Handymen Swear by These Weird Things for Your Home That Are Life-Changing

“One surprising product I always keep in my kit is clear butyl tape,” says Ahmad Faiz, owner of Achilles Roofing and Exterior. This versatile, waterproof clear patch and seal tape can stop any leak, even if that leak is happening underwater. “Most people associate it with RV repairs or window sealing,” he says. “But it’s incredibly useful for quick, watertight fixes on flashing, gutters, skylights, and roof vents. It holds strong under heat and moisture, and it’s saved more than a few emergency service calls from turning into full replacements.” It comes in three colors.

You do not have to crawl under the furniture, ask someone to hold the other end of a tape, or pace the room trailing a tape measure to measure a space, according to Faiz. “[Get] a simple laser measure,” he says. “It’s compact, fast, and saves time when scoping out roofing dimensions, soffits, or fascia board lengths. Accuracy saves money, and this little tool eliminates guesswork.” Faiz recommends Bosch’s laser measures, and this Blaze laser distance measure is capable of measuring distances up to 100 feet.

One quick fix that will save your house? Faiz recommends focusing on the gutters and making sure you have downspout extensions. “It’s not expensive, but it prevents foundation damage, siding rot, and mold. Most homeowners underestimate the long-term damage caused by poor drainage.” These flexible rain gutter downspout extensions are easy to attach to your downspouts and allow you to move the water to a swale, low spot, or something that is at least further away from your foundation.

When it comes to floors and furniture, cosmetic damage can be costly to repair. But you don’t necessarily have to do a full repair, according to Gowdhaman Kandasamy, manager of Ironsmith Lighting. “If you have some scratches, try using Minwax scratch fix pens,” he says. “They're great for covering up marks on wood surfaces like floors, cabinets, or furniture. They're simple to use and give you quick and lasting results.” Choose a wood finish stain marker that matches the color of your wood and simply color over the blemish. They come in eight colors.

“Magnetic under-cabinet lights with sensors are a cool lighting option,” says Kandasamy. “They are simple to set up and give you hands-free light in places like kitchens and closets.” These puck lights, for example, stick magnetically to metal or to the included peel-and-stick metal plate. You choose a color and brightness and set them to turn on when they sense motion or when it is dark. They turn off automatically. Pull them off their metal base to recharge them.

“One product that sounds like a gimmick but is actually incredibly handy for basic home repair is a flexible snaking drill bit,” says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build. This is a drill bit extension that bends to reach around corners or into spaces your hands and drill won’t fit. “These are perfect for getting those awkwardly-placed screws in just the right place or drilling an essential hole for hanging shelves or pictures,” he says. They come in four options.

Taking a few minutes to prepare your tools before you start a job can save you a lot of hassle in the execution. “As an example, magnetic wristbands designed to hold screws will save you tons of time and frustration by keeping what you need in an easy-access way,” says Jim Marino, home improvement expert and CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements. Strap this magnetic wristband on, stick your nuts, bolts, screws, and drill bits to it, and go into your job ready.

A small water leak in a place you don’t notice it happening can do a lot of damage before you even realize there is a problem. This leak detector will buzz loudly as soon as water appears under a water heater, plumbing, or AC unit — or wherever you place it — so you can deal with the problem before it multiplies. “Water leak detectors will not only protect your home but also add value to it,” says Marino. This is a pack of three.

“Sugru moldable glue is one of those products more people should know about,” according to Thomas Oldham, construction expert and co-founder of UK Construction Blog. “It sticks to almost anything, sets into flexible rubber, and is brilliant for fixing frayed cables, patching awkward corners, or adding small bumpers to doors and cupboards. It holds up well indoors and out.” It comes in six colors.

“I also rate 3M Command strips for small jobs,” says Oldham. “They’re stronger than you’d think and ideal for situations where you can’t or don’t want to drill. I’ve used them to hold LED strips under cabinets and to mount tools and remotes exactly where I need them.” They are affordable and easy to use, too. Choose the size you need for your application from this pack of 20 hanging strips and peel and stick it where you need it.

