Must-Have Tools for Homeowners - The Home Depot

Whether you’re planning to replace an installed appliance such as a wall oven, or you're looking to upgrade an entire room, a tape measure is right at the top of the list of tools. Pick up an easy-locking 3/4-inch-wide model to start. Skinnier tape measures may fall out of place, and fatter ones can be overkill. As time goes on, you may want to add a smaller, pocket-sized model to take with you on shopping trips.

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Find a hammer that has a comfortable grip. Vibration-dampening coatings on the grip can also come in handy. Since you’ll probably utilize your hammer for the occasional demolition in addition to pounding nails, choose a model with a straight or “rip” claw in lieu of a curved claw. Make sure the head of the hammer is smooth (as opposed to dimpled or checkered) to avoid surface damage and nail slippage.

While a standard hammer or claw hammer is synonymous with a home toolbox, a sledge hammer may not be thought of as essential. However, it is a good tool to keep in your tool shed. Strong enough to break concrete and rocks, sledge hammers can help with any interior or exterior wall projects or blacksmith projects.

One of the best tools to own, a good-quality screwdriver set should include a variety of flat head and Phillips-head sizes, the two basic styles that will be used most often. Magnetic heads come in handy. Still, be sure to have a pouch or zippered bag on hand to keep up with them if your set doesn’t include storage. Some people prefer to use screwdriver bits with their cordless electric drills to make things push-button simple, but it’s important to keep a couple of simple metal screwdrivers in your collection. The most common sizes you will use are 1/8-inch tip flat-head, 3/16-inch tip flat-head 0 Phillips-head and 2 Phillips-head. You may also opt for an electric screwdriver to finish home projects quicker.

At the very least, you’ll need a few adjustable wrenches in different sizes. They can manipulate hex nuts and bolts, which is invaluable when it comes to home repair and assembly. Combination wrenches will cover the gaps they can’t reach. As you grow more comfortable with your wrenches, expand to a ratchet and socket set to make bolt manipulation quicker.

Also worth having on hand is an allen wrench or hex key set. Handheld and ideal for driving screws and bolts with hexagon-shaped sockets, you will often use these to put together furniture and other everyday home decor items.

While smartphone camera flashlights work in a pinch, you need a dedicated LED flashlight on hand that doesn’t depend on whether you remembered to plug in your . If your lights go out unexpectedly, or you need powerful light that helps you probe around when you hear noises in the middle of the night, a trusty LED flashlight cannot be beat.

Most flashlights will run on alkaline or rechargeable batteries. While rechargeable flashlights cost a bit more, their run time and fast charging will pay off in the long run. It's also important to consider having a few different sized flashlights on hand in various rooms, in case of emergencies.

When it comes to power tools, sanders are a key part of many painting projects. Investing in a good handheld sander will help you save time and create smoother surfaces for sealing and painting. While you shouldn't use handheld sanders for larger jobs, like flooring projects, a handheld model will help you smooth fences, furniture and complete smaller household tasks. There are also a variety of power tools accessories for items like sanders, drills and saws that you may consider investing in for future projects.

One of the more common power tools every homeowner should have, the cordless drill will likely be one of the most used tools in your collection. The convenience of wireless electric power makes quick work of lots of small projects. Invest in both a good-quality drill and good-quality drill bit sets.

Your drill can come in handy in a huge range of applications beyond making holes and driving nails, making it one of the best tools to own. Your drill is limited only by the drill bits you have on hand, so it’s essential to invest in a few good sets. You’ll want to make sure you have a good assortment of metal drill bits, wood drill bits and universal drill bits to cover indoor and outdoor projects.

Don't overlook the necessity of having a toolbox to organize your tools. Without this central repository, even the best tools end up scattered inside random drawers, garage shelves, basements or other parts unknown. Start with a relatively modest and inexpensive tool box, then buy larger, sturdier ones as your tool collection grows. You can also use tool bags with lots of pockets and compartments to keep things in order. Consider storing other essentials such as glues, solvents, painter's tape, putty knife and a painter's key in your toolbox.

While the most common use of a plunger is to fix a clogged toilet, they are also essential to have on hand in case of any home flooding, like a basement or bathroom issue. Often an overlooked item when it comes time to stock up on tools, plungers are a must-have for any homeowner.

A convenient and safe way to power electric devices, extension cords are ideal for jobs that require distance. With a plug on one end and a socket on the other end, extension cords are available in a variety of lengths and sizes. Always take care when using extension cords. Be sure to select the right option based on job size, wire gauge and length.

There is a difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords, and one size does not fit all.

Indoor cords are typically used for computer equipment, lamps and more, and they don't require extra insulation.

Tip: Never combine a three-prong cord with a two-prong cord, as it can be dangerous.

I'm at square one- watched a few videos. Decided that in addition to my life on the road bit off the back of my motorcycle, I'd like to supplement my income to some meager extent with some good ol' fashioned hand-tooled leather products.

I've had two of my own semi-professional crafting businesses, so I'm fairly adept when it to crafting and artistic expression. This is NOT a passing phase, but a practical decision based off of my love for hand making things, and what would be the most realistic crafting I can do from the back of a motorcycle.

