One of my tools that people are likely to be surprised about is a laser measure. It is a measuring device that is technologically advanced and helps me in making fast and accurate measurements, particularly when determining the extent of property damage in the event of personal injury. It is time-saving and more accurate than the old tape measures. Proper measurements will assist in estimating the cost of repair or recording conditions of the property for clients.
As an individual who rehabilitates heritage residential properties and operates a reclaimed timber business, I have grown increasingly fond of tools that reduce problems simply and ingeniously. A delightful surprise that I've come to appreciate? Dental picks. Dental picks are exceptional for cleanup of tight joints or for clearing old, restrictive debris off antique hardware while preserving it. Every homeowner and especially older homes should own a moisture meter. Skateboards and humans are reliant on water, so once you discover a water problem, you want to discover it early. For the winter, I always keep a rope caulk on hand. It's very inexpensive, reuseable, biodegradable, and works very well sealing drafty windows, without damage as an added plus typical for historic homes where you do not want to disturb original trim. One go-to Amazon product is Dremel Versa. Compact, and powerful - I really appreciate it as a polish for old brass, or as fresh paint peg for build up removing paint and degreasing. This makes a huge difference for sometimes the best fix is to think like a craftsperson not a contractor. Happy to share more if useful!
The moisture meter is the unsung hero in our toolbox that amazes the majority of people. Small, cheap, and frequently neglected, it is nonetheless among the most useful tools of diagnosing the damage that might be hidden and can be fixed before it turns into a significant problem. We apply it to the walls, floor, and roof of the building after the storms or even in the case of restoration, when the water penetration is not always evident. This saves time and money as well as waste by not having to dismantle the complete structure when it is not warranted and it also saves time and money since it is very clear where exactly the job needs to be fixed. It is believed that just a look will suffice yet even after surfaces have dried, moisture might still be present. To any person who is dealing with home projects, it is important to invest in a measuring moisture meter that has been found to be reliable and no amount of level or tape measure can do the same. It is an easy method of applying capital-quality expertise to amateur work and insuring your investment, and making sure that repairs are effective.
My colleagues are in the attempt of safeguarding something they cannot afford to lose, and I have learned to appreciate those tools that help not to damage anything even before I have to engage in the repair. Archival acid-free tissue paper is one of the most useful and unexpected things I carry around. It is cheap and usually neglected yet it helps in preserving photo albums, hand written letter and fabrics used as heirloom. It is the silence of protection which keeps the memory without attracting any attention. A small digital humidity monitor is another necessity that is rather unexpected. Majority of homes are not as steady as we think, particularly during winter when the heating systems are operating. Stress-free range of humidity stops cracking of wood, curling of photo, and diminishment of the memory objects. It is easy however, it can literally extend the lifespan of an object And silicone furniture sliders are a handy everyday hero. They help avoid strain, keep floors safe and ensure that heavy pieces of furniture can be transported without any problems, particularly considering elderly bones and prized furniture you would not want to bruise and drop. The tools that may be the best are not always obvious. It is they who silently watch over that which is most important, far earlier than something has gone wrong.
What's a product in your toolbox that most people wouldn't expect you have? LED lighted gloves are an unusual tool to have, but they are perfect for this time of year. From November through January, having lights pointed at everything in my hands makes my job much easier when the workdays start and end in the dark. Is there a product that you think every homeowner should own, but many don't? It depends on the homeowner. If you can figure out how to hang a picture on the wall safely, you should have basic hand tools in your home for these sorts of little projects. If you're a little bit handy, invest in a professional grade drill and impact driver and whatever bits and sockets you think you'll need. You'll get a lot of use out of them, and you'll never have to buy another set. Do you have any products you use to make repairs/prevent damage during the winter? After we had a blizzard to start this year, I invested in a roof rake to prevent any snow/ice buildup on the roof, and to prevent my landscaping from being demolished by it during the thaw. Even if you're in an area that doesn't get much snow like me, it's better to have it and not need it. Are there any repairs or fixes you've done using unexpected items? I once created a bit to turn thumb screws. Cut two sides of the bottom of a large wire nut, and taped it to an old word out phillips bit for an impact driver. Light fixtures often require removing and reinstalling thumb screws, and that ugly bit saves me a lot of time.
One tool in my toolbox that never fails to amaze people is a "moisture meter." Not only does it cost very little to own one, but it has saved me thousands of dollars because it helped detect water leaks behind walls before those water leaks cause massive damage to our property. Every homeowner should also have a voltage tester, it's simple, safe, and prevents accidents when undertaking small electrical jobs. In winter, I swear by foam pipe insulation and draft stoppers. They both take minutes to set up but can prevent your pipes bursting or warm bills skyrocketing. As for hidden gems, "I am a huge fan of flexible grabber tools, those claw-esque sticks that let you slide them into drains or tight areas. They've saved more screws, earrings, or my sanity than I can count! And other times the best solution is to improvise, a little bit of "duct tape and WD-40" will fix 80% of life's problems if you use them correctly.
