Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Laura Ingalls didn’t have a power drill, but I bet you her life would have been a lot easier if she did. Listen, your homestead isn’t going to collapse and crumble without having every single one of the tools on the list—at least not right away.
But over time as weather wears on your roof and rain mucks up your roads, you are certainly going to need some reinforcement. The following list of homestead tools includes just about everything you will need.
Homesteading isn’t a process that happens overnight. Purchase these homestead tools as you need them until you have everything covered. Start taking stock now and begin gathering the essentials.
To make it simpler, I broke the list into four sections: everyday tools, emergency tools, agriculture tools, and luxury tools.
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Everyday Tools
1. Axe
We all know that an axe is used to chop wood, but did you know that an axe is also really handy with ice? If you live in a cold climate, an axe is a great multipurpose tool.
2. Barrel
Old school metal barrels remain incredibly useful for storage purposes. Better yet is how easy they are to move around: simply lay them down on their side gently, then roll them to where they need to go.
3. Brush Hook
A brush hook is a very effective tool for clearing brush and weeds, similar to the scythes used in ancient times. Modern-day brush hooks have a curved blade, which makes them more useful than a machete for hacking away brush and bushes. Unlike weed eaters, they don’t require gas either.
4. Buckets
You can never have too many buckets, am I right? Store your tools, transport water, fill with compost, fill with beer, and many other things.
5. Chainsaw
Having one of these battery-powered beasts that can cut wood for winter fires, prep property for building, and clear paths after a nasty windstorm is very convenient.
6. Circular Saw
If you’re going to be doing a lot of woodworking yourself, a circular saw is a safe and precise method to perfectly cut and trim timber.
7. Crowbar
Crowbars are commonly used for masonry, and for food reason: they are extremely effective at lifting heavy objects. And yes, you could use them to help break through doors as well.
8. Drum
No, not the musical kind; the industrial kind. You can use durable drums made from polyethylene for practically anything: compost, waste, storage, and more.
9. Duct Tape
It’s waterproof, it’s durable, it’s a homesteader’s best friend. Temporarily block a leaking pipe or permanently repair a broken fishing pole—it’s magic.
10. Ear Muffs
Years of lawnmowers, power blowers, and chain saws can take their toll on your hearing if you don’t protect those ears! Trust me, I know.
11. Electric Drill
A battery-powered drill is especially useful when building with dense wood or awkward angles which a hammer just can’t handle. However, it wouldn't hurt to have a hand-powered drill in case of a power outage.
12. Electric Sander
Just about every woodworking project involving freshly cut and chopped wood will require a good sanding to get rid of splinters and give a nice polished shine.
13. Extension Cord
Unfortunately, electrical outlets don’t grow on trees. You’re going to need an extension cord for most outdoor projects.
14. Flashlight
Never pick up your flashlight only to discover the batteries have run out again. Get a solar-powered flashlight, which will always ready for a power outage or deep pantry dive.
15. Hammer
In the suburbs, you get a key to your house. Off the grid, you get a hammer to your homestead. Build everything up and tear everything down with your hammer.
16. Hand Saw
A good ole hand saw can be used for everyday tasks like clearing brush, preparing kindling for firewood, tackling some DIY woodworking projects, and building muscle.
17. Hatchet
A hatchet is arguably an even more versatile tool than a knife in terms of the sheer number of applications it can handle. You can use a hatchet for self-defense, hacking limbs off trees, chopping down smaller sized trees, or splitting kindling. Some hatchets even come with a hammer on the opposite end, doubling their effectiveness.
18. Headlamp
Use a headlamp while working with small screws, in tight spaces, or in the dark to get the job done more efficiently.
19. Hoist
Anytime you build something with metal bars or construct a two-story structure, a stable hoist will not only make your job easier but will decrease the risk of accidents.
20. Knife
It’s only a matter of time before you become so country that there is always a knife on your hip for gutting fish, cutting cords, and protecting yourself against whatever lives in the woods.
21. Ladder
Invest in an adjustable, sturdy ladder that will make everything from cleaning cutters to installing light fixtures a cinch.
22. Level
Whether you’re installing shelves or cutting wood, having evenly leveled surfaces will save you a huge headache in the future.
23. Machete
A machete serves a multitude of purposes, including self-defense, hacking through thick brush, or chopping through wood.
