Start from the repairs, not the catalog
Most household repairs are small: a cabinet door that sags, a wobbly chair, a towel bar that pulls out of the wall, a running toilet, a squeaky hinge, a picture that needs hanging. A small kit handles nearly all of them. The ten tools below are chosen by the jobs they do, and they are kinds of tools, not brands.
1. A multi-bit screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers
Loose hinges, cabinet pulls, outlet covers and furniture screws all call for a screwdriver. The key is a tip that fits the screw snugly. A tip that is too small slips and chews the head, which leads to stripped screws that are much harder to fix than the original problem. A set with the common types of heads or a handle with interchangeable bits works well. Press firmly along the screw axis while turning.
2. A tape measure
A 16-foot or longer locking tape is a useful size for most rooms and furniture. It checks whether a new appliance fits, spaces shelf brackets and finds the middle of a wall. Hook the end on an edge, read at eye level, and write the number down before you move.
3. A claw hammer
A hammer drives nails for picture hooks and small trim and pulls nails that were bent. Choose a weight that you can swing comfortably for a few minutes without tiring, since a head that is too heavy reduces control. If you drive finishing nails, a nail set keeps the hammer from marring the surface.
4. Pliers
Slip-joint pliers grip and pull. Needle-nose pliers reach into tight areas and bend small wire. A pair of locking pliers can hold a round stripped nut or act as a small clamp. Knowing which pliers types are best for which jobs avoids damaging fasteners and fingers.
5. An adjustable wrench
An adjustable wrench fits many nut sizes on faucets, supply lines, bike parts and furniture hardware. Fit the jaws snugly and pull the handle toward the movable jaw so that the force is on the fixed side. For stubborn bolts, a fixed wrench or socket grips better.
6. A utility knife
Cutting carpet, trimming caulk, opening boxes and scoring drywall all go faster with a sharp utility knife. Change the blade often because a dull blade requires more force and slips. Retract it between cuts and cut away from your body.
7. A stud finder and a level
Hanging a shelf or mirror means finding something solid behind the wall and getting it straight. A stud finder helps you locate framing, and the best stud finder use is to scan twice from opposite directions and confirm with a small test hole. A level, even a short one, confirms the shelf is straight. Where framing is not available, wall anchors rated for the load are important; check the rating on the package and err toward a stronger one.
8. A cordless drill/driver
This is the one power tool that earns a place on an entry-level list. It speeds screw driving, drills pilot holes and makes assembling flat-pack furniture quicker. Use the clutch setting to keep from over-driving screws. A pilot hole sized to the screw also keeps wood from splitting. Pick a drill that is comfortable in your hand rather than the most powerful one.
9. Caulk gun, putty knife and sealant
Gaps around tubs, windows and trim let in water and air. A caulk gun and a flexible putty knife help you seal and patch small holes. Surfaces must be clean and dry before sealing, and some sealants need ventilation as they cure. Use the sealant type recommended for the location, such as one designed for bathrooms.
10. Safety glasses and work gloves
Last on the list, but not least. Glasses protect your eyes from debris, splinters and dust when drilling, hammering or scraping. Gloves protect your hands from sharp edges and splinters, though you should remove them near rotating tools where they might get caught. Add a dust mask for sanding or cleaning dusty areas.
A few extras that make life easier
- A flashlight or headlamp, since repairs often happen under sinks and in dim corners.
- A small adjustable square or a ruler for marking.
- A flexible putty knife for scraping and spreading patching compound.
- A small assortment of screws, nails and anchors, kept in labeled containers.
Keep it simple and safe
Turn off the power at the breaker before working on anything electrical, and shut off water at the right valve before touching a plumbing fixture. If a repair involves gas, wiring inside the wall, or structural changes, a licensed professional is the better choice. This article is general information and not trade advice.