Fifteen indispensable housework implements for any domestic tool collection
In the pursuit of self-sufficiency, mastering basic handyman skills is a valuable asset for homeowners. These skills not only empower you to handle everyday fixes and small projects but also reduce dependence on professionals for minor issues.
One of the key areas to focus on is carpentry, which involves finding studs, installing cabinets, building shelves, repairing furniture, and even constructing decks or small home additions.
Plumbing is another essential skill, with the ability to fix running toilets, unclog drains, and replace water heaters. Electrical work, such as resetting breakers, replacing light switches, and installing fixtures, also falls under this category. However, more complex tasks often require a professional's touch.
Appliance installation and repair, which involves a mix of plumbing and electrical knowledge, is another valuable skill. tasks like connecting washers, dryers, and dishwashers.
Property maintenance tasks, such as cleaning gutters, waxing floors, repainting, replacing flooring, tending to landscaping, and minor repairs on surfaces or paved areas, are equally important.
Acquiring these skills also necessitates knowing how to use basic tools. A utility knife, for example, is an essential tool for cutting things like greenhouse plastic, ropes, fabric/upholstery, and various other materials. A hacksaw is used primarily for sawing through metal, but can also be used to cut through plastic and, in a pinch, wood. A hand saw is an essential tool for sawing through wood, drywall, branches, and other similar items.
A hammer is used for hammering nails, demolishing items, and prying things apart. A pry bar is used as a lever for prying items apart or lifting items up. A staple gun is used for stapling items, but further details about its usage are not provided. Carpenter's pencils are more rugged and durable, useful for marking measurements when making cuts or marking the wall when hanging shelves, pictures, etc.
Additional useful handyman abilities include knowing how to use basic tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and hammers. A level is great for making sure things like shelves and pictures are level when hanging them on the wall, and can be used as a straight edge or for marking small measurements.
A cordless drill (specifically an impact driver) can be used for drilling holes of various sizes and driving screws into (and out of) things much quicker than is possible with a handheld screwdriver. An adjustable clamp is really helpful for holding items in place when fastening or gluing them together or when making a precise cut on two pieces of wood.
Safety Glasses are essential for any project where there might be a possibility of flying debris or of something shattering while working. Wrenches are used for gripping and twisting nuts, bolts, and fasteners. A tape measure is crucial for accurately measuring cuts for DIY building projects and everyday use.
The list of essential tools includes: Screwdrivers (Flathead, Phillips, and Robertson), Pliers (Box Nose and Needle Nose), Wrench (Adjustable), Hammer, Pry Bar, Staple Gun.
To ensure accuracy, the author has consulted a professional handyman, Ryan, for advice on essential tools for home toolkits. Regular routine inspections of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are also part of good home maintenance and help prevent bigger problems. By mastering these skills, homeowners can not only maintain their properties but also tackle small building projects themselves, enhancing their self-sufficiency.
References: [1] The Family Handyman. (n.d.). Homeowner Skills: 12 Handyman Skills Every Homeowner Should Know. Retrieved from https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/12-handyman-skills-every-homeowner-should-know/
[2] Bob Vila. (n.d.). Essential Tools for Every Homeowner. Retrieved from https://www.bobvila.com/articles/essential-tools-for-every-homeowner/
[3] DIY Network. (n.d.). Essential Tools for Every Homeowner. Retrieved from https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-techniques/repair/essential-tools-for-every-homeowner
[4] This Old House. (n.d.). Essential Tools for Every Homeowner. Retrieved from https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/2009/09/24/essential-tools-for-every-homeowner
[5] Angie's List. (n.d.). Home Maintenance Checklist: What to Check and When. Retrieved from https://www.angieslist.com/articles/home-maintenance-checklist-what-check-and-when.htm
- In addition to mastering handyman skills like plumbing and carpentry, cultivating an herbal medicine garden can contribute significantly to self-sufficiency, providing a home-grown alternative for common household remedies.
- To fully embrace the lifestyle of self-sufficiency, one might consider extending self-reliance to home-and-garden practices, such as creating an herbal medicine garden or installing a rainwater collection system for water conservation.
