Handymen say these weird things for your home are downright genius

“This gel lube product [...] is a thick gel-type spray that dries almost immediately after application, so it will stay right where you applied it,” says Daniel Vasilevski, owner and director of Pro Electrical. “It is perfect for lubricating squeaky door hinges or garage door rollers without the runny mess.” Plus, it can handle temperatures between -100 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. “I take one of these cans along in my bag, as it fixes most noise complaints quickly and won't stain your carpet. It lasts much longer than regular WD-40 because the product does not run off the hinge,” Vasilevski adds.

Kathryn Emery, a home improvement expert with Be the Best Home, calls this drain snake “oddly satisfying,” adding, “You can clear most bathroom sink or tub clogs in minutes with no chemicals, no plumber, and no tools. It looks flimsy, but it solves a major problem fast, with a simple twist motion in the drain or tub, removing hair, debris, and anything else that may cause blockage.” Its micro-hooks pick up even the finest strands of hair for a deep clean. Five arrive per package, but you can also buy them in packs of 10.

According to Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, this drill bit holder “bends and twists into places a normal drill can’t reach — inside cabinets, tight corners, awkward framing spots. It’s one of those tools you don’t think you need until you really need it.” Its flexible body helps you work at odd angles, and it attaches to power drills, manual screwdrivers, and more.

“Brush-style sweeps are far more effective at blocking insects like ants, spiders, and occasional invaders without wearing down as quickly,” says Keith Hinds, VP of Operations at Modern Pest Services. “The bristles flex with uneven thresholds instead of leaving tiny gaps pests exploit.” It also reduces noise from outside, and helps insulate your space for a comfortable temperature.

Ty Tarchane, owner and lead technician at Everything Knoxville Handyman, says he “cannot stop using [this magnetic pickup tool] for walls, behind appliances, and inside cabinets. Screw dropped behind a dishwasher? In a minute it’s found. It is especially great in finished homes as it saves time, gets rid of the cause of the user's frustration, and avoids unnecessary disassembly.” It’s strong, durable, and includes a bright LED that will help illuminate dark spaces.

Daniel Vasilevski, owner and director of Pro Electrical, recommends this silicone-based moldable glue for smaller repairs. “Overnight, [it] dries hard but is also very elastic, bonding to nearly everything,” he says. “I use this product to provide gripping surfaces for my tools as well as to mend damaged plastic enclosures on my equipment.” It’s nontoxic and safe for kids, so you can teach your family some DIY basics.

“These aren’t just another wipe,” says Kathryn Emery, a home improvement expert with Be the Best Home. When you’re dealing with grease, paint, adhesives, or mystery grime,” she says, “one Crocodile Cloth gets the job done. It feels excessive until you realize you’re using fewer products overall and remove grime with just one wipe.” They’re made of plant-based materials, stay moist for a long time, and have a large surface area that makes them extra efficient.

According to Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, this silicone caulking tool set “looks strange, but it creates perfectly smooth caulk lines every time — no tape, no messy fingers. It makes bathrooms and kitchens instantly look more professional, even for DIYers.” Its stainless steel scraper removes old glue, its trowel smooths over bumps and dents, and it comes with five replaceable silicone pads.

“[This razor blade scraper] is meant to remove silicone, old decals, and grime from nearly any surface without scratching it,” says Jason Velez, professional contractor and managing partner for Creekside Metal Handrails. “I am talking about having used it on metal, glass, painted trim, and pretty much whatever else you can imagine.” Choose between its metal and plastic blades, depending on the surface. “Throw it in your pocket or the glove box. You will use it once a week,” Velez predicts.

Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, says these drywall repair patches are “way stronger than just spackling a hole. The [fiberglass] mesh reinforces the repair so it doesn’t crack later, which makes walls look cleaner and more durable long-term.” They’re also made of aluminum, and their materials are insulated, corrosion-resistant, and moisture-proof. You can grab them in multiple quantities depending on the job at hand.

“This [coil cleaner] is weird because it’s a high-foaming spray that actually uses the natural condensation of the unit,” says Francis Kaspar, HVAC technician at The Chill Brothers. “You just spray it on the indoor coils, and it lifts all that gunk and hair without you needing a hose inside your house. It’s a total game-changer for keeping your air smelling fresh and your electric bill down.” Best of all, if you use it on evaporator coils, you won’t have to rinse it off.

“I don’t like taking a heavy socket set into a tight roof space just to tighten one loose nut,” says Daniel Vasilevski, owner and director of Pro Electrical; that’s why he likes this universal socket tool. “It can mold itself to hex bolts, hooks, and other types of bolts with corrosion on them and will never slip off,” he says. “I believe this is probably the most versatile small tool.” Use it on nuts and bolts between .25 and .75 inches in diameter for the best results.

