Being a homeowner demands the occasional use of your handyman skills. Many common house problems, such as leaky faucets, uneven cupboards, and unsticking sticky doors and windows, are simple enough to fix yourself if you have the necessary equipment on hand. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try some more substantial fixes, presuming you’ve mastered the fundamentals and aren’t just winging it (sometimes, it really does make more sense to call in a pro).
So, how do you put together a well-stocked toolkit? It all starts with identifying the core equipment that every homeowner should have, which you can then supplement as needed for various projects. Whether you’re moving into your first house or just want to make sure you have everything you need, here are the 13 tools you should always have on hand that can be found in any hardware stores in Singapore
Screwdriver Kinds:
There are many different screwdriver types available, but for simple home fix and repairs, you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver (also known as a cross slot screwdriver) and a flat head screwdriver (also called a slotted screwdriver). Many hardware shops provide screwdriver bases with various heads that you may replace out as needed.
What they’re useful for: removing or tightening screws—a simple remedy that can truly cure a number of frequent home problems. Moreover, when you buy a screwdriver of any type, it comes with a safebox for it to be properly stored and secured.
Hammer Styles:
A simple smooth-faced, clawed hammer should suffice. Experts recommend purchasing one with a rip claw (the portion that allows you to pull out nails) that is medium weight (around 16-20oz). For more longevity, use a fiberglass or metal handle over a wood one. Pick up a mallet hammer as well if you plan on conducting any minor demolition work.
It’s useful for: Simple clawed hammers are used to pound nails into and retrieve them from surfaces, most often wood. You may also use them for demolition operations, however a mallet hammer would give you better control.
Wrenches
As part of your necessary tools, you should have an Allen wrench, an open-end wrench, a combination wrench, an adjustable wrench, and a socket wrench. If you don’t want to start with all five, just acquire an Allen wrench and an adjustable wrench.
What they’re excellent for: Each wrench has a specific purpose. For example, an Allen wrench is used to assemble furniture, but other types of wrenches are used to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. An adjustable wrench, also known as a crescent wrench, is one of the most helpful wrenches to have since it can be adjusted to fit the size of the nut or bolt you’re working with.
Pliers Varieties:
There are several plier types, but start with the basics—needle nose pliers, slip-joint pliers, and cutting pliers—and add more as required.What they’re useful for: When doing electrical work, you’ll utilise needle nose and slip-joint pliers to grasp, tighten, and loosen metal pieces, and cutting pliers to cut wires.
Types of utility knives: There is just one style of utility knife, albeit you may choose between a retractable and a folding one. This instrument is also known by the following names: box cutter, Stanley knife, or X-acto knife.
What it’s good for: Because a utility knife is so sharp, it’s an ideal instrument for precision cutting. Because you can get the job done with just one swipe, the sharp edge makes it safer than using a dull knife or scissors to make cuts.
Tape measure Types:
Tape measures are classed based on the material they are constructed of. A self-retracting metal tape measure is essential for most home repair work. You could get away with using a plastic one instead, but it’s fragile and tough to deal with if you’re measuring on your own. Get a tape measure that measures in both inches and centimeters to be safe.
It’s useful for: Anytime you need to measure something. This covers not just house repairs but also hanging paintings and shelves, as well as establishing the fit of new furniture.
Level Types:
There are over 20 different types of levels, but most homeowners will be OK with a conventional carpenter’s level. Choose the material (wood, plastic, or aluminum) and length that best suits your needs.
It is useful for ensuring that vertical and horizontal surfaces are perfectly straight. Before fastening a shelf to a wall, for example, use your level to ensure that it is not lying on an angle.
Hand saw Types:
Hand saws are a type of saw in and of themselves, and within their category are even more saws: rip cut saws, pull saws, back saws, bow saws, keyhole saws, and pruning saws, to name a few. However, for regular house repairs and upgrades, you should be OK with simply a rip cut hand saw.
It’s useful for making rapid and clean cuts in wood. Hand saws are lighter and easier to use than power saws, making them a superior choice (the latter of which you can hold off on buying until you have a specific need for it).
Flashlight Types:
The flashlight on your phone is adequate for easy jobs, but you’ll need a heavier power flashlight for housework. In a pinch, a small or medium-sized LED flashlight would suffice, but if you don’t want to bother about how to hold or place the light, acquire an LED headlamp.
It’s useful for: Providing lighting while working in dark locations (such as the crawl space beneath the home or on pipes in cupboards), as well as when you need to focus on the details of a specific aspect you’re working on.