You don't need a truck full of tools to handle most jobs around the house. You need a short list of good ones you can find fast. Here are the 12 we'd put in every homeowner's kit.
The core 12
- 16 oz claw hammer: fiberglass or steel with a shock-absorbing grip.
- 25 ft tape measure with a wide, stiff blade.
- Multi-bit screwdriver covering Phillips, slotted, square and Torx.
- Utility knife with spare blades.
- Torpedo level (9 in) plus a 24 in level for shelves and pictures.
- Slip-joint and needle-nose pliers.
- Adjustable wrench (8 in).
- 3/8 in ratchet and socket set.
- Stud finder.
- Putty knife and caulk gun.
- Safety glasses and work gloves.
- A tool bag or box so it all stays together.
Buy once, buy right
Pay for quality on the tools you'll use weekly: the hammer, tape and screwdriver. Go budget on the rest. A drill is the natural next step once these basics are covered.
Shop the kit
Browse our hand tools to build your kit piece by piece.