Handymen say these 45 weird things for your home are so damn clever

Erin Nutter, co-founder of The DIY Nuts and bona fide handyperson, says, “You won’t believe the difference changing to daylight bulbs can make in your space.” These 40-watt LED light bulbs lend a bright, energizing white to rooms, and they’re recommended for areas like home offices, laundry rooms, and garages. They’re both dimmable and energy-efficient, using only 5.5 watts of power while providing 40 watts of light.

“Cabinet bumpers are sometimes overlooked after you have painted cabinets or completed a kitchen remodel,” Nutter tells Mic. For a simple solution, she suggests cabinet door bumpers to “help your cabinet finish last.” They’re made of soft silicone that easily adheres to the corners of cabinets and other items, protecting paint and dampening noise to boot. Just peel one off a sheet and firmly press it into place.

These low-cost smart plugs will help turn your home into a smart home, which Martin recommends you do to make things easier around the house. “This genius device allows you to control and monitor your household appliances from anywhere using your smartphone, making it easier to manage your energy usage and save money on electricity bills,” he tells Mic.

Simply plug in lights or other electronics you wish to easily control — these plugs work with an included app, and are also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can control them via voice. They’re also compact enough to keep your other outlet accessible.

Feeling unsure about your measurements? To ensure you’re being accurate every time, Pullen suggests a digital tape measure like this one that “takes the guesswork” out of measuring. “It's easy to read and also useful if someone isn't confident reading the exact measurement on a regular tape measure,” he adds.

It has a 16-foot retractable tape and a durable, weather-resistant plastic body. The large digital display automatically gives you an accurate read, while a lock button keeps the tape from moving. It’s easy to recharge via a USB-C cable.

Jamie Robinson, home improvement expert at Value Doors, says, “Investing in weatherstripping can make a big difference to your home, as this can seal gaps and improve energy efficiency. You’ll be surprised how a little gap can make a room so cold.” Use the 26 feet of this weather stripping tape to stop drafts from sneaking in through gaps in doors and windows. The high-density foam adheres easily to wood, glass, and other surfaces, and helps insulate your home so you can cut down on your energy usage. Use this inside or outside, and it’s available in different sizes for different needs.

• Available sizes: 28

Making clever use of underutilized space, these mountable spice gripper clips will make locating your spices a breeze, according to Martin. “Simply stick them on the inside of your cabinet door and easily access all your spices without having to shuffle through them,” he says. “Not only do they save space, but they also make your spices more visible and organized.” This set has three strong plastic strips with adhesive backing and can hold four bottles each for a total of 12 jars. You can also trim them for a custom fit.

For a quick way to upgrade doors throughout your home, Robinson likes to install catches like this four-pack of cabinet door magnetic catches to keep them securely closed. He explains, “These are great for enhancing functionality and provide a polished finish to all types of doors, from cabinets to closet doors.” With a thin design, they easily blend with most finishes and add a pro appearance without causing your doors to have weird gaps. You also have your choice of included adhesive strips or screws to install them.

Battling winter weather means keeping your pipes from freezing. But instead of using a hairdryer or manually turning on the water, Pullen recommends a Freeze Miser, aka an outdoor faucet freeze protection device. This “monitors the temperature, and dripping activates at 37 degrees [Fahrenheit].” He says this removes the worry of “turning on and off outdoor spigots to drip during freezing weather.”

It releases the smallest amount of water to prevent freezing, and you can install it by simply twisting it onto your exterior faucet. Once installed, open your faucet completely to let the device access water pressure.

Cherniak also recommends a smart leak detector to help prevent water damage before it starts. “A leak detector [...] can be particularly useful in preventing water damage and saving you from costly repairs.” It can even “send alerts to your smartphone when a leak is detected” — as this one does — and works even if you’re away from home. If Wi-Fi is temporarily unavailable, the sensor will use a loud alarm to let you know it’s detected a leak.

Gus Pullen, owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas, advises using these drain line tabs in your HVAC unit to prevent potential water damage or mold. These time-release tablets can be popped anywhere moisture or standing water gathers to mitigate potential issues. Pullen informs that the tabs “are water-activated,” and “can be easily added to your HVAC drain pan.” They help improve your air quality by preventing any gunk from growing in your system, and each tablet lasts for up to two months.

Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Handyman Services, tells Mic that installing a smart garage controller that “allows you to control and monitor your garage door using your smartphone.” This handy device lets you open or shut your garage via the app even when you aren’t home, so you can rest assured the door is never left open. You can even automate closing or opening at scheduled times, or let in friends and family. Cherniak lauds this type of gadget as it “provides convenience and security for your home.”

