Tier 1: The Absolute Basics ($50-75)
These handle 80%% of common household repairs. If you own a home or rent an apartment, you need these.
- Cordless drill/driver — the single most useful tool. Drives screws and drills holes. A 12V model is lighter and sufficient for most home tasks.
- Hammer — 16 oz claw hammer for nails and light demolition.
- Tape measure — 25-foot, locking. You will use this constantly.
- Level — 24-inch torpedo level. Essential for hanging anything straight.
- Adjustable wrench — 8-inch. Fits most plumbing nuts and bolts.
- Screwdriver set — Phillips #1 and #2, flathead medium and small. Or a multi-bit driver.
- Pliers — needle-nose and standard. For gripping, pulling, and bending.
- Utility knife — with retractable blade. Cuts everything.
Tier 2: Expanded Basics ($75-150)
Add these once you start tackling more projects.
- Stud finder — hang heavy things without pulling out the drywall.
- Pry bar — small flat bar for removing trim, nails, and prying.
- Handsaw or oscillating multi-tool — cuts wood, drywall, trim.
- Socket set — covers bolts that a wrench cannot reach.
- Caulk gun — for caulking bathrooms, windows, trim.
- Allen wrench set — metric and standard. For furniture assembly and faucets.
- Safety gear — safety glasses, work gloves, dust masks.
Tier 3: Power Tools ($200-500)
For regular DIYers and bigger projects.
- Circular saw — cuts plywood, lumber, and trim. More versatile than a miter saw for beginners.
- Miter saw — when you start doing trim, molding, or deck work.
- Jigsaw — curved cuts and cutouts.
- Orbital sander — for finishing wood and prepping surfaces for paint.
- Shop vacuum — cleans up everything a regular vacuum cannot.
Estimate time for your next project.
Open Project Time Estimator →Buy the best quality you can afford for tools you will use often (drill, saw) and budget options for occasional-use tools. A $60 drill used weekly is a better investment than a $200 drill used twice a year.