DIY Tools

You never know when you’ll have to fix a leaking roof or make gutter repairs, so it is important to have all of the tools you’ll need on hand. Follow our guide to DIY tools to make sure your set is complete.

• Allen Wrench – You’ll have a hard time assembling furniture without these hexagonally-shaped bars, which come in a set.

• Adjustable Wrenches – A larger wrench can handle most nuts and other fasteners, while a smaller wrench is perfect for tight squeezes.

• Bucket – It sounds simple, but it is a must-have for fixing leaks and tackling plumbing jobs.

• Flashlight – Essential for working under the hood of your car or in another dark space.

• Drill – Need to hang a framed picture or make a hole in a cabinet to run a DVD player chord through? A cordless drill does the job.

• Hammer – Aside from hammering in nails and removing old nails (using the clawed end), a hammer comes in handy for many other tasks.

• Mask – Wear one when drilling or sanding to keep yourself from inhaling dust.

• Sponge – Another tool for drilling or sanding. Use to wipe down a surface post-job.

• Painter’s Tape – Aside from the obvious (keeping moldings paint-free when painting a wall), use it to prevent the teeth of pliers from scratching your pipes.

• Paintbrushes – A complete set of brushes, carrying in size, will let you make touch ups inside and outside your home.

• Multipurpose Screwdriver – Swap out Phillips-head bits, nut bits and slotted bits for different jobs.

• Pipe Wrench – Plumbing job? Use this.

• Long-Nose Pliers - Helpful during electrical jobs. Also, use them to hold nails when beginning hammering.

• Adjusting Pliers – These have many uses, as they can bend, unscrew or manipulate in several ways.

• Utility Knife – Makes making sharp, straight cuts easy.

• Screws and Nails – When you have reinforcements, bending a nail or losing a screw isn’t an issue.

• Tape Measure – A retractable model with 20-25 feet will handle most jobs.

• Old Toothbrush – Ideal for applying grout sealant and other products to small surfaces and cleaning hard-to-reach places.

• Work Gloves – Never hammer your nail or jam or prick your finger again once you start wearing these bad boys.

• Safety Goggles – Shield your eyes from toxic solvents and wood and metal shavings by wearing these.

• Painter’s Tool – Use to remove caulking around showers and tubs, remove and spread putty, spread Spackle and joint compound and clean rollers.

• Sandpaper – Removing material? Choose coarse grit. Finishing or smoothing a surface?

As home maintenance experts, we know a thing or two about DIY projects and with this list you’ll be stress-free the next time you have to install new gutters or complete another DIY home project.