DIY Tools You Need to Get the Job Done Right

Every homeowner needs a well-stocked DIY toolbox. It’s always helpful to have what you need when you need it. Having your DIY tools ready to put furniture together, tighten the wheel of your child’s bike, or spend time on your woodworking hobby. As Michael Sheehan the founder and sole employee of HighTechDad says, “DIY projects are all about empowerment — every homeowner can tackle their own repairs and upgrades with the right tools and a little guidance. 

The key is to not be afraid to dive in — but always prioritize safety. Read tool manuals, wear protective gear when necessary, and know when to call in a pro for complex jobs like electrical or structural work. With a bit of research, the right tools, and a willingness to learn, even the most intimidating home improvement projects can become doable—and maybe even fun.”

Whether you live in a modern apartment in downtown Philadelphia, a historic home in Boston, or you’re looking for a rental home in Chicago, you will inevitably need to make home repairs – and you’ll need the tools to do it. To help you create a functional set of supplies, we’ve put together this list essential tools for DIY home projects and repairs.

What to consider before buying your tools

Thinking about your set of tools as an investment can help you decide how much to spend, and which items to buy first. Tools don’t have planned obsolescence, so do a little research and select a well-made item that is built to last many years. Be sure to also check for warranties, as many brands offer a lifetime warranty on hand tools.

As Melissa from The Daily DIY says, “When it comes to tackling home repairs and DIY projects, having the right tools can make all the difference. At the top of my must-have list is a cordless drill, a game-changer for everything from assembling furniture to installing shelves. When choosing tools, invest in quality brands that balance affordability and durability, your future projects will thank you!” 

Building your toolkit, one DIY tool at a time

It’s better to invest in higher quality tools individually than in an inexpensive, complete tool kit. You get what you pay for, and cheaply made tools can break, which can derail a project or cause injury. That being said, think about the kind of projects you’ll be doing the most. If you don’t plan to use your hammer for more than hanging pictures, then you may not need to invest in a top-of-the-line piece.

Belkis J Cruz CEO of Casamia Design & Build Co. notes, “A DIY home improvement project can be exciting and overwhelming, so it’s important to take things step by step. Start room by room and break it down so you can work on one room at a time. Look at the little elements that you’re gravitating toward. From there, you can see a pattern of what you’re picking.”

Remember that you probably won’t create your set all at once. If you’re planning this as a long-term investment – and you should – then consider asking for specific tools for your birthday, Christmas, or other special occasions. Make sure to be very specific about the brand and model you’d like, or you might just get a cheap knock-off, and you don’t want that.

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Must-have tools to get started

Every toolbox needs the basics. These are the foundation for your collection and should be able to get you through most standard DIY projects.

1. Safety equipment

Before starting any activity, be sure to have the proper safety gear. At a minimum, this can include safety glasses, hearing protection, a dust mask, work gloves, and work boots.

2. Claw hammer

This is the most basic tool, and you’ll be surprised how often you’ll reach for it. A claw hammer can be used for everything from hanging picture frames to minor demolition. A good hammer is solid and well-balanced. 

Consider buying a synthetic handle rather than wood. Even a well-made wood handle can break, and the more you use a synthetic hammer, the more you’ll appreciate the cushioned grip. A 16-ounce hammer is heavy enough for most projects but light enough to carry around easily.

3. Vise-grip pliers

This versatile tool can be used as pliers, an adjustable wrench, a pipe wrench, wire cutters, a clamp, or a ratchet. The handles can lock in place and disengage with either a one-handed or two-handed unlocking mechanism. If it’s just you and your two hands, the one-handed version is a great option. The standard 5-10WR pliers should be sufficient for most projects. Check for those with a padded grip. You’ll thank yourself later.

4. Needle nose pliers

These are especially good if you need to reach a tight spot or if you’re doing electrical work. You can also use these to tighten wires or access those hard-to-reach places in your engine.

5. Cordless power drill

You’ll want to invest in one with a comfortable grip and plenty of power. Venkatesh Ragala CEO of InstaService notes, “A cordless drill and assorted bits are versatile tools every homeowner should own. It’s essential for assembling furniture, installing shelves, and handling minor repairs. Look for a model with variable speed and a rechargeable battery for convenience.”

A good cordless drill can drill holes in sheetrock and apply screws through a 2×4. You can also hang curtains, heavier picture frames, and the like. Keep in mind that more power = more weight – the largest 18V drill weighs about 10 pounds. Unless you absolutely need that kind of torque, stick with the 12V size. It’s strong enough for most DIY projects and won’t wear out your wrists. Look for a drill with multiple speeds and one that is reversible, either to correct your mistakes or remove screws.

