People who want to go off-grid have their work cut out for them but things can be a bit less tasking with the help of homesteader tools.
Axe
Homesteaders prefer to use fire to cook food, boil water or anything that demands a source of heat. This means they need firewood, lots of them. This also means they need homesteader tools such as an axe to chop wood. One of the most popular tools, an axe is something that can be used in a variety of ways.
Some people prefer the ease of use of a chainsaw over a hand axe but the latter has its advantages. An axe is portable, doesn’t use oil or fuel, and is easier to maintain. When an axe goes dull, it can easily be sharpened while a chainsaw requires a little more work to keep it in good condition. Additionally, an axe is a better tool for the apocalypse. A chainsaw makes too much noise that may attract threats such as zombies and thugs.
There are different types of axes and homesteaders would love to get their hands on all of them. Some axes are for felling trees, limbing logs, splitting into firewood, cleaving into stove-size sticks, or making kindling. Other axes are made for cutting off animal legs and opening their rib cage. Most of these homesteader tools have a blunt side which can be used for hammering stuff.
There are also axes with two cutting edges. One edge is usually kept sharp while the other is a bit blunter, which is effective for cutting roots. It’s also great for splitting zombie heads in two.
Hatchets are smaller than the other axes and lighter than a hand axe. It was first made for installing shingles on a roof but is now more known as the favorite weapon of Rick Grimes after his trusty Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver.
Hammer
The blunt side of an axe can be used for hammering but you’re better off having an actual hammer. Any home should have a hammer for minor repairs and do-it-yourself projects. But if you want to go off grid, a hammer is one of the homesteader tools that will prove to be your best friend.
In homesteading, you aim to be self-sufficient. You grow and raise your own food, use renewable energy, and do almost everything on your own. Most homesteaders build their own homes and other structures with their bare hands, or with the help of homesteader tools like a hammer, to be more particular.
Hammers come in different types, which homesteaders would love to have. The most popular is the claw hammer, which is handy in most kinds of work. The ball pein (the one with the rounded edge) and cross and straight pein hammers are used in shaping metals.
For demolition jobs, the sledge hammer and club hammer are the homesteader tools of choice. The sledge hammer is usually used for heavy work. It can also do light demolition jobs by simply using the weight of the head.
Drill
Every off-gridder would be thrilled to have his or her own power tools. If you’re new to the idea of self-sufficiency, you can start your set of homesteader tools by purchasing a drill. The most popular, of course, is the electric drill. It’s easy to use and compact enough to take where it is needed, especially if you have the battery-operated one.
As a homesteader, you make provisions for when you can’t or prefer not to use electricity. Aside from your electrical drill, invest on a manual hand drill. It is also a good tool to use when you can’t afford to make too much noise.
Wheelbarrow
In a homestead, you need a way to move things from here to there without getting on a fuel-guzzling vehicle. For light load, you can depend on a wheelbarrow. It’s great for transporting soil, rocks, cement, firewood and just about anything you can pack on the barrow. It is also one of the coolest rides your kids can have as long as you clean it well after loading compost or manure.
Aside from a wheelbarrow, you can also use a garden cart especially for working on your garden. You know what? Scrap the wheelbarrow-riding idea. Purchase a wagon you can use for loading not-so-dirty stuff and for your kids to play with.
Hose
Speaking of gardening, you’d be spending lots of time in your garden growing your own food. One of the most useful homesteader tools used in the garden or yard is a hose. Aside from watering your crops and other plants, a hose is useful in cleaning. Make sure you hose is extendable or at least long enough to dose your house with water in case a fire breaks out.
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