“A telescopic magnetic pickup tool might sound niche, but it’s one of the most practical things I own,” says Oldham. “It makes it easy to retrieve screws or bits from tight, hidden spaces without having to dismantle anything.” This one has magnets built into both the light — for picking up dropped tools and keys — and the base — for sticking it to a metal surface so you can use it as a task light. The telescoping head reaches 22 inches, and the gooseneck end bends in whatever direction you like.

“For me, a hidden gem is a good set of toilet leak detection tablets,” says Kevin Vander Hyde, Vice President of Vander Hyde Services, a Grand Rapids-based home services business. “Most people don't realize their toilet is quietly leaking and wasting gallons of water every day, driving up their bill.” These dye tablets will tell you in seconds. “You just drop these in the tank, wait a bit, and if the bowl water changes color, you've got a leak. They're budget-friendly, highly effective, and act as a major water bill saver.”

“Honestly, [I swear by] a really good tube of construction adhesive or Liquid Nails,” says Vander Hyde. “People typically think of it for holding wood, but it's surprising how many wobbly pieces of furniture, loose tiles, or even minor cracks you can stabilize and reinforce. It's like super-glue's big, burly cousin for permanent fixes, often saving you from a bigger repair down the line.” It is paintable, sustainable, sand-able, and weather resistant.

“One thing I use more than you'd think is double-sided outdoor carpet tile tape,” says Kevin Keen, a construction expert, contractor, and owner of Keen's Building. “It’s incredibly useful for quick fixes, like keeping loose tiles or baseboards from shifting while you're working, or even temporarily securing cords or edging during exterior upgrades. It holds better than painter’s tape and doesn’t leave residue like some construction adhesives. It’s just one of those things you throw in the toolbox and end up reaching for a lot more than you planned.” It comes in six sizes and lengths.

“One [tool] I always suggest is a flexible inspection camera with a light,” says Keen. “It’s cheap, it’s tiny, and it saves you from tearing open drywall just to figure out what’s causing a weird smell or leak. You can snake it behind walls, under floors, inside drains, and find the problem fast. It’s the kind of tool that pays for itself the first time you avoid a messy demo.” You can adjust the brightness with the touch of a button, and it comes with several clever accessories that let you look around corners and move things out of the way.

“Those refillable pressurized spray cans,” says Keen. “They’re not just for paint. I’ve used them for pest control mixtures, cleaning solutions, even applying light oil to hinges or metal joints in sheds and outdoor structures. They give you a controlled spray without needing an air compressor. I always keep a couple around.” This garden pump sprayer is perfect for this. It has an adjustable spray, a big handle, and it comes in three sizes.

One staple in most toolboxes? “A magnetic stud finder with a built-in level,” Keen. “It never fails. And it’s way better than the battery-powered ones that beep at everything. The magnet locks right onto screws or nails in drywall, and the level helps you mark your lines without grabbing another tool. It's simple but surprisingly effective, especially when you're doing quick installs or hanging heavy objects.” Just run it along the wall until it sticks and leave it there so you know where the studs are.

“Swapping out old light switches for dimmer switches or motion-sensor switches makes a big impact for not a lot of cash,” says Keen. “It adds convenience, modernizes the space, and can help cut down energy use, especially in rooms like closets or hallways where lights are often left on. You don’t need an electrician if you’re comfortable with basic wiring, and it changes how a space feels right away.” This dimmer light switch has both a toggle and a dimmer. It comes in white or black.

This motion sensor light switch is the perfect fix for light switches that are difficult to locate in the dark or for rooms — like a laundry room — where you often enter carrying bulky items that make it hard to flip a switch. It senses when you are there and turns on the lights. When there is no motion, because you left the room, it turns the lights off again. It comes in six colors.

