Handymen say these 55 weird things for your home are so damn clever

BOQORAD Wall Mounted Clothes Hanger Rack

Sometimes you just don’t have the space to dry your clothing. For a simple solution, home renovator and CEO of Sell My House Fast Shaun Martin suggests using a multipurpose mounted drying rack. This space-saving upgrade frees up “precious floor space,” prevents “dealing with wet spots on your furniture,” and provides for all your drying needs when installed on doors or walls. It attaches via a durable base, has rotating hooks, and folds up completely when you aren’t using it. Screw it into your wall with the included hardware, and it can hold up to 220 pounds of clothing and linens.

The blackout roller shade that helps keep rooms cool

ChrisDowa Blackout Roller Shade

This blackout roller shade comes recommended by Jack Williams, Founder of HandymanReviewed. It helps keep your room nice and dark while also offering thermal insulation. Made of layered fabric, the inner black layer absorbs heat and blocks strong sunlight to keep your room cooler, while the back has a thermal insulated backing that blocks UV rays. It’s mountable inside or outside your window frame using the included hardware.

Peel-&-stick backsplash tile that’s hassle-free

Art3d Peel-And-Stick Backsplash Tile (10 Sheets)

If you want to refresh the look of your space without much labor, owner of Cherniak Handyman Services Shlomo Cherniak recommends trying a peel-and-stick backsplash. “Self-adhesive tiles are designed for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas in your home,” he says, adding, “They are easy to handle, cut, install, and maintain.” This 10-pack of backsplash tile sheets looks like classic subway tiles, but they’re made of easy-to-clean, durable, water-resistant vinyl that won’t crack or yellow. Installation is as easy as removing the adhesive backing and securing the sheets to your wall.

Moldable plastic that does just about anything

Sukh Moldable Plastic Pellets

“I recently bought modable plastic that you put and hot water and you can form it into anything you need pretty much,” one handyman Redditor wrote of these ingenious plastic pellets. “Made a caulk gun holder for my ladder, used it to fix a broken piece of trim, made a tube squeezer. And you can melt it all back down and mold it again,” they added. Just add hot water, then shape them into whatever your project needs — it’s that easy.

An inspection camera for finding lost items, identifying leaks, & more

Kinpthy Endoscope Camera with Light

“It’s not the type of thing most homeowners would think to buy – but an inspection camera is a fantastic little gadget,” says Steve Thomson, founder of the Guild of Handymen. “I use mine to look behind walls, under floorboards, and even down plug holes. For every day use, they’re great for finding lost toys, little leaks, and even missing remotes — without having to drag furniture about or crawl around on your hands and knees!”

This budget-friendly garage light option

Aoretic LED Garage Lights (2-Pack)

Inspired by owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas Gus Pullen’s recommendation to brighten the garage, for an ultra budget-friendly option, you can opt for this two-pack of LED garage lights. These have four panels, are adjustable up to 90 degrees, and a brightness level of 12,000 lumens. This screws directly into the light bulb socket.

The smart garage control that’s convenient & secure

Chamberlain Smart Garage Control

Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Handyman Services, tells Mic that installing a smart garage controller that “allows you to control and monitor your garage door using your smartphone.” This handy device lets you open or shut your garage via the app even when you aren’t home, so you can rest assured the door is never left open. You can even automate closing or opening at scheduled times, or let in friends and family. Cherniak lauds this type of gadget as it “provides convenience and security for your home.”

High-density weather stripping tape that stops drafts

Trisiki Weather Stripping Door Seal Strip

Jamie Robinson, home improvement expert at Value Doors, says, “Investing in weatherstripping can make a big difference to your home, as this can seal gaps and improve energy efficiency. You’ll be surprised how a little gap can make a room so cold.” Use the 26 feet of this weather stripping tape to stop drafts from sneaking in through gaps in doors and windows. The high-density foam adheres easily to wood, glass, and other surfaces, and helps insulate your home so you can cut down on your energy usage. Use this inside or outside, and it’s available in different sizes for different needs.