24. Metal Saw
Build a metal gate for your livestock or reinforce an existing structure with perfectly cut metal bars and rods—just prepare yourself for the most unpleasant noise.
25. Nail Gun
Get the sturdiest build by using a heavy-duty power tool like this nail gun. Once those nails go in, they are never coming out.
26. Pliers
Remove rusty nails, bend chain-link for a fence, and handle electrical wire with your handy dandy pliers that will come in use more than you think.
27. Polypropylene Rope
Go wild with the sturdiest rope you’ll ever own. So secure that you could propel down a mountain and so buoyant that you could tow a boat!
28. Power Blower
Clean out those gutters, blow away the snow and fulfill every grown man’s dream of having their own power blower.
29. Push Broom
Leaving nails or bits of glass lying around is a disaster waiting to happen. Have a push broom around for quick and easy clean up.
30. Round Point Shovel
A round point shovel is so versatile. Use it to clean up a construction site, dig ditches for burning, or plant crops in the field.
31. Safety Glasses
Us homesteaders are constantly sawing something, patching something, or ripping something down—all of which are best done wearing safety glasses.
32. Spotlight
In case your electricity goes out or you just want to keep working when the sun goes down, a super bright LED camping light will allow you carry on into the night.
33. Tape Measure
How can you build anything without a tape measure? Count your steps, perhaps? Be sure to get one that retracts automatically.
34. Wagon
Yes, your kids are going to love having a wagon around to give each other joy rides. You’re also going to love not busting your back to transport heavy material.
35. Wheelbarrow
While a wagon is best used for super heavy materials, a wheelbarrow is convenient when clearing brush or piles of dirt.
36. Work Gloves
Save yourself a trip to the ER with some leather work gloves. The thick material is enough to keep your fingers safe from cuts while flexible enough to work.
37. Wrench
When there’s a hiccup with your vehicle, a loose bolt on your lawnmower or your kid’s bike needs a fix—that’s what your wrench is for.
Emergency Tools
Better safe than sorry…
38. Car Jack
Flat tires are as certain as the sunset. Learning how to use a car jack is really simple and totally necessary.
39. Fire Extinguisher
When we build our homes out of wood, a fire extinguisher is non-negotiable. Store a couple around your property for extra assurance.
40. Generator
When looking for the right generator, portability is key! Get a gas-powered generator with wheels so no matter where you are when the electricity is down, your generator can roll in to save the day.
41. Snow Shovel
Living in snow prone areas? It’s always a good idea to have one snow shovel in your vehicle and one in your home to dig yourself out of some powdery situations.
Agriculture Tools
42. Extendable Hose
Don’t bother wrestling with a finicky hose that gets tangled and knotted; an extendable, flexible hose is the way to go.
43. Garden Shears
Pruning your plants and trimming your trees will keep your crops healthy and your belly happy.
44. Push Lawn Mower
Depending on the size of your property, consider a push lawn mower that is environmentally friendly and will give you a little bit of a workout.
45. Rake
An adjustable rake head makes it adaptable to handle different natural materials on hard and soft surfaces.
Luxury Tools
Hey, if you’ve got the budget, why not?
46. 4-Wheel ATV
The most fun tool you could ever own is an ATV. Reach isolated areas to farm, traverse unstable ground after a storm and tow heavy loads with ease.
47. Saw Mill
Cut down an entire tree, feed it right through the sawmill, and now you have perfectly cut, perfectly symmetrical lumber.
48. Solar Panels
Solar energy can be plentiful in the right geographical areas. Cut down on gasoline and electricity with environmentally friendly energy from the sun.
49. Tractor
When you have land to be cleared, livestock to be fed, and construction projects to take on, a tractor will feel like a lifesaver.
50. Wind Turbine
How cool would it be to own a wind turbine? Harness the power of the wind with the surprisingly easy-to-set-up turbine to help you go green.
Final Thoughts
If you’re not sure about something on this list, go with the age-old saying, “It is better to have something and not need it, than to need something and not have it.” With a fully stocked work shed at your fingertips, there won’t be a single problem you can’t solve.
Off the grid living is being able to rely on your own two hands to build a sustainable life for you and your family. Take pride in learning how to use a nail gun and never skip an opportunity to teach your kids how to repair a tire. With the right tools and a little curiosity, you can build the homestead of your dreams.
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Originally published on Homestead Survival Site.
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