"I love these [solar lights] because they combine safety, convenience, and style,” says Loren Taylor, owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros. “They automatically light pathways or highlight water features without needing complex wiring. They can make your outdoor space look really elevated, and don’t require any excess resources.” Sunlight recharges their batteries, so they can shine for up to 12 hours at night. They also come in various colors, in case you’re looking to add a festive hue to your home.

“Instead of guessing, this [magnetic stud finder] finds screws behind drywall fast,” says Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters. “It’s oddly basic but more reliable than most electronic stud finders, and it never runs out of batteries.” Because it doesn’t need electricity, it’s easy to use anytime, anywhere. With its compact size, it fits neatly in toolboxes and pockets.

“Copper mesh can be packed into small gaps around pipes, siding seams, or foundation penetrations where mice or insects might enter,” says Keith Hinds, VP of Operations at Modern Pest Services. “Unlike foam alone, rodents won’t chew through it, and it blends in once sealed.” This set comes with two rolls of copper mesh (for a total of 32 feet) and a pair of scissors. It’s also reusable and recyclable.

“I would recommend a self-adhesive butyl sealing tape,” says Constantine Anest, owner of Ethos Roofing & Restoration. “This is a practical solution when you need to quickly address a specific issue and postpone a full repair to a more convenient time.” Use it to seal off leaks and cracks; it's UV and moisture-proof, so it can handle the elements.

“Sealant, roof cement, adhesives, screws, and even small flashing pieces all go in [this paint tray],” says Tyler Hull, founder and general manager of Modern Exterior. “Throw it out when you are done, and no cleanup and dried gunk spoiling your next job. That alone saves 10 to 15 minutes on every task and keeps the inside of your trucks cleaner.” If you do use it for painting, you'll love its textured surface and sturdy metal material.

“You attach these [drill brush attachments] to a standard drill and suddenly cleaning tile, grout, tubs, or even outdoor furniture takes minutes instead of hours,” says Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters. “It feels like cheating — in a good way.” When you buy, you’ll receive 30 attachments made from nylon, wool, and sponge, which will help you tackle any cleaning job with ease. Use them with any standard power drill.

“These pens enable you to seal and store your own paint inside for instant repair jobs,” says Daniel Vasilevski, owner and director of Pro Electrical. “You are able to touch up marks on the wall instantly without opening a gallon can. I tell my clients to fill these with their leftover wall paint before they throw the cans away.” They have a twist-control top for easy application and come in a pack of five for mess-free touch-ups anytime.

“A simple drip irrigation system not only saves water but also ensures that each plant gets exactly what it needs,” says Loren Taylor, owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros. “This type of watering system reduces runoff and keeps your garden looking lush all year round.” Use this one on areas of up to 160 square feet. It divides water between 16 tributaries, hydrating each and every flower.

“These small plastic spikes let you paint cabinet doors, shelves, or trim on both sides without sticking,” advises Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, in regards to these painting pyramids. “They look silly but save a ton of time and prevent ruined finishes.” Interlocking tabs keep them attached to each other, so they’ll remain stable while you paint. With an overall score of 4.7 stars, it’s obvious that Milad isn’t the only fan.

This drill dock comes highly recommended by Kathryn Emery, a home improvement expert with Be the Best Home. “Hanging your drills on the wall might seem overrated,” she says, “but once your tools are visible and accessible, jobs get smoother, and the garage stays organized. Less digging, less mess, more efficiency. It’s going to be one of those ‘why didn’t I do this sooner’ setups once complete.” Made of professional-grade materials, it works for contractors and amateur DIY-ers alike.

"This [waterproof epoxy putty] is great for cracks in everything from ceramic pots to cracked stone edging or even a small break in a garden statue,” advises Loren Taylor, owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros. “It molds easily, sets strongly, and once it cures, it holds up against moisture and temperature swings better than you’d expect.” Once it's dry, you can sand it, drill it, paint it, and otherwise go about your repair process.

Ty Tarchane, owner and lead technician at Everything Knoxville Handyman, recommends this bike lubricant for all sorts of areas, including hinges, drawers, and more. “In comparison to regular oils,” he says, “it fully dries and does not draw dust or dirt. On jobs where homeowners are sensitive to odors or residues, it’s the one thing they can’t do without.” With over 18,000 five-star reviews to its name, it goes on wet and dries with a wax-like finish that repels debris.

“My team is constantly repairing roof leaks due to overflow, so we feel that using a very simple foam insert into the gutter system is a genius prevention method,” says Emily Demirdonder, director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing. “It keeps the water flowing correctly without needing complex installation or expensive tools.” It’s easy for anyone to install, even without a contractor’s help.

