Self Sufficiency
34 Must Have Tools for Homesteaders | Homesteading Tools

Home Projects Workshop Appliances & Equipment 34 Must Have Tools for Homesteaders | Homesteading Tools
You’ll want to check your inventory of homesteading tools after you read this post.
34 Must Have Tools for Homesteaders | Homesteading Tools
To be a successful homesteader, or a Pioneer Settler, as I like to call them, you can’t always rely on your own two hands. Sometimes you need something a little bit sharper or a little bit more powerful. Tools have all been invented for a purpose, and that purpose is to help aid us in a task so we can become more efficient.
Don’t get me wrong – I may not be the biggest fan of some tools, and how they’ve taken away from the art of truly making something from hand… For example: the apple slicer. Yes, there is such thing as an apple slicer! It is a very bulky piece of metal that hogs valuable kitchen space and serves only 1 purpose: to slice an apple!! Slicing an apple isn’t even difficult, I can do it myself in less than 60 seconds. I digress.
All complaints aside, I have to agree that I am thankful for the assistance many tools serve… Here I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorites. So double check the shed and make sure you have everything you need to be a practical and effective homesteader, with these homesteading tools! Tools to help living off the land, and making the most of all your resources that much easier.
1. A Good Knife
A knife is the #1 tool anyone should have. A sharp blade comes in handy for many occasions, cutting, slicing, dicing, stabbing, shaving, piercing, dividing, distressing, etc. This Hoffman-Richter Tactical Folding Knife is the best knife and trust me, I’ve been through my fair share of knives. Get yours here.
2. An Axe
An Axe is an essential tool. via
One nice axe is all you need. Ideal for chopping firewood, a homestead must.
3. A Hammer
If I had a hammer… via
Hammers are a necessary instrument for assembling, and hanging. The hammer makes building possible.
4. A Drill
Be sure to have a drill. via
A drill is essential to speed up the building process. A wireless drill will help keep things clean.
5. A Barrel
For barrels of fun via
A barrel is ever so convenient for the homesteader. Try creating your own rain harvesting or greywater system with a barrel. Use it to store things, and use it as a table! (Yes, I know a barrel isn’t really a tool – but it’s essential for homesteading, so I had to keep it!)
6. A Wagon
Wagons make life easier.via
A wagon is ideal for toting around your gear and your goods. You’ll find it extremely useful.
7. A Sawmill
A sawmill is essential for advanced builders.via
A sawmill is another one of those tools that aren’t *really* necessary, unless of course you plan on needing lots and lots of wood. A sawmill will be extremely helpful for slicing your wood into manageable pieces for construction. Carpenters & Contractors, this one’s for you. Others, see: saw, below. Follow this link to learn how to make your own!
8. A Set of Pliers
Every homesteader should have a good set of pliers.via
A good ol’ set of pliers will help you out for all the bending, cutting, and wire-wrangling you’ll be doing. Essential for gardeners and farmers.
9. Nails
Everyone needs nails via
Nails. You’ll need nails as a quick fix for anything. They can do anything a staple gun can do, it just takes them longer. (Which is why we recommend the staple gun…).
10. Staple Gun
Staples, that was easy. via
A staple gun can help quickly hack things together. Whether it’s fabric, wood, carpet, drywall, roofing… punch and done.
11. Solar Panels
Build your own solar panels via
Solar Panels are a homestead must-have! Soak up the natural (and FREE) elements from Mother Earth to power your home. Learn to make your own here.
12. A Wind Generator
Generate your own energy
Wind Turbines also harness earth’s natural elements to provide energy for the home. Read our post on the topic, and learn how to make your own. Here
13. Tape Ruler
Measure twice, cut once with a tape measure. via
You’ll need a tape measure for all your building and scaling needs. Measure twice, cut once.
14. A Tractor
Have a lot of land? A Tractor is a must.via
Though a tractor is not for small yards, anyone with more than a few acres will find the tractor extremely helpful to do the day’s work.
15. Safety Glasses
Be prepared, with safety goggles. via
Protect one of the most important organs of your body – your eyes! Always wear safety goggles when cutting, chopping, sawing, or really anything that deals with fine objects or sharp objects.
16. Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench simplifies mechanics. via
A pipe wrench comes in handy for… you guessed it, pipes. A necessary tool for plumbing and other mechanical fixes.
17. Combination Wrench
Combination Wrench Set. via
The combination wrench, like the pipe wrench, is essential for around-the-house fixes and tune ups. Get both, or choose one or the other. Depends on how many tools you want in your shed.
18. Rope
Rope. via
Homesteaders will find the rope extremely useful for many purposes. Use to pull, hang, and tie up your work. Also use it as an easy decor solution. (101 Things You Can do with a Rope Around the House Post Coming Soon!)
19. Rake
Rake.via
Anyone with a yard should have a rake. Useful for raking up leaves, digging up dirt, etc.
20. Wood Chisel
Wood Chisel. via
Be sure to have a nice wood chisel handy for any needs around the home. The chisel can be used to shape and carve just about anything.
21. Earmuffs
Utility Earmuffs. via
Earmuffs are key for those with loud machinery, and firearms. Please protect your ears and invest in a pair.
22. Extension Cord
Extension Cord. via
If you do not have an extension chord in your homestead, drop everything and go order one right now. An extension chord can help simplify tasks, it can also help chord-dependent objects reach much farther locations. Extensions chord help in a great deal of situations, whether it’s vacuuming, or hanging up lights, having 1, 2, or 10 handy will be very useful around the homestead.
23. Ladder
Ladder. via
A ladder is essential for safely reaching new heights.
24. Shovel
Shovel. via
A good shovel is necessary for the garden, and digging just about anything.
25. Crow Bar
Crow Bar. via
Crowbars are extremely helpful for lifting up heavy things. Commonly used in masonry, but useful for other purposes as well.
26. Allen Wrench
Allen Wrench. via
Keep your allen wrench set handy for any nuts and bolts with the hex socket.
27. Circular Saw
Circular Saw. via
A circular saw will be convenient for cutting up wood for crafts, fire, and construction. If you want to cut tile, or even glass, look into different blades. Research the project and the blade before you perform any cutting task, and always use safety goggles.
Here are some blade buying tips: via Lowes
28. Level
Level
image via
A level is useful for any kind of construction, whether indoors or outdoors.
29. Palm Sander
Hand Sander simplifies projects. via
A palm sander will simplify any wood projects. Whether finishing, or refinishing, this baby may seem unnecessary, but the amount of surface it can sand vs. the amount you can sand with your own muscle is significantly greater.
30. Toolbox
Get a toolbox to maximize storage. via
A Toolbox, for obvious reasons. Must keep your gadgets and gear in line!
31. Combination Square
A combination square comes in handy for building anything. via
A combination square is an important tool for aligning, calculating, and measuring for various projects. I highly recommend this tool for anyone who builds anything! Read more practical uses, here!
32. Socket Wrench
Socket Wrench. via
Socket wrench makes tightening small parts, and big parts that much easier. Necessary for anyone operating on machinery, or plumbing, or engines…
33. Hose
Hose. image via
A hose, a hose, my kingdom for a hose. A hose can be used for more than just gardening, have spare houses handy for siphoning water and other liquids via the suction method.
34. Screw Driver
Screw Driver. via
Last, but certainly not least, we have the screwdriver. The screwdriver is a homesteader’s right hand man. Use it for quick screws and fixes. Unconventional uses include opening paint tins, making marks on wood and metal, etc.
That sums up just 34 sharpest tools in the shed. Though they may not all be sharp, they are all extremely useful and serve 1 or more purposes – so I highly recommend picking one (or more) of each up on your next trip to the hardware store.
Now of course, the point of having tools is to use them, not to collect them. So please only order the one’s that are truly necessary for your own homesteading needs. We’ve tried to round up as many generic tools as we can, but we may have gone a little overboard, or perhaps missed a few. Let us know your own suggestions in the comments, we’d love to know what tools you use everyday, or, what tools just sit there? Let us know!
Thinking about power tools? Here are the essential power tools for homesteading you can also check out from WranglerstarDIY:
Up next: How To Repurpose Materials Found Around The House
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NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

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The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.
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How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
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Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe
Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
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9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
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In this article:
Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
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