6. Screwdrivers

ARTMAN says, “Equipping yourself with essential tools is crucial for tackling home improvement and DIY projects effectively. A versatile screwdriver set is indispensable, featuring various sizes of slotted and Phillips head screwdrivers to accommodate different tasks.”

You’ll want both Phillips head, with the cross end, and flathead screwdrivers. If you can find a set that has different sizes, it will make most jobs easier. The Phillips head screws allow a tighter, more solid connection, although you’ll probably run across both types of screws in your projects.

7. Tape measure

The old saying goes, “measure twice, cut once.” A heavy-duty tape measure is necessary for doing most DIY tasks accurately. Choose a retractable one with a “foot” grip, at least 25 feet in length.

8. Utility knife

These are also known as box cutters, but you can do much more with a high-quality one, such as making precision cuts or scoring your wood or pipe before sawing. Choose a utility knife with a smooth sliding retractable blade and one that allows replacement of the blades. A cheaper knife may not, and in this case, it’s better to have one that is durable as opposed to lightweight.

9. Level

Aligning cabinets, installing shelving, or even putting in a mantelpiece all require a level. As High Falls Property Care states, “A level helps keep things straight, whether you’re hanging pictures or installing shelves.” 

The laser ones are nice, but a 9-inch torpedo level with the little bubble inside will be useful for everything from hanging a family picture to balancing a clothes dryer. When you’re shopping, it’s worth spending extra money on quality tools that will last longer and save you stress later.” Look for one with multiple bubbles – right slant, center, and left slant.

10. Electronic stud finder

To go along with your level, be sure to buy an electronic stud finder. As Troy Cummings owner of HomeMembership Home Warranty, says, “Every homeowner should have a few essential tools on hand for DIY projects and repairs. A stud finder is a lifesaver for mounting TVs or heavy decor.” Using this device is the easiest, most precise way to find a stud in a wall while hanging photos or mounting a TV.

11. Wrench

Adjustable crescent wrenches have jaws that can tighten and loosen to fit snugly against whatever you’re working with. While you may eventually invest in a socket wrench set, this is a great all-around tool to get you started.

Brian Jennison of Slightly Crooked Workshop writes, “Adjustable wrenches are excellent for plumbing repairs and assembling appliances, as they can grip various nut and bolt sizes without needing multiple wrenches. Be sure when buying tools, make sure you’re buying brushless, high-quality tools and choose a brand that has a wide variety of tools for their battery platform, when you decide to expand.” 

12. Stiff blade putty knife

This versatile tool can do everything from applying wall patching compounds to scraping loose paint off.

13. Saw

When it comes to getting the perfect cut, nothing beats the right saw for the job. Whether you’re slicing through plywood, trimming baseboards, or tackling a custom woodworking project, saws are a staple in any DIY toolkit. 

“When it comes to saws, forget the traditional “Western” style and go for a Japanese pull saw,” says Den of tools. “ I’d recommend the Suizan 9.5″.  It’s made from high-grade Japanese steel. One side has teeth for cross cuts and the other for rip cuts. Also, the blade is flexible enough to make perfect flush cuts.” 

14. Painter’s tool

“A 10-in-1 painter’s Ttool – This little tool is an unsung hero,” says DeLancey Carson of DeLancey DIY. “Cleaning your paint roller? Yep. Scraping off old paint? Check. Opening paint cans? Easy. Spackling over nail holes? Done. Need to wedge something open? It’s got your back. Honestly, it’s like a Swiss Army knife for home projects.”

Essential tools for more advanced repairs

If you’re planning on tackling more complex tasks, such as a woodworking project or remodeling a bathroom, you’ll need more specialized tools.

15. Combination square

Combination squares are used in a variety of woodworking, masonry, and metalworking projects. The tool is used to measure 45° or 90° angles for carpentry, framing, or other similar tasks. The built-in spirit level can be used for level checking. You can also use the square to check flatness and depth, and the scriber can mark outlines for cutting or other operations.

16. C-clamps

C-clamps are the go-to clamp for a variety of projects. They are also relatively cheap and widely available. You can use C-clamps for basic tasks like for gluing, nailing, or holding two materials in place, usually wood or metal.

17. Random orbital sander

This, versus the traditional belt sander, gives you a more polished, smoother overall finish for wood projects. The electrical motor powers a counterweight shaft that wiggles around in random directions and avoids scratching across the grain. There are a variety of disposable sandpaper disks available – from coarse disks to remove old paint or polish, to fine disks to finish your work.

18. Circular hand saw

A circular saw is a must-have power tool if you’re looking to make quick, straight cuts on a variety of materials. Having a circular saw is extremely helpful for home projects like adding a deck, replacing windows, or building shelves.

