The mobile home DIY community is vibrant and dynamic. There seems to be no end to the number of things you can create or do yourself whether a craft or an upgrade. But with such a wide variety of possible objects, you need quite a collection of equipment.
Here is a list of tools and supplies that all mobile home DIYers should keep on hand. Gathering all these items will make you look and feel like a pro.
#1 Tape
First, you need to get some rolls of tape. It’s the perfect supply for a quick fix or repair. But it’s also very handy for many do-it-yourself undertakings, like painting walls for instance.
Generally, you need to have these following types of tape to complete your toolbox:
- Vinyl electrical tape
- Teflon tape
- Duct tape
- Painter’s tape
- Masking tape
And if you lean towards crafting and decorating, you should invest in some washi tape as well.
#2 Set of screwdrivers
Next, you need to make sure that you have a set of screwdrivers. You want to have a selection of different sizes and with different head shapes – such as star-shaped, square, slotted, Phillips head, and nut-driving tips. On the other hand, you could buy one screwdriver with interchangeable tips like the Channellock 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver.
#3 Cordless drill
Handheld drills are fun to use. And when you compare them to drills that need to be constantly connected to a power source, you may find them more practical and efficient and easy to use. You can carry a handheld drill wherever you go, and you don’t have to search for the nearest outlet. And keep in mind that when you buy a cordless drill it’s a good idea to invest in some additional drill bits as well.
#4 Stud finder
This next piece of equipment is one that you will see again and again on DIY guides. Studs are vertical parallel bars which act as supporting structures inside the walls or ceilings of your mobile home.
Therefore, you need to find them if you want to hang any heavy object off the surface of the wall or if you need to cut into the wall.
Take a look at how to use a stud finder.
#5 Hammer
You can’t go wrong with having a simple hammer in your collection of tools and supplies. And there is an assortment of hammer types to choose from. Generally, if you only get to choose one, you should go with a curved claw hammer that you can use to drive and remove nails.
#6 Hex key set
These nifty implements are also known as Allen wrenches. They are similar to screwdrivers, but their tips are shaped like hexagons.
You might need hex keys if you’re working with any of the following:
- Bikes
- Electronics
- Ready-to-assemble furniture
- Cars and motorcycles
- Tools
- Furniture repairs.
#7 Twine
Twine is an excellent supply to have for more than one reason. You can use it to fasten or hang objects. But it’s brilliant for decorative purposes too. You can, for example, use it to decorate photo frames, create coasters, or to accent the legs of your furniture.
Twine will fit well with any rustic interior decor style.
#8 Utility knife
One of the basic implements that comes in any toolbox is a nice, sharp utility knife. You can use it to cut boxes, rope, carpeting, and wire insulation. Plus, you might need it to score drywall too.
Preferably, you should get some replacement blades as well.
#9 Adjustable wrench
A great way to save money is by buying tools with multiple uses or changeable settings. One great example is an adjustable wrench. As long as you choose a high-quality, sturdy implement, you will be able to adjust it for any task.
#10 Socket wrench set
Adjustable wrenches are great, but they won’t always be your best option. If you regularly want to fasten or loosen nuts and bolts, a socket set will probably work much better.
#11 Carpenter’s pencil
X marks the spot. And anyone who is serious about DIY knows that there’s often tons of marking involved.
You will need to draw out outlines, mark studs or spots for drilling, and so on. And that is where the carpenter’s pencil comes in. It is ideal for writing on any rough surface.
#12 Pliers
Another essential item in any toolbox is a pair of pliers. These are multipurpose tools that you can use to bend, cut, or grip objects. You can also use pliers to strip wires and insulation. These implements can significantly speed up your job and make it far easier to complete.
#13 I-beam level
Do you already have an I-beam level?
If not, it’s time to invest in one. You will need it whenever you want to install a new countertop, hang a picture, or build a chair. Or in any other task where you need to create a flat surface.
#14 Ruler
In some cases, rulers are easier to use than measuring tape. This is especially true for confined spaces and smaller-scale crafts like scrapbooking. You can also use a ruler to help draw up your project plans.
#15 Craft knife (X-Acto)
Utility knives aren’t the only type of cutting tool you need. In some cases, you need a finer instrument such as a craft knife. It’s essential for any task where delicate cuts are needed – for example, crafting stationary or making jewelry.
#16 Handsaw
There are a variety of saws you can invest in for DIY projects, including ones powered by electricity. But these are often expensive and difficult to use.
So if you’re looking create a basic and inexpensive toolkit, it’s a good idea to invest in a handsaw. This will help you to complete basic woodworking projects.
#17 Protective clothing and gear
All in all, one of the most essential tools for any DIYer is protective gear. Many of the tasks you might try your hand at can be messy and dirty. But, beyond being messy and dirty, they can also be fairly dangerous.
Therefore, you want to get some of the following:
- Safety glasses
- Heavy-duty work clothes
- Respiratory/dust mask
- Noise reduction earmuffs.
#18 Glue gun
Sometimes regular glue just won’t cut it. Instead, you might need to use a glue gun. This is undoubtedly one tool that no DIYer should go without.
It’s easy to think you’ll use a glue gun mainly for repairs. However, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. You can actually it for crafts too – like creating a non-slip rug or even making personalized window decorations.
