Contractors swear by these weird things for your home that are life-changing

Allison Harrison, co-owner of Goodbee Plumbing in New Orleans, says, “Outdoor faucet covers are so helpful for homeowners for keeping your pipes from freezing in the winter. There are usually always a couple of shoulder-season freezes every year... and a few dollars can save you from a very expensive problem in the future.” These have a hard outer shell and poly foam insulation, and don’t need any tools or prep to install.

Magnetic stud finders like this one come highly recommended by Walter E. Bennett, handyman & HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air. “Like a bloodhound,” says Bennett, “this little magnet-on-a-stick device locates screws or nails in your drywall. No drama, no noise, no batteries.” Its strong neodymium magnets stick to the wall, pointing out the precise location of each stud. They’re best used on drywall or wood.

"Talc-free baby powder is an odd but brilliant solution for squeaky floors,” says Jim Marino, CEO and home improvement expert at Pinnacle Home Improvements. “It acts as a lubricant for the floorboards to stop the squeak and give you some peace and quiet. Sprinkle it between the noisy boards and work it down into the seams for a quieter floor.” It's formulated without irritants like parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum, and is hypoallergenic. You can even buy it in a pack of two.

Brendan Anderson, founder of Brix Systems, says this telescopic gutter brush “makes clearing out gutters way faster and less messy — especially when you're trying to avoid a full ladder setup. We’ve used it on job sites to do quick cleanups before sealing or repairs, and it saves a ton of time.” With a flexible brush head on one end, it can extend from 36 to 74 inches in length to reach spots that are especially out of the way.

"Over-the-door hooks are quirky and maximize space by providing additional hanging options for bags, coats, or towels, especially in tight areas,” says Josh Qian, COO and co-founder at Best Online Cabinets. These are made of an aluminum alloy that can handle heavy jackets and accessories. They fit most standard doors of up to 1.75 inches in depth.

John S. Gelfusa, C.G.R., a certified graduate remodeler and licensed builder, advises homeowners to prevent dryer fires with this vent cleaning kit. “I've remodeled more homes than I can remember that caught on fire from clogged dryer vents. So over the years, I would remind my clients not to ignore this maintenance [item].” Both assembly and usage take mere seconds. Just attach the extension to your vacuum cleaner to reach lint and remove buildup.

“The amount of nails, screws, and other tidbits dropped while working is more than enough to make you want a magnetic wristband,” says Jim Marino, CEO and home improvement expert at Pinnacle Home Improvements. “From doing your own DIY to being a professional in the field, this product is a lifesaver.” It's made of rugged nylon with a breathable mesh lining, and is resistant to years. It’s adjustable, so one size fits most.

Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of airconditionerlab.com, says, “This refillable paint pen is my go-to for fixing wall chips. Instead of dragging out a roller and tray, I just store leftover paint inside the pen and do quick touch-ups when needed. It’s clean, quick, and makes those small scuffs disappear.” Just twist its base to release the perfect amount of paint every time, without any mess. Five arrive per pack, and they’re also reusable.

Adhesive fasteners are a favorite of Josh Qian, COO and co-founder at Best Online Cabinets. He says they’re often “stronger than standard options, capable of securing heavier items like tools or decorations, and are great for organizing spaces.” These VELCRO fasteners are industrial-strength and hold up to 10 pounds each. Since they’re water-resistant, they're also safe to use outside. Each package comes with four circle-shaped fasteners.

These silicone cable ties are a favorite of Jason Rowe, director and founder of Hello Electrical. “I have [clients] tie cords behind entertainment units, to organize workshop leads and to stop appliance cables tangled,” he says. “They are stronger than ordinary plastic ties, can be adjusted many times, and are resistant to heat, which means they can be used even in the vicinity of warming appliances.” Each soft reusable tie can stretch up to two and a half times its original length.

“This [squeaky floor repair kit] lets you tighten the boards through the carpet without tearing it up,” says Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of airconditionerlab.com. “It’s one of those things you don’t expect to work, but it does. I’ve used it on jobs where the squeak was right in the middle of a room, and it fixed it in under 10 minutes.”

Each kit includes 50 counter-snap breakaway screws, a pair of joist finding screws, a hardwood adapter, a square head driver bit, and a tripod fixture that works well on carpets. All you need is the power drill you already have — this kit does the rest.