19. Angle grinder

“An angle grinder is like the Swiss Army knife of power tools—if Swiss Army knives could throw sparks and cut through metal like butter,” says Jack Vogel of Benchmark Abrasives. “Whether you’re slicing through concrete/tile/stone, grinding down welds, or polishing up a piece of steel, a good angle grinder can make quick work of the toughest jobs. When choosing one, go for a reliable brand with enough power (at least 7-10 amps for serious work, my go-to brand is always Milwaukee) and make sure it fits comfortably in your hand — because wrestling with a tool all day shouldn’t feel like a gym session.

Pro tip: Let the tool do the work — pressing too hard just burns through your discs faster and makes you look like an amateur. And for the love of all things DIY, always wear eye protection — unless you enjoy picking out metal splinters at the dinner table.”

Must-have digital tools for modern DIYers

Today’s DIYers have a powerful new set of tools at their fingertips, digital ones. Technology is changing the way we build, fix, and create. As you streamline your workflow or ensure precision down to the millimeter, these digital tools are essential for taking your DIY game to the next level.

Sandeep of Dwellin, an app focused on home care management, writes on the importance of staying organized. Sandeep says:

Home improvement and DIY projects begin with knowing what to tackle and when. There are essential tasks that a homeowner needs to do regularly to keep from getting an unpleasant surprise and an even larger emergency repair bill! Examples of such tasks include: cleaning out the gutters in the fall, snaking a drain to keep it flowing and preventing surprise backups, weatherizing exterior seals to keep heating and cooling costs down, and pest-control treatments around the home perimeter to keep insects out of your home. 

While gloves and eye-wear protection are important tools to have for all projects, beyond this, each of these tasks requires different tools and parts to complete effectively. With this project list and a calendar schedule, you can make sure the tools and parts are at your disposal before you start the project! Build these lists yourself by conducting a google search to get common items included in most homes, or you can go to Dwellin, create an account and have a list created for you that’s personalized to your specific home and installed equipment along with a schedule and equipment you need to get the job done!

QRmaint also advises using digital systems, noting:

From the CMMS point of view, we see that preventive maintenance is crucial, even for DIY. For those who may not know, the CMMS system is a mobile app that keeps the tracking on maintenance of you home infrastructure (but not only). There is no doubt that the CMMS serves as a reliable multifunctional tool. It helps you manage your facility so you can keep an eye on things like a good quality set of screwdrivers with interchangeable bits. We mean everything necessary for various minor DIY repairs.

You may invest in a digital tool management system that ensures accuracy and prevents costly mistakes during installation. This is what will give you a well-organized set of tools. This means you can fix some problems by looking into the CMMS mobile app to figure out how to fix them (the CMMS can store videos and photos of the repairs). This actually saves time and frustration. Moving forward, don’t underestimate the value of a quality moisture meter. Yes, you can integrate a CMMS into your home appliances. Early identification of leaks can prevent severe damage to the home. When used with a proactive mindset, these tools enable homeowners to maintain their investments effectively.

Jacco de Bruijn, co-founder and CEO of Nines, a household management platform, explains, “The best tool for ensuring any household project goes smoothly isn’t a tool at all: it’s a network. Talking with people who’ve worked on similar projects and knowing where to turn when you have questions is invaluable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other people who’ve been there — whether it’s a local expert or an online community of people who are passionate about managing home projects — you’ll be surprised at how willing people are to help.” 

Organizing your toolbox for safety and convenience

Take some time to properly plan your personalized setup. Make sure to contain anything with a sharp edge, from your utility knife to your screwdriver set, to avoid poking or cutting yourself while you’re rifling through your tools. Instead of a bag, where everything gets jumbled together, choose a sturdy toolbox with different dividers so you can quickly find the tools you need.

When you include nails and other hardware, make sure that your toolbox has deep wells to keep these contained. Ultimately, organize your tool kit based on how you’ll use it best, placing your supplies in a spot where you can easily find them when you need them.

StoreYourBoard suggests, “Having the right tools — and a smart way to store them — streamlines your projects and helps you avoid frustrating disorganization and cleanups. A modular tool rack is a must-have for keeping your essential tools organized and accessible. With an ultra-sturdy rack that adapts to your growing tool collection, you can organize everything from shovels to heavy power tools to keep your floor space clean and clear.

For compact spaces, a wall-mounted folding table serves as the perfect DIY project home base, providing a sturdy work surface when needed. When you’re done, it folds flat against the wall, saving space while maintaining all the convenience of a freestanding workbench. With the right storage and workspace solutions, homeowners can stay organized, work more efficiently, and focus on their home projects rather than dealing with misplaced tools and clutter.”