Soft-close hinges for your cabinets

KONIGREE Soft-Close Cabinet Door Hinges (20-Pack)

A home upgrade worth making? Soft-close hinges. Director of Edwards & Hampson Joinery Arran Jordan says, “Soft close hinges are relatively cheap and are very easy to install, even a novice can do it by simply swapping out old hardware and replacing the new ones with a screwdriver. They will instantly make your kitchen cabinets feel more high-end, reduce noise, and prevent damage.” This pack of 20 soft-close cabinet door hinges are easy to install, and have enough for you to outfit 10 cabinets.

The digital tape measure that displays exact measurements

PREXISO 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure

Feeling unsure about your measurements? To ensure you’re being accurate every time, Gus Pullen, owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas, suggests a digital tape measure like this one that “takes the guesswork” out of measuring. “It's easy to read and also useful if someone isn't confident reading the exact measurement on a regular tape measure,” he adds.

It has a 16-foot retractable tape and a durable, weather-resistant plastic body. The large digital display automatically gives you an accurate read, while a lock button keeps the tape from moving. It’s easy to recharge via a USB-C cable.

Motion-sensing lights for your stairways

EZVALO Motion Sensor Stair Lights (4-Pack)

Daniel Vasilevski, electrician and the director and owner of Bright Force Electrical, recommends adding motion-sensing lights around your home. He says, “Lighting under kitchen cabinets, inside closets or along staircases is usually overlooked but it makes a huge difference in usability and safety.” These LED light bars have motion sensors that detect motion within 10 feet and turn on, illuminating your stairways (or closets or kitchens). This is a pack of three.

Peel-&-stick wall decals for a stylish focal point

VePret Green Leaves Wall Decals

Upgrading your decor can be easy and budget-friendly. “Use wall decals, a decorative adhesive design or image that can be easily applied to walls,” suggests Richard Mann, founder and owner of Premier Porcelain. “[They] can create an artistic focal point and help reflect your personal style without spending too much.” These peel-and-stick botanical wall decals add a pop of green and bring a fresh vibe to your space within minutes. The package comes with enough to cover about 5.5 feet by 2.5 feet of wall, and these are waterproof, fade-resistant, and removable with a hairdryer.

These refillable paint pens that make touch-ups a breeze

SLOBPROOF Fillable Paint Pen (2-Pack)

Touching up paint doesn’t have to be messy, and you don’t need to lug around the whole bucket every time you notice a scratch or chip. Bona fide handyperson and co-founder of The DIY Nuts Erin Nutter recommends these fillable paint pens (that have almost 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon) to make the task simple. “Fill these once and use them to easily touch up those walls and cabinets without having to get the whole paint gallon out,” she says. These pens have a built-in syringe to suck up paint, then you snap on the brush head and are ready to take on touchups without the hassle or mess.

Magnetic catches that keep cabinet doors tightly latched

Jiayi Magnetic Cabinet Door Catch (4-Pack)

For a quick way to upgrade doors throughout your place, home improvement expert at Value Doors Jamie Robinson likes to install catches like this four-pack of cabinet door magnetic catches to keep them securely closed. He explains, “These are great for enhancing functionality and provide a polished finish to all types of doors, from cabinets to closet doors.” With a thin design, they easily blend with most finishes and add a pro appearance without causing your doors to have weird gaps. You also have your choice of included adhesive strips or screws to install them.

A 12-in-1 multitool nestled into a hammer

RAK Hammer Multi-Tool

Can you really own too many multitools? A handyman Redditor didn’t think so: “Total game changer,” they swore. This one contains all the usual suspects, like flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, wire cutters, pliers, and more — plus, one very handy addition of a hammer. It’s ergonomically designed and takes up next to no space in a bag, with a safety lock that’s a thoughtful, welcome addition.

A magnetic stud finder that’s easy to use

Calculated Industries StudMark Magnetic Stud Finder

Any drilling job is easier done with a stud finder. “I think a stud finder should be in everyone’s home as they are so easy to use and can prevent a lot of headaches and damage to your home,” says director of Edwards & Hampson Joinery Arran Jordan. This popular stud finder uses a magnet to identify the studs in your wall so you know exactly where to drill.

