Handymen Say These Cheap, Clever Things On Amazon Are Legitimately Amazing

“A magnetic wristband keeps [small screws and nails] secure and within reach, reducing the chances of dropping hardware in inconvenient places,” says Aaron Lipman, owner of Two Brothers Foundation Repair. “This small tool minimizes interruptions and speeds up work, especially for jobs that require frequent screw changes.” This one is made of lightweight mesh with an adjustable strap, and one size fits most.

“A sloppy caulk job can make even the best work look amateur. This set helps smooth out caulk evenly for a clean, professional finish without having to redo the job,” says Lipman. “It’s useful for sealing bathrooms, kitchens, and windows, areas where precision matters both for looks and durability.” When you buy, you’ll receive four rubber spatulas in different sizes.

“A self-leveling laser projects a perfectly straight line,” says Lipman, “making it easier to align shelves, frames, or even tile installations. It eliminates guesswork and ensures accuracy, which is important for projects where a slight misalignment can ruin the final result.” It fits in your palm and has a soft-grip material. You’ll hang prints and pictures flawlessly on the first try.

According to Lipman, “Stripped screw holes can weaken furniture, door hinges, or drywall mounts” — that’s why he recommends this thread repair kit. “It reinforces and restores the original strength of the connection,” he says. “It’s a simple but effective way to extend the life of commonly used hardware without costly replacements.” It also comes in a sturdy case for easy carrying. You can buy it in multiple sizes and configurations to best fit your needs.

“Leaks often go unnoticed until they cause real damage,” says Lipman, who recommends these water leak detectors. They “detect moisture and trigger an alarm, making them ideal for under sinks, near water heaters, or in basements. They’re a low-cost way to prevent structural damage and mold growth, which can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked.” They need no wires or assembly — just stick them on.

“This [wall outlet] extender adds more plug options and includes a small built-in shelf to hold items like phones or small appliances,” says Lipman. “It helps clear counter space and keeps cords organized, making it a practical upgrade for kitchens, bathrooms, or home offices.” Built-in surge protection keeps devices from getting damaged, and it also comes in black if that better matches your decor.

“While commonly used for pet stains,” says Lipman, “a UV flashlight is also useful for detecting refrigerant leaks, automotive oil drips, and hidden water damage. It can reveal problem areas that aren’t visible under normal lighting. For professionals and homeowners alike, this tool can help catch early signs of leaks before they turn into major issues.” This helps you repair damage fast, saving money in the future.

Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder of Best Online Cabinets, says he “recently discovered” this double-sided masking tape — and he’s a fan. “I was skeptical at first, but this tape holds up everything from hooks to shelves without the need for drilling. I used it for some wall decor and was pleasantly surprised by how strong it is,” Qian notes. Its strong adhesive is waterproof and stays put through intense weather. It’s also good for hanging strip lights.

Qian calls these nonstick scissors “fantastic for all sorts of cutting tasks, especially when you want a clean finish without adhesive residue sticking to the blades.” Tape and glue will peel right off. Their soft ergonomic handles are gentle on fingers and hands. Use them on paper, plastic, cardboard, and more.

“For those times I need to put things together quickly,” says Qian, “[this] heavy duty stapler is a champ. It’s sturdy and can handle large stacks of paper or fabric. I use it for DIY projects, like creating fabric swatches or organizing paperwork.” It has a nonslip rubber base, and it works vertically or horizontally. Qian isn’t the only fan — it also has over 16,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

According to Mike Milad, owner of RGB House Painters, this primer-sealer is “perfect for spot-priming stains, covering old paint, or sealing in odors. It dries fast and provides excellent adhesion, especially for cabinets and furniture.” You can use it on interior and exterior spots alike. Its shellac base makes it sturdy and strong.

If you’re moving out of your apartment, use this small hole repair kit on walls. Milad calls it “a great all-in-one kit that includes spackling, a putty knife, and a sanding pad. It makes repairing small wall damage quick and easy before repainting.” Its enhanced formula works up to three times faster than traditional spackle. You’ll be way more likely to get that security deposit back.

“This short-handled brush offers great control in tight spaces, like around trim, corners, and cabinets,” says Milad. “It’s my go-to for precise cutting-in work.” It has a flexible handle that's easy to maneuver in smaller spaces. Its bristles, made of nylon and polyester, work with most varieties of paint. When you’re finished painting, you can hang it on the wall.

“These small rollers are perfect for smooth finishes on doors, cabinets, and furniture,” says Milad. “They hold more paint and reduce streaks compared to foam rollers.” With their dense material, they’ll glide over walls, doors, and more, leaving a smooth, professional finish. Wash and reuse them for all your DIY paint jobs.

