Homeowner Tool Box

When you own your own home, you can't just call up the landlord or building super whenever the sink starts dripping or the windows won't shut all the way. You either have to call in a handy person to fix the problem for you - which can add up - or learn to take care of minor household issues yourself. Most small household repairs can be done by an amateur with a good sense of logic and access to internet tutorials as long as they have the right tools. Here are some things you'll want in your tool box.

Hammer

There are many simple tasks that need doing around your real estate that can be accomplished with a hammer. Any time you need to hang a picture, reattach a piece of molding, crush up candies for a recipe, or pull out a nail that's worked itself loose, you'll be glad you have one.

Screwdrivers

Most of the furniture people have in their homes comes disassembled in a box from the department store. If you want to put it together, you'll need a screwdriver. Screwdrivers come in many different heads and sizes, so the best thing to do is to buy few changeable headed screwdrivers in different sizes. That should meet your needs.

Allen Key

Another essential tool required for assembling and repairing premade modular furniture is an Allen key. Allen keys are small bent metal rods with hexagonal cross sections and are also known as hex keys. Most furniture sets will come with them, so make sure to stow it away in your toolbox.

Pliers

Things such as doorknobs and bolts often work themselves loose and they can be very difficult to tighten without a way to keep hold of one end. Pliers will help you do that. You can also use pliers to cut wire, open jars, and remove broken bulb ends from light-bulb sockets. Needle-nose pliers are your best bet.

Sandpaper

You never know when you'll need to smooth a rough edge, whether it's part of a home renovation project or just a piece of wood in the shed door that's catching on your clothes. A piece of sandpaper can remedy the problem. It's also good for making sure glass railings don't have any sharp edges that could harm a person.

Measuring Tape

When you're looking to match art and frames with one another but you can't bring the art to the store, you're going to need a way of measuring its size, so make sure you have a measuring tape. They're also helpful for figuring out what size curtains you need and for hanging pictures in line with each other. Measure in both inches and centimetres for safety's sake.