14 Must-Have Tools for Homesteading

A successful homestead is not complete without a good set of tools. From wheelbarrows to hammers and chainsaws, becoming self-sufficient is not possible without the proper equipment. Here are 14 tools no homesteader should live without.

1. Sewing Kit

A good sewing kit is an essential part of any homestead operation. Clothes will wear out over time and knowing how to repair or make your own work clothes will save you time and money in the long run.

2. Axe

An axe has several uses around the homestead, but its main application is splitting wood for the fire. You’ll need a high-quality axe for this job and perhaps even a splitting maul to make the process even easier.

3. A Good Knife

A handy knife is useful in a variety of settings around the homestead. From opening bags of soil or seed to cutting rope, it’s hard to go a day without using a knife. To avoid sharpening your knife on a daily basis, invest in a quality one that won’t chip or easily break.

4. Wheelbarrow

The wheelbarrow is a workhorse on the homestead, hauling topsoil, manure, plants, tools, stones, and more. When looking for a wheelbarrow, it’s worth the extra money to purchase a good one that will last for decades to come.

5. Chainsaw

When an axe won’t cut it, you’ll be thankful for your chainsaw. A trusty chainsaw can make quick work of felling trees or clearing away mounds of brush. Just make sure you pick a trusted brand and learn how to properly operate a chainsaw before letting it rip.

6. Hoe

Even in the best of years, it takes a lot of work to produce a large, successful garden. Without a high quality hoe, gardening is almost impossible, especially when it comes to the back-breaking work of weed removal.

7. Multi-Tool

A multi-tool can be a major time-saver on the farm. These compact gadgets give you a knife, a set of screwdrivers, a saw, wire cutters, and pliers in the palm of your hand. For those times when you’re on the land and don’t have access to other tools, a multi-tool practically pays for itself.

8. Hand Saws

An assortment of handsaws is crucial in building and maintaining your homestead. Although they require a little more work than power tools, handsaws are a must for smaller projects around the farm.

9. Shovel

You will need a few quality shovels on the homestead. From digging holes to planting veggies in the garden, shovels perform a lot of duties on the farm. Considering purchasing a few varieties of shovels for different needs, such as square heads and spades.

10. Hammer

You will undoubtedly have construction projects every year on your homestead. Whether it’s repairing a roof or building a new chicken coop, a hammer is a must-have tool in your shed. Consider also purchasing a good sledgehammer for heavier work.

11. Tractor

A tractor will eventually pay itself off with the amount of work it can accomplish every year. From plowing the garden, hauling large objects, and moving around the land, every homestead should have at least one good tractor.

12. Rope

Homesteading requires a bit of ingenuity, and a good supply of rope will come in handy in future projects. In fact, rope is a necessity on the farm.

13. Hand Tools

There are a lot of miscellaneous hand tools you’ll need at some point in the homesteading process. These include screwdrivers, chisels, clamps, scrapers, pliers, and paint brushes—just to name a few. You can often purchase these tools as needed whenever a new project comes along.

14. Sockets and Wrenches

Equipment will break down at some point on the homestead, whether it’s your chainsaw or tractor. Having a good set of sockets and wrenches will ensure that you have the right tools to repair whatever needs fixing. Avoid buying a cheap socket set as they will likely break and aren’t known for durability.