Home ownership means that you will have some repairs to make.  Many repairs are straightforward if you have the right tools and know how to use them.  This is a list of the top 10 tools that you will need for basic home repair. 
(Be sure to buy good tools as cheap tools are just that… cheap).

 

1. Screwdriver Set

A good Screwdriver Set should contain at least three sizes of flat blade screwdrivers as well as #1 and #2 Phillips screwdrivers. Stanley makes good screwdrivers that are also economical.

 

2. Hammer

There are many kinds of hammers, but for most work that you will do around the house, the 16-oz. curved claw fiberglass hammer is your best bet.

 

3. Pry Bar

A pry bar is extremely useful for everything from removing stubborn nails to tearing down wooden construction.

 

4. Pliers

Pliers allow you to grip, pull and hold small things with extra strength. Look for a set of pliers that includes a needlenose pliers, a tongue-and-groove pliers, and a diagonal (wiring-cutting) pliers. This should cover all of your gripping and snipping needs.

 

5. Utility Knife

Utility knives are used to cut packaging or light plastic, strip wiring, score drywall, and scrape paint. You don’t want to use a kitchen knife for these applications, and you don’t want to dull your nice jack knife unnecessarily. The blades on utility knives can be replaced, so don’t worry about dulling them.

 

6. Wrenches

Wrenches are necessary for tightening bolts, and performing any plumbing work, such as fixing dripping faucets or leaks. At a minimum you should have an adjustable (crescent) wrench so that the jaws can be adjusted as well as a larger pipe (monkey) wrench for stubborn plumbing problems. A Wrench Set is also helpful since adjustable wrenches sometimes slip and can strip a nut.

 

7. Tape Measure

Almost any kind of repair requires measuring. A tape measure can be used to measure the size of a room for painting, a length of pipe, or the height of your child. The utility of a tape measure cannot be overstated.

 

8. Handsaw

Eventually you will have to cut something. You don’t want to risk injury by using a kitchen knife or utility knife on a Christmas tree branch (trust me on this!). A simple handsaw will work nicely.

 

9. Power Drill/Driver

When was the last time you saw a hand-powered drill (if ever)? A power drill is useful for drilling holes, making pilot holes for large screws, and for use as a powered screwdriver. If you plan on using this in strange places, a cordless drill is the way to go.

 

10. Safety Glasses

You need to protect your eyes and face during many repair activities. Wood chips from a saw, a broken drill bit, or small pieces of wire flying off when using a wire cutters can all injure your eyes permanently. Safety glasses are required at a minimum. Better yet are face shields, which will protect your entire face.