“If someone wants to make a quick improvement without spending much,” says Oldham, “I’d recommend updating the light switches and socket covers. Modern styles in matte or brushed finishes make a room feel more considered, and the cost is minimal for the impact it has.” These outlet covers, for example, are only a few dollars each, and they elevate the look of your space well above the builder-grade covers that are likely there now. You will find covers for all your light switches to match, too.

“An electric toothbrush is one of the most unexpectedly useful tools I keep on hand,” says Oldham. “It works especially well for cleaning grout lines, reaching behind taps and fixtures, or even applying polish to intricate furniture detailing. The precision you get from the vibrating head beats most brushes designed specifically for cleaning.” You don’t have to spring for an expensive one. This electronic toothbrush is affordable and comes with eight spare heads and a carrying case.

“Not everyone has the budget to install a backsplash,” says Marino. “Peel and stick backsplash tiles can work wonders. When you buy quality peel-and-stick backsplash and apply it correctly, it’s hard to tell you just stuck it on there.” You can choose from so many colors and styles, too, that your inexpensive update will be fun and have a huge impact.

“If you have scuffs on any wood in your home, touch-up pens work like a dream,” says Marino. In this furniture repair kit, use the markers to draw over water marks, light scratches, and discoloration. Use the crayons to fill in deeper gouges. You might have to get creative and mix colors to match your floor or furniture, but the results are so good that no one will know that blemish was ever there.

“You’d be amazed at how some simple things you may already have in your home can be used,” says Marino. “Dental picks are something that comes to my mind as they’re excellent, not to mention handy, for detailed cleaning.” Whether it’s your phone charger port, a clogged drain, or a jammed window, the tweezers, mirror, and variety of scrapers in this dental pick set will help you out of many a jam. It comes in a case, and you can choose from eight case colors.

“Weather stripping helps keep your home energy efficient, but it can come up for a multitude of reasons,” says Marino. He recommends keeping a screen repair tool set like this one on hand for the moments when screens or weather stripping need maintenance. “Having a simple tool like this can make the fix much easier and quicker,” he says. A combination of specialized tools, like the screen roller and crevice hook, helps you get materials into and out of those tight spaces easily. And it’s helpful to have a pair of scissors handy.

Tyler Hull, a professional contractor with Modern Exterior, likes to keep a collection of rubber edge trim in his kit. “Homeowners never think of them,” he says. But they are useful in a variety of situations, and once you have them on hand, you will use them often. “I use them as anti-scratch guards behind wall hangings, bumpers on drawers, even as noise dampeners on vibrating outdoor vents.” They come in 39 sizes.

People might wonder why you have orthodontic wax in your toolbox. But Hull swears by it, and it is sure to turn you into a MacGyver. “I use it to temporarily stop drafts through window edges, pad squeaky hinges, or fill tiny gaps in outdoor outlets before sealing. If a house hums or whistles during storms, dental wax shuts it up until the real fix comes in. It is clean, cheap, and wipes off without residue.” It comes in mint and unflavored, but your squeaky hinge is unlikely to appreciate the mint.

These little caulk caps are small, cheap, and weird, but they will save you money and frustration. “People never reseal tubes right, and the caulk dries out,” says Hull. “These little caps make it last four times longer, which means your $5 tube of caulk actually finishes five projects instead of one. It saves cash and mess.” No more opening the toolbox to fix something, only to discover you need to run to the hardware store for more caulk.

This telescoping inspection mirror looks like something an unhinged Jurassic scientist would pull out to study the molars of a dinosaur, but Hull relies on one for home repairs. “I clip it to a telescoping rod and check behind gutters, under soffits, or under heavy appliances,” he says. “You cannot fix what you cannot see, and those mirrors catch leaks, pests, and loose wires before they turn into big problems. It looks like dentist gear, but it is a time-saver for real.” This one comes with a telescoping rod and a storage bag.

