I love lists. That probably won’t surprise you too much, given that my name’s at the top of this particular list. But, my love of lists isn’t limited to just these. I love shopping lists, Christmas gift lists, to-do lists, and even honey-do lists (so long as I’m not on the receiving end). More than just the lists themselves, I love crossing things off my lists — at the grocery store, at work, you name it.
I’m hoping I can help you cross some things off your own lists here because I’ve created the list of lists for your own home improvement list. Whether you need eye protection, new tools, or inexpensive ways to get the job done, you’re going to find them here. Clogged drains? I’ve got you. Needing an extra pair of hands while working? Check. I’ve even got storage solutions on this list for the other stuff on this list that you’re putting in your cart right now. See how handy I am? Someone put me on a list … of your favorite list-makers.
You Won’t Shed A Tear With These NoCry Safety Goggles
Proper eye protection is the first step toward knocking out those home improvement projects. These professional safety goggles are a great starting point! They’re designed with anti-fog, anti-scratch coating and provide panoramic views so you can see everything in front of you. This ergonomic design also seals against your face so nothing toxic can touch your money maker. Keep your eyes (safely) on the prize!
A Light Bulb Moment
Have you ever seen a sexy light bulb? (And no, that’s not the start of a weird joke.) These Hudson Edison LED light bulbs have a retro-style look that provides a warm light color temperature and an antique look that is perfect for chandelier lighting. The globe cage filament design makes bulbs look interesting and unique whether they’re on and off.
Don’t Be A Slob With Your Paint Job
Okay. This gadget is going to blow your mind. It’s a simple design that does SO much. I didn’t realize how necessary this Slobproof touch-up paint pen was until I got one. And now, I can’t stop using it! It has a precision brush-tip, making it easy for anyone to use. Now, ready for the trippy part? Each pen has a patent-pending air-tight design that keeps paint fresh inside for at least 7 years! (Cue mind-blowing sound effect). You’re welcome.
Under The Lights
Speaking of lights, can we talk about lights in weird places? Or, maybe the “lack of lights in weird places” is a more appropriate topic. These wireless LED puck lights go where other lights can’t, thanks to the included mounting tape and screws and no cords or cables. These are battery-operated, compatible with a remote, and can be bought in one-, two-, three- or six-packs.
Pick-up Line
Are you even doing home improvements if you don’t drop a few dozen screws, bolts, and nuts — usually behind or beneath something inconvenient? This magnetic pickup tool will snag those dropped pieces as well as shed some light on the situation. This telescoping magnetic pickup tool comes in handy for automotive repairs, HVAC, boating, camping, plumbing, and a host of other projects.
A Magnetic Personality
Why should a magnetic pickup tool have all the fun? This magnetic wristband is like having a helper by your side … without all the extra grumbling and fidgeting. These wristbands have six magnets in them to hold screws, nails, and drill bits, keeping them easily within reach. One size fits most, with an adjustable strap and breathable mesh for comfortable wear while working.
Get Down On One Knee With NoCry Heavy Duty Knee Pads
Gardening and other home improvements are physically demanding on their own, so there’s no need for your knees to take an extra blow. Instead, why not give them a nice, sturdy hug with NoCry professional heavy duty knee pads? They’re designed with extra-thick protective gel padding to reduce the pressure on your knees while you work. Did I mention NoCry enhanced their hard cap for increased protection and stability? They really thought of it all. So go grab a pair or two and get back to work!
Take It To The Head
If you ever held the flashlight for your dad, you probably definitely got yelled at. Hold your own dang light by strapping this rechargeable headlamp atop your dome. Waterproof with a 60-ft. flashlight beam, this headlamp is rechargeable with six brightness levels and three modes including a strobe. Each light gives you three to four hours of usage that can be re-upped with the included micro USB.
Putty In My Hands
You’re not going to do much drywall work without a quality joint filling putty knife and this one is both economical and well-reviewed. Made from solid, corrosion-resistant Italian stainless steel, it’s flexible with an ergonomic handle for easier holding. The sharp, non-stick blade makes it easy to get straight lines, jointing, edges and fixing. It has a hole for hanging and — surprise! — a built-in screwdriver.
The Gloves Are Off
The first time you start a home improvement project with the wrong pair of gloves (or worse yet, no gloves), you’ll discover your error quickly. These cut-resistant gloves are coated with slip Nitrile coating, providing ultimate protection while delivering excellent dexterity and control. Light, cool and breathable, these gloves come in four sizes and the manufacturer says they “fit like a second skin.”
An Extra Pair Of Hands
Clearly, I’m pretty scarred from holding the flashlight as a kid since I keep coming up with products where the worker can hold their own light. (Just kidding, my dad is awesome. Love you, dad!) These flashlight gloves have two bright LED lights with 168 hours of continuous use time. The adjustable fit means that one size fits most.