I am in desperate need of advice for quality hand tools to get me started. I've looked on Amazon and a couple other places and all I can seem to find is junk or suppliers that are expensive, yet who I won't commit to for my general lack of leatherworking knowledge and what makes for trusted tools within the leatherworking community.

What would you say are the tools that are most trusted for leatherworking? I'm willing to do minimal tooling and stamping, but my primary concern is for QUALITY basics for now. 

Thank you kindly one and all for any help and direction that's provided. I'm eager to start this new journey in my ongoing journey!

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simply put youre not going to find one brand of tool like craftsman or snap-on that have everything you need. some tools work for certain people and some dont and some are indeed junk. i dont tool leather will be of no help with those items.

what kind of products do you intend to make? do you want to make fine leather goods or saddle and tac ? these things will define what kind of tools you buy.

i spent alot of money on cheap tools and i actually still use some of them mostly my edge creaser and maul. theres also this brand "OWDEN" that makes decently priced tools and you can get them on amazon. i have a french skiver and edge beveler from them and they work excellent but you have to keep them sharp. Also "Wuta" makes affordable tools that are decent quality i have their french style pricking irons and theyre my goto for now.

maybe this video will help you if you havent already seen it.

good luck on your leather working journey

The main problem we have is that there are good leatherworking tools out there and there is crap sold as good quality. Sorting the good from the bad really only comes with experience of buying them.  For honest-to-goodness quality you need to buy from the likes of Barry King. Some on here have got quality from a Japanese place. 

I've bought tools and have had a good experience of them whilst others on here have bought the same tools from the same seller and found the tools to be crap. Over 20 plus years I've bought and dumped a fair number of tools until I've finally found a quality tool.

Price does not always equal quality; eg I bought a French skive, a top make, cost me over £25, the metal was twisted and loose in a cracked handle. Back it went. I've bought two from China, expecting poor quality at £3.50 each. Both are excellent and hold an edge well.

Start with a Stanley knife for most cutting. Replace the blade for every new project. In time you could graduate to a half-moon round knife, from a top maker. I have a bird's-head knife but rarely use it.

Buy individual round and oval hole punches. Not a set of them, they are often poor quality, I've found that even highly priced sets aren't any good. Buy the punches as you need them. Buying individually, if you find one is rubbish you're only out the price of one

You'll need an awl, an edger, maybe a groover, a set of pricking irons or sewing hole chisels, a mallet - like the one in the photo is good, a slicker - the carrot shape is common but I mostly use a piece of beech wood with a groove in it, a skiver - the Super Skiver is good, and a beveller (Safety Beveller) is useful - both take the same blade, replace for every new project. (replace replaceable blades until you get good at stropping the blades), a set of wing-dividers, a scratch awl, a few basic design stamps - a wee bit of decoration looks good, a steel or aluminium straight edge or long ruler and a metal try-square - like a roofer's square

Who to buy these from for a beginner?

Buy from a place or someone who will take back their rubbish or will stand over their tools. Tandy is the first stop, but the quality of their tools can be hit-or-miss. As you are in USA I'll let your locals advise on other sellers that they know.

7 hours ago, TravisRising said:

I wasn't aware that my question was vague. How might I expound upon it? I simply need suggestions for quality beginner hand tools that won't fail on me and will have optimal edge retention and dependable construction appropriate to leather crafting. I'm not looking for specialty tools yet. Thanks for reaching out.

What is your definition of "quality beginner hand tools"?   What is your budget?  Are those something that are disposable or that will work okay or something of high quality that will last you forever?  

What one would use to make saddles, various sheaths and holsters would be different than what one would use to make wallets.  Narrow down what you want to make and that would narrow down the tool selection.  Do you want to use Japanese style chisels of European type?  Will you be using thick or thin leather or a combination of thicknesses?  Will you be using rivets or stitching or both?  What about hardware?  Are you going to use veg tanned leather or chrome tanned?  Will you be burnishing your edges or using edge paint? Are you competent at sharpening a knife?  That may direct you to the type of blade; fixed or disposable.  Will you be doing strap work and need hole punches, half round or English point punches?  Would you need a #1 or a #3 edger?  Will you be skiving leather with a knife or a French edger?  How about edge creasing?  Do you just want to have fun and make a few things or do you want to do serious work?  

Other than you doing a little bit of tooling and stamping, we know nothing.  What do you consider "specialty tools"?  I may sound like a dick but the more specific you are, the better the answers you may receive.  I wonder if you're getting ahead of yourself?  I suggest you invest 20 bucks and buy a few cheap tools--not a kit--and make something.  Show the work here for a critique and ask questions.  That would help narrow down that what you seek.  

Hello,

You've gotten lots of great feedback. Just thought to share my two cents. You can literally get away with a box cutter, dinner fork, awl and needle with thread. You will definitely produce some 'bushy' projects. My recommendation is get one of the cheap kits for under $100 that comes with all the basics and then some. You will have what you need to get started and in time be able to determine what you use regularly and need to upgrade. Some of the tools from the kit will last years. Once you determine what you like building, the need for upgraded, specific tools, will make themselves apparent. Working off your bike, you will have to keep it relatively simple. Toting a slab of marble around for tooling, probably isn't an option.

Hope this different approach will offer some ideas.

Knees in the breeze,

Maurice

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