A portable induction cooktop is one tool I never thought I'd need so much. People usually think of it as a kitchen appliance, but I've used it as a backup power source during power outages, a clean heat source for outdoor projects, and even to quickly and safely heat things up in the garage. It works very well, is safe, and doesn't let out harmful gases inside like gas does. At Induction Hardware, we've taken that same idea and made it bigger so that it can be used indoors and outdoors. This brings the accuracy and safety of induction technology to homeowners who care about performance and sustainability. Induction is so quick and responsive that it becomes an important part of your home toolkit, not just your kitchen. This is the one "hidden gem" I would tell every homeowner to look for: buy technology that does more than one thing and helps you move toward a smarter, cleaner home. Galen Bradford CEO & Co-Founder | Induction Hardware
Here's the tool nobody expects in my kitchen: an exhaust vent cleaning kit. I learned the hard way at Zinfandel Grille. Skipping just one cleaning got us a surprise inspection, and that was not a fun day. Since we started using it, the kitchen air is clearer and we're not worried about surprise visits anymore. It's a cheap fix for a massive headache.
My thermal camera catches stuff most people miss, like drafts behind walls or moisture you can't see. I bought one on a whim, but it saved a client from a huge repair bill after I spotted a tiny leak forming. There's a learning curve to reading the images, but it's worth it to find energy loss or water damage before it gets bad. For anyone who wants to protect their property, it's a tool that actually pays for itself.
Is there a product that you think every homeowner should own, but many don't? Every homeowner should own a portable power station, but many don't. This can be extremely useful during power outages or when outdoors away from an outlet. It helps devices run longer, by giving them more backup energy. Running quieter than traditional generators, it's also more eco-friendly and much easier to use. In short, it's a tool which really needs to be on hand when really you need it the most! Do you have any products you use to make repairs/prevent damage during the winter? Weatherproofing tapeor sealant is also a winter must-have. Use it to seal drafty windows, doors or small cracks where heat can escape and the cold gets in. What's one Amazon product you frequently use in projects or home fixes? I use a multi-bit screwdriver set quite often. It's versatile, compact and an ideal choice for a variety of home repairs whether you're putting together furniture or are in need of a solution to tighten up loose screws. Several bits in one saves time and not mess up your toolbox. Do you have any favorite hidden gem gadgets or tools for home repair? When it comes to home repair, a magnetic wristband is a hidden gem. It's a no-brainer tool that holds screws, nails and small tools on your wrist for easy access while you work. For jobs that are hard to reach like hanging shelves or putting together furniture handy and surprisingly cheap!
Hi, A small infrared thermometer, however, is one of the most surprising tools in my toolbox. I bought it on impulse one winter a few years ago, when I was helping a client troubleshoot why her heating bill had spiked out of the blue. Within minutes, it revealed cold air around our window frames, something we never would have found by eyeballing. I've used it since to identify where there were hidden drafts, uneven heating and even an overheating outlet that could have become dangerous. It costs less than thirty dollars, but it's saved home owners hundreds of dollars in wasted energy and repairs. In addition, I never have less than a couple of silicone caulk caps in inventory, it sounds like nothing, but they make the difference between managing to finish what you were working on and wishing to set that part of the house on fire. Small tools like these are the things that make homeownership less about playing catch-up to trouble and more about quietly foiling it. Best regards, Ben Mizes CoFounder of Clever Offers URL: https://cleveroffers.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benmizes/
Hi, While it may not seem very exiting, I have used a moisture meter a few times for myself and my clients. I picked one up after a homeowner found water damage hiding behind a wall that looked flawless- something I could've identified very early on with a scan. Now by habit, I scan around windows, and under sinks, and even in the basement. It is compact, inexpensive, and identifies leaks well before they present the dreaded mold or major repair issues. Honestly, there are just some gadgets you don't know you need until you save yourself a few thousand. Best regards, Bob Coulston, Founder of Coulston Construction URL: https://coulstonconstruction.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-coulston-a8737928
A moisture meter is one of the tools that I carry with me and most house owners will not even dream about their house having such a device. It appears to be easy yet it gives you what your eyes fail to give. A roof may appear good yet there is a possibility of water running underneath shingles or between decking. That meter demonstrates precisely the point on which the problem begins in order to repair the cause not the surface. Each house owner must possess a good quality roof rake or telescopic broom to be used to clear the leaves and debris in the valleys and gutters. There is no need to climb on the roof. It is important to simply maintain water pathsways. Majority of leaks start with debris that has been sectioned off and not with missing shingles. During cold seasons, I am very much dependent on ice and water shield repair strips. They put in place small holes that are easily exposed and prevent the expansion of freeze-thaw. I take a magnetic sweeper on wheels that belongs to Amazon. Then it removes all the loose nails of the yard after repairs. Small tool, big peace of mind. It is the roof that is maintained that is the last to last. All the minor practices save the entire home.