Cabinet door bumpers that protect paint & reduce slamming

Vellax Cabinet Door Bumpers (128-Pack)

“Cabinet bumpers are sometimes overlooked after you have painted cabinets or completed a kitchen remodel,” co-founder of The DIY Nuts Erin Nutter tells Mic. For a simple solution, she suggests cabinet door bumpers to “help your cabinet finish last.” They’re made of soft silicone that easily adheres to the corners of cabinets and other items, protecting paint and dampening noise to boot. Just peel one off a sheet and firmly press it into place.

A cordless spin scrubber that reduces cleaning time

HiCOZY Electric Spin Scrubber

Jonathan Warshaw, woodworker and founder of Simple Woodworker, tells Mic that leveling up your cleaning tools will reap you many rewards. He recommends a cordless electric spin scrubber like this one, which he says “has saved me some unnecessary back pain and has cut my cleaning time down.” He also likes that it “comes with many brushes to tackle multiple tasks.”

One charge lasts up to two hours, and you can switch between four different heads. You can also opt to use the included pole that extends up to 46 inches to reach those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

These space-saving spice gripper strips

Bellemain Spice Gripper Clip Strips (3-Pack)

Making clever use of underutilized space, these mountable spice gripper clips will make locating your spices a breeze, according to home renovator and CEO of Sell My House Fast Shaun Martin. “Simply stick them on the inside of your cabinet door and easily access all your spices without having to shuffle through them,” he says. “Not only do they save space, but they also make your spices more visible and organized.” This set has three strong plastic strips with adhesive backing and can hold four bottles each for a total of 12 jars. You can also trim them for a custom fit.

These HVAC drain line tabs that help improve air quality

SimpleAir SACF Drain Line tabs (6-Pack)

Gus Pullen, owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas, advises using these drain line tabs in your HVAC unit to prevent potential water damage or mold. These time-release tablets can be popped anywhere moisture or standing water gathers to mitigate potential issues. Pullen informs that the tabs “are water-activated,” and “can be easily added to your HVAC drain pan.” They help improve your air quality by preventing any gunk from growing in your system, and each tablet lasts for up to two months.

Smart plugs that help you manage your home hands-free

Kasa Smart Plug (2-Pack)

These low-cost smart plugs will help turn your place into a smart home, which home renovator and CEO of Sell My House Fast Shaun Martin recommends you do to make things easier around the house. “This genius device allows you to control and monitor your household appliances from anywhere using your smartphone, making it easier to manage your energy usage and save money on electricity bills,” he tells Mic.

Simply plug in lights or other electronics you wish to easily control — these plugs work with an included app, and are also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can control them via voice. They’re also compact enough to keep your other outlet accessible.

Magnetic hooks that you’ll want to stick everywhere

DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks (20-Pack)

One useful product that comes recommended from director of AB Electrical & Communications Adam Bushell is a magnetic hook. “They are useful in tight spaces or garages where you don’t want to put up more nails or screws and they work wonders for keeping everything tidy and accessible,” he says. These magnetic hooks can stick on the side of your washer dryer, your refrigerator, or any magnetic surface, creating storage solutions where you need them. Each hook can hold up to 25 pounds, and this is a pack of 20.

Silicone caulk to seal windows, doors, and taps

GE Advanced Clear Silicone Caulk

Director of AB Electrical & Communications Adam Bushell says, “Another solid product is silicone caulk for sealing gaps around windows and doors. It’s a simple fix that saves energy and cuts down on heating and cooling costs.” This silicone caulk is popular and mold-resistant, which is super important in moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens. You can use it to seal around windows, doors, and faucets and tap ware, and it dries clear so you don’t have to worry about matching it to surfaces.

A smart leak detector that sends notifications to your phone

Govee Wi-Fi Water Sensor

Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Handyman Services, recommends a smart leak detector to help prevent water damage before it starts. “A leak detector [...] can be particularly useful in preventing water damage and saving you from costly repairs.” It can even “send alerts to your smartphone when a leak is detected” — as this one does — and works even if you’re away from home. If Wi-Fi is temporarily unavailable, the sensor will use a loud alarm to let you know it’s detected a leak.

