Essential Tools for Homeowners

Every homeowner needs a set of tools. If you don’t have any tools then how will you do basic repairs? Things are bound to break and you will have to assemble furniture sooner or later.

The good news is you don’t need a lot of tools. Follow along for a list of essential tools for homeowners.

Contents

• 1 Basic Tool Kit List for the Home
  • 1.1 Tape Measure
  • 1.2 Claw Hammer
  • 1.3 Torpedo Level
  • 1.4 Screwdrivers
  • 1.5 Allen Keys
  • 1.6 Combination Wrenches
  • 1.7 Socket Set
  • 1.8 Work Lights
  • 1.9 Work Gloves
  • 1.10 Utility Knife
  • 1.11 Pipe Wrench
  • 1.12 Adjustable Wrench
  • 1.13 Side Cutters
  • 1.14 Wire Strippers
  • 1.15 Pliers Set
  • 1.16 Locking Pliers
  • 1.17 Staple Gun
  • 1.18 Electronic Stud Finder
  • 1.19 A Plunger
  • 1.20 Plumbing Repair Kit
  • 1.21 Miscellaneous Hardware
  • 1.22 Safety Glasses
  • 1.23 The Toolbox
  • 1.24 Step Ladder
  • 1.25 Related Posts:

Basic Tool Kit List for the Home

Tape Measure

A tape measure is a must have tool for the homeowner. Without one, you cannot measure things. The Stanley Powerlock 25 foot is a good quality tape measure for a good price.

Claw Hammer

A 16 oz claw hammer should be in every household tool box. It can drive in nails or pull them out. Estwing makes great quality claw hammers at a reasonable price. I recommend the Estwing E3-16S hammer on Amazon.

Torpedo Level

A compact level is useful for when you install shelves, hang pictures or anytime you need to make sure something is level. Stanley makes a nice torpedo level for home use.

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are needed to drive screws into things or building furniture. When buying screwdrivers you can either get a set or buy a multi-bit screwdriver.

The multi-bit screwdriver has tips for each type of screw and takes less space in the toolbox.

Allen Keys

A set of Allen keys or hex keys is used when building flat pack furniture, fixing bikes and even faucets. Sets with both SAE and metric keys are available at most hardware stores.

Combination Wrenches

Combination wrenches have both an open end and a box end. They are used to tighten nuts and bolts around the home and under the hood of your car. This set of inexpensive wrenches has both metric and SAE with good reviews on Amazon.

Socket Set

Sockets are needed for working on the car and around the house. You don’t need a large set to get started and this 30 piece set has good reviews.

Work Lights

Having a work light in the toolbox is a must for working in dark areas. The type that strap to your head is good and will keep both hands free to work.

Work Gloves

A set of leather work gloves is a must to protect your hands while working. The leather is a very durable material and will last for a long time.

Utility Knife

Utility knives are used to cut open boxes, cut carpet, and other hard materials. A cushion grip FatMax is a good utility knife for the tool box.

Pipe Wrench

If you need to do plumbing repairs in your home then a pipe wrench is the right tool.

Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench can tighten or loosen bolts of multiple sizes. Although they won’t replace a good set of wrenches, they are handy to have in the house.

Side Cutters

Side cutters are a must have tool for the home. They are used to cut wire. I highly recommend a set of Knipex side cutters as they will last a lifetime.

Wire Strippers

Automatic wire strippers are an easy way to strip the insulation off a wire. I have a pair in my tool box and love them.

Pliers Set

Pliers are used for many tasks around the house and garage. You can get a good set with slip joint, long nose and diagonal cutters.

Locking Pliers

Locking pliers are great for holding onto objects and locking tight. Think of them like a portable vise. I have a pair of Vise-Grip brand in my tool box and they are good quality pliers.

Staple Gun

A staple gun with a reverse squeeze handle makes driving staples easy. I used one to put up Christmas lights last year.

Electronic Stud Finder

I own a Zircon stud finder and it has worked flawlessly for me. They can find studs and electrical wires behind the wall for hanging heavy objects.

A Plunger

Let’s face it:

Sooner or later you will have a clogged toilet. You will need a plunger to fix the problem.

Plumbing Repair Kit

These cheap plumbing kits are handy to have in the tool box. They include washers, rubber rings, and screws to fix leaky faucets. They can be found in hardware stores in the plumbing section.

Miscellaneous Hardware

Picture hanging kits and small hardware kits are good to have when needed. They can be bought cheaply at most big box stores.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are a no brainer when you are doing any handy work. They will protect your eyes from injury and should be worn during any DIY work. They aren’t very expensive either.

The Toolbox

You will need a place to store all of your tools. You don’t want them scattered around the house right? If they’re all in one place the less likely you will lose them.

A basic toolbox will be enough to store your tools. You don’t have to spend a fortune on one, just make sure it’s big enough to store all your tools.

I picked up a plastic toolbox for my household tools. I think I spent maybe $25 on it when it was on sale. If you prefer, you can get a metal box but I don’t think you need one. Spend the money on quality tools rather than an expensive box.

Step Ladder

A step ladder is a must for working in high areas like cleaning gutters or hanging lights. An 8-foot or 10-foot ladder will be good for most home use.

A smaller step ladder is good for working around the house when a large ladder is not needed.

If there are any tools you think should be included in the list let me know in the comments below.