8 Must Have Tools for Everyday Home Repairs
When something in your home breaks or wears down, it’s often best to contact professionals to make all necessary repairs. However, a good number of minor problems can be fixed with a little effort and the right tools. If you don’t have the patience or the budget to hire a contractor, you might just make the repair yourself. Before you do, however, you’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment at your disposal. Here are 8 must-have tools for everyday home repairs.
- Pliers
When objects like nails or staples are too tight or too loose in places they shouldn’t be, pliers are your best friend. This handy little tool gives you a fine, powerful grip on whatever you need to grab. Pliers also come in handy in delicate situations, such as when a wire needs to be carefully moved aside.
- Hammer
The saying goes that when all you have is a hammer, every problem begins to look like a nail. But in truth, a hammer is an incredibly useful tool with more versatility than it can initially seem. Its main use may be to drive in objects (namely nails), but a hammer is also useful for correcting, straightening, and loosening objects. The back side is also invaluable for removing nails and other wedged objects.
- Screwdriver
Like hammers, screwdrivers also appear to only be good for one thing, but actually come in handy in many other ways. In addition to driving in flathead and Phillips head screws of various sizes, screwdrivers can also be useful in testing for rotted wood. If the tool can easily pop through the material, the wood is in need of repair or replacement.
- Drywall Repair Kit
You never know when something or someone will scrape, bruise, or punch through your drywall. Fortunately, most drywall repair jobs are simple and straightforward – and if you already have a drywall repair kit on hand, you won’t have to wait long to fix it yourself. These kits often include some joint tape, joint compound, a 4×4 drywall patch, putty knife, and sandpaper. If you don’t know how to repair drywall, you’ll typically find information on the kit itself.
- Utility Knife
Many home repairs involve precise cuts and scores. A good utility knife makes these processes easy and safe. Utility knives also come in handy for opening packages, cutting zip ties, and evening edges.
- Tape Measure
Sometimes you’ll need to measure the length, width, and/or height of an object to make a repair or replacement. Tape measures give you a lot more to work with than a mere ruler or yardstick, and they lock into place so you won’t lose an important measurement after you make it. This tool is also great for marking straight lines.
- Power Drill
When screwdrivers aren’t fast or powerful enough, a power drill has you covered. These tools significantly speed up home repairs, whether you need to remove screws, drive new screws in, or create holes for reference.
- Pencil
Last but not least is the simplest tool that everyone had in elementary school: the pencil. While not as impressive or fun to use as a power drill or hammer, a pencil’s utility shouldn’t be underestimated. If you need to mark a measurement, draw a line, or make some notes on plywood, a pencil will do the trick. Just make sure it has a good eraser, too.
If you have these 8 tools at the ready, you’re prepared to tackle a host of minor home repairs. For any problems beyond this scope, Anderson Painting contractors have the skills and knowledge required to handle them. In addition to painting, our team specializes in carpentry, siding installation, concrete floor coating, pressure washing, and more. To learn more about us and all our services, call Anderson Painting today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
