When I started college, along with sheets and towels and other things I never had to buy for myself, my mother insisted on getting me a small collection of tools. I didn’t understand why, but she insisted on it anyway.
Now, several years later, my toolbox has expanded dramatically, including all manner of esoteric items that may only have a single purpose. For this article, I wanted to share what I’ve found to be the most useful and indispensable tools and supplies you should keep around your home.
Ratcheting Screwdriver: can put together pretty much anything. Get a ratcheting one with bit storage.
- Scissors: because plastic shell packaging sucks to cut through. Mine have titanium blades.
- Adjustable Wrench: for tightening and loosening a variety of nuts and bolts.
- Box Cutter: for cutting things scissors can’t or won’t.
- Needle Nose Pliers: for tightening and loosing in tight spaces, or pulling out stubborn items.
- Ratchet Set: immensely useful for automotive work and furniture construction.
- Dremel: you can use a Dremel on virtually any project. A variety of bits makes it great for just about anything.
- Hot Glue Gun: useful for quick fabric repairs, filler, etc.
- Electrical Tape: I prefer this to duct tape for most small repairs.
- Loctite Ultimate Super Glue: it’s rubber infused, so it’s much more flexible than regular Super Glue. Comes in a black container.
- Soldering Iron: for fixing jewelry and electronics.
- Hemostats: for picking up small screws and items.
- Xacto Knife: for when you need to cut something small and hard. Pick up a razor saw blade as well.
- Small Screwdriver with Interchangeable Bits: for fixing glasses, electronics, and other items with small screws.
- Allen Wrenches: for building furniture and fixing certain items.
- Drill: for drilling.
- Circular Saw: for cutting.
- Speed Square: for getting perfect right angles and measuring quickly.
- Tape Measure: for measuring longer distances.
- Level: to ensure that all your cuts and measurements are flat and even.
Leave your favorite tools and supplies in the comments!
