The world just keeps getting more and more high tech. There are now learning thermostats, handheld devices that can play movies using a wireless Internet connection and even refrigerators that can scan food (provided it’s equipped with an RFID chip) and catalog its own contents. But even with all that technology packed into our homes, there are times when too much technology just gets in the way. Homeowners, especially, need to know the difference between necessity and gimmick.
The sense of pride that comes with owning a home is nearly unmatched. Though an apartment may have some advantages, they don’t give their residents the ability to actually own their home or build equity. Owning a home brings with it many responsibilities that apartments don’t. Homeowners can’t just call a landlord and have their problems fixed; either they have to perform the repairs themselves or call someone to do it for them. But homeowners who want to save some money by performing repairs themselves will still have to gather the necessary tools. Because it can be difficult at times to know beforehand what will be useful and what won’t, here’s a handy list of tools every homeowner needs.
Power Tools
This category is huge, and while the average person (man) who shops for these tools is inclined to get lots based on the idea of “just in case”. What is a criterion for making these decisions? The basic criteria and answer to the question, “What do I need to maintain my home?” While the answers vary from person-to-person, but there are some obvious choices.
• The Circular Saw – this wonderful tool can help you trim fence, build decks, bookshelves, and any other projects that require a cutting tool. A table saw is an outstanding tool as well, but less likely to be as portable.
• The Power Drill – this can be cordless or not, the first carrying with it the convenience of portability, the latter carrying more power. All of these can utilize particular drill bits and screw-driver attachments as well as other features which can be added on depending on the situation.
Non-Power Tools
• Ratchet Set – these are universal and will save you hours of work. The standard ratchet set can be used to tighten, unscrew, loosen, take apart, and in the end, fix. Most sets come with standard sizes which will fit most tasks. For specialty sizes, there are add-on kits which give you more options depending on the job.
• The Phillips and Flat Head Screwdriver – the power drill mentioned above can and will make these much less needed, but every home owner needs the old-school version. Simply having one in your utility drawer will more than pay itself off.
• The Hammer – this is included because the hammer is the most used tool in America. With over seven hundred variations, the hammer is good for much more than pounding nails. It is best to have one large, industrial hammer and one small for the weaker jobs. Other variations include soft hammers for occasions when you don’t want to dent or scratch the item in question being struck, and larger sledgehammers in case you have the need to bust up your sidewalk for replacement.
As stated before, the need for having tools is specific to the job specified. Each person will have different needs and desires according to what they will be doing, so the things listed are in no way the only tools a home owner needs. Always use the right tool for the right job. You will find enough options out there to do so.
Joseph Baker, who writes this post on behalf of Sears, enjoys spending his time keeping up with the latest innovations and technology.