A universal socket tool with a drill adapter

Hanpure Universal Socket Tool

According to owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas Gus Pullen, this universal socket tool is a must-have for all your DIY projects. He says, “It comes with a drill adapter and fits on every nut I’ve tried so far [...] For the person that doesn’t want to store an entire socket set, this is ideal.” It fits nuts, bolts, and other fasteners from a quarter-inch size to three quarters of an inch, and it easily attaches to your electric drill via the included adapter.

An inflatable shim that lifts up to 300 pounds

Calculated Industries #1190 Air Shim

When you need an extra hand to do some heavy lifting, an air shim comes in clutch. “They slip in a tight space, them you pump them up with a blood pressure type bulb,” one Redditor explained. “I’m always finding new uses for them: leveling door frames, installing a new transfer case on my car, holding things in place while fastening, etc.” This one is built to be contractor-grade with a 300 pound load rating with an internal stiffener and 2.5-inch gap spanning capacity, and is easy to operate with one hand. Plus, less risk of damage compared to using a pry bar.

Reusable food wraps that replace disposable plastic

Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wraps (3-Pack)

“Say goodbye to wasteful plastic wrap and hello to an eco-friendly alternative — reusable food wrap,” states Shaun Martin, home renovator and CEO of Sell My House Fast. These Bee’s Wraps fit the bill and will be a game-changing kitchen item, as they’re “washable and last for up to a year.” This three-pack comes with small, medium, and large sizes that mold into shape from the warmth of your hands. Hand washing them is simple, and they’re ready to use again after air drying.

A surface solution that cuts down paint-job prep time

Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Gloss-Off Prepaint Surface Preparation (32-Ounces)

When it comes to your DIY paint jobs, handyperson and co-founder of The DIY Nuts Erin Nutter shares, “Keeping [deglosser] with your painting supplies is a great idea.” You can use this bottle of nontoxic, no-rinse prepaint surface preparation “to prep for all sorts of different painting home projects.” Coat some of this solution on high-gloss surfaces covered with paint, lacquer, or varnish, and you won’t have to bother with sanding. By removing grease, dirt, and other grime, it also helps fresh paint and varnish bond to older finishes. You can also use it to clean your paint brushes and rollers between jobs.

A whitening pen that’ll restore old grout

Rainbow Chalk Markers Ltd Grout Marker

Arran Jordan, director of Edwards & Hampson Joinery, recommends this genius grout pen for touching up your grout. He says, “Grout pens are a super quick and easy way to cover the dark crevices between tiles in your bathroom and kitchen that over time will pick up dirt and mould. A quick run-over with the grout pen will make them look good as new!” This one has a narrow tip that allows you to get into tight spots and freshen up the grout.

A handheld garment steamer that heats up in under a minute

Hamilton Beach Handheld Garment Steamer

Ironing is such a chore, and home renovator and CEO of Sell My House Fast Shaun Martin says a handheld fabric steamer is the way to go to ditch ironing boards and get “wrinkle-free clothes in minutes.” He continues, “This compact device heats up quickly, making it perfect for touch-ups or last-minute clothing emergencies.” This steamer heats up in 45 seconds and operates for 20 minutes without a water tank refill. It also comes with a fabric brush for thicker fabrics and has a simple, single-button operation.

A meter for identifying damp areas in your walls

RDINSCOS Wood Moisture Meter

“My moisture meter goes with me everywhere — even if people don’t think there’s an issue with damp. Mold has been in the headlines a lot over the last few years, and you’ll often find it’s growing unseen, which can still affect people’s breathing and the air quality. I’ll routinely just check around problem areas with it so the homeowner can get on top of a problem before it causes serious damage,” explains Steve Thomson, founder of the Guild of Handymen.

The 2-in-1 carpenter pencil that’s a DIY game changer

THORVALD 2-in-1 Carpenter Pencils with Finger Grip

For home improvement projects, this two-in-one carpenter pencil is a “game changer,” according to woodworker and founder of Simple Woodworker Jonathan Warshaw. “It writes on wood, metal, and concrete. Its ergonomic design feels good in the hand. The pencil comes with seven leads, an integrated sharpener, and a top clip that easily attaches to your pocket. Plus, the bright orange body is easily visible against a backdrop of wood. Warshaw also adds that, so far, his has withstood multiple drops.

