Handymen Say These Weird-as-Hell Things Trending on Amazon Are So Damn Clever

Something you would never think of but will make you facepalm when you put your caulk away to use another day? These reusable caulk tube sealers that quickly reseal the open containers. “A set of reusable silicone caulk caps helps keep opened tubes of caulk from drying out, so you’re not throwing away half-used tubes every few months,” says Keith Wortsmith, President of DASH Heating & Cooling. This is a pack of two.

According to Reuben Saltzman, home inspector and owner of Structure Tech Home Inspections, there is one tool you must have in your toolbox if you intend to do any DIY. “Non-contact voltage tester, he says. “It’s one of the simplest tools out there, and it can literally save your life. If you’re doing anything electrical, this is your first move.” Tap any wire with this pen-shaped device, and it will tell you if it is live. Do it! Even if you think you turned the power off to that outlet. It comes in three colors.

“High-end homes get the little things right as well as the big, splashy showpieces,” according to Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design and Build. “Light switches and outlets in particular are an easy thing to splurge on.” Switching out an old outlet for this modern USB outlet makes your home seem bougie and modern while making it much easier to charge the devices you own. It comes in two styles and four colors.

Before you call an electrician, you can check that non-working outlet with this outlet tester. Maybe it’s a simple fix? “This weird little plug-in gadget with lights instantly tells you if an outlet is wired correctly,” says Corey Buescher, a Virtual Handyperson Expert with American Home Shield, a home warranty service that connects homeowners to skilled tradespeople via virtual chat. Plug it into that outlet, and it will light up the multiple-choice menu of potential wiring problems. “Press the button and it trips GFCI outlets so you can test a bathroom/kitchen safely,” he says.

“A laser measuring tool with a built-in level is faster and more accurate than a tape measure,” says DASH Heating & Cooling President Keith Wortsmith. This one is small enough to slip into your pocket. The slick design is easy to hold and use. The readout is clear. “And the built-in level means you can mark straight lines without juggling multiple tools. It’s super useful for everything from hanging shelves to laying out furniture in a room.”

“The tool that shocked customers the most?” asks Piotr Wilk, owner of door installation company Rooster Windows and Doors, LLC. “A simple window suction cup handle. It looks like a toilet plunger but is designed for glass. When I’m replacing those heavy double-pane windows, especially on second floors, this $15 tool lets me maneuver 60-pound window units safely by myself.” Set the glass suction cup on the glass you want to lift, pump the plunger a few times, and it will hold that piece of glass securely while you lift it with the handle.

“Beige and white outlet and light switch cover plates are incredibly played out,” according to Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel. “An easy way to make your home feel high-end without spending beaucoup bucks is by updating your electrical cover plates into something more tasteful.” These vintage floral leaf covers bring a rich pop of art to a space that is typically ignored, evoking a dark botanical style that is very much now. It takes only seconds to make the switch.

Doing more ambitious DIY projects requires tools. But some of the best tools are shockingly affordable. “The real secret weapon is automotive window tint squeegees for tile work,” says Jeff Lexvold, owner of Tropic Renovations. “When we’re installing large format tile or doing accent walls, these rubber tools push out air bubbles and excess adhesive better than any expensive tiling tool I’ve bought.” It’s even helpful for installing wallpaper or window film, too. And it comes in several bright colors.

“A flexible drill bit extension is not something you need every day, but when you do, it can save you a ton of time and frustration,” says Keith Wortsmith, President of DASH Heating & Cooling. “It helps a lot when drilling behind a sink, inside a cabinet, or between floor joists where a regular drill can’t fit.” At $10 or less, it’s an easy add to your toolkit. This set includes a pair of the bits in two different lengths. But there are four options to choose from.

“Install water leak detectors under sinks, behind the washing machine, and near the water heater,” suggests Structure Tech Home Inspections’ home inspector and owner Reuben Saltzman. They set off an audible alarm when they detect water where it shouldn’t be. “These devices cost about $10 to $40 each and can alert you early before a small leak becomes a big, expensive mess,” he says.

