What hand tools are recommended?
When starting out with your collection of tools there are a number of tools that are worth starting out with. If you are a serious DIYer, tradesperson, or even just fixing simple things around your house this list will fit the bill.
Hammer
A hammer is one of those tools when you need it, you definitely need it. I wouldn’t skip on this tool because you don’t want to risk damaging other items if you were to use them as a hammer. You also shouldn’t be hammering with your hands. There are many types of hammers out there, ball peen hammers, dead blow hammers, and more. They all have specific uses but the most commonly used hammer is a 16oz claw hammer. This hammer will allow you to strike your objects also remove and drive nails with its claw feature. Here is a 16oz claw hammer
Multi Screwdriver
A multi screwdriver will be the most used tool around your home. This tool is definitely a priority, most appliances are secured with fasteners that require a driver with a certain style bit. A multi screwdriver is perfect for keeping it minimal and having the most used driver bits. Most multi screwdrivers have three common bit types, A Phillips, Robertson, Slotted drive bits. Repairing loose door hinges, replacing doorknobs, loose pot handles can all be done with a multi screwdriver and the beauty of it is you don’t need to have multiple types of screwdrivers. Here is a multi screwdriver.
Toolbox
A toolbox is an optional tool to have for tools around the house but definitely something you don’t have to go crazy with. You can even start with a small tote box, no need for a full-on chest drawer with a table to start with. Now as time goes on and you decide to buy more tools you will need a place to store these tools and an organized toolbox will make life easier when you need to find a tool. Many people start off with a portable toolbox and graduate onto bigger toolboxes such as tool chests, and bigger sizes.
Utility knife
A utility knife is very versatile in its use, most home projects might call for the use of this tool. A few examples would be removing caulking, opening boxes, cutting drywall. Here is a utility knife.
Pliers
Pliers are useful for grabbing and bending items since they use a simple first-class lever system that gives you a mechanical advantage. There are different styles of pliers, Channel-locks, linesman pliers, needle-nose pliers, and many more. A lot of situations call for the use of these different types of pliers depending on the job, but for a DIY’er or tradesperson, these three types of pliers are the most commonly used. For example, if you ever were to replace the p-trap in your sink, Channel-lock pliers are an essential tool for this job. You can also get a set of pliers here.
Socket set
A set of wrenches sometimes just don’t cut it when working on an object with minimal space. Sometimes whatever you are working on is designed to use a socket when installing and removing a bolt or nut. An investment in a socket set will be worth its weight in gold when you can’t reach a bolt with a wrench. There are many styles of sockets sets to choose from but the most commonly used socket sets are ones with hand sockets and a ratcheting wrench socket. Here is a socket set that comes with wrenches as well.
Tape measure
A tape measure will allow you to measure items and plan projects accordingly. There are many tips and tricks here when using a tape measure. If you don’t know how to use a tape measure here is an article explaining how to use one. Here is a tape measure.
Adjustable spanner
An adjustable spanner is a spanner that can be adjusted to multiple different sizes. This is useful when you don’t have a set of wrenches, you can just use an adjustable spanner. The only problem with using an adjustable spanner versus the correct sized wrench is stripping of the bolt head. In some applications using an adjustable spanner can cause more harm than good, and would be wiser to use the correct sized wrench. Here is an adjustable spanner.
Flashlight
Imagine being in a blackout with no light source and you don’t want to waste your cellphone battery, well if you have a flashlight that wouldn’t be the case. There are many more uses to a flashlight than just a blackout such as if you were to work on your car, look under your deck, inspect tight areas in your home. These and more are all valid reasons to use a flashlight, you don’t have to buy the top of the line flashlight but buying a very cheap one is not worth the money. A 500-lumen flashlight is a pretty solid investment for a flashlight, but if you work in industrial settings or even if a 500-lumen flashlight won’t cut it a 1000+ lumen flashlight is a solid purchase.
Cordless drill
Gone are the days of drilling and fastening screws by hand, cordless drills have evolved over time and even a small cordless drill can pack a punch. If you are into woodworking, a DIY’er, or work in the trades, a cordless drill is almost always an essential tool that saves your wrists and time. There are many types of cordless drills such as a drill driver, impact drill, and hammer drill. They also come in different rated voltages 12 Volts, 18 Volts, 20 Volts, being the most common. The more voltage the drill has the more power and the more torque it has. A 12 Volt-18 Volt drill is the most commonly used, but when you just need some more power go with a 20 Volt drill or higher.
Summary:
If you are a DIY’er, hobbyist, tradesperson, these tools should definitely be on your checklist. You can always set a budget and buy different brands to save money, but always do the job right the first time with the right tool.