The Tools That Earned Their Place
The items I'd keep to remain resourceful
A key principle of this Substack is resourcefulness. I hope that in sharing my stories, you learn something or take something with you to improve your own life.
Recently, I was looking around my house and realized I own a ridiculous number of tools. Some people buy accessories, clothes, or sunglasses. I’m a sucker for tools. They’re easy purchases to justify because you think, “I’m saving money, and I’ll use that again.” Most of the time that’s true. Sometimes, though, it’s also a pretty convenient excuse to buy a fancy tool you don’t really need. I’m guilty of that.
So, I thought I’d talk about some of the most valuable items I have around my house that help me stay resourceful. I didn’t include things like a hammer, screwdriver set, flashlight, socket set, utility knife, needle and thread, or basic cleaning tools like a broom or mop. I assume you have those already. If you don’t, get those first! I also left cooking and outdoor tools off this list because those may deserve articles of their own.
Here’s my list, in no particular order, of the tools I would replace immediately and why they’ve earned their place in my home.
1. A good step stool or ladder.
I’m 5’4”. I always say God didn’t make me taller because I would be an unstoppable force. Instead, I struggle.
Recently, I was helping my brother hang drywall, and we used a little step stool he’d kept after my Grandma passed away. My grandma was even shorter than I am and definitely wasn’t hanging drywall with it. She probably used it to reach a dish in the cupboard.
This thing made me incredibly nervous to stand on.
My brother and I nicknamed it “The Stool of Death,” and it made me appreciate the sturdy step stool I already have. I have a decent ladder, but honestly the step stool gets used far more often. It’s perfect for hanging Christmas decorations, changing batteries in clocks, or reaching the top shelf. I’m not a small woman, so having something that’s actually supportive is worth every penny.
2. A drill.
If I were just starting to buy power tools, I think my first purchase would be a drill. I almost left it off the list because it seemed too obvious.
Whether it’s hanging drywall, framing something, or degassing wine (yes, I’ve done that too), a good drill is one of the most useful tools you can own. If you’re just starting out, a corded drill will work just fine. But if you can afford a cordless one, the convenience is hard to beat.
3. Sawhorses.
I typically use these as my workbench, but that’s only the beginning. I’ve also used them to cut drywall, paint projects, and I’m pretty sure they’ve even become a buffet table at a family gathering.
Mine fold up, are easy to transport, surprisingly rugged, and only cost around $100. They’re one of those purchases that doesn’t seem that exciting until you realize how often you drag them back out. I love anything that solves ten different problems instead of just one.
4. A headlamp.
This one wasn’t that important until after I turned 40. If you know, you know.
I can’t see anything anymore. I usually complain “It’s too dark!” when really it’s my eyes.
It’s so much easier to throw on a headlamp and actually see what I’m doing while keeping both hands free. Whether I’m under the sink, in the basement, or trying to see inside an electrical box, I use it constantly.
I’m surprised I don’t have a permanent mark on my forehead from wearing it so much.
5. Non-contact voltage tester, multimeter, WAGO connectors, and an outlet tester.
I’m afraid of electricity and know just enough to be dangerous. I was always afraid to touch anything electrical. Now, I’m not saying go out and wire your house. But I am saying these tools made it possible for me to replace the receptacle that wouldn’t hold the vacuum cord anymore, change a light fixture, and fix my dryer when it blew a thermal fuse.
You never really know how a house is wired, especially an old one. Whenever I shut off a breaker, I still plug in a lamp or turn on the light I’m working on to make sure I actually killed power to that circuit. Even then, I still use my voltage tester before touching anything.
The outlet tester gives me peace of mind that everything is grounded and wired correctly afterward. The multimeter has helped me diagnose bigger problems with my dryer and air conditioner. I also find WAGO connectors easier and less frustrating than wire nuts.
