When it comes to maintaining and improving your house or tackling projects around the home like decorating and assembling your furniture, there are several tools that are designed to make your life easier and will often be necessary for a variety of jobs and projects. Having the right tools in your home toolbox will make it easier for you to take on all the projects that you need to do and help you save time during the process. Whether you are putting together your toolbox for the first time or want to upgrade one that is looking a little bare and empty, here are some of the main tools that every household needs.

Measuring Tape

Whether you’re planning to install a new appliance, build a bed, or put up shelving in your living room, a measuring tape will be at the top of the list of tools that you need. They are essential for a range of projects and will take out the guesswork of deciding what size you need, whether you’re looking to hang a picture on your wall or install shelving in your kitchen. An easy-locking ¾ inch model is the best type to start with and you can usually pick these up easily from any hardware store.

Hammer

A basic claw hammer is the ideal choice for around the home and chances are that you will benefit from using it in a wide range of projects whether you are making repairs, hanging artwork on your walls or taking nails out of old wood to build furniture to upgrade your outdoor space. Claw hammers are available at any good hardware store and are usually just right for tasks around the home.

Drill

A cordless drill is a very handy tool to have around the home and you never know when you are going to need it. You can use it to create holes for hanging shelving, mirrors and pictures or make light work of assembling flat-pack furniture. There’s a wide range of cordless or power drills available to choose from for around the home, so read some expert reviews to determine which one is going to be the best choice for you.

Pliers

Pliers are going to be useful in a wide variety of situations. Whether you are tightening something up or want to remove a nail that has become wedged, you’ll turn to your trusty pliers. They are essential for holding tiny objects that you would not be able to grab with your hands and when you apply the right amount of pressure, they can easily pull, bend or pinch metal into shape. Invest in a good set of pliers including combination pliers, long-nose pliers, and locking pliers to ensure that you have the right type for every project you tackle.

Screwdrivers

Having a good set of screwdrivers is essential for any household toolbox, and you should invest in a variety of both flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers in different sizes. Magnetic screwdriver heads can come in handy, but they can be easy to lose so it’s a good idea to have a pouch to store them in securely. While you can speed up jobs by using a cordless electric drill in combination with different screwdriver heads, it’s worth having a selection of manual screwdrivers to choose from for those jobs where a drill is too large or for delicate jobs where you don’t want to risk damaging the screw.

Whether you’re putting your first toolbox together or want to upgrade your existing one, be sure to invest in these tools that every household needs.