“I use [these furniture bumpers] to firm up appliances, floating shelves, and even light toilets on uneven tiles [...] It is one of those solutions that ‘feels bad’ until you find out how neat and reversible it is,” says Ty Tarchane, owner and lead technician at Everything Knoxville Handyman. Made from high-quality silicone, they can also help dampen noise. When you buy, you’ll receive 160 bumpers for use all over your home.

“Most people think that plumber’s putty is for under the sink only, but I use it a lot on roofs,” says Tyler Hull, founder and general manager of Modern Exterior. “If I need a temporary seal on a screw hole, if I need to stop a drip during an inspection, or if I need to plug water flow during a repair delay, I go to that gray blob of putty.” It creates a watertight seal and molds to just about any surface.

"I recommend this small white sensor because it acts exactly like a smoke detector for water leaks,” says Emily Demirdonder, director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing. “You place it under a sink or near a water heater, and it sends an alert to your phone if it detects moisture. The device is able to stop a small drip from becoming a flooded kitchen floor.” Arriving in a convenient pack of three, each sensor allows you to adjust its volume, adding a hint of customization.

Jason Velez, professional contractor and managing partner for Creekside Metal Handrails, says that you can consider this under-sink mat to be similar to a “drip tray for messy jobs,” adding that it “prevents paint, caulk, epoxy, or grease from getting all over the floor or counter.” Crafted from silicone, it won’t warp or curl with use. It’s also heat-resistant, so it keeps surfaces safe from burns. You can buy it in multiple sizes and colors.

According to Loren Taylor, owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros, “A good quality rust-removing gel is a great addition to your arsenal, as it lets you restore items without having to sand them down. You can apply it right where it’s needed, and it often brings old hardware back to life, then you can paint or seal it again.” This one dissolves light to medium rust in under 30 minutes, and all you need to do is rinse and wipe it off when it’s finished.

“These [self-watering planters] are a game-changer,” says Loren Taylor, owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros. “They help keep the soil’s moisture levels balanced, making for happier and healthier plants. They’re perfect for busy people, especially homeowners who live in a hotter climate or those who travel frequently.” They’re cleverly designed, easy to assemble, and have a matte finish that looks stylish in any home.

Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, is a big fan of this moss removal brush. “A lot of moss control on pavement comes down to what kind of cleaning product you use, but the right brush can also make a huge difference,” he says. “Its firm bristles are angled just right to get into cracks and crevices.” Plus, its 53-inch handle gives you easy access to tight spots.

Of this magnetic wristband, Brendan Anderson, founder of Brix Systems, says, “It sounds gimmicky, but it’s a game-changer when you’re working up high or in tight spaces. It keeps fasteners right where you need them, saves time, and prevents spilled hardware from rolling off a roof (been there many times).” Screws, bolts, drill bits, and more will stick to the 10 strong magnets embedded in its fabric. You can also buy it in a version that doesn’t include the thumb loop.

“We always keep a roll [of aluminum repair tape] in the truck,” says Brendan Anderson, founder of Brix Systems. “It’s not a permanent fix, but it’s incredibly useful for emergency patches on metal roofing and seams when someone has a leak problem and needs immediate relief — especially during storm season.” With five puncture-resistant layers, it creates a strong and durable seal. Plus, it’s easy to use — even for beginners.

“While this [cord protector] looks like another plastic gadget, this is actually downright genius once you’ve dealt with frayed extension cords from weather, animals, etc,” says Kathryn Emery, a home improvement expert with Be the Best Home. “[It] slips over any outdoor extension cord end and creates a tight, weather-sealed barrier so moisture and dirt can’t creep into the connection. It sounds simple and a bit strange, but protecting your cords from the outdoor elements keeps them working longer.” You can use it on outdoor extension cords between 14 and 16 gauges.

“A collapsible cart that helps move items up to 2,000 pounds might sound excessive, until you find yourself moving appliances or furniture on uneven ground,” says Kathryn Emery, a home improvement expert with Be the Best Home. “With other dollies, if you hit a rock, you become stuck or lose the balance of the item. But with Rhino Cart, this replaces multiple trips, saves your back, and works on terrain where normal dollies fail.” Despite the large amount it can hold, this dolly weighs only 8 pounds, making it easier to store than you might imagine.

“These [nonslip feet] are malleable enough to be cut with a box knife, but strong enough to absorb impact and vibration, or just to be used as a simple spacer,” says Victoria Barkow, the founder of Quality Asphalt Services. “They are insulating for electrical and heat applications.” These versatile feet are made of odor-free rubber and come in a convenient pack of 24.