These tools provided me an entry into something I couldn’t do before. They didn’t make me an electrician. They made electrical work approachable enough that I was willing to try. It still makes me nervous, and I still sometimes use AI to help me understand what I’m testing with the multimeter, but they’ve probably saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
6. Probably should have been mentioned earlier, but PPE is a must.
I bought a respirator a few years ago when I was demoing my back room. The dust was just awful, and it was worth every penny.
Later, I was repairing a table with some Bondo while wearing the respirator and had absolutely no idea how bad those fumes were until I took it off. That was a pretty eye-opening moment.
A good respirator is amazing and, for me, actually more comfortable than an N95 mask. It does leave a nice mark on the old face, though.
The same goes for safety glasses and hearing protection. Whether I’m weed whacking, sanding, or cutting something with my miter saw, I always wear the appropriate PPE. And gloves, of course, whenever I’m working with harsh chemicals.
Being resourceful doesn’t mean being reckless.
7. An oscillating multi-tool.
This thing is incredible. It’s easy to manage, makes plunge cuts, and is great for drywall, small craft projects, tight spaces, or cutting metal and plastic. It’s one of those tools that, once you own one, you start finding reasons to use it.
My most unusual use was under the kitchen sink. I was replacing the basket strainer because it was leaking. If you’ve ever replaced one, you know there’s a big retaining nut underneath that seems determined to become one with the sink over time.
Mine wasn’t moving. I fought that thing for what felt like hours with four different tools trying to get it loose. Finally, I got mad and grabbed my oscillating multi-tool and cut the retaining nut off.
Done in about four seconds. I wish I’d done it two hours earlier.
The same thing happened with a toilet seat where the screws had completely seized. Instead of continuing to fight it, I cut them off.
That’s what I like about this tool. It’s not intimidating, but every once in a while it’s exactly the right answer.
8. A sewing machine.
I love my sewing machine. I’ve made my own quilts and curtains and saved a ton of money. I’ve also repaired larger things like comforters instead of replacing them.
One of my favorite projects was making my own T-shirt quilt. I saved years’ worth of shirts and turned them into one big quilt. It’s incredibly warm, and instead of those shirts sitting in a tote somewhere, I actually get to use them.
One project I’d still like to do is make small memory quilts or lap blankets from the clothing of loved ones we’ve lost. This will be a very meaningful keepsake for family members and hopefully, something we can get done for Christmas this year.
DIY isn’t just construction. Sometimes it’s preserving memories.
9. A miter saw.
This one is probably a luxury, but for someone who likes to DIY and build things, it opened up a whole new world.
It’s also so much easier than a handsaw, which seems to take me forever to get through anything. Making a clean crosscut in a few seconds instead of spending several minutes sawing by hand has changed the kinds of projects I’m willing to tackle.
I own a circular saw too, but it still makes me nervous. I don’t reach for it very often.
I bought a double-bevel miter saw so I could install my own baseboard trim, and it worked great. It’s definitely an expensive purchase, but if mine quit tomorrow, I’d replace it without thinking twice.
10. A wet/dry shop vac.
This one was promoted to the list after last night’s adventure.
I actually put a shop vac on my Christmas list a few years ago because I thought it would be useful for cleaning my car and cleaning up after projects around the house.
Last night, though, it sucked up five buckets of water from my basement and may have saved my furnace from needing to be replaced...again.
I’d call that money well spent.
Honorable Mention: Air Compressor
This is great for putting air in bike and vehicle tires, running a nail gun to install molding or baseboard, and blowing the dust and cat hair out of my box fans a couple of times a year.
Plus, when you use a nail gun, you feel pretty cool when it makes that sound.
Ka-chash!
There are plenty of other tools I own that didn’t make this list. My reciprocating saw, PEX-A plumbing tool, and circular saw all have their place, but I just don’t reach for them that often.
There are also tools I really enjoy, like my palm router and jigsaw, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them unless you genuinely enjoy building and making things.
None of the tools on this list made me handy. They simply made things feel possible.
Each one lowered the barrier just enough that I was willing to try something new, fix something instead of replacing it, or make something that made my house feel more like home.
To me, that’s what resourcefulness is all about.