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The 13 Tools I’ve Used Most Since Buying a House

by on Jul 25, 2017

Sponsored by The Home Depot

When we closed on our house two years ago, I was excited to tackle all the home improvement projects that we had on our list… but what I didn’t realize was how many tools we’d accumulate throughout the process of accomplishing those projects. And while we’ve only used some once or twice, there are plenty that we’ve used over and over again. So if you’re in the market to invest in some tools for your arsenal, here’s where your money will probably be best spent.   

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

1.  Wet/Dry Vac – We originally bought this in a panic when our basement flooded, but we’ve used it a lot since then. It’s great for sucking up larger messes, vacuuming the car, etc. 

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

2.  Staple Gun – This is one of my faves… a staple gun is so versatile! It’s great for securing rug runners, attaching fabric to wood for quick upholstery projects, and more.

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

3. Tape Measure – I probably use my tape measure every other day. You know how the old saying goes… “measure twice, cut once.” It’s true. I use mine a lot for measuring potential spots for furniture. This is a must-have.

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

4.  Handheld Power Drill – I use my drill a lot too. I have tons of different bits for it, from phillips head and flathead screwdrivers to practically every size drill bit. Forget the manual screwdriver… the power drill is where it’s at.

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

5.  Pliers – These are great for all those small tasks that you don’t anticipate – like pulling an old wall anchor out of drywall. I have another type with a wire cutter section which I use often too.

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

6.  Dremel Multi-Max – I got the Multi-Max way back when for my tabletop Christmas tree project, but I can’t tell you how much I’ve used it since. I use it mostly to sand wood, but it has lots of other functions too.

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

7.  Hammer – The good old-fashioned hammer is another favorite, of course… it’s a must-have for any homeowner.

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

8. Dremel Saw-Max – Another Dremel tool for the win! I use this a lot for cutting small things like dowels, molding, etc. 

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

9.  Laser Level – A laser level is so much better than a regular level… particularly if you’re hanging multiple frames on the wall, adding chair rail molding, or basically anything that involves getting something straight in the middle of a wall.

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

10.  Miter Saw – A miter saw is perfect for cutting smaller pieces of wood at exact angles. Think molding, or making your own mantle.

 

 

Standard Total Socket

A collections of socket tools.

11. A socket wrench – You can opt for a kit, if you want, but I always find the sockets wandering off on me. This multi-tool (top left) replaces 44 standard sockets, and it adjusts quickly and easily to fit almost any size. The palm ratchet (top right – Husky 3/8 in. 100-position gimbal palm ratchet) is perfect for getting into confined spaces where a normal ratchet won’t fit.

15 in. Tool Bag with Bonus 12 in. Tool Bag

12. A tool bag – Sometimes you don’t need a whole toolbox, you just need a few things that are specific to the project at hand. To avoid the repeat trips to the basement to get that one thing you forgot, try a soft-side bag like this one. You can throw in a handful of tools you need, and it’s lightweight and easy to carry.

3.5 Amp Multi Max Oscillating Tool Kit

13. A oscillating tool – If you’re a DIYer, you probably already have one of these. But you might not realize how handy they are around the house, too! Use one to etch your initials into your other tools, so they don’t go wandering off into someone else’s toolbox.

 

 

 

13 Tools I've Used The Most Since I Bought A House
Share this post on Pinterest! [Photo: Faith Towers Provencher]

 

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot, but all opinions are mine alone. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Curbly possible.

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