Got a stud finder? Here are the tools first-time homeowners need for projects

Let’s play “Name That Tool.”

Most people recognize a screwdriver when they see one. The same goes for a hammer, chainsaw and drill. But would you recognize a caliper? How about a bar clamp, bench vise or stud finder?

In a 2019 survey of more than 1,000 British people, the U.K. trades directory MyJobQuote found that those four tools were the most difficult to name.

FYI: A caliper is an instrument for measuring thicknesses. A bar clamp is used in woodworking to hold large pieces together. A bench vise is another gripping tool that attaches to a workbench. And if you don’t know what a stud finder is, shame on you.

It’s doubtful first-time homeowners will need calipers or clamps right away. But a stud finder -- a handheld device that locates framing behind the drywall -- is handy if you want to hang up anything that weighs more than a few pounds.

Which brings up the question: What are the basic tools rookie owners need when they move into their first place?

Here’s a short list. You may not need them all, but the right tools make household projects so much easier.

Tape measure: A retractable, lockable tape measure is necessary to measure for furniture, blinds, curtains and numerous other things. And remember the old axiom “measure twice, cut once,” which means to be careful early on to avoid extra work later.

Extension cord: Sometimes the cords on your lamp, TV or power tools just won’t reach.

Utility knife: Sometimes known as a box cutter, this tool has a retractable razor blade and can be used for any number of chores, from cutting the tops off glue bottles and caulking tubes to breaking down boxes for recycling.

Razor blades: One-sided blades can be used to scrape paint and other residue off glass and mirrors without harming the surface beneath.

Stepladder: You can start with a smaller step stool, but for high-up work like changing ceiling fan light bulbs, it’s better to have a six-footer.

Hammer: It’s smart to have one hammer for heavier work and another for lighter jobs. That might mean a good old-fashioned claw hammer and a smaller ball-peen hammer.

Screwdrivers: Here, too, more than one is called for — not just a flathead and a Phillips, but different sizes of each. Another option: a screwdriver with interchangeable heads.

Power drill: An electric drill, with a set of bits, will make short work of many tasks. A quarter-inch drill should do the trick, but you can step up to 3/8ths if you like.

Wrenches: A complete set of wrenches, open on one end and closed on the other, would be nice. But you can get by with one or two crescent wrenches, the jaws of which can be adjusted to fit nuts and bolts of various sizes. If you want to go all out, purchase a set of ratcheting wrenches, which can stay attached to the bolt while turning it.

Pliers: These, too, come in all shapes and sizes, so pick out an assortment: Needlenose for tight spaces, locking pliers for gripping, channel-locks for larger uses, and electrician’s for cutting and stripping wire.

Plunger: For clogs — not just in the toilet, but anywhere else water drains.

Hacksaw: It’s useful to have at least one cutting tool larger than a utility knife. Start with a small hacksaw, which can get into tough spots that larger handsaws can’t.

Allen wrenches: These hexagonal wrenches have all kinds of uses, from putting up towel bars to assembling furniture. Consider an all-in-one, Swiss Army-like set so you’ve got every size covered.

Vacuum: A specialized shop vacuum is essential for cleaning up your work area. Some machines can be reversed to blow residue away.

Gloves: Protect yourself, inside and outside the house. Inside, wear regular work gloves or thin, plastic gloves for staining and refinishing. Outside, use heavier garden gloves.

Mower: Obviously, apartment owners don’t need this rather expensive machine. But people in houses sure do. Try to buy yours at the beginning or end of the mowing season, when they tend to go on sale.

Shovels: You’ll need a pointed one for digging in the garden, and a wide, flat one if you live where it snows.

Hose: Make sure you buy one that reaches as far as you need it to. Buying the size you actually need lets you avoid attaching one hose to the other, which can lead to leaks and blown gaskets.

Gardening tools.: A trowel, spade, rake and pruning shears are all necessary to keep the lawn, trees and shrubs in line.

Trimmer: Although not a necessity, this tool will help keep your lawn nice and, well, trim. Use it to keep the grass from growing over the sidewalk and driveway and over the edges of the flower beds.

Leaf blower: Also not totally necessary, a small, handheld blower is much easier to use than a rake. It takes a lot of the work out of getting leaves off the grass in the fall and is useful for grass clippings after mowing.

Lew Sichelman has been covering real estate for more than 50 years. He is a regular contributor to numerous shelter magazines and housing and housing-finance industry publications. Readers can contact him at lsichelman@aol.com