I know this article might say more about me than about you. When I was growing up, my dad was a heavy equipment mechanic and he owned a garage full of tools – there was no job that was too big or small, either under the car or around the house. None of that wiped me off, though, and my personal tool collection has been straw for much of my adult life. I think I had the most important things, but over the last few years I have been collecting some cheap equipment and tools that are absolutely indispensable. I can not believe I have gone without some of these items for so long. Scan the list and see if there is anything in your own toolbox.
What did I miss? Let me know in the comments which cheap household tool I did not leave behind, and I will add it to the list.
Tacklife
A non-contact voltage tester can tell you if a circuit is alive without making physical contact. This pen style tester from Tacklife has a probe to place in the outlets and can detect the current in a wire through the insulation. It is essential whether you rewire a light receiver or just install a smart doorbell.
Black and Decker
I have long thought that it is enough to have a large drill as it can contain screwdriver bits. But often it was too big or clumsy for the space in which I worked. This Black and Decker model has a swivel handle in three positions to help you fit it anywhere and the battery lasts up to 18 months at a time. which is handy because you probably do not need it as often.
WeePro
There are few essential household tools that cost less than a better tester like this from WeePro, but it pays for itself many times over. This tester can evaluate almost any type of battery in your home, including AAA, AAA, C, D, 9v and button cells. It does not require its own battery – it draws power from the battery it is testing.
Enbar
We were all there – you drop a screw and it rolls into a virtually inaccessible place behind the desk. Armed with a claw or magnet, nothing is out of reach. This instrument has both – a square claw and a powerful magnet that can lift up to three kilograms. The flexible shaft can reach 24 centimeters and even contains an LED light to illuminate dark spaces.
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