Home Resilience
The Off-Grid Tool Kit: 10 Essentials for Home Repair
If the grid goes down, the plumber isn’t coming. The carpenter isn’t coming. You are the maintenance department for your family. While power tools are great, you need a manual backup for everything.
The Manual Top 10
Every resilient home should have these high-quality manual versions of common tools:
- Crowbar / Pry Bar: For forced entry or debris removal.
- Cross-Cut Hand Saw: For cutting lumber without electricity.
- Pipe Wrench: Essential for plumbing emergencies.
- Manual Hand Drill: To make holes when batteries are dead.
- Full Screwdriver Set: Standard and Phillips (don’t rely on just a multi-tool).
- Hacksaw: For cutting through metal bolts or locks.
- Claw Hammer: A 16oz forged steel hammer (like Estwing).
- Bolt Cutters: For clearing obstacles or gaining access.
- C-Clamps: For securing materials while working alone.
- Measuring Tape: 8-meter heavy-duty steel.
The “Pro” Strategy
Don’t buy cheap “homeowner” kits. Buy individual tools from brands like Estwing, Milwaukee, or Wera. They will last your lifetime and your children’s.