Owning a home means taking on the responsibility of repairs, maintenance, and the occasional renovation. From hanging a picture to fixing a leaky faucet, a basic set of tools can save you time and money. Instead of calling a handyman for small tasks, you can tackle them yourself—provided you’ve got the right equipment and basic know-how.
For example, Roger—a professional plumber—emphasizes how certain tools are indispensable for plumbing chores like tightening toilet bolts or cutting pipes. Meanwhile, Nils, who frequently undertakes household projects and simple electrical work, argues that many tools do double duty: you can use them for small automotive tasks, home upgrades, or furniture assembly.
Below, you’ll find the top items they recommend. Some are more essential than others, so adapt the list to your goals and confidence level. Whether you’re a brand-new homeowner or a long-time DIYer, these tools form the backbone of a reliable household toolkit.
1. Hammer
Why It’s Essential
One tool that both Roger and Nils firmly agree on is the humble hammer. The classic claw hammer is perfect for driving nails into drywall or wooden studs, pulling nails back out, and even doing light demolition if needed. If you’re in a trade like plumbing or pipefitting, you might favor a ball-peen hammer for working with metal. But for everyday household tasks—from hanging pictures to small repairs—a medium-weight claw hammer is usually enough.
Tips for Choosing a Hammer
- Weight: Try a 16-ounce hammer if you’re a beginner. It provides enough driving force without feeling too heavy.
- Handle: Fiberglass handles reduce vibrations. Wood handles give better grip but can crack over time. Steel handles are super durable but transfer more shock to your hand.
2. Cordless Drill/Driver
Why It’s Essential
Both a plumber and a DIY enthusiast need a power tool that can handle drilling holes, driving screws, and performing all sorts of assembly or disassembly tasks. A cordless drill/driver checks these boxes. Invest in a decent model—cheap drills often lack the power and battery life to handle more than a few quick fixes.
Features to Look For
- Brushless Motor: Enhances efficiency and extends battery life.
- Adjustable Clutch: Lets you dial in the torque, preventing overtightening or stripping screws.
- Bit Set: Keep at least a few different bit types: Phillips, slotted, square, and Torx (star-shaped).
3. Pliers
Types You Might Want
- Slip-Joint Pliers: The classic design that’s versatile for gripping smaller items.
- Needle-Nose Pliers: Ideal for electrical work or reaching into tight spots.
- Adjustable (Groove-Joint) Pliers: Often called “channel locks,” these allow you to grip and turn larger nuts, bolts, or pipes.
Why It Matters
A simple pair of slip-joint pliers can handle many everyday tasks. But if you’re planning to adjust plumbing connections, the adjustable variety is more useful because you can set them to different jaw openings. Nils points out that having just one pair might not suffice if you have to grip a large fitting in a tight space. In that scenario, you’d need at least medium-sized adjustable pliers.
4. Adjustable Wrenches
The Basics
Also known as “crescent wrenches,” adjustable wrenches are essential when you’re working with hexagonal nuts or bolts of varying sizes. While pliers can also turn nuts, they might round off edges if you’re not careful, so a proper wrench is often a safer choice.
What to Consider
- Size Matters: You might have two adjustable wrenches: one mid-size (6 to 8 inches) for tight spots and one slightly larger for more torque.
- Insulated Grip: Some come with a rubber grip that can offer extra comfort and slight protection. But remember, it’s not a guaranteed barrier against live electricity—always turn the power off if you’re working near wiring.
5. Circuit Tester or Multimeter
Different Levels of Complexity
Roger, who also has HVAC training, favors a more advanced clamp meter that reads AC and DC current and offers a variety of safety features. Nils suggests most homeowners can do well with a standard multimeter or a simple circuit tester for checking outlet wiring.
Key Reasons to Own One
- Safety: Confirm the power is actually off before you start tinkering with outlets or switches.
- Troubleshooting: Quickly identify if a breaker, fuse, or wire is the source of a problem.
- Cost Savings: Fixing minor electrical issues yourself is far cheaper than hiring an electrician for simple checks.
6. Wire Cutters and Strippers
Do You Really Need These?
If you’re comfortable doing minor electrical work—like installing a new fan or replacing a switch—wire cutters and strippers are indispensable. While standard pliers can cut wires, they often do a poor job of stripping insulation without damaging the conductor.
Combination Tools
Some strippers also include bolt cutters or crimpers. If you’re replacing light fixtures or adding an outlet, the ability to cleanly strip wire can prevent poor connections and avoid potential fire hazards.
7. Screwdrivers (or a Multi-Bit Driver)
Diverging Opinions
Roger likes a multi-bit screwdriver that carries flat, Phillips, star, and square bits in one handle, which saves space and keeps everything together. Nils prefers a set of insulated screwdrivers—particularly if he’s doing a lot of electrical tasks—because that extra rubber coating can protect against unexpected contact with live wires.
Must-Have Features
- Magnetic Tips: Prevent screws from falling off as you work.
- Comfortable Grip: Reduces hand fatigue, especially for bigger projects.
- Insulated Set (Optional): Offers extra safety margin for electrical tasks, though you should always confirm the power is off first.
8. Socket Set (Metric and Standard)
More Than Just for Cars
While sockets are famously associated with automotive repair, they also come in handy around the home—especially if you have toilets or faucets mounted with nuts that are difficult to reach with pliers.
Recommendations
- Ratchet Sizes: Commonly 3/8-inch drive is a good all-around choice. You might also want a 1/4-inch drive for smaller hardware and a 1/2-inch drive for heavier nuts and bolts.
