Many different home tools serve unique purposes. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the most crucial types of home tools and how you can use them to keep your home in tip-top shape.
19 Types of Home Tools You Need
Home tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each tool serves a unique purpose to help you overcome or fix a specific problem.
1. Power Sanders
Power sanders allow quick and easy sanding, making them perfect for home renovation projects. There are three main types of power sanders: orbital, belt, and detail.
Orbital sanders use a circular motion to quickly remove material from surfaces, while belt sanders are best at removing material from large areas. Detail sanders have small, triangular bases to get into tight corners and crevices.
Power sanders can quickly smooth rough surfaces or remove old paint before repainting. They can save you a lot of time compared to using sandpaper.
2. Power Circular Saw
Circular saws use a spinning blade to cut through materials like wood, plastic, and metal. They are great for home construction projects, such as building shelves or decks.
You can use a circular saw by measuring the material you want to cut, marking it with a pencil, then securely clamping it down before turning on the saw and gently guiding it along the marked line.
Wear protective gear when using a circular saw, and adequately adjust the blade depth before cutting.
3. Drills
Drills are essential for home projects requiring screws or bolts, such as hanging shelves or building furniture. They can also make holes in walls for hanging decorations or installing fixtures like towel racks.
There are two main types of drills: cordless and corded. Cordless drills are more convenient as they don’t require a power source but may not have as much power as a corded drill.
Before using a drill, make sure to tighten or change the drill bit according to the size and type of material you’ll be drilling into. Remember to always hold the drill securely.
4. Jig Saw
Jig saws use a small, fine-toothed blade to make intricate cuts in materials like wood and metal. You can use them for home projects like cutting designs into wood or creating custom shapes for home décor.
Jig saws are one of the best home tools for making custom designs you can’t find anywhere else. Choose the proper blade for the material you’ll be cutting and securely clamp down the material before using the jig saw.
5. Auger
An auger is a home tool used for drilling holes, typically in the ground or ice. Augers come in manual and power versions; you can use them for tasks such as planting seeds or setting up an ice fishing location.
You can use an auger to save you a ton of time compared to using a shovel or other digging tool. Remember to follow all safety guidelines and adequately adjust the auger before use.
To use an auger, first mark where you want to drill the hole before securely holding the auger and turning it on. Gently guide the auger into the ground or ice, taking breaks to remove any excess dirt or chunks of ice.
6. Nail Guns
Nail guns are one of the most helpful home tools if you are doing a construction project.
Using a hammer and nails to secure wood or other materials can take a long time, but nail guns allow quick and easy fastening. Plus, each time you pull the trigger, there is a satisfying sound.
Before using a nail gun, follow the user manual, properly load the nails, and adjust the pressure according to the material you fasten. Wear safety goggles when operating a nail gun, and never point it toward yourself or others.
7. Lathes
If you are interested in woodwork, making your furniture, or making unique wood designs, a lathe is a must-have home tool for your toolbox.
Lathes are home tools for shaping and cutting wood into specific designs, such as table legs or baseball bats.
They come in manual and power versions and can save you a lot of time compared to using hand tools.
To use a lathe, secure the piece of wood on the machine and turn it on. Guide the cutting or shaping tool along the wood to get the desired shape and size.
8. Sandblasters
Maintaining and keeping surfaces around your home is one of the most tedious chores. Scrubbing a walkway with a brush can take what seems like forever.
But with a sandblaster home tool, you can quickly and easily remove dirt, paint, or rust from surfaces like walkways and fences.
A sandblaster uses compressed air or water to force a stream of sand or other abrasive material onto the surface. Always wear protective gear, like gloves and a mask, when using a sandblaster.
9. Air Compressor
An air compressor home tool is necessary for using tools like nail guns and sandblasters. It takes in air, compresses it, and then releases it to power pneumatic tools or inflate objects like tires or basketballs.
Having your air compressor is a great way to make home improvement projects get done faster and more efficiently.
10. Wrenches
Wrenches are home tools you need to tighten or loosen nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. They come in many sizes and types, including adjustable, socket, and torque wrenches. Wrenches are often made with stainless steel to avoid rusting.
Using a wrench is vital for home projects like assembling furniture and fixing appliances. When you use a wrench, double-check the size and the type of fastener you are working with. Using the wrong type of wrench can damage the fastener and the tool.
11. Pliers
Pliers home tools are versatile, and you can use them for gripping, twisting, bending, or cutting wire tasks. There are many pliers, like needle-nose pliers, lineman’s pliers, and slip-joint pliers.
