11 Essential Tools Every Homeowner Should Have in Their Toolbox

A utility knife is a great basic tool to have. Cheaply-made knives are prone to problems such as blades that snap or won’t lock into place, so when shopping for one, go for a mid-range knife with a rubber grip to prevent slipping.

Average Price: $15-$30

Projects You’ll Need It For: You will find more uses for this tool than you might think; from opening packages to DIY projects like removing carpet, taking out a bathroom vanity or even breaking down an old mattress.

While there are several types of hammers, the claw hammer is most commonly used. Its main use is to pound or extract nails from wood. Choose one with a rubber or vinyl handle for shock absorption and an easier grip.

Average Price: $10-$40

Projects You’ll Need It For: Hammers are handy for everything from hanging pictures on the wall to more in-depth DIY projects like removing tile flooring or tearing down your wooden deck.

In the current do-it-yourself age, a screwdriver set is vital to have. And most beginner DIYers learn the hard way that just one single screwdriver won’t cut it. Find a set with both flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers in various sizes to cover a range of projects big and small.

Average Price: $20-$40

Projects You’ll Need It For: You’ll use your screwdriver set for everything from putting new batteries into your child’s toy to home gutter repairs.

An assortment of hardware – or nails and screws – in various types and sizes will come in handy often. Keep them in a box with compartments for easy separating and label them so you can quickly find what you’re looking for.

Average Price: $9-$11 (can be purchased in 6-ounce or 1-pound packages)

Projects You’ll Need It For:

• Finishing nails are used for putting the final touches on molding, trim and hardwood flooring projects.
• Vinyl sinkers are used in construction and carpentry projects, and help make it easier to hammer into wood.
• Galvanized nails are used for mainly outdoor projects, specifically roofing, because they are coated in zinc to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Drywall screws are used to secure drywall to metal studs and can be used to patch ceilings after knocking down a wall in your home.
• Outdoor screws are typically made of stainless steel and are completely rust resistant, which make them great for building a new deck.

There’s a wide range of tapes that may be better suited for your project than all-purpose masking tape or scotch tape. Each type of tape has different qualities of fabric, polyethylene, and adhesive made for a variety of uses.

Average Price: $7-$10

Projects You’ll Use It For:

• Duct tape provides strong adhesion and can be used for the largest variety of projects from art to working on finishing your basement.
• Electrical tape, also known as insulating tape, is pressure-sensitive and can be used for insulating wires or other materials that conduct electricity.
• Painter’s tape is designed to protect your door frames, floorboards and trim during painting projects. It comes off easily without leaving residue or damaging existing paint.
• Plumber’s tape – also known as PFTE, thread seal or Teflon tape – is commonly used in plumbing for sealing pipe threads.

Adjustable pliers will make a great addition to your tool collection. Its angled jaws make this tool useful for turning nuts and bolts. Pliers can also function as clamps and wire cutters and may also be called plier wrenches, tongue and groove pliers or locking pliers.

Average Price: $15-$30

Projects You’ll Use It For: Depending on the type you buy, a pair of pliers can be used for gripping something large like a rod or pipe or smaller things like nails in wood trim, if you are removing or replacing your baseboards.

Adjustable wrenches have a moveable jaw, allowing them to be used with different sized nuts and bolts. At the beginner level, a full set of various sizes isn’t necessary; just one large adjustable wrench will do. Make sure to store your wrench in a cool, dry place to avoid rust.

Average Price: $20-$35

Projects You’ll Use It For: You will use these when you are loosening or tightening a nut or a bolt, possibly in a plumbing project or when assembling new furniture.

An Allen wrench is a simple tool that is used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. Choose a set with various sizes to accommodate a range of projects. Allen wrenches are also called hex keys or Allen keys.

Average Price: $5-$15

Projects You’ll Use It For: There are multiple uses for these wrenches including putting together or repairing furniture, fixing bicycles or even picking a door lock that your adventurous child may have gotten stuck behind.

Levels are used to ensure that lines or surfaces are entirely straight. Levels usually consist of small tubes containing liquid and an air bubble. If the air bubble is in the center of the tube, the line or surface is level. Most can double as a ruler or straightedge as well.

Price Range: $10-$40

Projects You’ll Use It For: Levels can be used to find level ground, ensure that new flooring is even or even for something as simple as hanging art or photos on the wall.

Corded power drills will be more affordable than cordless. Whichever you choose, get the most for your money by buying one that can sand and grind in addition to drilling and driving screws. Test your drill in person to get a feel for the weight and grip. You’ll need between a 12-volt or 18-volt if you plan to do any projects involving drilling metal, plastic or tile.

Average Price: $30-$80 (corded); $60-$100 (cordless)

Projects You’ll Use It For: The number of uses for your drill is endless. You will need it to hang floating shelves, build yourself a kitchen island or put together a new Ikea nightstand.

The hacksaw was originally made for cutting metal, but it can also cut various other materials such as plastic and wood. Depending on how much you end up using your saw, the blades can last for several months or up to one year before needing to be replaced.

Average Price: $15-$25

Projects You’ll Use It For: Trying your hand at a DIY reclaimed wood table? A hacksaw will come in handy when you’re tackling any Pinterest that involve cutting wood, metal or plastic. You’ll also need one for bigger projects, such as remodeling your bathroom from start to finish.

A putty knife is a specialized tool used for working putty around the edges of a window when glazing it. In addition to spreading putty, this can be used for prying, scraping away residue, removing wallpaper and more.

Average Price: $5-$8

Projects You’ll Use It For: You’ll be covered for an assortment of projects with the putty knife – from scraping old paint off your porch railings to removing your kitchen cabinets.

Extension cords are imperative to have around the house, because chances are, you won’t always have an electrical outlet positioned exactly where you need it. They come in different types, lengths and sizes. For use with larger appliances, thick, round, low-gauge extension cords are best. For smaller appliances and electronics, you can use thin or flat cords.

Average Price: $18-$40

Projects You’ll Use It For: For most homeowners, a 14-gauge or 12-gauge extension cord is enough to handle any backyard DIY projects or outdoor holiday lighting, but always be sure to choose the correct extension cord for the tools or machines you’re powering.