery life. With dark corners, power outages, or late night troubleshooting, a reliable flashlight or headlamp will come in handy.

Adjustable Wrench

Plumbing problems don’t respect anyone. Think of an adjustable wrench to fix a loose bolt, leaky faucet, or fixture tamer that doesn’t require a full size wrench set. It’s compact, simple and a lifesaver when you need to do an emergency maintenance job.

Pliers

Pliers are like an extra pair of strong fingers. Perfect for gripping, twisting or cutting wires. In particular, needle nose pliers are really handy for very precise tasks such as fixing jewelry or fishing small things out of small spaces.

Allen Wrench Set

If you’ve ever built anything from the flat pack furniture store, you know the value of an Allen wrench. These hex keys are the key to tightening bolts on furniture, bicycles, and many other household gadgets.

Hammer

The backbone of any toolkit is a good hammer. A claw hammer is for hanging pictures, assembling furniture, or the occasional stubborn nail. Find one with a convenient grip and a reliable construction; it’s one of these tools that you’ll find yourself grabbing over and over again.

Screwdriver Set

Flathead or Phillips head? Why not both? A basic set of screwdrivers is a life saver for tightening screws, opening battery compartments, and for handling small repairs. An interchangeable head set even adds even more versatility.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.