The Essential 8 DIY Tools That a Homeowner Must Have

So, finally, you have moved into your own home. Congratulations on the significant achievement! No more landlord hassles! But, then from now on, you are on your own! No more calling up your landlord to fix things. What can go wrong in a new house? Well, let us tell you that it wouldn’t take long for that light bulb to fuse, or a fan regulator to stop working. Also, what about fixing those beautiful hanging lamps that you received for your housewarming?

To save you from such nightmares, here’s your guide to a must-have toolbox. If you are not already crushed by the burden of EMIs, then go for readily available tools. However, if you are on a tight budget, here is a list of eight essential tools that you must have.

Ladder

From changing light bulbs to hanging paintings to dusting cobwebs – there is no way around a sturdy ladder. Don’t think standing on a chair will suffice the purpose. It’s a one-time investment. The price of the ladder depends largely on two factors- height and the material used. On an average, you can get one in the range of Rs 3,000-8,000.

Drill machine

One of the most important power tools in a toolkit is a drill machine. Check for these factors before buying one:

• Reverse rotation
• Weight
• Comfortable grip
• Compact size

If you pocket allows, choose a battery-powered cordless drill to start your DIY projects. Expect to pay anywhere from Rs 2,500-10,000 for a wired-drill and Rs 12,000-20,000 for a cordless one.

Drill bits

Now that you have a drill machine, you need to buy some drill bits. Choose a good selection of drill bits in different sizes.

Hammer

No toolbox is complete without a hammer. You can select a wide variety of hammers in the market. A basic one will cost you as low as Rs 350 while a high-end one with a brass sledge is priced about Rs 10,000.

Tape measure

You probably already have this one. A retractable, lockable tape measure has multiple uses. It is useful in measuring furniture placement, sizes of doors and windows, etc. You will also find it handy while measuring the curtains or blinds for your home or hanging artwork. You can buy one for as low as Rs 250.

Screwdrivers

There is a great variety of screwdrivers available is the market today. You can opt for one which has both flathead and Phillips head varieties.

Pliers

Next in line is pliers that are again useful in multiple ways. These include pulling out nails, stripping wires, cutting edges protruding from things, and many more. The price for a plier set varies from brand to brand. On an average, it cost anywhere in the range of Rs 500- 5,000. Imported ones can cost you up to Rs 10,000.

Level

A must for DIY enthusiasts, a level comes handy for hanging pictures or installing shelves. These days, you also get a laser level that emits three types of light: the horizontal line, the crosshair, and the vertical line.

While it gives perfection to whatever job you are doing, it might burn a hole in your pocket. A basic level would cost anywhere between Rs 300-600 while the advanced ones are priced in the range of Rs 6,000-12,000.

Quick tips

• Be prepared for whatever repair jobs comes your way with a utility knife.
• You must also have some good spray lubricants. The most widely used is WD-40 (Water Displacement 40th attempt). It is used for removing adhesive, stopping squeaks, and loosens rusted bolts.
• If you don’t have a cordless drill, keep an electrical extension cord.
• Keep a good selection of general-purpose nails and screws.
• Always wear plastic gloves while doing any repair job. While using the drill machine, using dust mask and goggles are advisable.

With our basic list of tools, we are sure that you will be able to achieve greater heights in all your home repair projects. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us in the comment box below.