Homesteading isn’t just about growing veggies and stashing mason jars. It’s a lifestyle focused on self-sufficiency, practical survival skills, and having the right gear so you don’t lose your mind or your precious tomatoes. Selecting quality tools makes everything easier, whether you’re chasing after runaway chickens or splitting firewood for winter warmth.
If you’re starting out or aiming to outfit your homestead for the long haul, certain essentials are worth their weight in gold. I’m sharing the gear I reach for most often, and why each one is basically mandatory if you want to keep your sanity and your harvest on track.
Here’s my top 10 lineup of tools every homesteader should have, along with a few bonus items and practical pointers to help you get going in the right direction.
1. Chainsaw: Handling Mother Nature’s Surprises
Trees tumble down, limbs break off, and each fence post either starts as a log or ends up in your firewood pile. A chainsaw saves loads of work, whether you’re clearing trails after a storm or prepping wood for the colder months. Gas-powered chainsaws offer the muscle for big jobs, but electric chainsaws keep getting more capable every year, especially for quick jobs closer to home. Always have sharp spare chains on hand, sturdy gloves, and reliable ear protection—safety matters as much as getting the job done efficiently when sawdust is flying everywhere.
2. Wheelbarrow: The Workhorse of the Homestead
You’ll use a sturdy wheelbarrow or garden cart daily to haul dirt, firewood, compost, rocks, and sometimes even an upset barn cat. I move everything from harvests to manure, and honestly, I couldn’t function without mine. Look for a model with a solid steel frame and enough capacity for your workload. Pneumatic tires roll over rough ground so much better than hard plastic ones, making chores way less of a hassle.
3. Hand Tools: Your Everyday Toolkit
The grownup version of an all-in-one toy tool set is basically required. Stock up on hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches, and a tape measure. These tools cover minor repairs, assembling gear, fixing gates, and hanging shelves in the barn. I keep a dedicated toolbox in my shed so I’m not hunting for the right screwdriver multiple times a day.
Extras To Have on Hand
- Socket set for anything involving nuts and bolts.
- Tape measure and utility knife—you’ll pull these out a lot more than you expect.
4. Power Drill: Cordless Convenience
A cordless power drill is a lifesaver for building, repairing, or taking things apart. No extension cords or hand cramps to deal with. When I’m putting together raised beds, fixing the fence, or upgrading the chicken coop, the drill is always my first pick. Extra batteries save you when power is out or you’re working far from an outlet.
5. Shovels & Rakes: Dig, Plant, and Clean with Ease
Almost every garden task kicks off with a shovel and wraps up with a rake. I keep a few digging shovels (both round and flat), metal garden rakes for smoothing soil, and a big leaf rake for fall leaves. Whether you’re planting potatoes or cleaning up the debris that your overstuffed wheelbarrow just dumped out, these tools are essentials you’ll use across every season.
6. Pruning Shears: Keep Plants in Shape
Even plants need trims. Pruning shears make trimming fruit trees, harvesting veggies, and shaping shrubs simple and quick. Invest in a really sharp, high-quality pair—they’re safer, smoother, and get the job done faster. Just remember to clean them after each use to avoid passing plant diseases on to healthy plants.
7. Tractor: The Big Investment
A tractor is a major expense, but nothing beats its ability to make homestead life easier if you’re living on a substantial amount of land. Whether you’re mowing fields, hauling loads, tilling new garden beds, or leveling driveways, a reliable tractor takes on heavy labor that would wear you out in no time. It’s no wonder that every homesteader catches themselves daydreaming about owning one, often after dragging their umpteenth cart of compost across the yard.
Tips for Tractor Shopping
- Think about attachments (tillers, plows, loaders) and where you’ll store everything—you’ll want space for more than just the tractor itself.
- Saved your pennies by looking at used models, but always give them a really thorough look-over before closing the deal.
8. Livestock Supplies: For Happy, Safe Animals
If you raise livestock—like chickens, goats, pigs, or cows—you need proper supplies to keep them well-fed, safe, and healthy. Feeders, waterers, fencing, and solid shelter gear prevent escapes and support animal wellness. After chasing too many escaped goats, I can confirm that a well-built fence is more valuable than gold when you want your animals to stay put.
9. Pressure Washer: Cleanup Hero
From muddy boots and dusty tractors to grime-covered siding, a pressure washer turns hours of scrubbing into a few minutes of satisfying cleaning. It’s fantastic for hosing down chicken coops, barn floors, porches, and vehicles. Gas models have extra power, but electric washers are perfect for small jobs without the noise.
10. Generator: Backup for When the Lights Go Out
When the power’s out and your freezer is full of homegrown meat, a generator protects your hard work from spoiling and keeps you comfortable during outages. Rural life guarantees you’ll face power cuts at some point. I run a mid-sized, dual-fuel generator for peace of mind. Tip: Always have spare fuel and run the generator occasionally—no one wants to find out it’s dead during a blackout.
Bonus Tools and Supplies Worth Checking Out
These extras can give a boost to your daily routines and projects:
- Pocket knife: A trusted staple for every homesteader. You’ll use it for opening bags, repairs, or even harvesting in a pinch.
- Mason jars, vacuum sealer, and cast iron cookware: These are perfect for keeping food storage neat, preserving your harvest, and taking up your cooking skills.
- Solar panels and chicken coops: Not only Eco-friendly, but they’ll also help save cash in the long run while looking next-level cool.
- Nail guns, saws, buckets: For those quick projects or unexpected tasks that always seem to come up on a homestead.
Getting Started: Practical Homesteading Advice
Jumping into homesteading sounds dreamy, but planning ahead saves headaches down the road:
- Always check zoning laws to avoid issues with animals or outbuildings as you expand.
- Pick land with reliable water and good soil—bad dirt is tough to work with and nearly impossible to fix overnight.
- Start small and manageable. Trying to launch a full-scale operation your first year can lead to burnout and make things overwhelming.
- Take the time to master essentials like gardening, basic construction, animal care, and food preservation. YouTube is great for tutorials, but advice from experienced neighbors is often priceless.
- Get involved with other homesteaders—most are happy to share advice, tips, or even swap seeds and stories.
Wrapping Up
Homesteading is a lot of hard work, but each shovel of dirt, every jar of pickles, and all those tired muscles pay off in self-reliance and real satisfaction. There’s something fulfilling about ending a long day with a home cooked meal and the knowledge of what went into it—and just how much you accomplished. The right tools aren’t just time and energy savers; they give you the confidence to jump into new projects, try different skills, and tackle whatever challenges your land sends your way. Keep adding to your collection as you learn, and soon you’ll be the homesteader neighbors come to for advice.