Homeownership comes with a never-ending to-do list. If you are a homeowner, chances are you can immediately rattle off several things that need to be repaired, improved, or updated in your house. Having the right tools can make all the difference when tackling this perpetual list of projects. Using the wrong tool for a job can cost you time, money, and possibly even your sanity! In the interest of helping you check items off your to-do list without raising your blood pressure, we asked some of our expert craftsmen about their favorite handyman gadgets under $25. Some of these are sure to become part of your essential toolkit, and you won’t have to break the bank to purchase them.
Milwaukee FASTBACK 6-in-1 Folding Utility Knives with General Purpose Blade
Price: $14.97
Where to buy: The Home Depot
This first recommendation comes from ProMaster Craftsman Andrew Hall and Professional Craftsman Chris Snook. When they head to a job site, these pros always have this multitool in their arsenal, and for good reason.
The Milwaukee FASTBACK may be the best multitool value available today. This tool’s primary function is as a utility knife. Some utility knives have a thumb-operated slide to expose the blade. Others actually require a screwdriver to open the knife and expose the blade. With the FASTBACK, you can open the knife with ninja-like speed. Push a button with your thumb, flick your wrist, and the knife is open. When you’re ready to store the blade, it closes just as easily. This one-handed press-and-flip operation is a game-changer!
The blade holder is designed for scoring. And when you need to change blades, it couldn’t be easier. No tools are needed. Simply press a button and the blade releases. There is also storage for an additional blade built into the tool.
However, the utility knife is just one part of this multitool gem. It also features a quarter-inch bit holder with both a Phillips and a flathead screwdriver bit. The bit holder locks into place when fully extended, giving you optimum control when using the tool as a screwdriver.
There is also a built-in wire stripper for those electrical projects. And, when you’re ready to reward yourself with a cold one after a job well done, there is a bottle opener on this tool, as well.
The tool’s ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand. There is jimping to provide extra grip for your thumb and a groove for your index finger.
The pocket clip and lanyard holder ensure the FASTBACK is always within reach. And once you have this tool, you’ll find yourself reaching for it a lot!
Husky 15-in-1 Painter’s Tool
Price: $6.98
Where to buy: The Home Depot
Would you spend $7 on a tool that is actually 15 tools in one? We thought so! Logan Buck, another Craftsman on the ProMaster team, recommends this handy tool when you’re ready to tackle that next painting project.
How can the Husky 15-in-1 Painter’s Tool actually be 15 tools in one? Here’s a list of the tools contained in this gadget.
- Flat scraper
- Concave scraper
- Spackle knife
- Hammer end
- Roller cleaner
- Crack opener
- Paint can opener
- Two nut drivers (3/8″ and 1/4″)
- Bottle opener
- Nail puller
- Four screwdrivers – 3/16”, 1/4″, 5/16”, 3/8″
By our count, that is 15 tools in one. And, since this handyman gadget costs around $7, each of the 15 tools costs about 46¢!
What can you do with all the tools in this handyman gadget? For starters, the crack opener can help you pull trim away from drywall. The flat and concave scrapers remove old and loose paint before new paint is applied. The nut drivers and screwdrivers are creative additions to a tool like this and come in common sizes. And, when the job is finished, you can use this tool to clean your paint roller and seal the paint can lid with the hammer. All that and a lot more is available with this tool. Well, it’s really less of a tool and more of a painting life hack!
Pica-Dry Longlife Automatic Pencil
Price: $15.99
Where to buy: Woodcraft
Two of our Craftsmen, Matt Walkenhorst and Logan Buck, highly recommend this next tool. But how special can it be? It’s just a pencil, right? Not so fast! This is not the ordinary No. 2 pencil that you used in elementary school.
The Pica-Dry Longlife Automatic Pencil writes on any material, including wet and oily surfaces. Try that with the pencil you used on your second-grade spelling tests!
This automatic pencil is housed in a quiver that is equipped with a built-in sharpener. The quiver has a clip so you can make sure the pencil is always at the ready in your pocket. After using the pencil, just drop it in the quiver and it is immediately secured in place. You don’t even have to take your eyes off your project to know that your pencil isn’t going anywhere.
