11 Essential Tools Everyone Needs

Every homeowner should own a toolbox — but what should it contain? Our on-staff home renovation experts say every tool bag should contain these essential items:

1. Masking Tape

Painter’s tape is easy to tear, easy to remove and endlessly useful for indicating whatever you need to hammer, cut, paint, donate, replace or refurbish.

2 . Cordless Drill

Newer models of cordless drills are available with stud finders, making hanging or mounting projects a snap.

3. Hammer

While there are plenty of fancy hammers, old schoolworks just fine. Use the claw side to remove nails.

EXPERT TIP: Think through every job beforehand, and try to make one run for supplies.

4. Safety Goggles

Nails slip, old paint chips go flying. These should be non-negotiable when working on home-improvement projects.

5. Utility Knife

Also known as a boxcutter, this knife can fold out or push up.

EXPERT TIP: Keep tools, hardware and materials off the floor as you work. The last thing you need is a tripping hazard or to get hurt by a sharp tool.

6. Drain Snake

Run this thin plastic drain cleaning tool down your sink whenever water drains more slowly than usual.

7. Level

You can eyeball whether something is straight or even, but only a level will tell you for sure. You could also try a level app on your phone.

8 . Screwdrivers

Buy an assortment — slotted, Phillips, star, square — and you’ll be able to secure every kind of screw.

EXPERT TIP: Put everything in its place at the end of each session. Your work area should be restored to a pre-project level of orderliness.

9 . Flashlight

It helps when the power goes out, of course, but a flashlight is also useful for peering into crevices and corners.

10. Pencil

Sticking a pencil behind your ear will make you feel handier and readier to tackle any project. It’s also helpful for marking or noting measurements.

11 . Tape Measure

Measure twice, cut once.

Looking to learn more essential skills to maintain and repair your home? Check out our best-selling book, Home Skills: Master Your Domain with Practical Solutions to Everyday Challenges.