Recommended Tools for New Homeowner?

[tarpat1]

I am happy to say that I have moved out of my apartment and into my new home. However, living in an apartment I have NO idea as to what tools are needed for basic home maintenance or repair. MY new home is in wonderful shape so I don't need to do any major work on it, but I do know that things come up. Any recommendations from the knowledgeable group would be greatly accepted. Thanks in advance!

[Martoch]

Let me be the first to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! I will know that feeling some day, most likely after I retire from the Air Force.

Tools...hmmm. A plunger--now all of those yucky clogs are yours!!!



Here are two good sites to check out: http://www.pbs.org/wttw/handymaamtv/toolfacts407.htm
and http://il.essortment.com/toolboxhomeowne_ont.htm

DO NOT buy department store tools...they tend to be cheap and break very easily. Spend the extra $$$ and buy Craftsman--lifetime replacement baby! Even if it's YOUR fault!!! Sometimes I break them just for fun...ok, I don't, but still...great deal.

[Jonty]

Yes,always buy good quality tools, same applies to cookware too.

I would say an electric drill would come in handy and maybe a set of spanners if the plumbing needs attention. I'm sure there are loads more things that would be handy but can't think of 'em at present!

Does the new place have a garden? If it does then you'll need a lawnmower, pruners, spade etc.

[nomaxim]

Lawnmower, oh and DUCT TAPE. Always need duct tape.

[Toadman]

A pushbroom, garden hose, hose reel, and nozzle. Don't forget trash cans. No more dumpster. Pipewrench also. You will need caulking for the showers and windows.

I highly recommend you get the $15 dollar Home Depot home repair book. It has "how-to's" on virtually anything you'll need to repair or upgrade.

P.S. Hope you like orange, since you'll be spending alot of time at Depot. ( Hi Surreal!)

[Martoch]

Forgot about that Toadman, great book!

[Mead]

A HAMMER. You have to have a hammer. IT just works on so many levels.

[Warthog]

- 20oz. Estwing hammer (the one with the blue handle); will last you a lifetime...$20
- a cordless drill: Milwaukee makes top products but you may not want to spend that much....$30-80
- duct tape...$4-5
- assorted screws, nails...under $10
- assortment of Craftsmen screwdrivers to supplement your drill (optional I guess)....$20
- Vise grips (better) or regular pliers....$5-12 or so, depending on size

...some things I could think of off the top of my head.

Just remember that the choices you make now on your tools, especially power tools, can and will effect what happens in the future...spend the $$$ on a high quality tool now and you won't have to replace it probably ever in the future. Plus with spending more $$$, you get the better features, power, etc.

Warthog

*edit...brain fart typo...meant "20oz" instead of "20in"

[Epidemic]

How ever many screw drivers you purchase. Purchase 2 times that because there are gnomes in houses that eat them.

screw drivers
hammer (super usefull)
cordless drill
Bananna
adjustable wrench @least 1 1/4 inches
diagonal pliers
needle nose pliers
small channel locks
Assorted vise grip pliers.
hard rake
wire rake
shovel
lawnmower


More extreme
Weed wacker I use a royobi. done ok by me.
medium quality volt meter
Level
Square
stud finder( if thumping does not work for you either.)

Home maintenance super whiz kid.

3.5 horse power compressor
impact gun
3/8 butterfly palm impact gun
Circular saw aka skill saw.
Quarter sheet palm sander.

[DangerSeeker]

I didn't say anything!