A magnetic wristband to keep bolts, nuts, screws, & more on hand

RAK Magnetic Wristband

“I also find that a magnetic wristband is super handy,” says owner and CEO of Wilson Plumbing and Heating John Wilson. “It holds screws and small tools while I work, so I don’t have to keep running back and forth to grab them. It saves a lot of time.” This magnetic wristband as a number-one bestseller on Amazon with thousands of five-star ratings and reviews.

A no-frills leak alarm that alerts you to drips

METAK Water Leak Sensor

To help keep your home running smoothly and prevent unwanted repairs, owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas Gus Pullen says investing in a leak detector is important. “You can pretty much put them anywhere water might leak” — think under your hot water heater or next to the leaky dishwasher. He says this simple water leak sensor is budget-friendly and “will sound a loud alarm if water is detected.”

It uses AAA batteries (which are included) and has sensor probes on the top and bottom to detect drips and leaks. It also has a low-battery alert to let you know when it’s time to replace them.

Clear epoxy resin for so many home projects

Craft Resin Clear Epoxy Resin Kit

“A surprising home repair product that more people should know about is clear epoxy resin. It is usually associated with woodworking or art projects, but it can repair cracked tiles, reinforce weak surfaces, and even create a waterproof seal for countertops or showers,” says Erwin Gutenkunst, the president and founder of Neolithic Materials. This clear epoxy resin kit has everything you need to tackle small home projects. One reviewer wrote, “We updated our counter tops by painting them and used this for the protective top coat. Worked great!”

An extendable measuring stick — no marking or numbers required

ezwoodshop Extendable Measuring Stick Tool

“Story sticks,” one Redditor raved. “No measuring in mm or inches... its just ‘this’ size.” Whether it’s molding, trim, or a window, getting the right inside measurement can be tough. Just expand one of these measuring sticks to fit whatever space you’re trying to measure and then transfer it over to your materials to get the perfect cut every time — no fiddling with measuring tapes or calculating fractions of an inch required. Their extendable rods will reach up to 94 inches and it even comes with a miniature version for tight spaces.

The general household tool kit that aids in repairs & upgrades

DEKOPRO General Household Hand Tool Kit (50 Pieces)

When it comes to DIY projects and minor repairs, you should have tools available when you need them. Home improvement expert at Value Doors Jamie Robinson suggests something like this general household tool kit filled with 50 pieces (including 30 screwdriver bits) of quality tools made of steel and chrome. Robinson says, “These little, affordable tool kits allow you to tackle small projects more efficiently, helping transform an indoor or outdoor space with ease.” With everything from hex keys to a utility cutter organized in a durable carrying case, you can keep this compact set tucked in your garage or closet and stop searching for the right tool.

A fine-tooth comb for cleaning out your paint brushes

Nit Free Fine-Tooth Comb

Arran Jordan, director of Edwards & Hampson Joinery, has a recommendation for anyone taking on any DIY painting jobs. “One tip I got from a painter is to use a nit-comb to help clean paintbrushes as the teeth are extremely fine and are excellent at removing paint,” he says. This nit-comb is not designed for removing paint from paint brushes, but it works just as well. The tight, fine-tooth comb easily frees dried paint from inside the bristles of your brushes.

A video doorbell with motion detection & 2-way audio

Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module

Home improvement expert at Value Doors Jamie Robinson says, “If you don’t have a doorbell or need to update an old one, I would also consider a new doorbell or some smart doorbell accessories for added convenience and security.” This smart Wi-Fi video doorbell has motion detection and day-and-night HD video, so you can see who’s at your door via the app’s live, high-definition feed. It also has a two-way audio system so you can use it as an intercom to speak with whoever is at your door.

Smart, color-changing ribbon lights you can install throughout your house

DAYBETTER Smart WiFi LED Ribbon Lights (100 Feet)

Bar Zakheim, general contractor and co-owner of Better Place Design & Build, recommends color-changing ribbon lights like these smart ones from DAYBETTER. He says, “One of my favorites to play around with is color-changing ribbon lights. These things literally come on a roll like tape, and you can unroll them to add accent lighting under your cabinets, countertops, or stair treads.” This 100-foot strand of lights can easily be installed behind televisions, under cabinets, or in closets, and can be controlled via a remote or the associated app. You can even program timers and schedules.

