Every homeowner knows the importance of a well-stocked toolbox. Even the not-so-handy types likely have one filled with the basics, like pliers, screwdrivers, a hammer, and so on. Yet there are also some surprising items that you probably don’t keep stored in one place but, read on, and you’ll see why you should.

Chalk – Not just for scribbling on sidewalks, a few pieces of chalk will absorb moisture and help prevent tools from rusting. What’s more, a little chalk helps remove grease and oil stains and can prevent flathead screwdrivers from slipping on screws.

Butter Knife – In a pinch, use it to stand in for a flathead screwdriver, a small pry bar and opener for paint cans, a spackle knife and caulk spreader, and even a temporary shim.

Small Notepad and Pencil – Measure twice, cut once, and have a place to jot down your measurements. Write down parts and supply lists and keep track of the order in which you remove items when taking something apart.

Selfie Stick – Sure, you can use a selfie stick to take a great selfie, but you can also use it to help you see inside tight spaces. Use it to hold your mobile phone and take pictures in any hard-to-reach space.

Disposable Lighter – In addition to lighting birthday candles, a lighter can prevent rope ends from fraying, heat up a nut or screw to make it easier to remove, and to loosen tight lids on jars.

Toothpaste – Use non-gel toothpaste to remove crayon from painted walls, ink from fabrics, water marks from wood furniture, and as a polish for chrome plumbing fixtures.

Toothbrush – Quite the little multi-tasker, an old toothbrush can be used to clean computer and laptop keyboards, grout lines between tile, and any other nooks and crannies where regular brushes can’t effectively penetrate.

Magnets – Keep a few different sized magnets around to clean up metal shavings and pick up loose screws, nails, and bolts. Rub a magnet on the shaft of a screwdriver in one direction to magnetize the metal and make it easier to hold a screw in place. A large magnet also can help you find metal studs behind a wall.

Toothpicks – Us them to touch up small dings and scratches on stained or painted surfaces; or, use toothpicks as tiny shims when repairing small furniture and knickknacks.

Nail Polish Remover – Acetone nail polish remover gets rid of shoe scuffs on laminate, tile, stone and concrete, coffee and tea stains from porcelain, and permanent marker from walls, tile, and hands. Just avoid using it on wood and other porous surfaces.

It’s probably already there, but every toolbox should contain a flashlight and, as appropriate, a replacement light or batteries. What if the power goes out at night, for example, and you’re deep inside a closet securing a bracket? The object is to get out of their safely and a flashlight is just the tool to help you do so.

For more comprehensive security solutions, contact Now Security Systems today to request a free in-home consultation and proposal. We can help you feel secure and protect your home 24/7 – isn’t that the goal?