10 essential household tools that every gay should own

You’ve likely heard the proverb, “a bad workman always blames his tools”. However, if you’re without any gadgets, you won’t be able to get any household projects or repairs off the ground to start off with.

Regardless of whether you’re a gay man or a lesbian, you’ll need something more than a butter knife and the heel of a shoe you don’t wear anymore if you are to undertake small tasks in and around your home successfully.

If you’re stumped about what tools to buy, and don’t want to spend cash you don’t have on a comprehensive toolset, these are the essential tools every queer person needs.

1. A good quality toolbox

The very first item you should have is obviously the one that contains the rest of your essential toolset. Look for one that has space for everything else mentioned in this article, and can be easily organised for the most efficient use.

2. A hammer

Abraham Maslow once said, “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” Well, there certainly won’t be pounding of any kind if you don’t have a hammer. A 450g smooth-faced claw hammer will help you to knock nails into walls, or easily pull them out, along with a range of other nifty uses.

3. Duct tape

Duct tape is the quick-fix solution you won’t believe you ever went without.

4. A spirit level

Even if you’re not straight, your home just looks better when everything is level. A spirit level will help you with everything from hanging pictures to building that cat tree you’ve always wanted to try your hand at.

5. A set of pliers

If you feel like you’re struggling to get a grip on things, a good set of pliers may be just what you need. Look for a set that includes a tongue-and-groove, slip-joint, needle-nose and side-cutting pliers (ask someone at the hardware store, they’ll understand the gibberish).

6. A utility knife

More commonly known as a Stanley knife, this is one tool that you’ll be using over and over. Don’t forget to also buy replacement blades.

7. A tape measure

If you’re planning a home renovation, you simply can’t go without a tape measure. Not everything can be measured at a glance!

8. A set of screwdrivers

Unlike their cocktail equivalent, too many screwdrivers will only make work around the house easier. Look for a set that includes flathead and Phillips screwdrivers of varying sizes and lengths.

9. Sandpaper

If you’d like to avoid splinters and want the work you do to be neat, a few sheets of sandpaper of varying grits will ensure every job goes smoothly.

10. An adjustable spanner

Use this tool to tighten and untighten all sorts of nuts. An adjustable spanner with an overall length of around 250mm and a maximum jaw capacity of around 30mm should suffice for most simple tasks requiring it.

Happy home improvement!