Basic Home Toolkit: The Tools That Handle Most Repairs
Short answer: A drill/driver, a screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, tongue-and-groove pliers, a tape measure, a utility knife, a non-contact voltage tester, a flange plunger, putty knives, a level, a stepladder and a flashlight cover most of the repairs on this site. Buy those first and add specialty tools as jobs come up.
How we chose: we listed the tools the guides on this site actually call for and noted the features that matter for each. We have not run hands-on product tests, and we do not show prices or star ratings. Check current prices and reviews on the retailer's page.
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Core hand tools
These show up in almost every guide.
Cordless drill/driver
Drives screws for drywall patches, hinges and strike plates, and drills pilot holes.
What to look for: A compact 12V or 18/20V model with two batteries and an adjustable clutch so you do not strip screws.
Used in: how to patch a large hole in drywall, how to fix drywall nail pops, how to fix a door that sticks
Screwdriver set (Phillips and flat, several sizes)
Cover plates, handles, hinges and appliance panels.
What to look for: Magnetic tips and comfortable handles. A multi-bit driver is a good space saver.
Used in: how to fix a leaky faucet, how to replace a light switch, how to fix a door that won't latch
Adjustable wrench (8 and 10 inch)
Supply line nuts, toilet fill valves and faucet parts.
What to look for: Smooth jaw adjustment with little play.
Used in: how to fix a running toilet, how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet (hose bib), how to fix a leak under the sink (p-trap and drain)
Tongue-and-groove pliers
Grip P-trap slip nuts, aerators and large fittings.
What to look for: A 10 inch pair handles most household plumbing.
Used in: how to fix a leak under the sink (p-trap and drain), how to unclog a sink drain without chemicals, how to fix low water pressure at a faucet (clean the aerator)
Needle-nose pliers
Small clips, wire loops and fishing out debris.
What to look for: A built-in wire cutter.
Used in: how to replace a light switch, how to fix a leaky faucet
Utility knife
Cutting old caulk, trimming drywall and screen mesh.
What to look for: Retractable blade with easy blade changes. Keep spare blades.
Used in: how to recaulk a bathtub or shower, how to replace a window screen, how to patch a large hole in drywall
Tape measure (25 foot)
Measuring for patches, flooring, screens and weatherstripping.
What to look for: A wide, stiff blade that extends without bending.
Used in: how to weatherstrip an exterior door, how to replace a window screen
Hex key (Allen) set
Faucet handle set screws and freeing a jammed garbage disposal (1/4 inch).
What to look for: Both SAE and metric sizes.
Used in: how to fix a jammed garbage disposal, how to fix a leaky faucet
Safety and testing
Cheap tools that prevent expensive mistakes.
Non-contact voltage tester
Confirms power is off before you touch a switch, outlet or appliance wiring.
What to look for: Audible and visual alerts. Test it on a known live outlet every time before use.
Used in: how to replace a light switch, how to replace an electrical outlet, water heater not heating? what to check first
Plug-in outlet tester with GFCI button
Checks outlet wiring and trips GFCIs for testing.
What to look for: A clear light code chart on the body.
Used in: how to reset a tripped gfci outlet, how to replace an electrical outlet
Safety glasses, work gloves and dust masks
Scraping, sanding, grout removal and gutter work.
What to look for: Glasses rated ANSI Z87.1 and masks sized for fine dust.
Used in: how to regrout tile, how to clean gutters safely, how to patch a small hole in drywall
Flashlight or headlamp
Under sinks, inside walls, at the breaker panel.
What to look for: A headlamp keeps both hands free.
Used in: how to reset a tripped circuit breaker, how to find and shut off your main water valve, how to fix a jammed garbage disposal
Plumbing basics
For the most common household emergencies.
Flange (toilet) plunger
Clears most toilet clogs.
What to look for: A fold-out flange that seals the toilet drain opening.
Used in: how to unclog a toilet
Cup (sink) plunger
Sinks, tubs and showers.
What to look for: A flat-bottom cup. Keep it separate from the toilet plunger.
Hand drain snake, 25 foot
Clogs past the P-trap.
What to look for: A 1/4 inch cable with a lockable drum.
Closet (toilet) auger
Stubborn toilet clogs, without scratching porcelain.
What to look for: A rubber sleeve at the bend.
Used in: how to unclog a toilet
Walls and finishing
For holes, caulk and touch-ups.
Putty and taping knives (1 1/2, 6 and 10 inch)
Spreading and feathering joint compound.
What to look for: Flexible stainless blades.
Used in: how to patch a small hole in drywall, how to patch a large hole in drywall, how to fix drywall nail pops
Dripless caulk gun
Tubs, sinks, trim and exterior gaps.
What to look for: A smooth trigger and a pressure release so caulk does not keep oozing.
Used in: how to recaulk a bathtub or shower, how to regrout tile
Sanding sponges
Smoothing patches with less dust than sandpaper.
What to look for: Fine and medium grits.
Used in: how to patch a small hole in drywall, how to fix drywall nail pops
Torpedo or 24 inch level
Hanging things straight and checking doors and frames.
What to look for: Easy-to-read vials.
Used in: how to fix a door that sticks
Access
Most repairs need you a few feet off the floor.
Step ladder (4 to 6 foot)
Smoke alarms, light fixtures, high shelves.
What to look for: A duty rating above your weight plus tools. Fiberglass for any electrical work.
Used in: how to stop a smoke alarm from chirping, how to fix drywall nail pops
Extension ladder with stabilizer
Gutters and one-story roof edges.
What to look for: Right length to extend 3 feet past the gutter, and a standoff stabilizer.
Used in: how to clean gutters safely
Frequently asked questions
What tools should every homeowner have?
A drill/driver, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, pliers, utility knife, tape measure, voltage tester, plungers, putty knives, a stepladder and a flashlight cover the most common repairs.
Should I buy a tool kit or individual tools?
Pre-made kits are convenient but often include low-quality filler. Buying the core tools one at a time usually gets better quality where it matters.
Do I need a voltage tester if I turn off the breaker?
Yes. Breaker labels are often wrong and boxes can contain more than one circuit. Always verify at the device.