THE ESSENTIAL
STARTER TOOLKIT
The 10 must-have hand tools every new homeowner needs. Buy these first, and you'll be ready for 90% of common household tasks.
Claw Hammer
A 16oz claw hammer is the foundation of any toolkit. Use it for driving nails, removing old nails, and light demolition. Look for a fiberglass or steel handle—avoid wood handles that can crack over time.
Choose a 16oz weight—heavy enough for most tasks but not so heavy it tires your arm.
Screwdriver Set
You need both Phillips (cross-shaped) and flathead (slotted) screwdrivers in multiple sizes. A quality 6-8 piece set covers 95% of household needs.
Magnetized tips are incredibly helpful for not losing screws in tight spaces.
Tape Measure
A 25-foot tape measure handles everything from furniture placement to renovation planning. The blade should lock in place and retract smoothly.
The hook at the end is designed to move slightly—this compensates for inside vs. outside measurements.
Adjustable Wrench
Also called a crescent wrench, this adjusts to fit various nut and bolt sizes. Get a set with 6", 8", and 10" sizes to cover most situations.
Always pull the wrench toward you, with the open jaw facing the direction you're turning.
Pliers Set
A basic set should include needle-nose pliers (for small work), slip-joint pliers (general purpose), and tongue-and-groove pliers (for pipes and larger items).
Needle-nose pliers double as wire cutters—check that yours have a cutting edge near the hinge.
Torpedo Level
A 9-inch torpedo level is compact enough for a toolbox but accurate enough for hanging pictures, shelves, and checking if appliances are level.
When the bubble is centered between the lines, you're level. For plumb (vertical), turn it sideways.
Utility Knife
For opening packages, cutting cardboard, stripping wire insulation, and countless other tasks. Choose one with a retractable blade and built-in blade storage.
Replace blades frequently—a dull blade is more dangerous because it requires more pressure.
Allen Key Set
Hex keys (allen keys) are essential for IKEA furniture and many modern fixtures. Get a set with both SAE (inch) and metric sizes.
Ball-end hex keys allow you to work at angles up to 25 degrees—very helpful in tight spaces.
Flashlight
For looking under sinks, behind appliances, and in crawl spaces. A bright LED flashlight with a focused beam is invaluable.
Keep spare batteries in your toolbox, or choose a rechargeable model.
Stud Finder
Before hanging anything heavy on a wall, you need to find the studs behind the drywall. Electronic stud finders also detect live wires—an important safety feature.
Always calibrate by holding the button while placing it flat on the wall before scanning.
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