You might have a butane torch like this on hand for putting the crunchy finish on crème brûlée or starting the grill, but it is also useful for executing home repairs, according to Hull. “Great for thawing frozen gutters in winter or heating up stubborn adhesives outdoors,” he says. “If I am repairing trim on a cold day, I warm the caulk tube for five seconds with it, and suddenly the seal flows like warm butter. Yes, it smells a little like fireworks. Still worth it!” This one comes in three styles.

For James A., an L.A.-based tasker with Airtasker, there is one cheap tool he takes to every job: “Magic erasers,” he says. “They clean up wall scuffs, doors, baseboards… stuff people usually think needs repainting. Total time-saver.” This pack of 50 cleaning erasers is so affordable and ample that you can toss one of these wonders into every cleaning kit you have stashed around the house.

A hidden gem home upgrade? Installing soft-close hinges. “[Put] soft-close hinges on cabinets and drawers,” James A. says. “Super simple to install, but they make your kitchen or bathroom feel way more upgraded.” This pack of 10 will do most of your kitchen cabinets and they are adjustable and come with screw covers for a professional finish.

Another oddity James A. keeps in his tool kit? “A silicone kitchen spatula,” he says. “Sounds weird, but it’s perfect for smoothing out caulk or sealant in tight spots like around sinks or tubs.” These small spatulas are bright and easy to find in a tool kit and small enough that they won’t be unwieldy on the job. They come in seven colors.

If you are hanging pictures or shelves, though, you want a pro hack that makes this fast and easy. According to James A., that trick is a laser level. “The cheap ones on Amazon are surprisingly accurate,” he says. “I use mine constantly for hanging shelves, mounting TVs, you name it.” It shoots a straight line at the wall that you can use as a guide so you can hang that picture or shelf straight without a lot of measuring.

“A heat gun is a weird but useful gadget for home repairs,” according to Robert O'Sullivan, owner and roofing contractor at Ranch Roofing Inc. “It works great for loosening old paint, thawing frozen pipes, or even warming up shingles so they seal better during repairs.” This one comes with four attachments for controlling the heat concentration and allows you to control the temperature with a dial.

“One Amazon product I use all the time is an oscillating multi-tool,” says O’Sullivan. “It’s incredibly useful for cutting, sanding, and scraping in tight spots — perfect for quick repairs or tricky corners.” This one has attachments for sawing, sanding, trimming, or grinding, and the variable speed controls let you dial in the oscillation for your current task.

What does your tool kit need that you haven’t thought of? “A painters tool,” says Redditor, Shuckeljuice, on a thread about strange and useful tools. “I have several, from a 10-in-one to a six-in-one. I can't help but pick up one every time I see an awesome one for a good deal. If you can get a good painters tool, it's a lifesaver.” The scraping edge of this five-in-one will remove paint, stickers, and more, and the curved roller cleaner will come in handy more often than you expect.

Another carpenter, peligrosobandito, in that same Reddit thread swears by the scratch awl tool they keep in their kit. “A scratch awl has been my savior for so many random things. Holding the end of a tape or string line, prying, poking, stabbing, and marking.” It is small and simple but is just the thing when you need to clean out a drilled hold, punch a hole, perforate, or align screw holes.

When you are working on repairs or installations, the urge to scream “Can someone hold a light for me!?” happens often. There is an easier way, according to Redditors who know. One Redditor, Bright-Log6486, recommends “a headlamp. It’s amazing how much easier it makes things not having to hold a flashlight and frees up both hands.” This is a pack of two rechargeable headlamps that are adjustable and capable of seven colors of light, so you can not only see but also see in a color that won’t change what you are working on.

One handyman on Reddit, Bulldogg658, loves this measuring stick tool. They let you measure in hard-to-reach places and leave the measure in place so you can see the dimensions as you work. It extends to 47 inches and includes an add-on that extends its reach to 94 inches. It also comes with a small version for measuring spaces that are 3 to 8 inches.