A smart door lock that you can control remotely

eufy Security C210 Smart Keyless Entry Door Lock

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Director of AB Electrical & Communications Adam Bushell recommends investing in a good smart home security system. Smart home products “can greatly improve a home’s functionality that brings long term advantages, boosting both energy efficiency and security.” This eufy smart door lock is a great start, and will keep your home secure. It comes with a touchpad to enter in the door code, and an app that you can use to open the door remotely. You can even create temporary access codes.

Furniture coasters to prevent floor scratches

CasterMaster 3X3 Square Rubber Furniture Caster Cups with Anti-Sliding Floor Grip (Set of 4) Brown

“To prevent damage in a home, I recommend using furniture coasters. These protect floors from scratches and dents when moving furniture around,” advises owner and CEO of Wilson Plumbing and Heating John Wilson. While there are all sorts of furniture coasters out there, these have a clever square design, making them especially handy for things like table and chair legs. Choose from sets of four or eight in black or brown.

A right-angle drill attachment for tight spaces

DEWALT IMPACT READY 1.5" Right Angle Attachment For Impact Driver

A game-changing essential? “The right angle attachment for the drill,” one Redditor swore. “That way you can attach shit with screws in spaces where your drill doesn't fit.” This one from DEWALT is a fan favorite with a nearly-perfect 4.7-star rating from more than 20,000 shoppers, so it’s safe to say you need this in your toolkit. It features a scant 1.5-inch profile for working into tight spaces, with strong magnetic grip that’s universally compatible with any quarter-inch internal hex impact or drill driver. Buy it now and thank an Internet stranger later.

Easy-to-install, easy-to-remove adhesive hooks

Command Small Wire Toggle Hooks (10-Pack)

“You might not think a handyman would say this — but sticky hooks for hanging pictures are my favorite wall-saving hack. Give the wall a clean before they go on and they’ll stay up for years and years. If you do want to move or remove pictures, mirrors, or anything else, most have little tabs you can gently pull to release the adhesive – so no paint damage to worry about, and no nail holes to fill in and paint. Just make sure you use ones that are going to carry the weight you need,” advises Steve Thomson, founder of the Guild of Handymen. And these 3M hooks are also a number-one bestseller on Amazon with tens of thousands of five-star ratings.

Voice-controllable light bulbs that can also change colors

Kasa Smart Light Bulbs (2-Pack)

Another clever home upgrade is voice-controlled lighting, which owner of Cherniak Handyman Services Shlomo Cherniak recommends as an easy way to boost your pad’s atmosphere. “Smart lighting systems can enhance the ambiance of your home and provide convenience,” he explains. This two-pack of smart light bulbs lets you control them with your voice via the phone app, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant. Cherniak likes that you can “create schedules or scenes to suit your preferences” — and these bulbs let you choose from 16 million unique colors, too.

Ultra-strong fiberglass tape with endless applications

3M Glass Cloth Electrical Tape

Adam Bushell, director of AB Electrical & Communications, recommends electrical tape with fiberglass backing. “It is incredibly versatile and can be used to secure cables, add extra insulation or even in situations where regular tape might not hold up as well,” he says. This glass cloth tape fits the bill — it’s ultra-strong and heat resistant up to 266 degrees Fahrenheit. One reviewer affirmed, “It applies smoothly, holds well, and has been dependable for the tasks I’ve used it for.”

These sunburst wall mirrors that help your space look larger

Uassi Sunburst Wall Mirrors (3-Pack)

A trick up founder and owner of Premier Porcelain Richard Mann’s sleeve is to use decorative mirrors, like these sunburst wall mirrors, “throughout your home” to give it a boost in more ways than one. He explains, “Not only do these amplify light, but they can also create an illusion of space.” This three-pack of gold mirrors comes with two identical sun mirrors and one flower-shaped mirror that can be arranged together vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, or separated throughout your space — whatever suits your fancy. They have traditional wall mounts and sturdy iron frames.