Francis Kaspar, HVAC technician at The Chill Brothers, says these magnetic vent covers are a “‘low-tech’ fix for a high-tech HVAC system, but [they’re] the best way to redirect airflow and save some cash on heating and cooling without any tools.” Each one measures 5.5-by-12 inches and can be installed on an iron vent. You can even cut them down for a custom fit.

Jason Velez, professional contractor and managing partner for Creekside Metal Handrails, recommends this contour gauge. “You push it up against plaster or stone, lock it, and then transfer the shape directly to metal or wood without remeasuring it,” he says. “After two cuts, cardboard templates are no longer accurate [...] This little tool eliminates that friction very quickly.” It comes in two pieces that you can put together or take apart to customize its size, and is double-sided to feature both inches and centimeters.

Jason Velez, professional contractor and managing partner for Creekside Metal Handrails, is a fan of this brush set that can remove rust and clean surfaces. The set includes one brass, one nylon, and one metal brush, all with ergonomic handles that make them easy to hold. “It doesn’t take up much space in a bucket, but it gets there in a hurry. The brass one is particularly adept at dealing with delicate finishes without leaving a mark,” Velez adds.

“These [electric outlet sealers] are criminally underrated,” says Robert Lee, CEO of Lee Air Services. “You pull a cover plate, stick this foam pad behind it, and suddenly drafts stop coming through the wall. It’s a tiny fix that makes a noticeable comfort difference.” They’re made of fire-retardant plastic foam, and they come in a pack of six.

Emily Demirdonder, director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing, recommends this hair catcher for your drain. “The shape of the cylindrical rubber mushroom allows for all the hair debris to be caught at the base of the mushroom, “ she says, “preventing it from entering the pipe and potentially causing a clog further down the line.” Crafted from stainless steel, it fits any standard drain, so you can add it to your cart with confidence.

“This air wedge is basically a heavy-duty inflatable lifter that can handle up to 300 pounds,” says Walter E. Bennett, handyman at Green Leaf Air. “I slide it in flat, give it a few pumps, and suddenly that stubborn cabinet or hinge lines up perfectly.” With a stunning overall score of 4.7 stars on Amazon, this set includes three wedges in three different sizes to tackle any job.

“Grip tape saves lives and stability,” says Tyler Hull, founder and general manager of Modern Exterior. “You do not fully appreciate traction until you wipe out one time with a circular saw in your hand. Strange item to recommend? Yes. Do I put that stuff on every surface I do not want to slip? Yep.” It sticks to most surfaces, including wood, tile, stone, and concrete. You can buy it in a variety of colors based on the job at hand.

According to Robert D’Amato, co-founder of Nord Restoration, this rechargeable headlamp gives you “hands-free light for crawlspaces, attics, or under sinks. Weird-looking, but once you try it, you’ll never go back to holding a flashlight.” Its adjustable elastic band fits heads of all sizes, and its silicone material adds extra stretch.

Of this magnetic flip bit, Robert Lee, CEO of Lee Air Services, says, “It’s just a drill bit… until it isn’t. This flip bit saves time constantly. You’re not switching bits every five seconds while hanging ductwork, panels, or registers. One click, done.” You can easily go back and forth between socket sizes, making tough repair jobs go by faster.

Francis Kaspar, HVAC technician at The Chill Brothers, calls this thermometer hygrometer “genius.” He recommends installing it in “‘invisible’ trouble spots — like the attic, the basement, or even inside the humidor. It syncs to your phone and pings you if a pipe is about to freeze or if your attic is getting hot enough to bake bread.” Its Swiss-made sensor is accurate, and it lets you track temperature patterns over a span of two weeks.

Reuben Wilt, owner and operator of Pool Screen Repair Tampa Bay, recommends this “fiberglass drywall mesh tape used as a temporary storm brace.” Crafted from high-density glass fiber, Wilt says it’s “actually one of the fastest ways to stabilize a torn screen after storm damage, and we’ll often use them on the inside face of the torn screen to stop it from running.” A single roll gives you 150 feet of tape, making it a smart investment.

Robert Lee, CEO of Lee Air Services, recommends this pipe thread sealant. “Most homeowners think Teflon tape is the final word on sealing threaded pipes,” he says. “It’s not. This paste looks messy and old-school, but it seals better, lasts longer, and handles vibration without backing off. I use it on gas lines, water fittings — anything that really needs to stay sealed.” The material stays flexible and works with iron, copper, stainless steel, and many other materials.

“These [wire connectors] don’t look exciting,” says Robert Lee, CEO of Lee Air Services. “They’re not. But if you ever deal with aluminum wiring, they’re a lifesaver. They’re approved for copper-to-aluminum connections and way safer than old twist connectors.” With three ports, they keep conductors separate, so temperatures stay lower, and connections stay secure.