- Keep it Organized: Socket sets often come in cases that hold each piece in place. That’s crucial so you don’t lose half your collection in a drawer.
9. Pipe Wrench
Plumber’s Perspective
A pipe wrench might feel like overkill for casual homeowners, but Nils finds it handy for extra leverage on stubborn fasteners. Roger is quick to point out it’s originally designed for gripping round pipes or fittings—something typical pliers can’t do well. If you do enough plumbing tasks, you’ll eventually encounter a scenario where a pipe wrench is the best (or only) solution.
Multi-Tool Reality
Yes, many trade workers (plumbers included) have been guilty of using a pipe wrench as a hammer in a pinch. While that’s not the recommended usage, the general theme is that pipe wrenches can handle heavy-duty tasks when other tools fail.
10. Putty Knife
Spackling, Caulking, and Scraping
A metal putty knife is a homeowner’s secret weapon for smoothing drywall compound, scraping off old paint or stickers, and applying caulk. If you’ve moved beyond using toothpaste and your thumb for patching small holes, you’ll appreciate the neatness a putty knife provides.
Choosing One
- Skip Plastic: Plastic knives get nicks and gouges easily, leaving messy patches.
- Blade Width: A 2-inch or 3-inch wide blade works for most small fill jobs. Larger widths help if you’re blending drywall seams or patching bigger holes.
11. Caulk Gun
How Often Will You Use It?
While Roger might not see it as a daily-use item, Nils points out that for re-sealing showers, tubs, windows, or kitchen backsplashes, a caulk gun is indispensable. Most homeowners eventually tackle at least one caulk-related project.
Types
- Dripless Design: Keeps you from wasting material and making a mess after each squeeze.
- Built-In Cutter: Some caulk guns have a small blade for snipping the tube tip.
12. Saw (Manual or Power)
Debate: Circular Saw vs. Hand Saws
Nils suggests a circular saw for folks who regularly work on yard or framing projects. Roger counters that many homeowners rarely need anything more than a basic wood saw and a hacksaw. Whichever route you choose, having at least one decent saw is essential for occasional tasks like trimming 2x4s or cutting PVC pipes.
Good Options
- Hacksaw: Fine-toothed blade for cutting metal or plastic.
- Wood Saw: Coarser blade for lumber.
- Circular Saw (Optional): Perfect for bigger tasks—building garden beds, repairing decks, or framing walls.
13. Ladder
Safety and Versatility
You don’t have to buy multiple ladders if you go for a multi-position or telescoping design. This tool helps with everything from changing lightbulbs to cleaning gutters.
Features to Consider
- Locking Hinges: Ensure stability and can transform the ladder between an A-frame and extension modes.
- Weight Rating: Match the ladder’s load capacity to your weight plus any tools you carry.
Bonus: Flashlight or Headlamp
Illumination Is Key
Power outages, under-sink repairs, and trips to the breaker panel at night all call for a good flashlight. A headlamp frees your hands—vital if you’re working alone in cramped conditions.
LED Advantages
- Long Battery Life: LED bulbs consume less power, offering extended runtime.
- Bright and Focused Beam: Great for detailed inspection, like spotting a slow leak or reading labels in tight areas.
The 3D Printer Twist
In a fun twist, Nils from Learn to DIY proposes that a 3D printer can be a surprising addition to a homeowner’s toolkit. You can download or design plastic parts to fix broken brackets, knobs, or other small components. While not a standard tool like a hammer or wrench, it opens up creative solutions—especially if you’re tired of searching hardware aisles for obscure pieces.
Gap-Fillers: Tape Measure and Level
Roger specifically points out that a tape measure and level are vital, even though they didn’t make Nils’ official list. Hanging pictures, marking cut lines, and ensuring new fixtures are straight demand accurate measurements. It’s easy to forget these simpler tools until you’re in the middle of a project and realize you need them.
Tape Measure
- At least 25 feet: Enough length for measuring interior rooms or even yard projects.
- Auto-Lock vs. Manual Lock: Preferences vary; choose whichever mechanism feels more natural.
Level
- Basic Torpedo Level: Only about 9 inches long, ideal for small tasks like leveling a toilet or a single row of tiles.
- Longer Levels (2 to 4 feet): Provide more accuracy over a wider area, like when you’re hanging a series of shelves or ensuring countertops are even.
Final Thoughts: Pick What You’ll Actually Use
Not every homeowner will need all 13 (plus the extras), but these represent the most common, cross-functional tools you might rely on. If you’re a novice:
- Start with the absolute basics: a hammer, a multi-bit screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a tape measure, and a flashlight.
- Add specialized items—like a circuit tester or a caulk gun—once you’re comfortable handling more varied tasks.
- If you enjoy hands-on projects, a circular saw, pipe wrench, or 3D printer might fit right in.
Ultimately, the best tools are the ones you’ll actually use. Having them at hand—clean, organized, and easy to find—ensures fewer headaches when something needs fixing. As Roger says, “You don’t want to be searching for 4 hours for a wrench to turn off your water.”
Nils sums up the conversation by highlighting that each homeowner’s needs vary. Some jump into remodeling or build custom shelves; others only want to stop a faucet from dripping. Decide your comfort level and project scope, then tailor your toolkit accordingly. The key is that, with the right tools, you empower yourself to tackle challenges without having to call a professional for every small problem.
Remember, if you find yourself doing more substantial work—like advanced plumbing, major electrical, or big carpentry jobs—it might be worth investing in higher-end gear from the outset. Quality tools can last a lifetime, becoming a long-term asset that saves you frustration in the years ahead.