According to Shu Saito, a plumbing and water filtration expert at All Filters LLC, this plumbing tool lets you “easily rotate interconnecting mounting nuts, supply line connections, and faucet attachments. It works [with] different sizes and even has a slot for turning shut-off valves; it's a must-have for any plumbing job.” Made from aluminum, its small size makes it perfect for tight spots and precision.

“This weather strip is easy to install, lasts long, and helps keep indoor temperatures stable,” says Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician and the founder of airconditionerlab.com. "Drafty doors and windows make heating and cooling systems work harder, increasing energy costs,” so this can help you save money. It automatically adjusts to gaps while sealing them off. You get 17 feet of weatherstripping in every package.

“These refillable paint pens store leftover paint and let you touch up spots in seconds,” says Mitchell, who notes that a “lot of people put off fixing paint chips and scuffs because they don’t want to haul out rollers and trays.” These pens ensure that paint stays fresh and usable in their airtight compartments for years. Just fill them up with any paint and apply to walls, furniture, cabinets, and more.

"If you ever need to replace a toilet,” says Mitchell, “this [toilet seal] is easier to work with than a traditional wax ring. It creates a strong seal, doesn’t get messy, and allows for repositioning if needed.” Its universal gasket fits most drain lines, and installation is easy. Install and reposition it as often as you like; it’ll stay in great condition.

“These snap-in guards prevent leaves and debris from piling up while allowing water to flow through,” says Mitchell. “Clogged gutters lead to water damage, foundation problems, and basement flooding.” Snap it in for a quick and painless installation. Just one package covers 75 feet of gutter, so it’s an incredible value.

"If you have squeaky floors, this [floor repair kit] lets you tighten floorboards without tearing up the carpet,” says Mitchell. “It’s great for older homes where nails or screws have loosened over time.” Each kit comes with 50 screws, a driver bit, and a snap fixture, all of which are easy to use. Before you buy and make the upgrade, just know that this kit is geared towards hardwood floors, and not carpeted floors.

“This compact dehumidifier is reusable, doesn’t require power, and is perfect for closets, bathrooms, and basements,” says Mitchell. "High humidity leads to mold, mildew, and musty odors,” and this product can deal with all of the above. Small and sleek, it fits into cabinets for a cleaner kitchen. It’s rechargeable and lasts up to four weeks between charges.

“Small gaps under doors let in cold air, dust, and bugs,” says Mitchell, but “this door sweep is easy to install and helps improve insulation.” It's compatible with doors of all sizes, and it's easy to install. Made of thermoplastic rubber, it can handle heat, cold, and humidity. It’s also designed for slow flammability, which helps with fire safety.

“Incandescent bulbs burn out quickly and waste energy,” says Mitchell; however, “these LED bulbs last over 10 years and reduce electricity bills.” Their high color temperature has a cooler light. This mimics the effect of daylight, energizing your home (and you). Plus, since they’re so energy efficient, they’re more eco-friendly than traditional bulbs.

“These simple plastic pyramids are really amazing in painting projects,” says James Collins, founder of Pure Home Garden. “[They] can hold an object above the working surface,” so you can “paint the dimensions without waiting for one dimension to dry. I use them for cabinet doors, furniture refinishing, and last but not least, some little craft projects.” Stack them on top of each other to save space in your utility closet.

According to Collins, these drain snakes can “clean clogged drains within seconds.” Their barbed design “efficiently catches hair and other gunk that usually remain trapped even by the most vigorous drain cleaner.” Just stick it in your drain, move it around, and lift it back out. Collins loves to see people’s faces “when, with this simple tool, they [pull] out years of sludge from a slow drain.”

“Before getting this [door hinge alignment] tool,” says Collins, “I used to awkwardly hold the door in place or use DIY shims for alignment purposes. Now I am able to get a door perfectly aligned within minutes instead of laboring for half an hour. Really, this does save time and irritation for anyone working on door repairs.” Arriving with a removable black hinge pin, you can use it with any standard residential hinges.

Gary Bregani, owner of Willowbrook Plumbing, calls this outlet tester kit “a must-have for safety.” Bregani states that it “lets you quickly detect live wires without direct contact,” and it’s “great for both pros and DIYers.” In just a moment or two, it identifies wiring issues, so you know what you need to fix. Its green light means everything works, while a red light means you should take a second look.