Battery Park
Let’s face it: Batteries are a necessary evil but storing them is a nightmare. This battery organizer means you’ll have a single point of contact for grabbing a power source regardless of what your project is. This organizer holds 93 batteries of various sizes and even includes a built-in battery tester. Once you’re finished, snap the cover on and stash it away.
Tape Off
Say goodbye to slippery stairs, ramps, floors, walkways, ladders, decks, equipment, and more with this anti-slip tape that adds grit and grip to any surface. Useful indoors or out, it has ultra-strong adhesive power so it stays put and is as easy to install as using regular tape. This 30-foot roll has 80-grit aluminum oxide and is waterproof and works on a variety of surfaces.
In Good Repair
Why did I want this welding kit as soon as I saw it? I know nothing about welding. Luckily, you don’t have to know much and you can’t really screw up anything with this kit, which is useful for wood, plastic, metal, rubber, and even fabric. The incorporated LED UV light cures in seconds to give you a permanent bond.
Socket To Me
Get your toolbox or bag in order with these socket organizers so your sockets don’t fall to the bottom and get lost. These organizers let you organize by size with clearly labeled measurements for convenient classification. The 1/4-inch drive trays fit sizes 1/8 to 5/8 inches and 4-15 mm; the 3/8-inch trays 1/4 to 1 inch and 6-20 mm; and, the 1/2-inch trays 3/8″ to 1 1/4″ and 10-27 mm.
Not Your Average Apron
No home improvement project is complete without this workshop apron. It’s made from liquid-resistant and heavy-duty waxed canvas to withstand wear and tear. Aside from its sleek and stylish look, it has durable pockets and an adjustable cross-back apron ensuring maximum comfort. But don’t just take my word for it. There are over 8,500 people on Amazon who think this is a must-have too!
Seal Of Approval
Stop shower leaks immediately with this 3/8-inch frameless shower door seal with a drip rail. This seal involves two types of vinyl: hard PVC for the part that grips the glass and soft PVC for the fins that create the barrier. What it adds up to is a worry-free shower experience where the water stays exactly where it’s meant to be — in the shower.
Ring My Bell
I added a wireless doorbell to my apartment because I was tired of not being able to hear when people knocked from the inner parts of the apartment. I could’ve gone with a video doorbell, but why? This one is waterproof and wireless, has 32 chimes and multiple volume settings, and was simple to install with just a bit of included mounting tape.
Storage Wars
Part of the battle with home improvement projects is simply being organized enough to know where your gear is. This garage storage organizer has room for up to 11 tools of up to seven-and-a-half pounds each. The compact size and clean design free up your space for other things while keeping mops, brooms, outdoor tools, and even fitness gear easily within reach.
Snake Charmer
The first time you pay for an emergency plumber will be the last time you pay for an emergency plumber. Once you see that bill, you’re going to hate life. These drain snakes will take care of a lot of your drain issues that arise from clogging and obstructions. You’ll get a three-pack here, great for kitchen sinks, bathtubs, showers, and more.
Tools Of The Trade
I’m not saying you need to buy a pink toolset but I’m not saying you shouldn’t either. As long as it works, why does it matter what color it is? This 39-piece set is a steal for right around $20 and includes the basics: Hammer, tape measure, pliers, utility knife, and more. A hard case helps keep everything neat and organized.
Out Like A Light
If you spend much time in your garage, you’ll quickly come to the conclusion that the lighting out there? It sucks. This LED garage light is a serious upgrade to your existing lighting with four adjustable light heads (and one in the center) and 50,000 hours of long life time. Choose cool or warm light to suit your personal preferences.
Paint The Town
This is my favorite gadget on the list and one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” moments. The Paint Behind is a nylon tool to assist with everyone’s most dreaded home improvement task: Painting. This tool means you can “paint behind” (get it?) heavy pieces of furniture and immovable objects with ease. The starter kit here includes one applicator, one paint tray, and one paint pad.
Bin There, Done That
Storage bins are some of my most purchases ever which, now that I type it out, seems extra weird. This system is designed to mount to the wall in your garage or workshop, with each bin weight tested to hold up to 22 pounds. Once you mount the rails, the storage bins snap on, which means you can move them around to fit your needs.
Level With Me
A digital level is what we needed in my house as a kid because picture- and shelf-hanging was always quite the ordeal, involving a basic level, a pencil, and a whole lot of prayer. This one has two measuring modes, three measuring units, a bright LCD display you could read across the room, and even an audible indicator when you’re zoning in on “level.”
Wrap It Up
Wrap it up! These storage straps are ideal for organizing extension cords, hoses, rope, and more in the garage, shed, shop, boat, camper, RV, or literally anywhere else you can think of. Equipped with a rust-resistant stainless steel grommet, it makes it easy to hang and the heavy-duty weatherproof polypropylene means you don’t have to worry about breakage. Bulky cord reels are a thing of the past.
