Is your country still in lockdown or at least under certain COVID-19 restrictions? If yes, then this is the perfect time to tackle some home renovation projects and improve your house. But, first-timers need to be mindful of the tools and equipment necessary for a successful reno. No matter the size of your project, here’s what you must have at hand for any DIY renovation project:
Tool belt
Let’s start with something basic like a comfortable tool belt. This piece of gear is necessary for any type of work, no matter how big or small. With it, you’ll always have your most important tools ready, especially when you’re working at a height, so you don’t have to climb up and down the ladder every two minutes. If you don’t want to invest in a tool belt (even though these are usually very cheap), you can put on your grilling apron to hold a hammer, screwdrivers, nails and tape.
Ladder
This piece of equipment is a must-have for any house and can be used for a variety of things. It’s also necessary for any sort of renovations, whether you’re replacing cabinets, redoing the tiles or setting up new decorations. Choose your ladders depending on your needs and your storage capacity—they should easily fit into your storage yet give you enough height for your tasks. Models with tool attachments will provide you with enough comfort so you can paint your walls without any worries.
Safety gear
Another thing you will need even before you start doing any demolition or construction is safety gear. It’s important not to touch power tools and hand tools unless you’re equipped with heavy-duty gloves and eye protection. Also, if you’re handling any heavy loads or walking around sharp things, you need proper work boots with penetration protection to keep your toes safe. These also offer great support for your heel and ankle so you don’t have to dread sprains. A hard hat is also a must, especially when working on the leader.
Measuring tape
When it comes to actual tools, you will need a measuring tape, because you always need to measure twice before you cut. A solid tape with a functional tang, proper stand-out, sturdy locking lever and a handy belt hook will be your trusted companion through many renovations and projects. With it, you’ll take floor and furniture measurements, take the length of walls and determine the size of your decoration.
Sledgehammer
Many renovation projects involve some heavy-duty demolition that’s impossible without a sledgehammer. You might need to break the old kitchen countertops, knock down a wall or punch out that old window—all of these tasks, and more, require a heavy sledgehammer. When choosing your tool, make sure to with a model you can lift, because they can be very heavy. And smaller models are equally effective in many tasks.
Cordless drill
Many experienced carpenters are moving away from conventional drilling tools, but for a beginner like you, a tech-savvy cordless drill will be a handy helper through many tasks. Going cordless is a great idea because you don’t have to think about outlets and tripping over drill cords and extension cords. Get a model that comes with a nickel-cadmium battery that lasts longer and charges in minutes. Some other elements to keep an eye on are good trigger control, easy change from slow to fast modes and easy drill change. No matter if you’re putting up decoration, replacing hardware or setting up your new table, you’ll need your faithful drill.
These six elements have to find their spot in every DIYer’s home. Complete your tool and equipment collection with a scalpel, pliers, screwdrivers, a level, tape and painting supplies and you’ll be able to handle any renovation tasks like a pro!