Before you head into any DIY project, says American Home Shield’s Virtual Handyperson Corey Buescher, strap on this magnetic wristband and stick your small tools, nuts, bolts, and screws to it. “It keeps small metal parts right on your wrist while working, so you don’t lose them,” he says. “Weird at first, but incredibly convenient for hanging shelves, assembling furniture, or when doing repairs from a ladder.”

“If you’ve got water lines running along exterior walls or through unheated spaces, a heat cable kit is just a must-have if your winters regularly dip below 20 [degrees Fahrenheit],” according to DASH Heating & Cooling’s President Keith Wortsmith. “People still wrap pipes in towels or old jackets, and it’s often not enough to help, while heat cable keeps the pipe just warm enough so it doesn’t freeze, even in a deep cold snap. This [electric heat kit] has a built-in thermostat so it only turns on when temps drop near freezing, saving energy while protecting your pipes.” The handy kit comes in your choice of eight lengths.

“One of the simplest upgrades we see in high-end homes is under-cabinet lighting to add warmth, improve visibility, and give kitchens a polished look,” says Ron Shimek, President of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company. These under-cabinet puck lights are an easy, fast, and effective way to achieve this, he says. Peel and stick the magnetic disk to the underside of the cabinets or stick it magnetically right to a metal door, fridge, or appliance. You can set them to turn on when they sense motion, adjust the brightness, and more. They even come with a charging station to keep them easily powered up.

There are two things Structure Tech Home Inspections’ Reuben Saltzman believes you need to put in your toolkit STAT: Caulk and painter’s tape. “Many homes have sloppy caulking jobs, especially in bathrooms,” he says. “Redoing a messy caulk line is easy and makes the space look ten times better.” This flexible caulk tape is so easy to apply and will create a pleasing visual line while helping to stop leaks. It comes in five colors.

If you are looking at a punch list of repairs for your home, you will need to prepare yourself before you can prepare the workspace, which means stocking a toolbox. “For tools, I can’t live without my oscillating multi-tool,” says Sergey Mashkov, a construction designer at Sheds Unlimited. “It gets into awkward spaces and handles everything, starting with trim removal and finishing with door adjustments.” While there are some excellent high-end models out there (Mashkov personally uses this option from DEWALT), this cordless oscillating multi-tool might be a good place to start if you aren’t ready to make a big investment. It’s cordless, has six speed settings, and comes in six sizes.

If you are painting a room, you will be glad you took the advice of Reuben Saltzman of Structure Tech Home Inspections and stocked up on painter’s tape. You might be tempted to wing it and forgo the prep. But all it takes is a drip or a slip to ruin the whole job. “Just take your time and tape it off right,” he says. This pack of four rolls will last you quite some time, and it’ll be there when the inspiration to freshen up a new room hits.

“The weirdest item that’s become essential,” says Jeff Lexvold, owner of Tropic Renovations, “is baby shampoo mixed with water for cleaning natural stone before sealing. It removes residue without damaging expensive marble or travertine, and costs a fraction of specialty stone cleaners. I learned this trick from one of our master tile setters who’s been perfecting his craft for decades.” At $3 a bottle, this is the kind of insider knowledge that will save you a bundle over time.

“Take it from a contractor: self-leveling laser levels are game-changing,” says Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel. “Even tasks as simple as hanging pictures turn out perfect when using a laser level.” This one runs on batteries, comes with a magnetic bracket, and is threaded to fit into a tripod. It sets off an audible alarm if your level line is off by 4 degrees. “Pro tip,” he says. “Your interior wall outside corners (corners that protrude out) feature a metal corner bead, at which you can mount your magnetic laser level.”

What else is a must-have in that toolkit you are building? “A magnet,” says Drew Mansur, Co-Founder and Director of TileCloud. “This […] has saved me countless times after I’ve dropped studs in tight spaces,” he says. “No batteries required, works through some thin materials. Thank me later.” These five magnetic pickup tools add another layer of ease, thanks to their telescoping design. They are all different sizes and can reach into whatever crevice or hole to grab what you dropped in there. The set is small and portable and comes with a magnetic tray.

