Whether you live on a farm or own a house in the country, having proper hardware tools on hand for repairs and maintenance can be a lifesaver. They’ll help prevent long drives to the city and let you take care of simple jobs yourself. Below are several key tools you should have on hand at home.

What Hardware Tools Should You Have?

1. Screwdriver Set

Screwdrivers are essential for assembling household products or completing tractor repairs. You should get a set that has multiple bits in both Phillips head and flathead styles. The main standard sizes you’ll need are 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8". 

2. Hammer & Nails

A standard claw hammer and nails can be used for hanging pictures, placing mounts, performing drywall repairs, or working on fences. A 16 oz. hammer is ideal for household work, while a heavier 20 oz. hammer is suitable for construction and repairs. You should have an assortment of nails, too, including box nails and finishing nails of varying lengths.

3. Pliers

You should also have a set of needle-nose and tongue-and-groove pliers. Needle-nose pliers fit into tight spaces to grip and pull nails, wires, and staples, while tongue-and-groove pliers are suitable for tightening and clamping bolts and nuts. They can also be used to bend thin metal objects.

4. Tape Measure

A quality tape measure is crucial in projects where precision matters, such as woodworking and fence construction. Your measure should have clearly delineated inches and feet, as well as conversion marks for centimeters and meters. A cased tape measure is best for around the house, but if you do a lot of work outside or in construction, a measuring wheel may be best, as it’s much longer.

If you need quality hardware tools, Ernst Irrigation in St. Paul, OR, stocks everything necessary for work around your house or farm. If they don’t have what you need, they’ll order it for you. Prioritizing customer satisfaction, their staff is professional and friendly, and they offer farm equipment repairs and servicing for jobs that need more expertise. Learn more about them online, and call (503) 633-1111 to ask about tools.