By Greg Stopher
It always seems as if I am continually buying tools for one thing or another. My career revolves around tools and having the right tool for each job is essential. I am using these tools in the harsh Southeast Alaska weather and some tools I’m using every day, which often leads to me continually replacing them. I keep a certain amount of special tools at my house, homeowner tools, which the wife says I can’t take on the job with me so she can have some tools in case something comes up at home. Usually I sneak off with a few of those tools designated for the use around the home and I hear about it later. Often people aren’t sure which tools to buy for around their home so I have put together a list of tools necessary for a homeowner and even a renter to have around the home, just in case a picture needs to be hung, a cabinet door adjusted, or a shower door caulked.
1. Cordless Drill: This is the first essential tool in the homeowner’s tool kit. A cordless drill can be used for many projects or fix-it items around the home. It can be used to drive screws like a loose door hinge or to pre-drill a hole for a curtain rod. Cordless drills come in a wide variety of sizes or volts but for something needed only on occasion and not for everyday use there are plenty of 12-volt cordless drills on the market for the homeowner. If you foresee woodworking projects in your the future, I would suggest something a little hardier with a longer lasting battery in the 18-volt range.
2. Assorted Screwdrivers: Having an assortment of screwdrivers around the home always a good idea. I would buy a multi-pack with assorted sizes and types (Phillips and regular). I can’t count the number of times I have needed a Phillips head screw driver to adjust a cabinet hinge or a small electronics screw driver to put batteries in a kids toy.
3. Task Light or Flashlight: Lighting is always handy when you need to enter the crawlspace, attic or if the electricity does go out. You will also want to be sure to keep extra batteries on hand as well. With our long dark winters, a task light that can be plugged in is also essential.
4. 16 oz. Hammer: Make sure you buy a good quality hammer. It is practical for a lot of things like hanging a picture to pulling nails. A hammer can also be used to demo things. Like every tool, hammers can be very specialized. One visit to The Hammer Museum in Haines will show just how specialized a hammer can be. I have many I use throughout the day from a finish hammer, a framing hammer, a bigger framing hammer, to Moe (my 4 lb. persuasive sledge hammer). But a 16 oz. hammer is all a homeowner should need to keep around the house, since it can handle just about anything.
5. Assortment of Wrenches and Pliers: These are necessary to have around the house along with those Allen wrenches. Be sure you purchase a set with both metric and standard sizes. They are good useful in many tasks. I usually need some kind of pliers or wrenches when l dealing with plumbing or heating items.
6. Utility Knife: This can be handy when you need to cut drywall or for a variety of household uses.
7. Ladders: A necessity when it comes to reaching high objects like light bulbs or tackling a painting project.
8. Clamps: These can act as an added hand or hold something together while the glue sets. I often use clamps when working on projects alone, giving me an extra hand when needed.
9. Paint Brush: Necessary for paint touch-up or projects.
10. Handsaw: A simple one with a wooden handle.
11. Small Square
12. Wire Cutters
13. Pry Bar
14. Putty Knife
15. Tape Measure
16. Sandpaper
17. Assorted Nails and Screws: When you need to hang something or make repairs, it’s good to have something to hang it with
18. Drywall Spackle
19. Toolbox or Tool Bag: to have all these tools in for easy access and to find quickly. With these tools a homeowner can accomplish most simple home repairs.
20. Duct Tape: You can’t live in Alaska without it, right? This can come in handy in the event of a home repair emergency and can be a temporary fix to many problems.
You probably don’t need all of these items from day one of home ownership or when renting, but this is meant to serve as a guide. Most people don’t need a full set of power tools, especially if you don’t know how or if you don’t feel comfortable using them. This starter guide should help you get through necessary day-to-day projects and as you develop your home repair skills, other tools may be necessary for certain tasks.
Greg Stopher has over 16 years of experience in the construction field and earned a degree in Construction Technologies from the University of Alaska – Southeast. His company, Stopher Construction, LLC, is a general contracting company specializing in remodeling, custom finishes, additions and new home construction projects. He can be reached at 907-321-2350.