“The quick-flip design [of this utility knife] makes it super convenient for cutting materials on the job, and the built-in wire stripper is a bonus,” says Bregani. Open and close it with ease when you need to use it. It works quietly, and you can change out the blade with minimal effort. You can use it to open packages, tackle home repairs, and more.

Bregani calls this lemon and citrus-scented cleaning kit “simple but effective,” as it “keeps drains clear and odor-free without harsh chemicals.” Its enzyme-based formula is marine-approved. It’s also made without bronopol, which releases formaldehyde. Instead, it breaks down waste, odors, and grease buildup. Just one drop can treat a 40-ounce septic tank.

Andriy Boyko, founder of AO Handy, says this heavy duty construction adhesive “works on multiple surfaces and holds up over time.” Its fast-acting formula creates a secure grip in just 30 seconds. Because it's waterproof, you can use it both indoors and outdoors. It works on wood, metal, concrete, and more.

According to Boyko, this multi-bit screwdriver set is “super versatile and saves [him] from carrying multiple tools.” It comes with a handle, four nut drivers, and 39 standard bits. All the pieces fit snugly in its compact case. The handle has a cushioned grip, which keeps you comfortable while you put your furniture together.

WD-40 is a staple in toolboxes across the country, and for good reason. It’s “perfect for garage doors, locks, and hinges,” says Boyko. Use it to loosen up sticky mechanisms and rust-to-metal bonds. It also lubricates moving parts, like hinges, pulleys, and wheels. It comes in gallon sizes, so you’ll hardly ever need to stock up.

You won’t need an electrician to install this under-cabinet lighting, which can make a big difference regarding the vibe of a room. “This is one of those small upgrades that instantly makes your home feel high-end,” states Denys Schwartz, civil engineer and founder/owner of Construction Front. “Stick them under cabinets, along staircases, or inside wardrobes, and suddenly, your space has that sleek, built-in lighting effect.” Install it easily with magnets or tape; both are included.

“Lighting is one of the easiest ways to transform a space,” says Schwartz, “and a smart dimmer switch gives you full control without rewiring your home [...] You can adjust the brightness with a simple tap or even control the lights through your phone or voice assistant.” That way, you’ll “create a cozy ambiance for movie nights, bright lighting for work, or soft, warm tones for winding down.” Bonus: all you have to do is stick it on the wall.

“If you’ve ever had a door that swings shut when you don’t want it to or slams into a wall,” says Schwartz, “these [door stoppers] are a simple but brilliant solution.” Unlike traditional door stoppers, these hold the door in place with a small, discreet magnet. No drilling needed — just stick them on, and they work like magic.” Their brushed satin nickel chrome surface looks elegant on any door in your home.

Schwartz calls these plug adapters “a super easy way to dip your toes into home automation.” He says they “let you control lamps, coffee makers, or even fans with your phone or voice assistant. I’ve used them in projects where clients wanted a ‘smart home feel’ without rewiring everything, and they loved the convenience.” Just plug them into existing outlets. Their remotes, which have magnetic backs and come with a mountable base, work from up to 100 feet away.

"Ever noticed those small scratches and dings on furniture or wooden floors?” asks Schwartz. “These little pens and fillers make them disappear in seconds. I’ve seen them used to refresh old furniture pieces before a sale, and honestly, the results are impressive. They save you from costly repairs and make your home look well-maintained with minimal effort.” Each kit comes with six colors of wax filler and six colors of marker for a perfect match. They also have an impressive overall score of 4.9 out of five stars on Amazon.

“If you’re hanging shelves, mirrors, or artwork, good wall anchors are a must,” says Schwartz. “The cheap ones that come with most products don’t hold up well, but high-quality anchors make sure your décor stays put without damaging your walls.” These anchors hang up to 75 pounds each. They work especially well in drywall, gypsum, and sheetrock. Choose from packs of 25 to 100.

Loren Taylor, landscaper, gardener, and owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros, says one of the biggest reasons people struggle with gardening is forgetting to water plants. [Self-watering planters] solve this problem with a built-in water reservoir and wick rope system.” They resist heat and cold, and they’re formaldehyde-free. After gifting it to a friend who wasn’t great at keeping plants alive, Taylor states that “now she actually enjoys gardening."

“Garden misters are underrated,” says Taylor. This one is “perfect for keeping plants hydrated and cooling down outdoor spaces in the summer. I use mine in my greenhouse, but it’s also great for patios and gazebos. It’s an unexpected but highly useful addition to any outdoor setup.” Another plus? It can save up to 70% of water in comparison to manual watering techniques. This mister is especially good for beginners, since its pipe is 65 feet long, and can be cut to fit your space.