The Starter Tool Kit I'd Buy Again
You don't need a wall of tools to start fixing things. A small kit'll handle most household repairs, and you can add specialty tools as projects call for them.
Hand tools
- 16 oz claw hammer: the all-around size
- Multi-bit screwdriver, plus a small precision set
- 25-foot tape measure
- Torpedo level, and a 4-foot level once you're hanging shelves or cabinets
- Utility knife with spare blades
- Adjustable wrench and slip-joint pliers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Stud finder
Power tools
- Cordless drill/driver: the first power tool worth buying. Pick a battery platform you'll stick with, because more tools will follow.
- Oscillating multi-tool: cuts, scrapes, and sands in tight spots
Safety gear
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Work gloves
- Dust masks, or N95s for sanding
- A non-contact voltage tester for any electrical work
Rent, don't buy
Some tools only make sense for one job. Tile saws, floor sanders, and large compressors are usually cheaper to rent for a weekend.
Where to start
If you're buying one thing this month, get the cordless drill. It turns an afternoon of hand-driving screws into ten minutes.