Top DIY Tools You’ll Need For Minor Home Upgrades

Doing minor home upgrades can be both an exciting and rewarding experience. It allows you to add personal touches and breathe new life into your space. Additionally, these projects save you money and offer a sense of accomplishment.

The project’s success depends on the tools you’ll use for the job. These tools simplify the process, enhance efficiency, and enable you to tackle different projects confidently. They range from essential hand tools to more advanced options. Using the right tools helps you do high-quality jobs. This guide walks you through the top tools you should have for minor home upgrades.

a set of open-end wrenches of different sizes fixed in the locksmith tool cradle. ratchet, screwdrivers, measure. High quality photo

• Wire Cutters

Wire cutters are versatile tools that can be used for various tasks during minor home upgrades. They’re most commonly used to cut electrical wires, but they can also be used to cut other types of wire, such as copper, steel, and aluminum. Wire cutters are also helpful for stripping insulation from electrical cables. 

Regarding cable management, you can use them to trim cables to the desired length, which is vital for a professional and streamlined look. 

Alternatively, if you’re working on plumbing projects, these cutters allow you to cut and remove damaged or old pipes. They help repair or replace pipes, ensure proper water flow, and prevent leaks. 

Not all cutters do their job well. So, finding the best option should be your priority. 

Best Wire Cutters

Maun proposes it’s best to choose a pair of wire cutters that have HRC 64 induction hardened cutting edges, as they will be much more durable when cutting wire over longer periods, and prevent them from becoming blunt. Besides, look for wire cutters with high-quality construction and materials, ensuring durability and long-term use. Consider the size and cutting capacity of the wire cutters to match your specific needs. 

Additionally, ergonomic handles with comfortable grips offer better control and reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Look for wire cutters with a spring-loaded design, as they provide effortless cutting and easy opening. Lastly, consider reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Considering these factors will help you select wire cutters suited for your projects and ensure efficient and precise wire cutting.

Side Cutters from Maun

• Screwdrivers

One primary use of screwdrivers is for assembling and disassembling furniture, allowing for easy installation or repairs. They’re also essential for replacing doorknobs, hinges, and cabinet pulls. 

In addition, screwdrivers are crucial for hanging wall fixtures like shelves, mirrors, or artwork. Regarding electrical projects, screwdrivers can be used to tighten or loosen screws on outlets, switches, and light fixtures.

To choose the best screwdrivers, determine the types of screws you’ll be working with to select the appropriate screwdriver heads. Look for screwdrivers with high-quality construction, such as those made of durable materials like hardened steel. Also, consider the length of the screwdriver shaft, ensuring it’s suitable for reaching tight or recessed areas. Having a set of various sizes and types of screwdrivers is beneficial for handling different tasks effectively. 

• Tape Measure

Getting accurate measurements is important for many projects. A tape measure ensures precise cuts, placements, and alignments. You can use it to measure the dimensions of a room, determine the size of furniture or appliances, or ensure precise cuts for materials like wood or fabric. It also allows you to align and position items correctly, ensuring they fit perfectly within the available space. Additionally, a tape measure is essential for marking out areas, such as when installing shelves, hanging wall decorations, or planning the layout of a room. It helps in achieving symmetry and balance in design.

Look for a tape measure with a sturdy and durable build to withstand frequent use. Consider its length, ensuring it’s long enough to handle the measurements required for your projects. Ensure it has clear and easy-to-read markings for accurate readings. Furthermore, a tape measure with a locking mechanism is essential to hold the measurement in place, allowing for easy and precise measurements. 

• Power Drill

A power drill is primarily used to drill holes for hanging pictures, shelves, and other fixtures. You can also use it to drive screws to secure furniture, cabinets, and other items. Other rare uses of power drills include mixing paint to create custom colors and sanding wood to prepare it for painting or staining.

When looking for a drill, opt for those with adjustable speed settings to enable you to work at your preferred speed. Furthermore, getting one with interchangeable drill bits and screwdriver attachments provides convenience and versatility. 

• Hammer

A hammer is a must-have during home upgrades, especially woodworking projects. You’ll use it to drive nails into surfaces like wood, drywall, or masonry, helping you to secure materials together. It’s also helpful in removing nails from surfaces. 

Moreover, you can use this tool to shape, flatten or create texture on metal. And in case you end up with objects that aren’t well aligned, you can use your hammer to tune them properly.

• Paint Brushes And Rollers

Brushes and rollers are crucial for paint jobs. Paint brushes are ideal for small jobs, like painting cabinets, whereas rollers are best suited for extensive surfaces, like walls, helping you cover significant portions quickly and efficiently.  

When choosing paint brushes, consider the bristle material. Natural bristle brushes work well with oil-based paints, while synthetic bristle brushes are suitable for water-based paints. Look for brushes with high-quality bristles that are evenly distributed and firmly attached to the handle to ensure smooth and even application.

Bottom Line

Getting the right tools is essential for completing minor home upgrades. With the abovementioned tools, you can handle various tasks successfully. Your winning point is knowing what features to look for when purchasing these tools. Besides the physical characteristics, buying tools from reputable brands known for their quality craftsmanship is always advisable.