Tools

The Basics of Tools

You can learn a lot about someone by looking at their tool bag. Your tools can reflect your interest, skills, and what parts of the home you’ve been working on. But it can be difficult to know where to start if you’re new to homeownership or haven’t begun investing in a set of personal tools. 

Walking through home improvement stores reveals dozens of brands, and countless tools with specific purposes, many of which you’ll never need to use. To help, we’ve compiled this quick list of tools every homeowner should have.

Tools that should be in every homeowner’s tool bag: 

• Hammer 
• Multi-bit screwdriver 
• 25-foot tape measure 
• Hand level 
• Ratchet wrench and socket set 
• Drywall anchor kit 
• Utility knife 
• Locking pliers 
• Set of adjustable crescent wrenches 
• Needle-nose pliers 
• Work light 
• Flashlight 
• Work gloves
• Duct tape 
• Electricians tape 
• Plumbing tape
  

Tools that should be in every homeowner’s garage: 

• Step ladder 
• Extendable ladder 
• Cordless drill 
• Stud finder 
• Extension cords
• Hand saw 
• Miter box 
• Clamps 
• Staple gun 
• Protective eyewear 
• Dust masks 
• Caulking gun 
• Drywall and putty knife 
• Assorted paintbrushes 
• 9-inch paint roller 
• Pain trays and stirrers
• Shovel 
• Spade 
• Snow shovel 
• Rake 
• Push broom 
• Toolbox 

While there are plenty more tools a homeowner can invest in, like table saws, angle grinders, and belt sanders, the ones listed above are the basic “must haves” for every home. If you’re interested in learning about more specialized tools or want to read up on some of our favorite tool brands, check out some of the articles below.