Another clever home upgrade is voice-controlled lighting, which Cherniak recommends as an easy way to boost your pad’s atmosphere. “Smart lighting systems can enhance the ambiance of your home and provide convenience,” he explains. This four-pack of smart color-changing light bulbs from Kasa works with a smartphone app as well as Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control lighting with your voice. Cherniak likes that you can “create schedules or scenes to suit your preferences” — and these bulbs let you choose from 16 million unique colors, too.

If you want to refresh the look of your space without much labor, Cherniak recommends trying a peel-and-stick backsplash. “Self-adhesive tiles are designed for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas in your home,” he says, adding, “They are easy to handle, cut, install, and maintain.” This 10-pack of backsplash tile sheets looks like classic subway tiles, but they’re made of easy-to-clean, durable, water-resistant vinyl that won’t crack or yellow. Installation is as easy as removing the adhesive backing and securing the sheets to your wall.

• Available styles: 7

Daniel Vasilevski, electrician and the director and owner of Bright Force Electrical, recommends adding motion-sensing lights around your home. He says, “Lighting under kitchen cabinets, inside closets or along staircases is usually overlooked but it makes a huge difference in usability and safety.” These LED light bars have motion sensors that detect motion within 10 feet and turn on, illuminating your stairways (or closets or kitchens). This is a pack of three.

Jonathan Warshaw, woodworker and founder of Simple Woodworker, tells Mic that leveling up your cleaning tools will reap you many rewards. He recommends a cordless electric spin scrubber like this one, which he says “has saved me some unnecessary back pain and has cut my cleaning time down.” He also likes that it “comes with many brushes to tackle multiple tasks.”

One charge lasts up to two hours, and you can switch between four different heads. You can also opt to use the included pole that extends up to 46 inches to reach those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

For home improvement projects, this two-in-one carpenter pencil is a “game changer,” according to Warshaw. “It writes on wood, metal, and concrete. Its ergonomic design feels good in the hand. The pencil comes with seven leads, an integrated sharpener, and a top clip that easily attaches to your pocket. Plus, the bright orange body is easily visible against a backdrop of wood. Warshaw also adds that, so far, his has withstood multiple drops.

Tending to your lawn often means dealing with leaves, and Warshaw says this cordless leaf blower is “a power tool to own” if you have a yard. “It’s easy to assemble and comes with 21V batteries (a big part that influenced my decision to buy it),” he shares. One charge provides up to 50 minutes of use, depending on your chosen speed — it has two. The blower also comes with a fast charger for the battery packs and an ergonomic grip to make it easy to wield.

If your garage is one of the dimmer areas of the house, Pullen uses these LED garage lights in his own home to brighten things up. Simply screw them into the socket like a regular light bulb — each one lasts up to 50,000 hours. Plus, they have a large, three-panel design that’s “very bright and perfect for anyone that has a small shop in the garage or just needs more light to find things.”

This comes in at 8,000 lumens, and each panel is adjustable to direct the light where you need it most.

If you’re on board with the idea of brightening the garage but want an ultra budget-friendly option, you can opt for this two-pack of LED garage lights inspired by Pullen’s recommendation. These have four panels, are adjustable up to 90 degrees, and a brightness level of 12,000 lumens. This screws directly into the light bulb socket.

To help keep your home running smoothly and prevent unwanted repairs, Pullen says investing in a leak detector is important. “You can pretty much put them anywhere water might leak” — think under your hot water heater or next to the leaky dishwasher. He says this simple water leak sensor is budget-friendly and “will sound a loud alarm if water is detected.”

It uses AAA batteries (which are included) and has sensor probes on the top and bottom to detect drips and leaks. It also has a low-battery alert to let you know when it’s time to replace them.

According to Pullen, this universal socket tool is a must-have for all your DIY projects. He says, “It comes with a drill adapter and fits on every nut I’ve tried so far [...] For the person that doesn’t want to store an entire socket set, this is ideal.” It fits nuts, bolts, and other fasteners from a quarter-inch size to three quarters of an inch, and it easily attaches to your electric drill via the included adapter.

Touching up paint doesn’t have to be messy, and you don’t need to lug around the whole bucket every time you notice a scratch or chip. Nutter recommends these fillable paint pens (that have almost 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon) to make the task simple. “Fill these once and use them to easily touch up those walls and cabinets without having to get the whole paint gallon out,” she says. These pens have a built-in syringe to suck up paint, then you snap on the brush head and are ready to take on touchups without the hassle or mess.

