If you’re longing to switch to the homestead lifestyle but are frustrated by the fact that circumstances just won’t come together to make it happen for several months, or even several years, there is something you can work on right now.
There are certain tools you should have on the homestead and the more of these you have on hand when you finally get to your land, the better off you will be. Experienced homesteaders will tell you that one of the biggest lessons they learned is how much less stressful projects can be with proper planning.
Sure, there’s value in the ability to make what you have work, especially when recycling materials, but not having the right tools for a project or task often adds a lot of stress, unexpected delays, frustration, and even injury. We’ve created a checklist for you to use below that includes all the basic tools and equipment and a few extras to consider for your homestead.
Some of the tools and equipment below, you may already have in use for everyday tasks around your current home. But the others, you will need to obtain, either by buying used, purchasing new, or even bartering with someone else.
Securing all the tools and equipment you need gradually over several months or even years is a great way to feel productive when your big homestead plans seem so far out of reach.
Manual Tools
In today’s world, there are a plethora of power tools and technology designed to make accomplishing homestead tasks easier. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with making work easier.
And there are still some things that just require manual labor to do properly. But for those with a limited budget or those who are preparing for a SHTF event, manual tools are the way to go. We’ve put together a list below of manual tools every homestead should have on hand:
Shovels Splitting Axe Draw Knife Hatchet Hand Drill Hammers Pliers Razor Knife (Utility Knife) Wire Cutters Wire Strippers Post hole Digger Tape Measure Wrenches (pipe, adjustable) Combination Wrenches Socket Wrenches Screwdrivers Crowbar Rakes and Hoes Grub Hoe Combination Square Hand Planer Dead Blow Hammer Level Hand Saws Pickaxe Allen Wrenches Vehicles You Should Have on the Homestead
Having a homestead means there will be multiple tasks that involve moving materials such as building supplies, soil or compost, manure, etc. To make moving things around your homestead less labor intensive, plan to have at least these vehicles at the ready.
Tractor or Mower ATV Pickup Truck Power Tools Chainsaws Table saw Chainsaw mill or Sawmill Plunge Router (used to finish the edges of self-milled lumber that will be used for cabinets and other projects) Log splitter SKIL Circular Saw )used to convert self-milled slabs into lumber and for a multitude of homesteading tasks you need to accomplish) Jigsaw (for precise cutting) Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Compound Miter Saw (used to process more than one board at a time or for timber that is larger in size) Equipment for Alternative Resources
One of the major concerns for many homesteaders is the ability to survive and have life go on relatively normal if the power goes out either temporarily or for an extended period. Below are our suggestions for alternative power equipment you should have on your homestead.
Generator Solar Panel System Portable Battery Charger Wind Turbine Power System Rainwater Catchment System Kitchen Tools and Cooking Equipment
When it comes to homesteading, many of those who switch to this lifestyle start off with a desire to eat food that is more organic or at least meals made of ingredients they themselves have control over. For this reason, cooking and preserving food is often an important component of the homesteading lifestyle.
Woodstove or Cookstove Solar Oven Dehydrator Smoker Meat Grinder Grain Mill Variety of pots, seed starter trays, etc. Storage rack with grated shelving and grow light for starting seeds Supplies for home canning and food preservation (canning jars, canning lids, jar liften, pressure canner, etc.) Additional Equipment
Many of the tools you use on the homestead go hand in hand with additional equipment that make moving materials, building structures, growing food, and raising animals possible.
Scour your current equipment inventory for any of the equipment below you may already have on hand. Then hit your local flea markets and garage sales to look for equipment you still need, often better quality and less expensive than buying new.
Wheelbarrow Utility cart or wagon Storage barrels (wooden, plastic food grade, metal) Hoses C-Clamp Winch Kit Ladders Extension Cords Chain saw sharpener Knife sharpener Safety Equipment (head, eyes, ears, hands, feet, etc.) Storage and Maintenance of Tools on the Homestead
As you begin to secure what you need to maintain and develop your homestead, you need a place to store it all. The other thing to plan for when considering a homestead is structures to store all the tools and equipment when not in use.
Planning ahead for storage needs can help reduce maintenance and repairs by reducing rust, rotting, and corrosion that can arise when tools and equipment are left exposed to weather.
You also need to keep fluids and parts on hand to keep your tools and equipment maintained regularly. Routine maintenance including checking for cracks, weak points, fluid loss, or other minor issues can greatly reduce how frequently you need to repair or replace tools and equipment.
Having a well thought out system for storing everything can also help you get projects done faster. Store tools and equipment in close proximity to where they will be used most frequently.
It’s also a good idea to have a portable system for keeping tools you use frequently in different areas of your homestead close at hand throughout the day. Invest in a quality tool belt or toolbox that is lightweight enough to wear or carry whenever you are out and about.
Consider duplicate tools, when budget allows, if they are frequently needed in different areas of the homestead. Having the tools and supplies you need to do minor maintenance or basic repairs on hand throughout the day means little tasks can be done as you spot them rather than becoming part of your ever growing “to do” list.
Which of these tools do you already have on hand? What’s next on your list of tools to get for your homestead? What’s the next phase of your homestead planning? If you’re currently working a homestead, did we miss any tools that you use regularly? Share your experience in the comments below.
#Gear
