4 Essential Tools Every Homesteader Should Have

The life of a homesteader is made much easier when he or she is outfitted with the proper tools. These are 4 tools that I believe are essential for any homestead. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, its just 4 simple tools that I wouldn’t want to live without. These 4 tools will make your life easier, save you time, and make you more productive.

A Come-A-Long

This simple and inexpensive tool is something I use often and I am especially thankful for it when I am working alone. I own several of them and can’t imagine life without them! A come-a-long can be used to pull together buildings that are “puking out” at the seams, jack out stuck vehicles, and move heavy logs. Anchoring to a barn beam, I’ve moved 900lb silage bales down the barn floor with nothing more than the strength of one arm. The simple come-a-long makes hard jobs easy using a little mechanical advantage.

Hydraulic Bottle Jack

The hydraulic bottle jack is a tool that is a “must have” item on any farmstead. We use these to jack up barns, houses, and outbuildings. We use them to jack up tractors and trucks when we need to change a tire or replace wheel bearings. The hydraulic jack can be used for a make-shift press when the need arises. These jacks are compact, durable, and reliable. When I need a jack, these are the ones I reach for most often.

Cordless Drill

A high quality cordless drill is one of the most useful tools that any homesteader can own. With all the building and repair projects going on day to day, not being tied down with an extension cord is a liberating thing! Building chicken tractors and other portable livestock shelters goes so much faster when using a cordless drill to drive screws. In the field, repairs are quick and simple and done on the spot.

A Quality Multi-tool

I’d give up my left hand before I gave up my Leatherman Super Tool. Being able to have several screwdrivers, a knife, a hardcore saw, a pair of wire cutters, and a pair of pliers in my pocket is something I’ve come to appreciate. No matter where I am and no matter what breaks, a good quality multi-tool can get me back home. I’ve carried one in the Alaskan back-country and on the farm for many years and it has saved my hide more times than I can recall. As with most things, you get what what you pay for. Cheap dime store imitations aren’t worth owning but a good one will soon become your most prized possession.

If you are just starting out in your homesteading journey, these are 4 tools that I would recommend having. Life without the proper tools can be disappointing and frustrating. Get off on the right foot by outfitting yourself with these simple, yet indispensable, tools and save yourself some grief.