A few basic hand tools are all you need for most DIY home repairs and maintenance.

New homeowners quickly realize they need tools to fix and maintain things, as well as decorate. Fortunately, they don’t have to buy a lot of pricey tools. The following list of essential hand tools are all that’s needed to handle most DIY tasks around the house.

Tape measure

Guessing at measurements sometimes works but wrong guesses often mean making another trip to the store. Whether you’re buying an area rug or replacing closet doors, measuring first will a save lot of time and frustration.

Hammer

A claw hammer comes in handy for pounding in nails and removing them. A light-duty hammer will do the job for most homeowner tasks.

Screwdrivers

Homeowners need two basic types of screwdrivers, flat-head and Phillips-head. It’s helpful to have them in multiple sizes. An alternative to getting a set is to get what’s called a multi-bit screwdriver that stores interchangeable tips in its handle.

Pliers

Like screwdrivers, it’s useful to have a couple types of pliers. Needle nose pliers are good for gripping small things or holding something within a small space. Slip joint pliers have an adjustable opening that can grip objects of various sizes, and they’re often used to loosen bolts.

Flashlight

The flashlight on your mobile phone is handy for taking a look at things but when it’s time to get to work a hands-free light can make your job easier. In addition to wearable headlamps, right-angle flashlights that rotate make DIY jobs in dark places easier to do.

Utility knife with replaceable blades

Yes, a kitchen knife works in a pinch but it’s not the best tool for household cutting jobs. First of all, do you really want the same cutting blade on your food that was used to remove icky old caulk? Second, using kitchen knives for household tasks can damage them. The better option is to get a sturdy utility knife with replaceable blades.

Remember to swap out the old blades when they get dull; it’s safer and more effective to cut with a sharp blade. Tip: When disposing of old blades, cover the cutting edge with tape before tossing them; this helps protect anyone taking out the trash from getting cut.

A level

Many smartphones have a level app, however, they’re not always the easiest thing to use when hanging pictures or building something. A small bubble level is handy for hanging pictures and TVs, ensuring assembled tables sit evenly and more–it helps avoid costly damage to your phone.

Stud finder

While we’re talking about hanging things on walls, we need to mention a stud finder. To hang heavy objects, attach them to a stud or use wall anchors. While some people can discern where wall studs are by knocking, the most reliable way is to use a small device called a stud finder.

Step ladder

Using chairs, tables, beds and countertops to close the height gap between yourself and something you need to reach is a dangerous move. The cost of a small, stable ladder is worth the safety it provides. For many households, a folding 4- or 6-foot ladder puts you within reach of everything from the ceiling light fixtures to upper closet shelves.

Basic safety gear

Countless DIYer visits for urgent and emergency medical care could be avoided by using the proper safety gear. Keep yourself safe while doing tasks where there could be flying debris, sharp surfaces or dust with safety goggles, heavy duty gloves and face masks. 

A resource for additional tools

The tools listed above cover most homeowner needs and are convenient to have on hand at all times. If you find you need other hand or power tools, you don’t need to spend big money. Some communities, like Kalamazoo, have tool libraries that allow you to borrow what you need at no or little cost. This helps you save money whether you’re a first-time homeowner or have owned a home for years. Plus, when you borrow tools from a library you don’t need to use precious storage space to stow it when not in use.

 

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