# Tools Worth Owning

> Honest, practical write-ups on tools worth owning, from a licensed architect. Each article explains what a tool is, why it is worth owning, how to use it, what to look for when buying, and where to get it. Written by Abdullah Gerasimov, Licensed Architect. Some links are Amazon affiliate links; As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

## Articles

- [Laser Distance Meter: The Tape Measure Upgrade Worth Owning](https://toolsworthowning.com/tools/laser-distance-meter/): A laser distance meter is a small handheld tool that shoots a laser at a wall and shows the distance on a screen.
- [Pick Mattock: The Digging Tool for Ground a Shovel Cannot Break](https://toolsworthowning.com/tools/pick-mattock/): A pick mattock is a heavy digging tool with a pick on one side and a flat chopping blade (an adze) on the other.
- [5 Pliers Every Homeowner Should Own (and What Each One Does)](https://toolsworthowning.com/tools/pliers-every-homeowner-should-own/): Most homeowners need five pliers: lineman's pliers for cutting and gripping, long-nose pliers for tight spots, tongue-and-groove pliers for pipes and big nuts, diagonal cutters for wire, and slip-joint pliers for general grabbing.

## Site sections

- [Hand Tools](https://toolsworthowning.com/category/hand-tools/): Pliers, wrenches, pry bars and other tools that never need batteries.
- [Power Tools](https://toolsworthowning.com/category/power-tools/): Saws, drills, nailers and the cordless gear that saves your afternoon.
- [Measuring & Layout](https://toolsworthowning.com/category/measuring-layout/): Measure once, cut once: lasers, squares, levels and marking tools.
- [Outdoor & Garden](https://toolsworthowning.com/category/outdoor-garden/): Digging, watering and yard tools for the outside of the house.
- [Fasteners & Hardware](https://toolsworthowning.com/category/fasteners-hardware/): Screws, anchors, staples and the small parts that hold everything together.
- [Everyday Carry & Tech](https://toolsworthowning.com/category/everyday-carry-tech/): Phone gear and pocket tools that earn their place every day.
- [Workshop & Storage](https://toolsworthowning.com/category/workshop-storage/): Benches, boxes and organizers that keep a shop usable.
- [Starter kits](https://toolsworthowning.com/kits/): Starter tool kits for new homeowners, first apartments and weekend DIYers.
- [Tool finder](https://toolsworthowning.com/finder/): Pick a job and get the tools for it.
- [About](https://toolsworthowning.com/about/): Who writes this and how tools are chosen.
- [Affiliate disclosure](https://toolsworthowning.com/disclosure/)