Tools That Every Handyman Needs in Their Tool Belt

Keeping your tools handy is crucial if you are working on a home improvement project, any handyman or handywoman worth their salt knows that. However, deciding which tools to keep handy can be difficult. After all, you have a lot of tools and not all of them will fit in your belt.

In this article, we will help you decide which of the tools that every handyman needs to keep everything handy. So, without any further stress on your part, let’s create the perfect tool belt to prepare you for any job that might come your way.

Pen or Pencil: Tools That Every Handyman Needs

This may seem simple but it’s important. If you are going to complete any job, measurements are crucial. As such, you need to make note of where things go and different distances. You don’t need anything special here; a standard pencil or pen will do.

Measuring Tape

As we just noted, measurements are crucial. So, it is important that you keep measuring tape on you at all times. You can buy one of these almost anywhere with a 12-foot tape being standard for most users.

Screwdriver

Another common tool you will find yourself needing is a screwdriver. When you are looking to purchase one, though, look for at least an option with a Phillips head and a flat head option. These options usually allow you to remove the head and flip it over to change it, giving you versatility without an extra screwdriver taking up space.

Hammer

Another common tool you will find yourself using a lot is a hammer. These are easy to slip into your belt and go. However, when you are shopping for one, we suggest that you purchase a claw hammer – not a nail gun. With a claw hammer, you can use both sides of the tool – claw and hammer – without having to worry about a battery being charged or being close to an outlet to plug it in.

Pliers

When you are looking for a pair of pliers, most sources will recommend that you look for the average 5-10W sized pair. The reason you should keep these around is due to their versatility, much like the other tools we have looked at. These can be used as a vice, wire cutter, or even a wrench in a pinch.

Crescent Wrench

Once again, we are brought back to the idea of versatility. When you are going to purchase a crescent wrench, look for an adjustable option. This way, you can adjust for a range of jobs without having to carry several tools. You should also have a wrench because is one tool that you will use on a regular basis and it is better to have one than try to make due.

Level

One of the most common home improvement jobs that you will run into is hanging pictures and other decorations. With a level, you can cut out the struggle of “does this look straight to you?”. The easiest type of level to use and maintain is a bubble level. Make sure, though, that the bubble in the level is small enough to fit into the measured center but large enough to see easily.

Flashlight

The jobs that you have to complete aren’t always going to be conveniently placed under a light. As such, you are going to need a light of your own to see what you are working on. When you are looking for the perfect flashlight or work light, though, you might want to consider an LED option. These lights are brighter than a standard option as well as longer-lasting.

Utility Knife

A utility knife is another basic tool you should keep around for opening things, trimming wire, or even sharpen your pencil if you don’t have another option. Your best choice is one that you can fold to store the blade; this prevents you from getting cut or having to buy a case for it. It also, once again, saves space. Make sure to check out an easy-grip handle as well so you can use it comfortably.

Electric Tape

One of the most dangerous and common problems in your home can be loose wires. This is where electrical tape comes into play, easily containing loose ends. However, if you need to label something or temporarily tape something, electrical tape comes off easily and with no trash left behind.

Safety Gear

There are a variety of safety tools that you should keep on hand. First, you need to make sure you have a dust mask handy. This is specifically important if you are using a saw or working in a space that might have a lot of dust such as a basement or attic. You should also keep a pair of thick work gloves around in case you need to work with electricity and wires.

There is also the matter of safety goggles. These can be a pair of traditional safety goggles or even work glasses. Finally, make sure you have hearing protection such as ear plugs around in case you have a particularly loud job. For these, foam options are best because they fit and stay in almost every ear but you will want to keep some extra pairs handy.

Assorted Screws and Nails

If you are going to carry a hammer and screwdriver, you will also need to carry a pouch of screws and nails. You don’t need to carry the same amount of nails and screws as are probably in your toolbox. Instead, you are fine carrying a few of a couple different sizes and types for each tool. This way, you are prepared for whatever may come up without lugging your whole toolbox around.

Ruler or Rafter Square

This one is another variant of measuring tape. However, you are going to use this one primarily to keep your measuring straight. You can use a ruler or rafter square to mark and cut a piece of plywood in a straight line or line two nails up. This is used before something goes up whereas a level is usually used after.