“Instead of calling a plumber for a clogged bathroom drain, I hand clients one of these [drain snakes],” says HVAC technician and owner of airconditionerlab.com Josh Mitchell. “It clears hair clogs fast, and it’s cheaper than one bottle of drain cleaner.” Each tool is 18 inches long and contains microhooks that pick up every strand. Arriving in a pack of five, each one can easily be tossed after use.

“One of my favorite small-but-smart home upgrades is a plug-in footswitch like this one from Philips,” says Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel. “Instead of bending over or crawling to unplug something, a simple tap with your foot powers things on or off. It’s a surprisingly satisfying upgrade.” At 9 feet long, it extends under couches and beds for easier access. Plus, its plug is designed not to block a second outlet.

According to Walter E. Bennett, handyman & HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air, this toilet tank bank is a money-saving must. “It's a little plastic bladder you drop in the toilet tank to reduce water per flush,” he says. “I always suggest it for eco-conscious homeowners or folks with older toilets. It looks like a mini hot water bottle for your toilet. But it actually works. Clients are amazed at the difference on their water bill.”

Saving an average of over 3 liters of water per flush, it helps average to around 5,550 liters of water per year, making it a smart investment. It also just takes two minutes to install.

Walter E. Bennett, handyman & HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air, recommends these reusable furniture sliders for heavy pieces. “Even for tasks that do not entail designing or flooring,” he says, “you would not believe how frequently I am asked to move furniture. I can move couches and mattresses by myself with these sliders without damaging floors or straining my back.”

By evenly distributing weight, they let you change up your space with ease (and without help). They’re reusable and can even live under furniture for easy rearranging anytime. You get 16 per order.

Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, likes this color-changing toilet light for both safety and fun. “It lights up the bowl at night in different colors,” he says, calling it “weird but useful — especially in homes with kids, seniors, or late-night wanderers.” When it senses body heat, it lights up automatically; when you're gone, it turns off to save power. Choose between 16 colors or cycle through them in carousel mode. Its arm is adjustable and flexible to fit any toilet.

“These things are miracle workers,” says Walter E. Bennett, handyman & HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air, of these magic erasers. “When I give my clients' dirty baseboards or worn-out tile grout a fast brush and it looks brand new, they are always in awe.” Each sponge is made of melamine, which cuts through dirt & scuff marks in just a swipe or two. Each order comes with 10 sponges.

This silicone caulking tool delivers a flat application that completely seals off gaps. “Clean caulk lines are the mark of a pro,” says Walter E. Bennett, handyman & HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air, “but getting them right by hand is a nightmare. These kits come with shaped silicone tips that glide along seams for a smooth finish.” Each kit comes with five types of silicone heads with different angles. Try it on bathroom tiles, sink joints, and more.

“These [Command strips] aren’t just for art,” says Walter E. Bennett, handyman & HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air. “I use them to attach lightweight shelves, mount remotes behind TVs, or even hold power strips to the wall.” This particular pack comes with 12 large strips that hold up to 16 pounds each without damaging your walls. Plus, you don’t need tools to set them up.

If you're someone who likes everything even and level, this [laser level] tool is amazing,” says Jim Marino, CEO and home improvement expert at Pinnacle Home Improvements. He adds, “You don’t need to worry about marking just the right spot on the wall or redoing it multiple times to get it just right. The laser projects perfectly straight lines onto the wall.” Water and dust-resistant, it comes with a tripod for use at different heights.

“These little plastic triangles raise items (like cabinet doors or furniture legs) off the surface,” says Walter E. Bennett, handyman & HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air. That way, “you can paint or stain all surfaces without [wet paint] clinging or spreading [...] I refinish cabinets all the time using these.” They come in a pack of 10, are easy to set up, and support up to 200 pounds.

According to Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, these socket-to-plug adapters “[screw] into a standard light bulb socket and [add] a power outlet. [They’re] a smart fix when outlets are limited in older homes.” Their fireproof materials can handle strong currents without any accidents. They work with two and three-pronged plugs. Simply turn off your light fixture, remove the existing bulb, and screw your adapter into place.