When it comes to your DIY paint jobs, Nutter shares, “Keeping [deglosser] with your painting supplies is a great idea.” You can use this bottle of nontoxic, no-rinse prepaint surface preparation “to prep for all sorts of different painting home projects.” Coat some of this solution on high-gloss surfaces covered with paint, lacquer, or varnish, and you won’t have to bother with sanding. By removing grease, dirt, and other grime, it also helps fresh paint and varnish bond to older finishes. You can also use it to clean your paint brushes and rollers between jobs.

“During our home office renovation, we were looking for sturdy gold hardware handles that didn't cost a fortune,” Nutter shares. She found affordability and a modern look in these square cabinet pulls. “We were pleasantly surprised at the quality. They added a fun design element to our office without breaking the bank,” she adds. These handles come in an affordable 10-pack, and they’re constructed of sturdy zinc alloy. Mount them with the included screws to give your drawers some character.

• Available colors: 6
• Available sizes: 3

“A surprising home repair product that more people should know about is clear epoxy resin. It is usually associated with woodworking or art projects, but it can repair cracked tiles, reinforce weak surfaces, and even create a waterproof seal for countertops or showers,” says Erwin Gutenkunst, the president and founder of Neolithic Materials. This clear epoxy resin kit has everything you need to tackle small home projects. One reviewer says, “We updated our counter tops by painting them and used this for the protective top coat. Worked great!”

“Say goodbye to wasteful plastic wrap and hello to an eco-friendly alternative — reusable food wrap,” states Shaun Martin, home renovator and CEO of Sell My House Fast. These Bee’s Wraps fit the bill and will be a game-changing kitchen item, as they’re “washable and last for up to a year.” This three-pack comes with small, medium, and large sizes that mold into shape from the warmth of your hands. Hand washing them is simple, and they’re ready to use again after air drying.

• Available styles: 8

Sometimes you just don’t have the space to dry your clothing. For a simple solution, Martin suggests using a multipurpose mounted drying rack. This space-saving upgrade frees up “precious floor space,” prevents “dealing with wet spots on your furniture,” and provides for all your drying needs when installed on doors or walls. It attaches via a durable base, has rotating hooks, and folds up completely when you aren’t using it. Screw it into your wall with the included hardware, and it can hold up to 220 pounds of clothing and linens.

Gutenkunst also has an unusual recommendation: “One overlooked product is magnetic paint. It turns any wall into a magnetic surface, which is great for organizing kitchens, home offices, or kids’ rooms. You can hang notes, spice containers, or even lightweight tools without drilling holes.” This magnetic paint has a built-in primer, and can be used on all sorts of materials to create a magnetic surface. Use it to magnetize the backs of pictures, art projects, or even walls. It can be used on plaster, drywall, wood, and metal.

Ironing is such a chore, and Martin says a handheld fabric steamer is the way to go to ditch ironing boards and get “wrinkle-free clothes in minutes.” He continues, “This compact device heats up quickly, making it perfect for touch-ups or last-minute clothing emergencies.” This steamer heats up in 45 seconds and operates for 20 minutes without a water tank refill. It also comes with a fabric brush for thicker fabrics and has a simple, single-button operation.

Upgrading your decor can be easy and budget-friendly. “Use wall decals, a decorative adhesive design or image that can be easily applied to walls,” suggests Richard Mann, founder and owner of Premier Porcelain. “[They] can create an artistic focal point and help reflect your personal style without spending too much.” These peel-and-stick botanical wall decals add a pop of green and bring a fresh vibe to your space within minutes. The package comes with enough to cover about 5.5 x 2.5 feet of wall, and these are waterproof, fade-resistant, and removable with a hairdryer.

• Available styles: 7

Another trick up Mann’s sleeve is to use decorative mirrors, like these sunburst wall mirrors, “throughout your home” to give it a boost in more ways than one. He explains, “Not only do these amplify light, but they can also create an illusion of space.” This three-pack of gold mirrors comes with two identical sun mirrors and one flower-shaped mirror that can be arranged together vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, or separated throughout your space — whatever suits your fancy. They have traditional wall mounts and sturdy iron frames.

• Available styles: 12

Robinson says, “If you don’t have a doorbell or need to update an old one, I would also consider a new doorbell or some smart doorbell accessories for added convenience and security.” This smart Wi-Fi video doorbell has motion detection and day-and-night HD video, so you can see who’s at your door via the app’s live, high-definition feed. It also has a two-way audio system so you can use it as an intercom to speak with whoever is at your door.