According to American Home Shield’s Corey Buescher, you need to add this drain weasel to your toolkit, too. “It looks like a flimsy plastic stick with Velcro or barbs,” he says. “But it pulls out huge hair clogs from bathroom drains in seconds. Weirdly satisfying and gross – but super effective!” Just push the barbed snake into the drain and turn the handle. This is a pack of five.

Homestar Design Remodel’s Thomas Borcherding recommends using a tile paint marker to brighten your bathroom or kitchen tile. “Grout pens feature a felt tip and reservoir filled with grout colorant,” he says. “Grout pens are inexpensive solutions to dated grout lines. With grout pens, you can refresh or even change the color of your existing grout lines, allowing you to breathe fresh life into your tiled space.” This easy-to-use one comes in your choice of two styles: narrow or wide tip.

“A headlamp with a red-light setting is not something every homeowner or even handyman has,” says Keith Wortsmith, President of DASH Heating & Cooling. “But this red light saves your night vision and is surprisingly useful when working in dark crawlspaces or attics without blinding yourself on reflective surfaces.” This small, rechargeable, and waterproof version is so inexpensive that it’s easy to keep on hand. It has three levels of white light and two modes of red.

If you lack the time and energy to install soft-close hinges, you can accomplish a similar result with a set of clear bumpers for cabinets. “An easy DIY project for cabinets that slam shut is the installation of soft-close cabinet dampeners,” says Homestar Design Remodel owner Thomas Borcherding. It’s super fast and easy. Peel and stick the bumpers where the door or drawer makes impact. “Note that this product only works for overlay, and not inset, cabinet doors and drawer fronts.” This set comes in two shapes.

American Home Shield’s Corey Buescher recommends this right angle drill attachment. “It attaches to your drill and lets you drive screws or drill holes at a 90 [degree] angle in places where a normal drill won’t fit,” he says. “Looks odd, but once you need it under a sink or inside a cabinet, it’s a lifesaver.” The flexible shaft of this one makes it easy to get into difficult places to position that angled head, too.

Bar Zakheim of Better Place Design and Build, recommends focusing on light switches to boost the style around your home. Cheap, builder-grade light switches quickly make the entire space feel under-built. This toggler LED and dimmer switch has a solid feel and improves your lighting by allowing you to dim lights or throw a splash of bright light when needed. Set the brightness and flip the switch for everyday use. When you need more — or less — light, it’s easy to adjust. It comes in six colors.

“Light switches and outlets themselves can be made to match by changing them out or through the use of spray paint (utilize an outlet plug prior to spraying),” according to Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel. This stylish gold light switch wall plate is a simple upgrade that requires no wiring or fancy tools. Simply unscrew your current cover and screw this one in. There are options for lights and outlets of every type so you can create a coordinated look throughout your home.

“A telescoping inspection mirror with built-in LED light and a flexible neck is a real find for pros and for homeowners, too,” says DASH Heating & Cooling’s Keith Wortsmith. “The LED lets you actually see in dark, tight spots, and the flexible neck means you can angle it around pipes or inside wall cavities without taking things apart. Helps a lot when trying to find a slow leak behind a dishwasher or to read the model number off the back of an appliance without moving it.” This tool set has two mirror options as well as a telescoping light and two magnetic pickup tools.

You don’t have to live with the stained, painted wall behind your stove or counters while you dream of a day when you can afford tile. “Installing a backsplash with peel-and-stick tiles and with the right preparation can be done in a weekend,” according to Ron Shimek, President of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company. This subway backsplash looks so much like real tile that you might stop dreaming about an expensive construction project. It comes in 10 colors and patterns.

If you want to look like a serious professional and save yourself a lot of hassle, invest in a moisture meter. Wave it at a wall and it will tell you if there is an invisible leak. “Most homeowners think it’s some fancy gadget,” says Rooster Windows and Doors, LLC owner Piotr Wilk. “But it’s [an inexpensive] game-changer that tells you exactly where water damage is hiding before you start any installation. I use this thing religiously when checking window frames and door jambs before installations.”

