Essential Tools For The New Homeowner

Man with tool beltIn the introduction to Handyman Help, we discussed the most common items any home handyman should have in their tool box. For the new homeowner, there are additional items to include in your Tool Set, some of which are hand tools and some of which are considered shop tools or even safety equipment. Whatever the category, equipsupply.com has an extensive inventory to choose from.

First & Foremost, Protect Yourself

You may not consider protective gear all that important—until you’ve had your first accident, that is! Essential protective gear includes:

Essential Tools List

When stocking your tool center, be sure to buy:

  • A Utility Knife—for a wide range of cutting chores, from box breakdown to trimming wall paper you’ve just hung.
  • An Axe—a ‘must-have’ piece of equipment for any new homeowner with a fireplace.
  • Engineer grade tape measure—it’s amazing how many times you need to measure something in your home. We recommend you buy several tape measures, from a 10 to 12 foot pocket size to a 25 foot engineer grade.
  • Multi-Bit Screwdrivers—you may already have a basic flat head and Phillips screwdriver but we recommend you invest in a complete set of multi-bit screwdrivers.
  • Precision Screwdrivers—often the new homeowner neglects to buy jeweler-size or mini screwdrivers. These are necessary for some repairs, particularly electronic equipment.
  • The Hex Key Set—a cousin to the screwdriver, the hex key set allows you to put together or disassemble certain screw-type fasteners having no head inserts to grip. You can buy either T-handle drivers or ball hex drivers, or both.
  • A 16oz Claw Hammer—the workhorse of hammers, this is a ‘must’ for small or conventional size nails. For heavier hammering projects, we also recommend you buy a Dead Blow Hammer or a rubber Mallet, or both.
  • Diverse Wrench Sets—including a heavy-duty adjustable wrench, a combination wrench set and a set each of ratchet and socket wrenches.
  • Flashlights—several sizes are advisable, from heavy-duty lanterns to LED flashlights and sizes in between.
  • Cutters & Pliers—again, get a diverse set of pliers including slip-joint, needle nose and long-nose.
  • Saws—besides the axe noted above, you’ll definitely want multiple saws (even if you don’t have a fireplace.) Every new homeowner should have a hand saw and hack saw to cut dead brush, broken tree limbs and more. Available as manual or electric, corded or cordless.
  • Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum—about the time the hot water heater has a leak in the garage or closet, you’ll realize how handy a wet-dry shop vacuum can be. Serving a variety of clean-ups, these are essential for any new homeowner to have.
  • Heavy Duty Extension Cords—critical for corded electric saws, drills and a wide range of other uses.
  • The Tool Box—finally, you won’t want to forget the tool box! It’s the best way to keep your new hand tools organized.