7 Genius Tools to Skyrocket Your DIY Skills Instantly

As a homeowner or renter, you need to know what tools to have on hand. Therefore, we’ve compiled this list of essential handyman tools for your toolbox.

Hammer

First and foremost, a hammer is a powerful tool for driving nails into various surfaces. You can use it on wood, metal, or concrete. Additionally, it’s great for removing nails with its claw end. Hammers come in different sizes and shapes. Moreover, they’re made from materials like steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. Consequently, the head can be flat or curved to suit different needs.

Screwdriver

Next, you’ll often use a screwdriver to drive screws into materials of different thicknesses. It’s a common and versatile tool. Typically, screwdrivers are cylindrical with a shaft and handle. The shaft is long enough to hold with both hands, while the handle provides torque for both arms. Furthermore, the head has a tip that fits into screw slots. On the other hand, the other end usually has a groove to prevent slipping.

In addition, there are many types of screwdrivers for specific purposes. For instance, slotted-head screwdrivers are for slotted screws only. Similarly, Phillips-head or cross-head screwdrivers are for their respective screw types.

Utility Knife/Stanley Knife

Moving on, a utility knife is crucial for any handyman. You’ll use it to cut, scrape, and pry. When the blade gets dull, you can easily resharpen it. In particular, the Stanley Knife is an all-purpose cutting tool. It’s especially useful for cutting drywall and stripping wire. As an added benefit, its blades are replaceable, and it has an ergonomic handle for comfort.

Tape Measure

Equally important, a measuring tape is essential for any handyman. You’ll use it for all sorts of measurements. Notably, it has a retractable metal blade that extends to your desired length. One side shows inches, while the other shows centimeters. To use it, push out the blade with a side button. Then, lock it in place by pushing it back. When you’re finished, simply retract it with a button on the other end.

Level (Bubble or Spirit)

Furthermore, a spirit level measures an object’s horizontality. It’s also known as a bubble level. Specifically, it has a spirit or mercury-filled tube. This tube moves as the surface orientation changes. As a result, the bubble rises and falls with these changes. One side shows if the surface is horizontal or vertical. Consequently, you can use it to level pictures, check straightness, and align furniture.

Pliers

Another versatile tool is pliers, used for gripping, turning, and compressing objects. The most common types are needle nose and long nose pliers. On one hand, needle nose pliers have a pointed end for small items. On the other hand, long nose pliers have a longer reach for larger items. Interestingly, combination pliers can handle both small and large items. However, they can’t grip very large objects like pipe wrenches can.

Wrench Set

Finally, a wrench set is crucial for turning nuts and bolts. It includes a ratchet, sockets, and an extension bar. The ratchet lets you tighten or loosen fasteners easily. In addition, use the socket wrench for nuts and bolts with matching socket sizes. For larger nuts and bolts, however, turn to the spanner set in your toolkit.