There are hundreds of hand tools out there. Some tighten, some loosen, some pound, some measure, some bend, some hold, and some cut. But what do you really need when moving into that first apartment, condo, or house?
Thankfully, a small set of basic tools will handle 75% of everyday repair and assembly needs: hanging pictures or wall decorations, replacing a light switch plate to a colorful decorative one versus the “basic ivory” that seems to be everywhere, or constructing those “easy to build” chairs, stools, tables, or shelves.
(Some kits include a cheap little tool for assembly… but trust us, you’ll be happier using one that didn’t come free in a box.)
Where to Start
These are the core tools for tightening, loosening, pounding, measuring, and fixing the unexpected. Wherever possible we opt for multifunctional tools!
Hammer
There are many types of hammers, but a good basic claw hammer handles most jobs. How else are we going to pull out that nail that was in the wall when we moved in, or pull out the nail that we somehow put in the wrong spot?
Hint: Avoid bashing your fingers by holding the nail with your needle-nose pliers instead of your fingers!
Screwdrivers
Start with one small and one large Flathead and Phillips screwdriver. Using the right size makes turning screws easier and helps avoid “stripping the heads”.
After that, upgrade to a ratcheting screwdriver with multiple interchangeable bits. Many sets include Torx (star) and Hex bits, which are increasingly common and will help on that furniture assembly. Bonus points if the set includes a few sockets too.
Pliers
There are many types of pliers, but you will survive quite well with three in your toolbox:
- Slip-joint (channel lock) pliers — these can adjust the size for gripping, twisting, or even opening stubborn jars and can provide a little more flexibility over basic pliers.
- Needle-nose pliers — these work well for smaller jobs and more precise “grabs”
- Side cutters — for trimming small wires, zip ties, or cords (OK, working with electric wire is a bit more advanced, but you get the picture)
Adjustable Wrench
Instead of buying a full set of standard and metric wrenches that will definitely get lost, an adjustable crescent wrench covers most bases. It’s especially useful when a nut needs holding still while you twist a bolt or screw the other end.
Box Cutter / Razor Blade
Between weekly deliveries and occasional projects, a box cutter is essential. Look for one with a retractable blade and space for extras. A razor blade scraper is also handy for removing paint or gunk from glass or mirrors.
Tape Measure
How do we measure anything without a tape measure? A good quality tape measure with at least a 20-foot length is a necessity. Is the picture centered on the wall? Will a 36-inch shelving unit fit in this space? Will this chair fit through the door opening? A tape measure answers all those questions.
Hint: Always measure twice, especially before cutting or assembling!
Level
A small 12-inch level helps keep things straight — literally. You can also use your smartphone’s bubble level app in a pinch, but a real level doesn’t rely on battery life or calibration.
Saw
Not always essential, but a jab saw or small finish-cut saw can handle basic cuts in wood, plastic, or drywall. Don’t expect miracles or effortlessly slicing through metal, but it’s useful for light jobs.
Tape & Zip Ties
No toolbox is complete without duct tape and zip ties. Duct tape handles temporary fixes, sealing, and all-purpose chaos control. Zip ties (around 12” long) are perfect for bundling cables or quick repairs.
Bonus: your side cutters make trimming them easy.
A Toolbox (or Tool Bag)
Keeping all the basic tools together makes sense. Who wants to search for them every time a tool is needed. Whether it’s a cardboard box or a metal case with trays, choose something that fits your space.
A good bet is a zippered tool bag, big enough to hold all the basic tools but not so large and rigid as a metal toolbox. The tool bag option makes even more sense as home repair confidence increases, and you can add bags for specialty work such as electrical and plumbing.
Final Thoughts
Unless you’re aiming to be the neighborhood DIY expert, this basic toolbox will handle most day-to-day repairs and home tasks.
The cost to equip your basic toolbox is modest but clearly depends on the quality of the tools purchased. Good quality tools have a long life, so investing in quality versus low price makes a lot of sense, especially for the basics. Having a well-equipped basic toolbox gives you more confidence and makes jobs easier, quicker, and better quality.
You can find any of these things strolling through any hardware or big box store, or even get an all-in-one starter kit (we may earn a small commission if you purchase from this link.)
Trying to make do with the wrong tool is a shortcut to broken hardware and busted knuckles. With the right tools on hand, you’re more likely to actually fix things. And maybe even enjoy the process. You’ve got this.