As the spring season enters full swing and summer approaches, homeowners and apartment dwellers are gearing up for various maintenance and repair projects to get their living spaces ready for hosting. John Dye, popularly known as the “American Contractor” on TikTok, is known for his viral contracting videos that offer practical tips and tricks for ordinary people looking to fix up their homes. In a recent post, Dye shared a shopping trip video where he highlighted the basic tools that every homeowner should have on hand, emphasizing simplicity, affordability, and accessibility, with all tools readily available on Amazon.
Dye’s first stop while shopping for essential tools was the wrench section, where he emphasized the importance of having a set of Allen wrenches that offer a variety of key sizes in a compact folding design. He stressed the convenience of always having the right size of wrench readily available and never losing them. Additionally, Dye recommended homeowners to have a good quality flashlight that offers both flood and spotlight options for working under different weather and light conditions. The ability to adjust the focus and switch between light modes ensures clear vision in various settings.
Another essential tool that Dye recommended homeowners to have in their toolkit was a solid hammer, with a preference for a 16-ounce hammer from Crescent due to its comfortable grip and balanced weight. He noted the versatility of a claw hammer, which can be used not only for driving nails but also for removing them, making it an indispensable tool for a variety of home repair tasks. Dye highlighted the importance of investing time in learning basic home repair techniques to effectively use these tools and tackle maintenance confidently and safely.
Dye also shared his shopping list with the New York Post, elaborating on the specific uses and benefits of each tool, along with added tips for homeowners. The tools mentioned in his video, including an Amazon Basics Folding Hex Key Set for assembling and maintaining furniture, a BengMxj Rechargeable LED Flashlight for home maintenance tasks, and a Crescent Hammer Steel 16 Oz for various household repair projects, can all be found on Amazon. These tools are essential for addressing a range of maintenance and repair projects around the home, from assembling furniture to repairing door hinges or wooden fences.
In the comments section of his video, many of Dye’s followers shared their reactions and recommendations for other essential home improvement tools. Some suggested looking for wrenches sold individually for easier maneuvering in tight spaces, while others mentioned the importance of lifetime warranties for tools. Fans also expressed interest in why screwdrivers were not included in Dye’s essentials list and requested a Part Two for more tool recommendations. Overall, Dye’s roundup of essential tools for homeowners serves as a helpful guide for those looking to equip themselves for various maintenance and repair tasks around the house.
