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How much of your salary do you spend on new tools? We know. We are guilty too. There always seems to be just one more tool that we absolutely must add to our handyman tools list.
Still, there was a time when we could get by with only the minimal necessities, and everything worked out just well.
We decided to put ourselves back in our old shoes and determine which tools truly constitute the “basic essentials.” After great deliberation, we’ve decided that the following handyman tools list has the ones we wouldn’t want to be without if we had to start over. Below are the tools every handyman should have.
Tape Measure
First on our handyman tools list is tape measure. Every handyman has heard the adage “measure twice, cut once.” Of course, only a few of them choose to obey that guideline. Even if you only plan to measure once, you won’t be able to do so without a tape measure.
A classic is always a safe bet. The CRAFTSMAN CMHT37330S 30-Foot Tape Measure is the best tool for you if you want a no-frills tape measure with a traditional chrome design. The design may be simple and old-fashioned, but it does the job admirably.
See our Best Tape Measures review here.
Utility Knife
This tool has an infinite number of applications. You’ll use your utility knife on every job, from opening a tube of caulking to cutting a piece of drywall. Fortunately, they’re inexpensive and portable. Just make sure you have plenty of blades on hand because you’ll be using them up quickly.
The Summit Gear Heavy Duty Folding Utility Knife is an excellent tool to keep in your pocket or backpack. Because of its twin blade, this is designed for the average homeowner, professional, and outdoorsman. Both blades are foldable and may be tucked inside the handle.
See our Best Utility Knives review here.
Hand Sander
You’ll need to be able to smooth down the joint compound once you’ve applied it to the drywall. Unless you acquire a more expensive electric drywall sander, you’ll do it using a hand sander. However, your hand sander may be used for more than just drywall. Thus, put it in your handyman tools list.
With the DEWALT DWE6423K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander, you can’t go wrong. With this small but powerful tool, you may sand wood, metal, and other suitable materials. It features a 3-amp motor and variable speed for increased control.
See our Best Hand Sanders review here.
Cordless Drill
As a handyman, you’ll need to drill many holes in a variety of materials. If you need to install a gate, you’ll need a drill to cut holes in the wall to anchor the gate. Even basic chores like installing a TV wall mount or adding a sprayer to an existing sink will necessitate its use.
If you intend to use the DCD771C2 20V in your home, it will give a dependable and sturdy performance. Notably, it is tiny, lightweight, and has an excellent design that makes using this drill a comfortable and pleasurable experience.
See our Best Cordless Drills review here.
Circular Saw
These saws can cut through any type of lumber. A circular saw is usually the most convenient way to cut a 4’X8′ sheet of plywood lengthwise. They’re also compact enough that you may easily transport them to any job site.
Milwaukee’s M18 cordless saw is intended for use by professionals. Everyone was impressed by this saw since it cuts full-depth crosscuts with minimal effort. The shoe and its components have visual depth and degree indicators, making setting up the saw for a cut straightforward and accurate.
See our Best Circular Saws review here.
Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saw can cut through almost anything. Your trusty reciprocating saw will be there to help you out whenever you have one of those “what the heck is this!?” moments. Just be sure you don’t cut the wrong pipe!
Because of its amazing performance and portability, the DeWalt DCS367B 20V Max XR Reciprocating Saw is one of the best reciprocating saws on this list.
This reciprocating saw’s length is barely 14 inches. Its tiny form allows you to maneuver it into tight spots that larger saws cannot reach. It is quite light, weighing only 5 pounds.
See our Best Reciprocating Saws review here.
Shop Vac
Handymen have a well-deserved reputation for being sloppy laborers who fail to pick up after themselves. That’s why we added shop vac in our handyman tools list. You have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd while also setting yourself up for success by simply taking a shop vac to every job and leaving the job site pristine.
The WORKSHOP WS1600VA Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner is the undisputed king of shop vacs, thanks to its strong 12 amp motor that delivers dependable and remarkable performance. A huge and robust plastic drum completes this top-rated shop vac. It also has a 169 CFM rating and a water lift of 46 inches.
See our Best Shop Vacs review here.
Tile Saw
If you’re planning to install or repair tile, you’ll need to be able to cut the tile exactly so that it fits. Fortunately, tile saws come in a variety of forms and sizes, so you won’t have to break the bank or rent a large box truck to transport one.
This saw is created by a reputable manufacturer and includes numerous safety features to ensure that you don’t make mistakes with your cuts. While some homeowners have had issues with the rod that holds the rollers, it should function fine if you follow the instructions.
See our Best Wet Tile Saws review here.
Framing Nailer
Attempting to install a lengthy screw or nail into a piece of wood sometimes ends in splits. It’s also time-consuming, and you’re more likely to slip with a screw gun or miss with a hammer. A framing nailer, on the other hand, will drive a nail fast and without damaging the board. These, like finish nailers, have come a long way, and you can now get some wonderful battery-powered ones. This is one of the tools for handyman.
If you plan to perform a lot of work outside or don’t have access to an air compressor, the Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer is the nail gun for you. This cordless framing nailer runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a fuel cell. You don’t have to buy the battery, fuel cell, or charger separately because they’re already included in the kit.
See our Best Framing Nailers review here.
Wire Strippers
These are yet another tool that will be required for even the most basic electrical work. When replacing a light fixture, an electrical outlet, or even a light switch, you’ll almost certainly need a set of wire strippers.
For precise cutting, use the IRWIN VISE-adjustable GRIP’s stopper. If the wire gauge is less than 20, make sure to adjust the swivel knob.
See our Best Wire Strippers review here.
Toolbox Or Bag
Finding what you need can be tough when you have so many best handyman tools. Worse, transporting all of these tools into and out of several residences can be exhausting and time-consuming. A good pair of toolboxes or bags, on the other hand, can save you time and energy. Just remember to always place a tool back where it belongs when you’re through with it to keep your bags organized.
The CLC Custom Leathercraft L258 TechGear Roller Tool Bag appears to be an ordinary bag at first glance, but closer inspection shows that it is not. Because of its big interior and sturdy appearance, this rectangular tool bag is a cross between a piece of luggage and a toolbox. This bag’s interior is roomy, allowing you to carry all of the tools you’ll need for the day’s duties. Extra compartments inside and outside the bag provide additional storage space for other tools.
See our Best Small Tool Bags review here.
Final Thoughts:
No matter what equipment you have, if you don’t have the ability to use them, they won’t help you much. However, if you have the expertise, this handyman tools list will allow you to finish the majority of the jobs on the handyman’s roster, allowing you to continue developing your customer list, which will help you continue expanding your tool collection.
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