When it comes to DIY projects and minor repairs, you should have tools available when you need them. Robinson suggests something like this general household tool kit filled with 50 pieces (including 30 screwdriver bits) of quality tools made of steel and chrome. Robinson says, “These little, affordable tool kits allow you to tackle small projects more efficiently, helping transform an indoor or outdoor space with ease.” With everything from hex keys to a utility cutter organized in a durable carrying case, you can keep this compact set tucked in your garage or closet and stop searching for the right tool.

This blackout roller shade comes recommended by Jack Williams, Founder of HandymanReviewed. It helps keep your room nice and dark while also offering thermal insulation. Made of layered fabric, the inner black layer absorbs heat and blocks strong sunlight to keep your room cooler, while the back has a thermal insulated backing that blocks UV rays. It’s mountable inside or outside your window frame using the included hardware.

• Available sizes: 37 (including custom sizing)
• Available colors: 4

Spray bottles may not seem like the weirdest thing to have around your house, but Gutenkunst has an unusual application to recommend. He says, “One clever trick for home maintenance is using a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dish soap to detect leaks around windows and doors. If you see bubbles forming, air is escaping, and you need to seal it. It is simple, cheap, and saves money on energy bills.” These affordable amber bottles are perfect for the job, and can be reused for other purposes when you’re done.

Bar Zakheim, general contractor and co-owner of Better Place Design & Build, recommends color-changing ribbon lights like these smart ones from DAYBETTER. He says, “One of my favorites to play around with is color-changing ribbon lights. These things literally come on a roll like tape, and you can unroll them to add accent lighting under your cabinets, countertops, or stair treads.” This 100-foot strand of lights can easily be installed behind televisions, under cabinets, or in closets, and can be controlled via a remote or the associated app. You can even program timers and schedules.

Adam Bushell, director of AB Electrical & Communications, recommends electrical tape with fiberglass backing. “It is incredibly versatile and can be used to secure cables, add extra insulation or even in situations where regular tape might not hold up as well,” he says. This electrical tape has a fiberglass backing and is heat resistant up to 518 degrees Fahrenheit. The applications are endless.

Bushell says, “Another solid product is silicone caulk for sealing gaps around windows and doors. It’s a simple fix that saves energy and cuts down on heating and cooling costs.” This silicone caulk is popular and mold-resistant, which is super important in moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens. You can use it to seal around windows, doors, and faucets and tap ware.

One useful product that comes recommended from Bushell is a magnetic hook. “They are useful in tight spaces or garages where you don’t want to put up more nails or screws and they work wonders for keeping everything tidy and accessible,” he says. These magnetic hooks can stick on the side of your washer dryer, your refrigerator, or any magnetic surface, creating storage solutions where you need them. Each hook can hold up to 25 pounds, and this is a pack of 20.

Bushell recommends investing in a good smart home security system. Smart home products “can greatly improve a home’s functionality that brings long term advantages, boosting both energy efficiency and security.” This eufy smart door lock is a great start, and will keep your home secure. It comes with a touchpad to enter in the door code, and an app that you can use to open the door remotely. You can even create temporary access codes.

Arran Jordan, director of Edwards & Hampson Joinery, recommends this genius grout pen for touching up your grout. He says, “Grout pens are a super quick and easy way to cover the dark crevices between tiles in your bathroom and kitchen that over time will pick up dirt and mould. A quick run-over with the grout pen will make them look good as new!” This one has a narrow tip that allows you to get into tight spots and freshen up the grout.

Jordan has a recommendation for anyone taking on any DIY painting jobs. “One tip I got from a painter is to use a nit-comb to help clean paintbrushes as the teeth are extremely fine and are excellent at removing paint,” he says. This nit-comb is not designed for removing paint from paint brushes, but it works just as well. The tight, fine-tooth comb easily frees dried paint from inside the bristles of your brushes.

A home upgrade worth making? Soft-close hinges. Jordan says, “Soft close hinges are relatively cheap and are very easy to install, even a novice can do it by simply swapping out old hardware and replacing the new ones with a screwdriver. They will instantly make your kitchen cabinets feel more high-end, reduce noise, and prevent damage.” This pack of 20 soft-close cabinet door hinges are easy to install, and have enough for you to outfit 10 cabinets.

Any drilling job is easier done with a stud finder. “I think a stud finder should be in everyone’s home as they are so easy to use and can prevent a lot of headaches and damage to your home,” says Jordan. This popular stud finder uses a magnet to identify the studs in your wall so you know exactly where to drill.

Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy, recommends a caulk gun. He says, “One home repair item I’d tend to recommend for most households is a simple, standard caulking gun (and caulk, of course).” This caulking tool is popular because it’s easy to use. Simply load in a 10-ounce silicone caulk tube and you’ll have an easier time wielding it with this tool.