One tool you definitely want? “A good stud finder,” says Mr. Handyman’s President Ron Shimek. “Because guessing is not a strategy.” This advanced wall scanner looks behind the drywall to identify studs, joists, pipes, and live wires, which makes it easy to locate a stud and avoid punching through anything important. It comes in six colors.

If it’s the floors you dream of replacing with something modern, clean, and stylish, rather than your backsplash, you can use the same peel-and-stick strategy Ron Shimek, of Mr. Handyman, recommends for walls. These vinyl floor tiles are easy to install right over the floor you have, and they come in classic patterns. They are easy to clean, water resistant, and heat resistant. No one will know you didn’t involve an expensive flooring specialist. Choose from five colors.

“Every homeowner should own a basic caulk finishing tool set,” says Piotr Wilk, of door installation company Rooster Windows and Doors, LLC. “Not just a caulk gun. These little plastic shapers create perfect seals around windows and doors, preventing the energy leaks that cost hundreds in heating bills. I’ve seen too many DIY caulk jobs that look terrible and perform worse, but these simple tools make anyone look like a pro.” This three-in-one sealant finishing tool has everything you need, cleverly built into one double-ended package.

If you want to take the advice of Better Place Design and Build CEO Bar Zakheim about taking light switch covers to the next level, invest in this clever outlet cover that also doubles as a guide light. It cleans up the look of your outlets while throwing light downward so you can navigate your home without turning on overhead lights. Plus, it comes in three styles and four colors.

While you are shopping for basic tools to stock your toolbox, “another would be grout rakes,” according to TileCloud Co-Founder and Director Drew Mansur. “Not exactly something that sounds exciting,” he says. But you can’t have too many. “You’ll most likely need more than one for bigger grout-removing jobs in case the blade starts to get blunt, or stops working as well as it should be. Removing grout takes elbow grease, since the key is being slow and working with precision,” he says. “Having a few handy is something you’ll be grateful for down the track.” This tile grout saw has three extra rakes that fit into the ergonomic handle.

“Having a good bit set is necessary in today’s world of screws and other proprietary fasteners,” says Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel. “Of all my bit sets, I personally utilize iFixit’s the most.” This clever screwdriver bit set gets high reviews from Amazon shoppers, though. It comes in a tidy case that includes 37 standard bits, 25 precision bits, and 10 sockets. There is also a slightly smaller version.

“As for a product every homeowner should have,” says TileCloud’s Drew Mansur “That would absolutely be a quality tile cutter.” That may sound expensive but this unit is about the price of lunch and can handle ceramic or porcelain tiles up to 14 square inches. “Especially for the DIYers out there,” he says. “Whatever it is, your kitchen backsplash, bathroom flooring and walls, etc., it’s a real game changer when you need to make those precise cuts. Most homeowners shy away from these since they might only envision its use for the one-off kind of projects, but if anything, they’re a relatively small investment that can make renovations down the line much easier.”

“Swap your cabinet hinges and toilet seats for soft-close options,” suggests Sergey Mashkov, a construction designer at Sheds Unlimited. It’s easy to replace the toilet seat with this Kohler quite-close seat, and the entire bathroom will feel elevated and high-end. It comes in nine colors, so you can change the look of the room at the same time. “This prevents damage and adds a high-end feel when handling,” he says.

“If you want to give your room a facelift as quickly and cheaply as possible, go for peel-and-stick wallpaper,” says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design and Build. This faux linen wallpaper brings texture and color to the room while covering up stains, an ugly color, and more. “This stuff is durable, high-quality, truly reusable, and a great way to add a splash of color or a unique pattern to your design,” he says.

Before you start a peel-and-stick wallpaper update, on the advice of Better Place Design and Build’s Bar Zakheim, add this wallpaper tool kit to your cart. With a measuring tape to get the pieces sized right, a craft knife to make clean cuts, and two smoothers of different sizes and types to encourage the paper to lay flat and bubble-free, your project will be much more likely to go smoothly and turn out just how you want it to.

