Tools Every New Mobile Home Owner Should Have in Their Toolbox

Every homeowner needs some basic tools whether the home is mobile or site-built, new, or just new to them.

Becoming a new homeowner can get a bit overwhelming so we created this short list of tools that every new mobile homeowner should have in their toolbox.

I have two quick tips about tools: flea markets are great places to find tools that are older and probably better made and you get what you pay for when it comes to manufactured homes and tools.

Everyone’s Toolbox Should Have These Basics

Hammer

What tool set would be complete without a hammer? This trusty tool is great for home projects or personal protection.

Screwdrivers

Flathead screwdrivers are a must for any DIY project.

Phillips Head

Screws that have an X indention on the head require the use of a Phillips head screwdriver. What makes a Phillips head screwdriver so efficient is the alignment it makes with the head so it’s easier to keep the screw going in straight. These screwdrivers come in a variety of sizes.

You can always buy a multi-bit screwdriver that has different heads but they tend to be cumbersome if the heads don’t sit tight in the slot.

Flat Bar

Flat bars are definitely tools every new mobile homeowner should have. They help to pull out nails that you can’t free with your claw hammer and work great in tight spots to pry boards loose.  They come in a variety of sizes as well but a shorter one should be enough for most DIY projects. These are especially useful when you want to remove the battens, or strips, from the vinyl-coated walls in a mobile home. Just go easy and don’t scar the wall or the batten. Pay attention to the tips, they should be thin. Learn how to update vinyl-coated walls in a mobile home here. 

 Utility Knife

Most utility knives have replaceable blades inside the handle so you can always have a sharp one ready.

There have been a lot of cool knives, camping gear, and hunting supplies released in the last couple of years. If you enjoy reading about personal protection and camping supplies, Shooting Mystery has the best tips for perfect outdoor gear.

Step Ladder

Every home needs a ladder of some kind. There is always a spot that you can’t reach when painting, hanging shelves, curtain rods, etc.  It goes without saying that a small step ladder is a necessity, and is much safer than climbing up on the kitchen chair!  Contractor Culture has a great article that can help you decide which ladder best fits your needs!

Channel Locks

Channel locks are one of the most versatile tools to have around. They are easily adjustable so they can accommodate any size object just by sliding the jaws and locking them into place.

Fasteners Kit

A fastener’s kit should be in every home.  A good kit usually includes a variety of picture hangers, screws, nails, and wall anchors in a mix of sizes for any home project need.

Command Hooks

Command Hooks aren’t a terrible idea to keep on hand. They can help you hang photos and decor in areas without studs. I didn’t think they would really work till I wanted to hang a small canvas picture in a place without a stud. It’s been up for months and hasn’t fallen yet. I’m impressed.

Where was Command Hooks when I was a teenager? I could have had all kinds of rock posters on my wall!

Related: General Maintenance Questions About A Mobile Home

Even More Tools and Supplies Every New Mobile Home Owner Should Have: 

• Duct Tape
• Butyl Tape
• Electrical Tape
• WD-40
• Caulk and Caulk Gun
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Clamps
• Sandpaper
• Hacksaw
• Wet-Dry Vacuum
• Long Extension Cord
• Putty Knife

WATER LEVEL

New mobile homeowners should have a water level and understand the importance of keeping their home level. You

Experts advise that newly installed manufactured homes should be checked for level every year or two for the first several years. Mobile homes can settle so they need to be measured to ensure they remain level on all sides. A $30 water level can save hundreds. Learn how to measure and re-level a mobile home here.

Power Tools Every New Mobile Home Owner Should Have

Power tools are handy little things to have around! Check out this website for power tools that you might find useful.

Over the last few years, they have gone down in price quite a bit so they really are tools every new mobile homeowner should have in their arsenal.

Portable Rechargeable Tool Kit

just about every DIY project is easier (and a bit more fun) with a set of power tools.  

Sets usually include a drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and flashlight. They range from 18 volts to 20 volts and can run cost $199 and up.

Buying a complete kit is a good place to start. Just make sure it includes the batteries and charger. Bonus points for extra batteries.

Check out these saw types by Toolnerds.com.

Set of Drill Tips

Along with the power tools, a set of various drill tips is handy.

A good set of drill tips or ‘bits’ as we call them, is indispensable. Bonus points if the kit has a star tip and a square tip that is so common in mobile homes.

Tool Organization

Of course, you need a place to store all these cool tools every new mobile homeowner should have. These days, you aren’t stuck with just a regular ole’ toolbox anymore.

One of the most convenient tool storage products I’ve ever used is the canvas insert that turns a 5-gallon bucket into an organized toolbox. You can haul a lot of stuff in a 5-gallon buck and the canvas has straps to hold screwdrivers and hammers on the outside of the bucket.

Just the Beginning

These are just a few ideas for tools every new mobile homeowner should have. There are so many awesome tools and DIY home improvement products available nowadays.

Don’t think you have to go buy all these at one time. It takes years to build a great tool arsenal.

Quick Tip: Believe it or not, flea markets are a great place to find the older and much better-made tools. Tool outlets have cheap prices because they sell cheap products. When it comes to tools, it’s a good idea to buy the best quality you can.

With these tools, you can tackle just about any minor repair or remodeling job in a mobile home.

Are there any tools you just can’t live without? If so, comment below and let our readers know!

Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living!

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