Short answer
You can handle the majority of everyday fixes with this starter toolkit:
- Hammer (16 oz claw)
- Screwdrivers: No. 2 Phillips, slotted, and a ratcheting multi-bit driver
- Tape measure (25 ft)
- Utility knife with extra blades
- Pliers: slip-joint, needle-nose, and linesman
- Adjustable wrench (8–10 in) + small socket set (3/8 in drive)
- Hex key set (SAE + metric)
- Level (9 in torpedo)
- Stud finder
- Cordless drill/driver with bit set
- Handsaw (Japanese pull saw) and hacksaw
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Assorted fasteners: wood screws, drywall anchors, picture hangers, nails
- Painter’s tape and duct tape
- Glues/sealants: wood glue, super glue, silicone or acrylic-latex caulk, PTFE (plumber’s) tape
- Plumbing basics: cup plunger and flange plunger, small bucket
- Safety gear: safety glasses, ear protection, dust mask/respirator, work gloves
- Step ladder (5–6 ft), Type I or II
Expect to spend roughly $200–$350 for a solid kit, plus $80–$150 for a ladder and $100–$200 for a good drill/driver.
Why these tools
- Fastening and prying: A 16 oz claw hammer and a quality screwdriver set cover 80% of tasks (tightening hardware, hanging decor, minor carpentry).
- Measuring and layout: A 25 ft tape, torpedo level, and stud finder keep holes straight and secure. Most studs are 16 in on center.
- Gripping and cutting: Three pliers plus a utility knife handle wires, cotter pins, trimming shims, and opening boxes safely.
- Turning hardware: An adjustable wrench and small socket set fit supply lines, appliance feet, and furniture bolts.
- Drilling and driving: A cordless drill speeds up projects and enables anchors and pilot holes.
- Light cutting: A pull saw makes clean, controlled cuts in wood; a hacksaw handles metal and PVC.
- Quick fixes and sealing: Tapes and adhesives address small cracks, loose trim, and plumbing threads.
- Safety and reach: Proper PPE and a rated ladder reduce accidents more than any single tool.
Drill/driver specs to look for:
- Voltage: 18V / 20V max
- Chuck: 1/2 in keyless
- Clutch: 15+ settings
- Speeds: 2 (0–450 / 0–1,700+ RPM)
- Extras: LED light, belt hook, two batteries
Ladder rating:
- Type I (250 lb) or Type II (225 lb)
Add-ons by task
- Electrical (basic): Non-contact voltage tester, outlet tester, wire stripper. Only for swapping switches/outlets and fixtures on existing circuits. Always de-energize at the breaker.
- Plumbing (minor): PTFE tape, plumber’s putty, adjustable wrench, basin wrench for tight faucet nuts.
- Painting: 2-in angled sash brush, roller frame/tray, 120–220 grit sandpaper, caulk gun.
- Door/hinge fixes: Wood filler, longer screws (#8 x 2–1/2 in) to bite into the stud.
Step-by-step: Hang a heavy picture (20–50 lb)
Tools: stud finder, tape measure, level, pencil, drill/driver, drill bits, anchors/hangers, safety glasses.
1) Locate studs: Scan the wall; mark two stud centers if possible. For drywall-only spots, choose rated toggle or strap anchors.
2) Mark height: Measure and mark the hook centerline. Use the level to keep it straight.
3) Drill: For studs, pre-drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw’s shank. For toggle anchors, use the specified bit size.
4) Install hardware: Drive wood screw or mount the anchor per instructions.
5) Hang and check: Level the artwork. Time: 15–30 minutes.
Specs that work well:
- Into studs: #10 x 2–1/2 in wood screw
- Into drywall (no stud): 1/4 in toggle rated 50+ lb
Step-by-step: Stop a loose door hinge
Tools: drill/driver, screwdriver, longer screws (#8 x 2–1/2 in), wood glue, toothpicks/dowels (if holes stripped), utility knife.
1) Remove the short/stripped screw.
2) Repair hole (if stripped): Pack with glue and wood slivers/toothpicks; flush cut after set.
3) Install longer screw to reach the stud. Snug, don’t over-torque. Time: 10–20 minutes.
Safety basics
- Eyes, ears, lungs, hands: Wear safety glasses for any cutting/drilling; hearing protection for power tools; dust mask for sanding; gloves for rough materials.
- Electricity: Test before you touch. Turn off at the breaker and verify with a non-contact tester.
- Ladders: Set on level ground; keep three points of contact; never stand on the top cap.
- Plumbing: Shut off fixture supply valves before disassembly; protect under-sink area with a towel/bucket.
Tips for better results
- Buy mid-grade tools with lifetime warranties on hand tools; look for chrome-vanadium steel and comfortable grips.
- Bits matter: Quality drill/driver bits reduce cam-out and stripped heads. Stock Phillips, square, Torx, and masonry bits.
- Pre-drill pilot holes for hardwood or near edges to prevent splitting.
- Label organizer bins for screws, anchors, and nails. Keep a small grab-and-go kit for quick tasks.
- Maintain blades and bits; dull tools slip and cause accidents.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong driver bit (Pozidriv vs Phillips) and stripping screws.
- Skipping anchors in drywall; heavy items need studs or rated anchors.
- Mixing metric and SAE fasteners; keep both hex key sets.
- Overtightening supply lines; use PTFE tape and snug, not gorilla tight.
- Standing on chairs instead of a ladder.
When to call a pro
- Electrical panel work, running new circuits, aluminum wiring repairs.
- Gas lines, furnace/boiler issues, or fuel appliance hookups.
- Structural changes, sagging floors, major roof leaks.
- Persistent plumbing leaks inside walls, sewer line problems, or any water damage with mold.
Budget and storage
- Starter hand tools: $150–$250
- Drill/driver kit: $100–$200
- Ladder: $80–$150
- Organizer/storage: $20–$60
Store tools dry and accessible. A small toolbox plus a wall-mounted pegboard keeps daily-use tools at hand. As skills grow, add specialty tools (multimeter, oscillating multi-tool, pipe cutter) to match your projects. Look for ToolStash-recommended sets to get reliable gear without overspending.