“It’s not fancy, but standing on this [anti-fatigue mat] for hours saves your knees and back,” says Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters. “We use [it] in garages and workshops.” Its textured foam filling cushions your feet, relieving strain on your legs. Nonslip edges stick to the floor, keeping it flat to minimize trips and falls. If it gets dirty, you can clean it with soap and water. You can also buy it in a pack of five, perfect for a bigger workspace.

Josh Qian, COO and co-founder at Best Online Cabinets, says that “LED motion sensor lights are fantastic for dark areas like closets or stairways. They automatically turn on when you walk by. It provides safety and convenience without needing to fumble for a switch.” Each battery-powered light in this pack of three glows with 35 lumens. You can install them in seconds with either screws or tape, both of which are included.

Walter E. Bennett, handyman & HVAC technician at Green Leaf Air, says to think of this air shim as “a contractor’s Whoopee Cushion — but for lifting doors, leveling cabinets, or wedging in heavy appliances with precision. It’s inflatable and strong enough to lift 300 lbs! [...] No crowbar required, and no crushed fingers.” Aside from serving as a general time-saver for contractors, its simple squeeze pump lets you operate it with just one hand.

“[Industrial sealant tape] is always nice to have on hand,” says Allison Harrison, co-owner of Goodbee Plumbing in New Orleans. “A common problem our plumbers face is when pipes are tightened far too much. Especially things like shower heads can leak through the threads, and that will cause homeowners to just tighten it further. Unfortunately, that can warp and damage it, actually making the problem worse. Valve sealant tape fixes this entirely, and many homeowners just do not know it exists.”

This particular tape stands up to temperatures from -212 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and can also be used on other places throughout your home to make connections both watertight and airtight.

Jason Rowe, director and founder of Hello Electrical, is a fan of plug-in power meters, noting that they measure “the amount of power used in any machine and [assist] the homeowners in knowing the machines that use too much electricity.” Switch between seven display modes to read its data in volts, amps, Hertz, and more. It also has an easy-to-read backlit LCD. “It has been used by clients to replace inefficient equipment, thereby saving them up to 20% of their power bills,” Rowe adds.

“After two decades [...] dealing with countless pipe nightmares, I swear by drain inspection mirrors,” says Jason Best, owner of SewerRepairs.com. “Most contractors overlook this simple tool, but it's saved me from unnecessary excavation countless times.” Available in four colors, this one is made of clear glass for an accurate reflection. Its cushioned handle isn’t just soft and comfortable — it also provides a great textured grip if and when used by wet or oily hands.

"This [roof tape] is great for quick, temporary patches or sealing seams on metal roofs,” says Brendan Anderson, founder of Brix Systems. “We keep it in our trucks at all times — it’s not a permanent fix, but it’ll save the day in an emergency.” You can use it on various repair projects, from fixing flat and metal roofs to sealing off gutters. Its white aluminum surface is water- and weather-proof.

“This [backsplash removal tool] is a must,” says John S. Gelfusa C.G.R., a certified graduate remodeler and licensed builder. “When you use this tool, it slips behind the molding,” he says; then, “it [pries] the molding away from the wall without applying any pressure to the [drywall], leaving nothing to repair.” Its rounded edge protects trims and walls, and its carbon steel material won't corrode. It even has an ergonomic handle, making it easy to hold.

Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, recommends this drain protector to prevent plumbing emergencies. “This tiny mushroom-shaped gadget saves you from major clogs,” he says. “It catches hair inside the drain — not on top — so it’s hidden and easy to clean.” It works without potentially harmful drain cleaners, and it catches human and animal hair. Use it on any standard bathroom drain that’s around 1.5 inches in diameter.

Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, believes it’s key to have a lawn aerator like this one for regular yard maintenance. “Dense soil, low spots, and overgrown roots can all turn yards into miniature lakes with even a little rain, leading to issues like undermined foundations, fungal infections, and grubs,” Friedman says. “Aerating your lawn is one of the best ways to prevent this, and it doesn't have to be an expensive service.”

This tool has 15 sharp spikes to loosen soil and help water reach roots, and assembly only takes a few minutes.

Andriy Boyko, founder of AO Handy, says this magnetic pickup tool is a “lifesaver when working in tight crawl spaces or behind appliances. The extendable arm and built-in light help retrieve screws or nails dropped in hard-to-reach places. It’s inexpensive but makes a big impact on job efficiency and client satisfaction.” Plus, its aluminum alloy material resists rust and corrosion over time, making it a smart investment.

