Essential Power and Hand Tools for Safe and Easy DIY Repairs

Home repairs can cost you a fortune, with an average spending of around $2,900 in 2023. Many Americans plan to DIY some basic home maintenance and repair projects to cut these costs!

According to KAGS, around 70% of Americans DIY home repairs. The most common projects include painting, plumbing, and pest control. On the other hand, the most common projects they call professionals for are those related to the roof, HVAC, electrical, and structural aspects.

Having the proper tools at the beginning of any do-it-yourself (DIY) job makes it safer and more efficient. Purchasing high-quality tools will improve your output and enable you to work more productively, regardless of your experience level. This list of necessary items will make routine maintenance and repairs easy and secure.

The Basics: Reliable Hand Tools

With just a few basic supplies, you can do a range of household chores, from minor repairs to more involved jobs.

Since these basic tools are a must-have for almost all types of DIY home repair projects, their demand is growing in the US. According to Future Market Insights, the global hand tools market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% between 2023 and 2033. If it does continue at this growth rate, it will become worth $27.9 billion by the end of the forecast period.

A claw hammer, for instance, is indispensable. From hanging pictures to small demolition tasks, a sturdy hammer with a comfortable grip can tackle many jobs. Another essential is a set of screwdrivers. A combination of flat-head and Phillips-head options, in varying sizes, will let you handle everything from electrical covers to furniture assembly.

You can handle stronger materials and delicate adjustments with bigger, adjustable pliers for bolts and pipes and needle-nose pliers for precision work. Having a pair of pliers in your toolbox is helpful when cutting cables or tightening fixtures.

Precision with a Digital Torque Wrench

A digital torque wrench perfectly complements projects where accuracy is important. With the help of this instrument, you can apply precise pressure to nuts and screws without over-tightening or under-tightening them. This is especially important when working on furniture, bicycles, or even appliances, where loose bolts can cause wear and tear.

You can precisely tighten bolts and set the right torque, making the process safer and more dependable using a digital torque wrench. This tool can offer seamless conversion between different torque settings, such as:

• Inch-pounds
• Foot-pounds
• Newton meters

As noted by eTork, a digital torque wrench comes with an electronic display that shows real-time values. Thus, you can easily adjust the settings and torque values for better accuracy across all projects. Moreover, they come with an easy-to-use interface to help users understand the details given on the digital screen.

Essential Power Tools to Expand Your Capabilities

Once you’ve mastered hand tools, adding key power tools to your collection will expand the range of projects you can DIY. Power tools run on electricity and rechargeable batteries. So they need less physical labor, which can help save time and effort. They are favored for their simplicity, high-intensity, high-efficiency applications, including manufacturing and assembly lines, maintenance, and repair.

Other advantages of power tools include ease of mobility and lower labor and time needs. During the forecast period, these advantages are anticipated to have a beneficial impact on their adoption.

One example of such a versatile tool you can invest in is a cordless drill. Whether you’re drilling holes or driving screws, a drill makes light work of tasks that would otherwise require significant effort. Look for one with adjustable settings to handle a variety of materials.

Safety Tools to Keep You Protected

Safety should be your top priority, no matter what, when it comes to DIY home repair. A huge part of ensuring safety is knowing how to operate the tools you use for your project. However, there are some essential tools that can enhance safety across all tasks.

Personal protective equipment is available to safeguard your entire body, from head to toe. For example, you can wear a helmet when working on projects where there is a chance that you might fall. Similarly, safety goggles can protect your eyes from dust, debris, and flying particles, which are especially common when using power tools. You can also use masks to cover your mouth and nose when working with such tools to prevent any short or long-term respiratory problems.

Sturdy gloves protect hands from sharp edges, splinters, and hot surfaces. Noise-canceling earmuffs or plugs are also wise investments, especially if you use loud tools like saws or drills. Additionally, keep a first-aid kit close at hand if you’re working on a project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes corded power tools from cordless ones?

Corded power tools don’t require battery recharging and offer steady power since they are connected to an outlet. They are frequently used for demanding jobs requiring extended usage. Conversely, cordless power tools run on rechargeable batteries, providing portability and flexibility. This makes them perfect for tasks requiring movement or restricted access to outlets.

Are there any particular instruments that are suggested for DIY plumbing?

Adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, and basin wrenches are helpful for working with nuts, bolts, and pipes of different diameters. While a plumber’s tape works well for sealing threaded pipe connections, a pipe cutter aids in making precise cuts in copper or PVC pipes. A plumber’s snake or auger is useful for unclogging pipes and drains.

How can I pick a digital torque wrench that is the appropriate size for my projects?

Digital torque wrenches come in various sizes and torque ranges. A wrench with a lesser torque range is usually enough for simpler jobs like building furniture or fixing bicycles. For tasks involving bigger bolts or machines, use a model with a higher range (100-200 foot-pounds). The best course of action is to choose a digital torque wrench compatible with the project requirements.

You can safely complete any home project with a solid assortment of hand and power equipment. These necessities simplify chores and give you the self-assurance to attempt more difficult do-it-yourself fixes. Your tools may help you maintain, upgrade, and customize your house with practice and attention, one job at a time.