“I highly recommend homeowners change out their dated thermostat for a smart one,” says Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel. This Amazon smart thermostat, for example, connects to your Wi-Fi and Echo devices or phone and lets you control your home’s temperature with your voice, routines, or schedules. “Doing so can save you tremendous amounts of money on energy bills, and you can even change the temperature of your home from your phone,” he says.

Sheds Unlimited Construction Designer Sergey Mashkov recommends swapping out the hinges in your bathroom and kitchen cabinets for soft-close options to make the space feel more high-end and to protect the finish from damage. This 20-pack of stainless steel soft-close cabinet door hinges is perfect for the task. It takes very little effort — with a screwdriver — to make the switch and this pack will likely handle the entire room.

Ron Shimek, President of Mr. Handyman, recommends picking up a cordless impact driver. This affordable power tool speeds up everything from assembling flat-pack furniture to hanging art to installing soft-close hinges in your drawers and cupboards. “It saves your wrist and speeds up everything from deck screws to drywall anchors,” he says. It’s designed so that switching bits is easy and the battery indicator lets you know when it’s time to recharge.

“One of the easiest changes I recommend is repainting,” says Sergey Mashkov, a Construction Designer at Sheds Unlimited. “Not just the walls, but the ceilings and built-ins too. People overlook ceilings, but over time, they yellow and drag the whole room down. A fresh coat of bright white will instantly lift the space.” This paint and primer makes this job easy since you don’t need to do a separate coat of primer before you get started. It comes in 13 colors in matte, gloss, and satin options.

“If you want instant warmth and texture and are not afraid of living things, add greenery,” says Sergey Mashkov, Construction Designer at Sheds Unlimited. “Large-format plants like a rubber plant or monstera make a huge visual impact and are relatively easy to care for.” This rubber tree is big, beautiful, and simple to maintain. And the shiny, dark petals add visual interest to any space. There are 22 plants to choose from.

One task you can easily take on yourself to save the cost of a plumber? “Replacing a toilet flapper,” says Mr. Handyman President Ron Shimek. “It sounds intimidating, but it’s a [10]-minute fix that can stop a leak and save water. This high-quality replacement flapper is good to have on hand so you don’t have to run to the hardware store if your toilet starts to run.

“For homeowners, I always recommend keeping painter’s putty knives in multiple sizes,” says Jeff Lexvold, owner of Tropic Renovations. “Not just for painting. We use these constantly for everything from scraping old caulk to prying up flooring samples to checking subfloor conditions.” This four-piece putty knife set is the perfect way to get your collection started. There are four sizes. The handle is big and comfortable. And the stainless steel blades are durable.

According to Ron Shimek, President of Mr. Handyman, “Weatherstripping doors and windows improves comfort and cuts energy bills.” It is easy to do, too, with this rubber weather stripping door seal strip that you can cut with scissors or a kitchen knife and peel-and-stick into place. It comes in four lengths and three colors.

Sheds Unlimited’s Sergey Mashkov recommends putting a monstera plant in your living space. It will add instant texture and warmth. But if you can’t remember to water a plant or there is no light where you want greenery, this large artificial monstera will look the part and require nothing. It shows up potted and ready to put wherever your space needs the look of nature.

In your quest to improve the lighting in your home, an LED strip light like this one is a terrific option. “It can make a big impact,” says Ron Shimek, of Mr. Handyman. Run it along the top of a bookshelf, under a kitchen cabinet, or behind the TV to create subtle but effective lighting. You can cut it with scissors, bend it around corners, and use it almost anywhere since it is low heat and delivers a warm light. It comes in two lengths.

Make sure you have this nine-in-one painter’s tool in your toolbox. It is useful for all kinds of jobs, even if you aren’t painting. It will pull a nail, scrape off gunk, or act as an ad hoc screwdriver, can opener, or bottle opener. It will even clean your paint rollers and gouge out a plugged screw hole. “One of the most versatile tools pros always keep on hand,” says American Home Shield expert Corey Buescher.