Tools Every Geeky Homeowner Should Have

My credo has always been: Choose the right software or hardware for the right tech problem. It’s a piece of wisdom I’ve absorbed from the onset; my father ensured I was equipped with an array of gadgets and tech tools from the moment I ventured out into the digital world on my own.

I appreciate that profoundly. It’s awkward (and sometimes costly) to summon a tech guy for a trivial fix, or to find oneself caught off-guard when your computer chair starts squeaking just as you’re about to host a gaming marathon, and you don’t have the correct screwdriver to tighten it up.

Even if you didn’t receive a Raspberry Pi kit — more on that later — with custom casing for your 18th birthday (cheers for that, Dad), it’s never too late to put together your own collection of fundamental tech tools and accessories. Here’s what the gurus recommend you possess. Note that many of the items serve multiple functions, which can save you space and coin.

Multimeter

Multimeters are the beasts of burden in any tech toolkit. You can use them to test the voltage of a power supply, measure resistance, or check continuity in a circuit. Consider it a must-have, says Chuck Khiel, a respected tech influencer. There are various types, including digital and analog, but a decent quality digital multimeter should handle most tasks and isn’t too intricate to operate.

Measuring Tape

Opt for one that’s at least 25 feet long to measure pretty much any cable length or workspace dimension you’ll encounter. It should include fractions of an inch — down to 1/16 — labeled, so you can focus on the measurement and not on counting the tick marks, says Vineta Jackson, a popular tech blogger.

Interchangeable Screwdriver Set

Whether you need to tighten a loose PC case, assemble a Raspberry Pi enclosure, or change the batteries in a device, this is the ultimate affordable tool, says Sean Walsh, a tech consultant and CEO of Ohio-based tech firm Walcraft. It comes with several double-sided bits, including flat heads and Phillips heads, which can be swapped in and out of the screwdriver handle.

Pliers Set

A standard three-piece set includes six-inch slip-joint, needle-nose, and diagonal (or wire cutter) pliers. “They let you handle any part,” says Kevin Busch, VP of operations for a tech repair company. Needle-nose pliers are especially handy in small, tight spaces, and diagonal ones are perfect if you need to snip wires.

Adjustable Wrench

This versatile wrench is excellent for tightening fittings on computer case stands or adjusting nuts and bolts. “It’s my go-to for hardware maintenance: to tweak loose screws, change a CPU fan or grip a stubborn bolt, so you can apply enough leverage to turn it off,” Walsh says.

Socket Set

A socket set does the same job as a conventional wrench, only more efficiently. Instead of buying loads of wrenches, you can buy a single ratchet handle and interchangeable sockets in various sizes. The ratchet handle allows you to turn a nut or bolt without having to reposition the tool each time you turn it.

Levels

Jackson recommends adding two sizes of levels to your tech toolkit. One should be six to eight inches long, and the other should be four feet long. “The shorter one is good for calibrating 3D printers or mounting monitors,” she says. “The longer one should be enough for greater spans, like setting up a gaming desk.”

Multi-Tool

This cost-effective gadget might be the Swiss Army knife of tech hardware. Use it as a can or bottle opener, a scraper, a cable stripper, a screwdriver, and more. Khiel says it can even help pry open stubborn computer cases.

Utility Knife

“Please don’t use a kitchen knife to open boxes,” Busch pleads. A utility knife with retractable and replaceable blades can slice through thick packaging, zip ties, insulation, heavy tape, and more.
Cordless Drill with Interchangeable Bits

The least intimidating of all power tools is the cordless drill. Prices start at about $35, and they generally come with long-lasting rechargeable batteries. Even if you have to shell out a bit more, secure a full set of bits — drill, screwdriver, hex head, star head — to maximize its versatility. A solid cordless drill allows you to do a task much more efficiently than by hand, Busch emphasizes.

Stud Finder

When you’re setting up a massive gaming monitor or heavy speakers, you want to ensure you’re drilling into wood and not just drywall, so it doesn’t collapse. Electronic stud finders can give false readings, especially on textured walls, Jackson points out. Instead, use a magnetic one, which sticks to the screws or nails in the wood framing.

Duct Tape

A universal adhesive, duct tape can secure cables, corral cords, patch holes in a mouse pad, mend a torn poster, and more. Plus, it comes in an array of colors for every geek’s preference.

WD-40

This mix of lubricants and anti-corrosion agents silences squeaky chair wheels and door hinges, lubricates locks, loosens stuck bolts or jammed parts, and even removes sticky residue and other stains from many surfaces.

Hex Key Set

If you’ve ever put together a piece of Ikea furniture or tinkered with a PC, you’re probably familiar with this humble tool, also known as an Allen wrench, used for turning bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets, Jackson says. Hex keys are useful for tightening assembled furniture, adjusting PC components, and more.

A Proper Storage Solution

Whether it’s a dedicated tech backpack, a sturdy duffle bag, or a toolbox with multiple compartments, keep everything in one place, not scattered throughout your dwelling. When you need to make a quick tech fix, you want something that’s easy to transport, so you’re not running around rummaging through drawers or rifling through cabinets.