The lead in this pencil is not like the fragile, super-thin lead in most office mechanical pencils. The lead in this bad boy is thick and strong, but can still be sharpened to a very fine point if that’s what you need. Lead refills are available in multi-color packs of black, red, and yellow.
Titan 11505 5-1/2-Inch Stainless Steel Pry Bar Scraper
Price: $17.99
Where to buy: Amazon
A pry bar is not the sexiest tool on the market, but sometimes it is exactly what you need. In those instances, nothing else will do the job…not without a lot of extra effort and possible damage to the materials you’re working with, anyway. When you need a pry bar, you need a pry bar. It’s that simple. But, all pry bars are not created equal.
ProMaster Craftsman, Dale Carpenter, always makes sure the Titan 11505 5-1/2-Inch Stainless Steel Pry Bar Scraper is in his truck when he heads to a job site. This pry bar is more than a pry bar. It also features a nail puller and a razor edge that is perfect for scraping. Got a job where you need to scrap off some old caulk and then pry the materials apart? This one tool is all you need.
This pry bar is made from stainless steel to prevent rust and corrosion. The high-quality steel can take a ton of abuse without cracking or bending. Whether you need to gently apply just a little pressure or you have to really “pour it on,” this tool is up to the challenge.
RYOBI Hinge Pin Remover/Installer
Price: $8.47
Where to buy: RYOBI Tools
You don’t do it every day, but there are times when a homeowner has to remove a door. Maybe it’s a painting or remodeling project. Or maybe you bought a new couch and you have to remove the door just to get it into your house! Whatever the reason, removing a door is pretty straightforward. Take the hinge pins out and the door comes off. Easy peasy…except it often isn’t. It can be awkward and difficult to access and remove the hinge pins. ProMaster Craftsman, Will Compres, has the answer you’re looking for.
The RYOBI Hinge Pin Remover/Installer makes removing hinge pins a breeze. The tool is perfectly shaped to fit over the hinge. It protects the door and frame from damage. Once the hinge pin remover is in place, a few taps with a hammer are all that is needed to remove the pin.
The video below shows just how easy it is to remove hinge pins when you have this handyman gadget.
Once you’re ready to rehang the door, this tool can be used to tap the hinge pins back in place.
Unlike the multi-tool gadgets on this list, this tool is designed to do one thing…but it does that one thing really well! It is a serious time-saver and frustration-reducer when you need to remove a door from its hinges.
RYOBI Air Grip Compact Laser Level
Price: $36.97
Where to buy: RYOBI Tools
Okay, we’re cheating a little bit on this one. The rest of the tools on this list are all under $25. This one costs a bit more, but as ProMaster Craftsman Apprentice Alex Kasznel will tell you, it’s worth every penny.
Like all laser levels, the RYOBI Air Grip Compact Laser Level shoots a laser beam that you can use to ensure your project is perfectly level. There are two bubble levels on the tool so you can find the exact level spot in both horizontal and vertical applications.
However, the best part of this handyman gadget is that it vacuum seals to the wall, making it completely hands-free. It operates with two AAA batteries. When you turn it on, it holds itself to the wall and shoots a laser up to 20 feet. The device will seal to drywall, brick, textured wallpaper, and more.
With the laser level holding itself in place, you now have both hands free to place your screws, wall anchors, or other hardware. This is a game changer when you are hanging shelves, pictures, or any other task where a level is needed.
There are other similar laser levels that cost $100 or more. The RYOBI model is priced around $37, making it an easy choice for any DIYer.
Need a Pro?
We are all about encouraging DIY home repair. These six gadgets are sure to make you more efficient and less aggravated when you’re checking items off your to-do list. But, if you run into a job that is more than you want to take on yourself, the Home Repair Heroes at ProMaster are here for you.
Our craftsmen are highly-trained, multi-disciplinary professionals. They can handle any handyman or home repair project, regardless of how big or how small. If you don’t have the time or expertise to tackle your next home repair, ProMaster is here to check that project off your list. You can schedule an appointment online or contact us by phone, email, or text message.
In the meantime, what is your favorite handyman gadget? Let us know in the comments!
Speak Your Mind