Hello, Dolly
Often, a home improvement project starts with moving things, usually heavy things. These shoulder dolly moving straps will make those moves simpler, keeping your hands and arms free (which sounds crazy) and making it safer to lift items up to 800 pounds. This purchase includes gear for two movers or, you know, you and that poor soul you bribed with beer and pizza.
Can-Do Attitude
I love a can-do attitude and a can-do clamp to go along with it. Reviewers rave about its ability to create perfect 90-degree angles and get perfect, strong squaring. One reviewer said, “This is a solid and accurate clamp and really not that expensive when you consider the alternatives or the cost of an imperfect angle to the overall project. It is easy to use and saves time and rework.”
Wet Paint
Here’s my paintbrush story: Every time I need one … and think I have one … I can’t find one. And, then I end up having to order more or — gasp — visiting a home improvement store locally. This five-piece paintbrush set is going in my cart ASAP so I never have to wonder if I have a brush for a project.
Caulk Talk
Looking for a caulk tool that does it all? This three-in-one unit helps remove acrylic, latex, and silicone caulk. Once you’ve done that dirty work, you can move on to using it as an applicator with three bead profiles to apply caulk and smooth it to satisfaction. One reviewer added: “It is the best caulking tool I’ve found by far. It is my second one.”
Don’t Be A Tool
Take your tools to go with this toolbox on wheels. This comes with a ton of customization options including a clear-lid organizer, a deep-drawer toolbox, a two-drawer cart, and a four-wheel cart. With that many choices, you can create a toolbox that fits your every need. And, with the DeWalt name on it, you know it’s quality you can trust.
Screw Around
Precision home projects require precision tools, which is exactly what this precision screwdriver set is all about. This little gem is a 27-in-one gadget that includes 26 magnetic bits with onboard storage (and the screwdriver itself). You’ll always have the right tool for the job with this one, which is a great addition to a tool bag or compact enough for your car’s glove box.
Roll Around
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how many tools you can squeeze into this tool roll bag, which can be rolled up (of course) or hung up as you see in the photo. This roll organizer has four compartments for tools and two detachable + D-loops for smaller gear. Water-, grease- and rip-resistant, it’s easy to carry and can go anywhere, even on the back of your driver’s seat.
Grab And Go
I know they used to advertise these grabber tools on television for the ill and elderly but I guarantee you’ll reach for this more than you ever thought you would. It features an extra-strength gripper, a rotating and rubberized head, and an extra-long extended reach of up to 32 inches. Pick up tools, trash, coins, and more for less than $11.
Slip Of The Pen
Most people with a lengthy honey-do list appreciate the versatility of this six-in-one multitool pen, which incorporates a ballpoint pen, a stylus pen, a small screwdriver set (both flathead and Phillips), a bubble level, and a four-scale ruler. Made of aluminum, this multifunction pen tool has no moving parts that can break easily and slips nicely into a shirt or pants pocket.
Measure Up
The future is now, so, naturally, everything needs lasers. and this tape measure is no exception. Two measurement modes work for every project: A laser measurement that can reach 131 feet and an inch tape measurement for up to 16 feet. Switch easily between meters, inches, and feet with a press of a button. Both waterproof and dustproof, this measure will shut itself off after a period of no usage to preserve the battery life.
Upgrade Your Uniform
I love nothing more than a man completing home improvement projects … except maybe a man in a sarcastic T-shirt completing home improvement projects. This one tells everyone exactly who you are — a lean, mean home improvement machine. “Sawdust is man glitter” just makes me giggle. Snag this shirt in three styles and five sizes up to 3x.
Belt It Out
Are you even a home improvement expert if you don’t wear a tool belt? This one has 11 pockets with an adjustable belt and dual steel loops for hanging hammers. Five main pockets accommodate traditional tools while six smaller pockets are a great place to stash pliers, pencils, nails, and more. A quick-release buckle makes this easy to put on and take off easily.
Hammer Time
So many hammer jokes, so little time. I’ll just tell you that this five-piece hammer set should help you tackle all your projects. It includes two ball peen hammers, a rubber mallet, a sledgehammer, and a cross peen hammer (whatever that is). One reviewer called this set a “great value for the money” and “similar to Snap-On or Matco.”
Tool Around
A multitool probably won’t tackle every job from start to finish but they’re great to have around for small or on-the-go projects. This 12-in-one mini hammer multitool has a hammer (duh) as well as pliers, a wire cutter, two types of screwdrivers, a saw, multiple blades, a file, and a bottle opener as well as a durable carrying case with a belt holster. Hey, Father’s Day is coming up — just sayin’.