15 Tools : The Homeowner's Essentials Kit

​If you are a new homeowner, or just looking to add some utility to your essential home maintenance and repair tool kit, the following items are essential tools.  Feel free to ask your Hot Spot inspector about other tools that may be useful.
 
This list is by no means exhaustive. Let us know if you think we should add to the essentials tool kit.

1.  Plunger
A clogged sink or toilet is – well, forget about it!  With a plunger on hand you can usually unclog a fixture relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers -- one for the sink and one for the toilet – to avoid contamination.
Storage Tip: wrap the plunger in a doubled plastic grocery bag to store in a cabinet or below a sink.

---

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 solution - a good flashlight.
A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient; as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy. A magnetic base is a utilitarian bonus. A headlamp allows hands free viewing.

​7.  Tape Measure
Measuring house projects requires a tape measure -- not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 16 or 25 feet are the most useful.  Remember: “Measure Twice, Cut Once!”

​8.  Hacksaw
A hacksaw is useful 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 / Ear Protection
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. Noise reducing earplugs or headsets are just as important when sound levels are excessive.
Pro Move: Make it a habit to talk about safety with your family before projects!

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 or drill driven 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. 

Pro Tip - Level Up: Our houses are becoming smarter, and as we install more technology in our homes, a precision screwdrive set can be a necessary addition to this essential tool category.

​13.  Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails. The side-cutting style is handy and the end-cutting style is strong enough to cut larger nails and other tough materials.  If you are going to undertake any electrical work, also consider wire strippers and pliers - always insulated!  Be careful with electricity! There is a reason electricians are required to be licensed and you can easily electrocute yourself if you are not careful!

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 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.  It is semi-permanent and will leave residue and damage surfaces over time, so use a less tacky temporary tape for projects where you want to remove the tape when finished.

The Homeowner's Advocate is a series of education articles designed to help home sellers and buyers purchase and maintain their homes. Thanks for reading and subscribe to our Hot Spot Newsletter to get the latest information and insider scoop on property inspections.