Six Unconventional Tools Everyone Should Own
These uncommon tools aren’t found in every toolbox, but they probably should be.
Whether you're a DIYer or a homeowner who just needs to fix something in a pinch, your collection of tools will grow along with you. The number and quality of the tools you own will depend on your general handiness and your approach to projects. Some people devote an entire corner of their garage to a chest filled with 500 different sized wrenches, while others own a single screwdriver and a tape measure and somehow manage to muddle through.
But no matter where you land on the tool acquisition scale, chances are good you don’t have the six tools on this list. And that's is a shame, because while uncommon, these tools are useful enough to deserve a spot in even the most discerning toolbox.
Alligator forceps
Surgical tools are not typically included in your standard toolbelt, but trust me when I say that a set of alligator forceps can change your DIY life. They’re ideal for reaching into tight spaces to retrieve things—rings that have fallen into your sink drain, or nuts or other small items that have slipped into a tight gap. Unlike tools like stork-beak pliers, alligator forceps are long enough and offer enough of a delicate touch to get into even the tiniest spots. Any time you need to grab something small in a nigh-unreachable spot, these can be your go-to tool.
Plastic syringe
Why do you need a standard-issue, plastic dosage syringe in your toolbox? Because they suck. Literally. If you’re going to do work around the house, you’ll likely end up touching wood, and that means splinters. Did you know you can pop the tip off the syringe and use it to just suck that splinter free—no more digging around in your flesh with tweezers or nail clippers. A syringe can also be used to suck up anything tiny that’s become lodged someplace it shouldn’t be, and can also be used to deliver precise dosages of liquids like glue in tight spaces, without the mess.
Vampliers
If you have some ancient, stripped screws in your life, you’ve no doubt read a lot of advice for getting them free. From rubber bands to hammers, these tips might work—but they’ll never be as effective as an actual tool designed to pull old screws. Vampliers will grab onto most any screw and get it out much more effectively than whatever clever hack the internet (us included) has suggested to you . This tool will speed up any project, whether you’re removing someone else’s ancient screws or the ones you just accidentally stripped yourself.
Adjustable hammer
Hammers are the simplest tools in the universe—so simple that when you encounter a scenario where the hammer simply won’t work because there isn’t enough space to swing it, you might be stymied. That’s why you need an adjustable hammer like this one, which allows you to flip the claw end of the hammer up and lock it in place so you can hammer even in tight spots.
Stubby screwdriver
Come to mention them, tight spots are the plague of handyfolk everywhere. Sometimes it’s difficult to imagine how you’re going to screw something into place when you have just a few inches of clearance to work with—there are spaces that even a flexible screwdriver or power tool can't get into. But you know what can? This ridiculous stubby screwdriver. Sure, it’s going to be a real pain to get the torque necessary to turn it, but it will eventually get that screw in (or out) without requiring the disassembly of whatever is in the way.
Nail pliers
Holding a nail in place while you hammer it is a time-honored ritual resulting in plenty of bad language and not a few minor injuries, but having a pair of nail pliers on hand can save your digits. This simple tool allows you to hold a nail securely against a surface while keeping your hand well out of the way. If you still manage to smash your thumb while using one of these, seek help.
Recommended products
Add these unusual tools to your toolbox:
Stainless steel alligator forceps $22.95 for a set of two
Plastic dosage syringe $2.59
Vampliers $23.98
Adjustable hammer $42.42
Stubby screwdriver $13.99
Nail pliers $6.99