Genius light bulbs that are more invigorating than standard ones

evelor 6-Packs A19 LED Light Bulbs,100 Watt Equivalent Daylight 5000K Bright Bulbs Efficient 13W,1500 Lumens E26 Base, Non-Dimmable, 15000-Hour Lifespan for Bedroom, Living Room, Office

Erin Nutter, co-founder of The DIY Nuts and bona fide handyperson, says, “You won’t believe the difference changing to daylight bulbs can make in your space.” These 40-watt LED light bulbs lend a bright, energizing white to rooms, and they’re recommended for areas like home offices, laundry rooms, and garages. They’re both dimmable and energy-efficient, using only 5.5 watts of power while providing 40 watts of light.

Clear nail polish for sealing chips in ceramic sinks & baths

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Crystal Clear Polish

“I’ve always got a bottle of clear nail polish in my toolbox. It’s really useful for sealing little chips in ceramic sinks and baths – it stops them becoming discolored over time,” says Steve Thomson, founder of the Guild of Handymen. Thomson adds that “it also works as a thread-lock for little screws here and there too – especially ones that can work loose. I always put a tiny dab on the screws in my glasses when they need tightening up too!”

A highly rated multitool with screwdrivers, wire cutters, & more

LEATHERMAN Rev Pocket Size Multitool

If you can only bring one thing to a deserted island, make it this gadget. "I don't go anywhere without it,” one Redditor wrote of their LEATHERMAN multitool. Basically a handheld toolbox that fits in your pocket, the Rev includes multiple types of screwdrivers, wire cutters, files, screwdrivers, bottle openers, and more — all in a rustproof stainless steel build you can operate with one hand. It’s made in the USA and backed by a 25-year warranty: Probably the last one you’ll ever need to buy.

Putty for sealing leaks in pipes and fixtures

Harvey's Stainless Plumber's Putty

“One unexpected product I use is a plumber's putty,” says John Wilson, owner and CEO of Wilson Plumbing and Heating. “It’s great for sealing leaks in pipes and fixtures. It’s simple but very effective for quick fixes!” A 14-ounce tub will set you back less than $10, and it comes backed by thousands of Amazon reviewers, as well.

A cordless leaf blower to clear your lawn fast

EWORK Cordless Leaf Blower

Tending to your lawn often means dealing with leaves, and woodworker and founder of Simple Woodworker Jonathan Warshaw says this cordless leaf blower is “a power tool to own” if you have a yard. “It’s easy to assemble and comes with 21V batteries (a big part that influenced my decision to buy it),” he shares. One charge provides up to 50 minutes of use, depending on your chosen speed — it has two. The blower also comes with a fast charger for the battery packs and an ergonomic grip to make it easy to wield.

A door hinge pin remover that pulls double-duty

HIT Tool Door Hinge Pin Removal Tool

There are plenty of door hinge pin removers on the market, but a Redditor recommended this one in particular because it also helps you re-mount your door once the project’s done. One end features a pin remover while the opposite side boasts a tiny nylon hammer — both rely on a spring-driven mechanism to remove or replace door pins with practically zero effort on your part. Although it’s the size of a ballpoint pen, it packs a punch with 5000PSI of striking force to get the job done in record time.

The outdoor faucet protector that prevents frozen pipes

Freeze Miser Outdoor Faucet Freeze Protection

Battling winter weather means keeping your pipes from freezing. But instead of using a hairdryer or manually turning on the water, owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas Gus Pullen recommends a Freeze Miser, a.k.a. an outdoor faucet freeze protection device. This “monitors the temperature, and dripping activates at 37 degrees [Fahrenheit].” He says this removes the worry of “turning on and off outdoor spigots to drip during freezing weather.”

It releases the smallest amount of water to prevent freezing, and you can install it by simply twisting it onto your exterior faucet. Once installed, open your faucet completely to let the device access water pressure.

These LED garage lights that improve visibility

Energy Star 3-Panel LED Garage Light (2-Pack)

If your garage is one of the dimmer areas of the house, Gus Pullen, owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas, uses these LED garage lights in his own home to brighten things up. Simply screw them into the socket like a regular light bulb — each one lasts up to 50,000 hours. Plus, they have a large, three-panel design that’s “very bright and perfect for anyone that has a small shop in the garage or just needs more light to find things.”

This comes in at 8,000 lumens, and each panel is adjustable to direct the light where you need it most.