Tool Recommendations for New Homeowners | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape designer Jenn Nawada discuss tools that make good gifts for new homeowners

Cost: $5 and up

Skill Level: Beginner

Tools List for New Homeowners:
Drill driver
Level
Tape measure
Utility knife
Screw driver set
Wrench set
Open-ended adjustable wrenches
Plumber’s pliers
Multi-tool
Pruners

Steps:
1. The team suggests analyzing the skillset of the person receiving the tools. Don’t get tools that are too advanced for the person to actually use.
2. Try to invest in as high quality tools as possible. They will last longer and give a higher quality result.
3. Tom’s picks: drill driver, level, tape measure, utility knife, set of screwdrivers.
4. Richard’s picks: wrench set, open-ended adjustable wrenches, plumber’s pliers, utility knife.
5. Jenn’s picks: pruners.

Resources:
Tom suggested that a drill driver, a level, a tape measure, a utility knife, and a set of screw drivers all are good tools for homeowners to have to tackle many small projects around the house.

Richard’s picks included a wrench set, a couple open-ended adjustable wrenches, and plumber’s pliers. These few tools can handle almost all homeowner-friendly plumbing projects in a house. He also mentioned that one of his favorite tools is a multi-tool, since it can be used for just about anything.

For landscaping, Jenn suggested getting a pair of high quality pruners that are tough enough to cut woody shrubs. This will make it easier to keep all the plants in the yard pruned so they are healthier and last longer.

The team all agreed that the key to getting good tools is investing in as high quality ones as possible. They work better and will last for much longer.

All of these suggestions can be found at home centers.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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Tool Recommendations for New Homeowners | Ask This Old House

[rhephokrits]

I discovered this show back in high school before the internet. We didn't have cable so I surfed the channels that were available and found this to be very informative and interesting. Now I am a homeowner. This year I bought a small condo and I've spent the last few months learning what I need to know as a homeowner. This video fits me perfectly. Thank you.

[davidriley]

in order imo: screwdriver phillips/flathead big/small, tape measure, adjustable wrench, box cutter, cordless drill.

Wouldn't bother with a level, hammer, or wrenches until you need them. I've collected a load of stuff over the years "just in case" and have found that some jobs can be done less efficiently with other tools. i.e. you can use a tape measure to get level. If you can't get by, just borrow or buy one on the day.

Skip the multi screwdriver as your primary driver. The shaft is too wide (particularly in household electrical situations) and the bits are cumbersome. They are great for certain tasks (like pulling a computer apart), but not great for general use.

Finally, don't estimate the use of a good boxcutter (i prefer the double sided type, not snap off). Every time you cut something dirty, sticky, or the the blade goes dull - you can just replace it. And don't be afraid to, they're cheap, and a trip to the hospital after cutting yourself with a dull blade is expensive.

[Loburrito]

im a kid my tech teacher told me to research want we need this is good plus made my job easily

[greg_thomson]

Wish we had a show like this in the uk

[lalajohnson]

Also for new homebuyers get a couple of head lamps. You'll need at least 2 because they magically end up in different areas of the house. But great to have when you r working in a cabinet or dark spot

[Mixwell]

I would also recommend a plumbing snake, ferule puller, obviously a hammer and the rest listed. Maybe wire cutters and strippers.

[jezeski]

That last comment is so true - if you are going to buy a tool; buy quality. Why buy many of the same bad tool, when you can buy one good one and have it last? That is common sense that too many people today seem to be missing.

[keithgaw]

it aint the same without roger. hope you get to feeling better

[scarrmd]

My number one most used tool is a utility knife.

[henri]

Just buy the complete M12 Fuel and M18 Fuel line. You'll be set for any task you can find. Don't forget the hammer, pencil, and O. Leather toolbelt with suspension.

[adamthomas]

Tommy, I guess Home Depot doesn't sell Stabila... What might be useful is explaining how to check a level for level. Unfortunately a lot of the less expensive models are not accurate.

[jdsnbb]

Can someone write down the tools I need this for school

[inspectorsteve]

Can you do a segment for unique or less know tools.

[saulgoodman]

How about a phone. To call Tom and Richard.

[lh]

Is there an issue with a cheap level?? It's a container with liquid in it and a bubble to show level. How can a cheap one make a big difference unless the level itself is not true and straight? Don't think the bubble cares how expensive the rest of it is. Curious how it can be inferior.

[nunzioification]

Make sure your drill has a battery that can be removed and charged!? Thanks for the valuable information, oh a wrench, what’s that? Thanks expert advice coalition😃

[thebigdoghimself]

I love my Milwaukee M12 tools. I have 18 and 20v tools from Hitachi and DeWalt but the reality is that I always reach for the M12's first. They are small, lightweight and can handle almost anything.

I got into them because I did not like the quality of DeWalts heated jackets and bought an M12 Toughshell jacket and hoodie which I love. From there it was only natural to see what else I could use the M12 batts for.

[fluxstandard]

Additionally the plumber guy is doing well, look at that apple watch product placement

[augustwestusa]

the problem is what is high quality....how do you know you're buying something that is high quality...i thought you would give some name brands...i need a new screwdriver, the kind with the cross on top...what is that called, standard? all mine seem to get stripped out. buy the most expensive? is that it? for high quality.

[AroundIndiana]

I always wonder why they almost always recommend getting a cordless drill instead of a corded one for around the house. I'm very happy with my corded drill. I don't want to have to always hope the battery isn't dead or if it will die halfway through using it.