“Attach these to your cordless drill and clean tubs, tile, or even siding in seconds,” says Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters. “Way more effective (and fun) than scrubbing by hand.” Milad isn’t the only fan — this set currently has over 20,000 five-star reviews. When you buy, you'll receive brushes, scouring pads, sponges, and even an extended reach attachment. All in all, each set comes with 30 pieces to help you clean your entire home.

Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel, says his “clients are often amazed that they've never heard of whole-home air fresheners. These scents attach to your home's furnace filter, distributing pleasant smells throughout your entire home.” They're made with odor-counteracting agents and an ocean mist fragrance. Use the included S-shaped hook to secure them in place, and make sure the fragrance gel side faces outwards during installation.

"This is a rechargeable dehumidifier that works without batteries or cords,” says Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of airconditionerlab.com. “I use [it] in tool closets, basements, and cabinets. One unit handles a small space for about three weeks before it needs a recharge. Clients tell me it helps with that musty smell in tight spaces.” It lasts four weeks before needing to be recharged. Ideal for areas up to 333 cubic feet, it only weighs six ounces.

This electric spin scrubber is “great for cleaning grout, tubs, floors, or walls without the elbow grease,” says Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters. “Clients always ask where we got it.” It's equipped with two cleaning speeds to get rid of soap stains and grime fast. On a full battery, it runs for up to three hours at a time. This version also comes in pink and white.

Jason Rowe, director and founder of Hello Electrical, gives a shoutout to voltage testing tools like this one. “It can sense electrical current without contacting a wire and is therefore safer to use by homeowners who may be interested in testing whether a circuit is live before replacing a light fitting or operating on an outlet,” Rowe explains. “It has averted numerous mishaps on behalf of the clients and can be operated by anybody.” It’s lightweight and easy to use, with its bright LED lights flashing red when the tool detects a voltage.

Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, calls this wall repair patch kit “better than spackling alone. The mesh reinforces the patch, making repairs stronger and longer lasting.” The patches themselves are made of fiberglass aluminum, while the drywall paste effectively fills in holes. Since they're so waterproof and sturdy, they only need to be installed once.

According to Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, this drill bit extension “reaches awkward corners no regular drill bit can. It looks goofy, but it’s a lifesaver in tight cabinetry or behind appliances.” At speeds of up to 3600 revolutions per minute, it gets the job done quickly and effectively. It's flexible up to 180 degrees and measures 12 inches long. Use it with any power or impact drill.

Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, recommends these reusable caulk caps to help save on expenses. “These little caps seal open caulk tubes so they don’t dry out,” he says. This tip is “weirdly simple but saves money and waste.” Each reusable cap is made of a flexible, non-stick material that forms an airtight seal. They loosen residue when you remove them, so your caulk will be ready to use right away.

“I tell homeowners to apply water repellent to their glass shower doors every few months,” says Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel. “It repels water, stops hard water stains, and keeps things crystal clear. Showers stay cleaner way longer when using it.” Simply spray it onto a cloth or paper towel, then apply it with a circular motion. Once dry, its water-beading technology will do the rest.

Regarding a cordless screwdriver like this one, owner and director of Pro Electrical, Daniel Vasilevski, says, “It has revolutionized my work on small projects and day-to-day work. [It] enables me to be more precise and faster than using a cumbersome drill, especially when installing light fixtures or outlets in tight spaces. I love the torque adjustment ability.” Its handle is even crafted ergonomically for ease of use. When you buy, you'll also receive an accessory kit with 82 useful pieces.

Emily Demirdonder, director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing, lauds this multi-purpose putty. "It is an effective yet flexible form of product that can be bought as a stick and removes leaks in the pipe temporarily within less than 10 minutes,” she says. Once it’s dry, it’s as hard as steel. You can paint it, drill into it, sand it, and more.

Emily Demirdonder, director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing, recommends this power drain cleaner for tough plumbing jobs. Demirdonder says it “removes hair, grease, and [...] light clogged obstructions out of bathroom sinks and tubs without the use of a truck mounted jetter or chemicals. My team is able to utilize it [for] a quick job or during backup in case the client wants something less invasive.”

