Seven Essential Home Improvement Tools That Are Worth Updating
When it comes to common, everyday tools we use for quick maintenance and repairs around the house, there’s a tendency to just use what you have . If you have a measuring tape or a clamp in your toolbox, you probably won’t think about buying a new one until the old one breaks. This is usually a good practice—if the tool gets the job done, why spend money on a new one? One reason is to upgrade . Just because the standard spirit level you’ve been using for the past decade still works, doesn’t mean an improved version won’t do the job better. These improved versions of common, everyday tools make every project a little easier—and that makes them worth the investment.
Waterproof notebook
If you’re like me, you find yourself taking a lot of notes when working around the house. I learned long ago that I need to be a “measure twice, cut once” kind of craftsman, so I prefer jotting down measurements and other details in a small notebook—it’s much better than writing on the wall or by hand. Unless, of course, you’re working in damp conditions, which would turn your notebook into mush. That’s why buying a few of these all-weather notebooks is such a huge improvement: water, oil, dirt, sweat—they all just roll off, but you can write on them with a #2 pencil or an all-weather pen (you can use any old pen or pencil when they’re dry). Even when you’re knee-deep in a flooded crawlspace, you’ll be able to easily take notes.
Improved markers
As much as I love my little notebook, sometimes when you’re in a tight space you just need to jot something down or make a note anywhere. A regular marker usually works, but if you’re working in damp or dirty areas, it won’t just fail, it’ll get damaged. Enter Inkzall markers . They write on anything, even wet, dirty, or greasy surfaces. And if you’ve ever tried writing on a rough surface, like concrete, you know it will crush a regular pen. However, these markers are designed to work on rough surfaces and write beautifully.
Double-sided measuring tapes
It’s a small innovation, but having a tape measure with markings on both sides eliminates one minor problem associated with traditional tape measures: the tape gets twisted or you need to hook it onto something and read the measurement from below. This Lufkin tape measure is not only double-sided but also has hooks on both sides, so you can simply press it down and get your measurement. Plus, the matte black finish resists glare from work lights, making it easy to read in dark areas.
Adjustable clamp
Clamps are a DIYer’s best friend—the second pair of hands you need to get the job done yourself. Standard clamps have one limitation: their length. If you need to clamp something larger than the width of the clamp, you’ll have trouble unless you have this clever clamp . Using 2×4 lumber, you can quickly make a clamp of almost any length. The heads can be positioned anywhere on the 2×4 lumber, secured, and moved as needed.
Stable working lighting
Working in dark, cramped spaces can be stressful and exhausting. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve set up a work light in a basement or a tight spot under the floor, only to have it knocked over while I was moving awkwardly. That’s why the Wobblelight is a godsend. It’s a powerful work light that’s literally impossible to knock over. It just… wobbles and rights itself. So, even if you accidentally bump into it, you can keep working without having to climb out of the ground, take the light out, and then put it back in to get back to work.
Digital level
We all have a level in our toolbox. Whether it’s a small plastic one or a more durable version, they all work the same way: you place the level on something, then squint to see the tiny bubble and assess whether it’s level or maybe just a little off. And if you’re like me, you always know it’s “just a little off” when you’re done. That’s where a digital level comes in handy. Thanks to the large screen (and a second display on top), you’ll get incredibly accurate measurements from different angles or from a distance. And an audible signal lets you know when the level is level, so you don’t even have to look at it while you’re working.
Universal socket
The standard procedure in my house when working with sockets is: a) choose the wrong size; b) get frustrated; c) repeat until you find the right one. But with this universal socket, it fits automatically every time. You might not want to throw out your socket set for this one, but you’ll definitely use it less often, especially on those rare occasions when you need a socket to loosen a stuck bolt or when you need to handle bolts of varying sizes.