Pliers can save you time and effort compared to your hands for gripping tasks. Use the correct pliers for each job and grip them firmly, but not too tightly, to avoid developing blisters.
12. Clamps
Clamps are one of the home tools that are frequently overlooked and ignored. But they are essential for home projects that require holding things in place, like woodworking, gluing, cutting, and using power tools.
Different jobs require different types of clamps. The most common are C-clamps, bar clamps, and pipe clamps. A clamp allows you to work on the project hands-free and ensures a strong hold until the glue or screws have dried or tightened.
13. Ladders
Ladders may not be the first home tool that comes to mind, but they are essential for reaching high places, such as changing light bulbs or cleaning gutters.
Make sure to use the right type for each task and set it up on a stable and level surface. And always make sure to have a steady grip while using a ladder and have someone nearby to spot you in case of accidents.
14. Axes and Sledgehammers
Axes and sledgehammers are home tools necessary for chopping or breaking wood, concrete, or other materials. When using an ax or sledgehammer, wear protective gear and firmly grip the tool.
Swing with precision and accuracy to avoid accidents or damage to the material you are working on. Don’t be afraid to take a few practice swings before you get started.
15. Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific types of screws. They are indispensable home tools used for various projects, from assembling to.
When using a screwdriver, make sure it fits the screw properly. Apply pressure to the handle while turning to avoid stripping the screw. Stripping a screw will make your job much more difficult.
16. Chisels
You need chisels for shaping wood, metal, and stone. Depending on the shape and type of material you are cutting, you can get chisels in many different sizes and shapes, including V-shaped chisels for carving grooves or slotting and flat chisels for trimming and leveling surfaces.
Before using a chisel, ensure the blade is sharp by honing it with a whetstone. Hold the chisel firmly and use precise, controlled movements to avoid accidents or damage to the material.
17. Hammers
Hammers are one of the most iconic home tools and one of the most fun to use. A hammer home tool is necessary for pounding nails, chisels, or punches into materials like wood or concrete. There are many hammers, including claw, ball peen, and tack hammers.
Make sure to use the correct type of hammer for each task and hold it securely with a firm grip. Avoid hitting your hand or fingers while using a hammer; always wear protective gear when necessary.
18. Tape Measure
Measuring before starting a project is one of the most critical steps in any home improvement project. A tape measure home tool is essential for tasks like measuring furniture, walls, or materials.
Tape measures come in both standard and metric units. Always double-check your measurements before cutting or drilling to avoid errors.
19. Level
When hanging shelves or installing cabinets, it’s vital to ensure they are level. This home tool helps ensure that your home improvement projects have a professional and polished finish.
On the flip side, nothing is worse than a painting or a tilted shelf. It can throw off the look of an entire room.
Using a level may seem simple, but always check that the bubble is in the center before trusting the measurement. And remember to measure both horizontally and vertically for the most accurate results.
Frequently Asked Questions
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These are some frequently asked questions about the various types of home tools we’ve covered above:
What are essential tools for home?
Some essential home tools include a hammer, tape measure, screwdrivers, clamps, and ladders.
What are hand tools?
Hand tools are home tools that operate without electricity, relying instead on manual labor. Some examples include screwdrivers, hammers, chisels, and wrenches. While they may take longer to use than power tools, hand tools don’t require extra caution and you can use them in places where there may not be an electricity source.
How can I properly care for my home tools?
You should avoid letting your home tools get rusty at all costs. When not in use, store them in a dry and cool place. Also, always clean and sharpen your tools before putting them away.
What are power tools?
Power tools are home tools that use electricity or batteries to operate. Some examples include drills, saws, and sanders. These can make home improvement tasks quicker and easier, but they require extra caution and care.
Always read the instructions before using any power tool and wear protective gear like safety glasses. Never operate power tools while tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What safety precautions should I take when using home tools?
Always wear protective gear, like gloves and safety glasses, when using home tools. Ensure your workspace is clean and organized to avoid tripping or slipping hazards.
If you are using powered tools, you must be even more careful. Learn how to properly and safely use each tool before starting a project. Have someone nearby in case of emergencies, and have a first aid kit.
Which Type of Home Tools Are Right for You?
You need home tools to save time and money on home improvement projects.
Remember to use them properly and safely for the best results. Keep these tools in good shape by storing them in a dry place and keeping them clean and sharpened. Happy DIY-ing!