Handymen say these 35 weird things for your home are so damn clever

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Handymen say these 35 weird things for your home are so damn clever
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Handymen tend to be familiar with every nook and cranny of the house, so there’s no one better to ask for advice about unique items that enhance a space. To that end, I got tips and recommendations from handymen and home experts on weird things that refresh your house and amp up efficiency — and they all require little investment but make a world of difference. Here’s their advice. Your new and improved home awaits.

01These daylight LED bulbs that can energize a room

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.

02These cabinet door bumpers that protect paint & reduce slamming

“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.

03These smart plugs that help you manage your home hands-free

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.

04The digital tape measure that displays exact measurements

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.

05The high-density weather stripping tape that stops drafts

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

06These space-saving spice gripper strips

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.

07These magnetic catches that keep cabinet doors tightly latched

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.

08The outdoor faucet protector that prevents frozen pipes

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.

09A smart leak detector that sends notifications to your phone

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.

10These HVAC drain line tabs that help improve air quality

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.

11The smart garage control that’s convenient & secure

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.”

12These color-changing light bulbs that enhance ambiance

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.

13The peel-&-stick backsplash tile that’s hassle-free

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

14A smart thermostat that helps save energy

Help reduce your energy usage and take control of your home’s temperature — from anywhere — with this highly rated smart thermostat. “With a smart thermostat, you can save on energy costs and create a more comfortable living environment,” Cherniak says. This one features an app-based HVAC monitor to help you automate temperatures or control them on the go. This syncs to your Alexa devices, is Energy-Star certified, and is simple to DIY install — Alexa can walk you through it.

15A cordless spin scrubber that reduces cleaning time

Jonathan Warshaw, woodworker and founder of Simple Woodworker, tells Mic that leveling up your cleaning tools will reap you many rewards. He recommends this cordless electric spin scrubber, 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 90 minutes, and you can switch between eight different heads and two speeds. And though Warshaw mostly uses the scrubber detached, you can opt to use the included pole that extends up to 54 inches to reach those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

16The 2-in-1 carpenter pencil that’s a DIY game changer

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.

17A cordless leaf blower with 2 rechargeable batteries

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.

18These LED garage lights that improve visibility

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.

19This budget-friendly garage light option

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.

20A no-frills leak alarm that alerts you to drips

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.

21A universal socket tool with a drill adapter

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.

22These refillable paint pens that make touch-ups a breeze

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.

23A surface solution that cuts down paint-job prep time

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.

24These modern cabinet pulls that look expensive

“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

25This magnetic key holder that keeps keys accessible

Ransacking the house for your keys can become a thing of the past thanks to the suggestion of Shaun Martin, home renovator and CEO of Sell My House Fast. “A magnetic key holder, designed to be effortlessly mounted on any wall, securely holds your keys in place, eliminating the need for endless searching,” he says.

This magnetic key holder has a 4-inch long body that secures all types of keys and key rings — and is also adorably shaped like a cloud. It easily adheres to your wall with the included adhesive.

  • Available colors: 4

26These reusable food wraps that replace disposable plastic

“Say goodbye to wasteful plastic wrap and hello to an eco-friendly alternative — reusable food wrap,” states Martin. 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

27A wall-mounted clothes rack that frees up space

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.

28A stackable recycling bin with a helpful label

According to Martin, “Stackable recycling bins make it easy to separate your trash and recyclables while also saving space in your kitchen.” He adds that “labels for different materials” make sorting easier. This stackable recycling bin comes with preprinted labels and a snap-on hood with a swinging lid, which is easy to remove when emptying the bin. Its 14-gallon capacity and built-in handles keep it functional — stack it anywhere and fill it up.

  • Available sizes: 3

29A handheld garment steamer that heats up in under a minute

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.

30These peel-&-stick wall decals for a stylish focal point

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

31These sunburst wall mirrors that help your space look larger

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

32A video doorbell with motion detection & 2-way audio

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.

33The general household tool kit that aids in repairs & upgrades

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.

34The blackout roller shade that helps keep rooms cool

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

35A window insulating kit that can reduce energy bills

Williams also recommends a window film insulator kit, like this one from 3M. It includes transparent insulating shrink film to handle two windows (of 3-by-5 feet or smaller). Install it using a blow dryer, scissors, and measuring tape, along with the included adhesive tape. Once it’s up, it helps make your home more energy efficient by blocking cold and preventing heat loss so that you can cut down on your heating bills in the chillier months.