#19 Multi-tool
You can’t compile a list of tools and supplies without mentioning a multi-tool. These implements are small and light, so you can pop them into your pocket and carry them around. They are so versatile and are fantastic if you’re in a bind and don’t have anything else on hand.
#20 Glue
Get yourself some glue. All kinds of glue. This is one of those supplies that you really can’t skimp on. You will use it for all sorts of projects and crafts. But it’s just as useful for repairs.
A few common types that you want to have on hand are:
- Wood
- Superglue
- Epoxy
- Craft
- Fabric
- Polyurethane
- Mod podge
- Elmer’s
#21 Mineral spirits
Cleaning up after a DIY project can be quite a hassle. Paint, grease, varnish, and other chemicals can be pretty stubborn. Mineral spirits is a budget-friendly and easy to use cleaning solution for all of these spills and more.
#22 Sanding block
A sanding block is a great tool to use if you need to sand something by hand. It usually has some type of mechanism into which you can clamp a piece of sandpaper while you hold onto the back of the block. This means you can avoid getting scuffed or scratched by the sheet.
#23 Scissors
Of course, you need to have a sharp, high-quality pair of scissors. Most do-it-yourself jobs will require snipping of some kind. Standard scissors should work fine for most tasks. However, some crafts will need a special pair. For example, you need to have fabric scissors for sewing.
#24 Flashlight or work light
This next tool isn’t only crucial for a DIYer, but for any homeowner or renter. You’ll need to use a flashlight whenever you have to complete a task in low or no-light conditions. This might be working in an attic or a mobile home’s underbelly, for example.
Besides this, you want to make sure that you always have some extra sets of batteries in a drawer or cupboard.
#25 WD-40
WD-40 is a water-displacing spray. Generally, it’s the go-to product for preventing rust, loosening objects that are stuck, and fixing squeaky hinges. But it’s also one of those supplies that has a hundred and one uses.
#26 Wet and dry vacuum
Remember that being a DIYer isn’t just about the first steps in the process of creating, updating, or renovating. There are follow-up steps that are also important. Case in point – the cleanup after the project. This is where a wet and dry vacuum will come in handy. There is a reason why these appliances are beloved in industrial settings.
#27 Cutting mat or board
Another piece of equipment that any DIYer should invest in is a cutting mat. You can use this for any project where you will use a craft knife, utility knife, or rotary tool. It will protect your work surface while keeping the blade from dulling.
#28 Plastic sheet
How do you protect your belongings while you paint your walls?
With a plastic sheet, of course! A tarp is a cheap yet critical supply to keep on hand. You can use it to cover anything you want to protect or keep out of the way, including your work surface.
#29 Clamp
Clamps are incredibly useful tools. You can use them to hold objects while you are working on them or keep them in place while the glue you’re using dries.
There are several different clamps that you can use depending on the types of projects you will be working. For example, there are:
- C-clamps
- Pipe-clamps
- Handscrew-clamps.
#30 Zip ties
Zip ties are just as useful as tape when you need to hold something in place.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to these nifty implements. Here are some creative uses for zip ties that you might not have thought of:
- Support your plants
- Fasten to tools to stop them from rolling
- Provide temporary traction for bike wheels
- Hang decorations
- Organize cables
- Childproof cabinets
One major benefit of zip ties is that you can undo the ties once you’re done and reuse them for your next task.
#31 Tool chest
Unfortunately, an extensive collection of tools and supplies can quickly get out of hand. That’s why you want to keep them neat and organized in a chest or set of drawers. Otherwise, you might find yourself wasting hours looking for a screwdriver or wrench.
#32 Ladder
Another crucial tool you need to invest in is a high-quality ladder. You want to find one that is stable and sturdy, so it’s safe to use. Preferably, it should be about 5-6 feet tall so that you can use it for any task from clearing your gutters to changing light bulbs.
#33 Measuring tape
People don’t often appreciate the value of a measuring tape until they can’t find one. This simple tool is critical for a range of tasks from buying the right curtains to making the perfect size furniture for your home.
#34 Rotary tool
If you are dedicated to handiwork and do-it-yourself projects, a rotary tool can be a nice addition to your toolbox. These appliances are usually great all-around-useful items that you can use for a variety of applications, including the following:
- Sawing
- Sharpening
- Routing
- Polishing
- Carving
- Engraving
- Grinding
- Drilling
- Sanding
- Cleaning.
Exactly what you can do with yours may depend the model you get and the accessories that come with it.
#35 Putty knife
Overall, the putty knife is probably one of the simplest tools on this list. Yet it can be extremely useful. Its primary use is for spackling tasks like filling holes.
Besides this, you can use it to remove paint, wallpaper, and more before applying a new coat or sheet.
#36 Assortment of hardware
Last but not least, you should invest in an assortment of small hardware. You never know when you are going to need a handful of nuts and bolts.
Here are some essentials you need to collect:
- Screws
- Washers
- Nails
- Hooks
- Brackets
- Hinges
- Nuts and bolts.
We recommend that you store each type in its own glass or plastic jar.
DIY your home for a personal touch
A tool and supply setup like this is any DIYer’s dream. Once you’ve gathered all the gear, you will be able to face almost any type of project. For a few ideas for your next project, take a look at how to wallpaper your ceilings & why it’s trending and DIY bedroom nightstands for different styles & budgets.
About EZ Homes Design Team