One of my favorite "hidden gem" gadgets, which is something surprisingly a lot of people don't have, is a utility knife. This is something I always have in my toolbox because I know that it can be used for all kinds of different projects. You can use it for anything from trimming carpet, to removing old grout, to cutting through drywall, and a lot of other things. It's one of those really versatile tools that any person should have on hand.
It would be helpful for every homeowner to own a caulking gun, in my opinion. Applying caulk ends up being something that homeowners find themselves having to do way more often than they think they'll have to. Whether it's sealing around windows, filling in cracks in their concrete patio, installing tile, or filling in gaps in the home to keep pests from entering, caulk really is a super helpful product. You don't always technically need a caulking gun, but I would highly recommend having one. It makes the application way easier and also makes the end result look a lot cleaner and smoother.
I think every homeowner should own a laser level. Many, probably most, do have a classic, basic level which ends up needing to be used in all kinds of home repair projects. But, these end up being very limited because they only work on the small space they take up. If you are doing a larger project, you may have to individually level a variety of different surfaces or areas, which takes a lot of time. A laser level, however, can be set up to project lines across a very tall or wide surface area, which is incredibly helpful.
A thermal camera is one of the tools that most individuals would not expect to see in our truck. Homeowners would not imagine that this is what we are talking about when we refer to roofing but it is one of the most important tools that we are practicing at Alpine Roofing. Thermal imaging helps us to look under the hood, to identify the presence of trapped moisture under shingles, concealed leaks in flat roofs or insulation breaches, which are energy wasters. It is a silent juggernaut in the diagnosis of the issues prior to them turning into costly fixes. The majority of house owners think that you can notice roof problems only with the naked eye, but in fact, lots of leaks begin with no visible spot and spread over time and under the cover until they reach ceilings or walls. That is why I keep on recommending this to all owners of homes, to have a basic moisture meter, or to have a thermal scan at least every few years, particularly after hailstorms or heavy precipitation. It is much cheaper than finding out about water damage on the back-end. Although you may never step a foot on a ladder, such data would place that type of information in your control regarding the health of your home. The correct tools with either a roofer or a homeowner are not flash but part of foresight. They silently provide shelter to what is most important before the issues start presenting themselves just like a solid roof would.
A magnet stud finder is an amazing tool that you probably never knew existed. It is compact, easy to use and provides accurate results when hanging or mounting heavy items in your garages, storage sheds and everything in between. The water leak detector is a woefully underestimated item. These compact gadgets let homeowners know if there is a leak under the sink, by the water heater or in their basement, to help avoid expensive water damage and mold problems. Pipe insulation sleeves are a winter essential in most homes to avoid freezing pipes. A roof rake also aids in removing packed snow to prevent ice dams and potential damage to your structure. The multi-bit screwdriver set is a must-have for numerous projects around the home. With its multi-faceted use, there is no need for several tools because this one does it all and a natural go-to for projects on the do-it-yourself list. Device Laser Measuring Tool The all new laser measuring tool to help you easily get accurate measurements for; Everything from hanging a picture on the wall, remodeling a room (or even an entire house) Device L does it fastest and easiest. Ideal for getting to those hard-to-reach places, tasks such as furniture assembly and repairing appliances are both made much easier. A tiny little basic tool that makes the neatest caulking lines, even for a novice. White toothpaste will bung small nail holes, or mask scuffs on white walls in a desperate situation and its surprisingly effective. If you put a rubber band over the stripped head of the screw, it allows for more grip and makes it easier to pull out. It serves as a short-term solution for sealing small cracks in glass or ceramic items, holding them together until a more permanent repair can be performed.
One of my absolute favorite gadgets I own is a cordless electric screw driver. I got one just last year and immediately asked myself why I hadn't bought one sooner. When you're building something like an IKEA bookshelf, being able to use an electric screw driver instead of manually screwing in every single nail is a game-changer. It's way faster and way easier. I use it all the time now pretty much any time I have to use a screwdriver, which when it comes to home repairs, is very often. I'd highly recommend any homeowner or renter get one of these!
From my perspective as a homeowner, I feel alarmed whenever I visit someone's house and it's not equipped with a working fire extinguisher. I believe it's one product everyone should have in their home, particularly in high-density residential areas. I fortunately haven't used ours but knowing it's there in case a fire breaks out eases my mind. It may not be an unusual thing to have in anyone's toolbox but owning an eight in one screwdriver is like a necessity for me. I think I've had mine ever since I started living alone in college and still make the most use out of it today, mostly for fixing my eyeglasses and tightening loose screws. I consider it my favorite hidden gem for home repair since it's very handy and makes it easy to assemble furniture on my own, even making the process more fun despite how tiring it is.