We’ve already discussed what you should have in your survival kits and bug-out bags, you know that. Now we’ll take some time to discuss some tools and supplies that you should have to do emergency home repairs in case you can’t call a professional.
This is particularly important for anybody who lives in an area where any type of storm is possible; in other words, everybody should have this stuff!
Allen wrenches – Also known as hex keys or Allen keys, these tools are used to drive bolts or screws with hexagonal sockets. They come in a set of different sizes and in both metric and standard. We recommend a set of each.
Bolt cutters – Cuts through fence, bolts, chains or just about anything that may be in the way of making your house safe. Can also be used to cut small saplings or lengths of heavy rope.
Carpenter’s pencil – If you need to measure a board to make repairs, a carpenter’s pencil works better than a regular pencil because it’s more durable.
Claw hammer – You can use this to drive nails or to pry things apart. Would come in handy when putting up or taking down plywood over your windows and for a wide variety of tasks. Also makes a good hand-to-hand weapon.
Crow bar – Can be used to pry things apart and is also a handy lever if you need to lift/move something. Also a great hand-to-hand weapon.
Duct tape – What can we say? It’s duct tape! You can use this for everything from repairing a whole in your tarp to making a splint or fashioning a cup. Have a few rolls!
Electrical tape – Great for fixing wiring but also can be used to lash limbs together, tie up a tarp to collect water, or for many other purposes.
Fishing line – 12lb test or higher. Waterproof and strong, fishing line has so many uses that there’s no way to list them all.
Gloves, disposable – In a flood situation, touching anything that’s been exposed to flood water is dangerous. Same goes for treating injuries, cleaning up after somebody that becomes ill. Have at least 1 box.
Hack saw with blades – You’ll need this to fix pipe leaks/breaks or to cut down limbs that have fallen. Can also be used to cut just about anything that’s in your way.
Manuals – We’re big advocates of becoming a jack of all trades but having a manual on hand for such things as plumbing and home DIY projects can be invaluable in a situation where you may have to fix things yourself.
Multi-tool – We’ve already suggested having this in your survival kit but having an extra around the house is a good idea, too. This may take the place of your pliers and other tools, though we still recommend having them as back-ups in case your multi-tool breaks or is lost.
Nails – A variety box of nails, or a few boxes of different sized nails is a must-have. You can nail boards over your windows, fix broken doors, shingles or furniture, or use them to create hooks to hang your tarp from.
Note pad – Use it to write down measurements or instructions, or to leave notes about your whereabouts. Can also be used to help start a fire. Get one with the wire binding because the wire can be useful, too.
Pipe primer and solvent kit – If a pipe breaks, you’ll need this to fix it.
Pipe wrench – Can be used for a number of things, including fixing pipes and as a weapon.
Pliers, standard and needle-nose – There are so many uses for pliers that it would require an encyclopedia to list them all.
PVC Pipe and elbows – It never hurts to have an extra piece of PVC pipe and elbows in the size to fix under your sinks in case your pipes freeze or are otherwise damaged.
Razor blades – Use for cutting, scraping, stripping wire (carefully!) and for self-defense.
Safety glasses – The last thing you need is an eye injury in an emergency situation.
Safety pins – Repair clothing or rips in tents or tarps and pin curtains together so that people can’t see in your windows. Safety pins have numerous uses.
Screwdriver kit – Have a variety of sizes and lengths. Can be used for the obvious reason (removing or driving screws) and also as a lever, a pry tool or as a weapon.
Sledge Hammer – Some jobs just require a bit of force. A sledgehammer is your tool for those occasions. Also valuable as a weapon.
Tarp – Use it to repair roof leaks, to catch fresh water, or to build a temporary structure. You can wrap things in them, or put materials in them to carry. Can also be used as an impromptu stretcher.
Twist ties – Great for small repairs such as if you lose the screw to your glasses or a small screw in plumbing or electrical situations. Can be used to bind things together, too.
Volt Meter – It’s always a good idea to be sure that there’s no electricity going to the spot that you’re working on. You can also use it to test your generators.
Wire, 22-24 gauge, 100 ft. – You can use it to repair broken fixtures or furniture or to make a snare or trip wire. Multiple other uses for good wire.
Wire cutter with stripper – Always handy to have whether you’re working on your electricity or your vehicle. Can also be used to cut fence or to cut your wire into usable lengths.
Remember that these tools are in addition to your survival kits and bug out bags. In those, you’ll have your first aid kits, knives, rations, changes of clothes and all of the other good things needed to live. The tools that we discussed today, though useful for many survival situations, are just what you’ll need to make repairs around the house post-SHTF.
This article has been written by Theresa Crouse for Survivopedia.