Made with AUTOFEED technology, it lets the cable feed itself down the drain. You can use it to clear drainlines up to 2 inches.

A “waterproof camera that connects via USB to a smartphone or a computer allows you to peer into hard-to-reach places without causing any damage,” says Adam Bushell, owner/director of AB Electrical & Communications. “I use this tool on a daily basis to look at electrical wiring in tight spots, and it has saved me and my clients time and [money,] since I was able to diagnose an issue without having to rip open an entire wall.”

With a super-sensitive chip, it captures high-definition images in seconds. Its battery life lasts for around three and a half hours, and the light from its LED is adjustable.

“If you get a lot of weeds in the cracks in your patio, sidewalk, or driveway, you absolutely need one of these crevice weeding tools,” says Ben Ashton, CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf. “It's as simple as screwing it onto an implement handle and rolling it along those cracks in the pavement. The tool will pull out any weeds by the roots and clear out dirt as well.” With its ergonomic, lightweight design, it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.

“For small holes or dings, 3M Patch Plus Primer is an excellent all-in-one spackle that dries fast and sands smooth — no need for a separate primer,” advises Jeri Goodkin Dausey, a certified general contractor and building inspector at Violation Clinic. It won't shrink or crack, and you can paint over it just 30 minutes after application. You can use it on wood, drywall, stucco, and plaster.

Jason Best, owner of SewerRepairs.com, is a fan of soil testers like this one. “Most plumbers ignore soil chemistry,” he says, “but I learned this after seeing our CIPP linings fail prematurely in highly acidic soil conditions. Now I test before every trenchless repair, and it's prevented at least a dozen warranty callbacks this year alone.” With a four-in-one design, this one reads soil moisture, pH, temperature, and even sunlight levels for comprehensive results.

“What makes this [silicone sealant] ‘weird’ is that it costs four times more than standard caulk, so most painters skip it to save money,” says Jeff Lexvold, contractor and founder of Tropic Renovations. “But I've seen too many renovation projects turn into major mold remediation nightmares because water found its way through failed sealant around windows and corners. The paintable formula bonds permanently and flexes with Florida's temperature swings without cracking.”

It’s waterproof, weatherproof, and great to use on woods and metals. Plus, its fine tip allows for a precise application.

“This [textured caulk] is a go-to for small exterior masonry fixes between full projects,” says Andriy Boyko, founder of AO Handy. “It’s flexible, easy to apply, and blends surprisingly well with concrete or brick. I recommend it to clients for quick DIY fixes between professional jobs — [it’s] especially useful around chimneys, steps, and patios.” Unlike messy mixing powders, all you need to do is squeeze its bottle and use its fine tip to seal gaps.

Gary Baxter, owner and lead contractor at Baxter General Contracting, says of this Japanese pull saw that “clients always ask, ‘What is that thing?’” Though it “looks odd compared to a regular saw, [it] cuts on the pull stroke, making super clean, precise cuts with less effort. I use it for everything from trimming door shims to cutting PVC,” Baxter explains.

Its handle is made of solid wood, and its blade is made of high-carbon steel. It’s great for indoor and outdoor use, and has even earned a 4.7 overall score on Amazon.

Jeri Goodkin Dausey, a certified general contractor and building inspector at Violation Clinic, says, “For minor leaks, a quick bead of DAP Dynaflex 230 around the window frame seals gaps without needing to remove trim or siding. It’s paintable and designed for exterior use.” You can use the elastomeric sealant on most building materials, including wood, metal, and fiber cement.

Loren Taylor, landscaper & owner of Soothing Company, recommends this 3D bread-shaped pillow. He says its “shape cradles the curve of the spine better than most pricey lumbar rolls I have tried. On the porch [swing,] it transforms an ordinary afternoon into a gentle stretch for tired muscles.” When it arrives at your door, leave it out in your living room or the sun for 30 minutes, so it can expand to its full size.

“[This] is an inexpensive stainless-steel protractor that has a locking nut,” says Alex Smith, manager and co-owner of Render3DQuick. He says it “would be ideal to check the angles of the walls, stairs, or to measure the [fit] of custom cabinets. It is better than digital versions since it is faster, long-lasting, and never needs batteries.” Its pins replicate any dents or grooves, which helps with woodworking, tile flooring, and linoleum installations.