Buying your first home changes your relationship with repairs. There’s no landlord to call when a cabinet door sags, a sink drips or a breaker trips. The good news is that most everyday fixes need a fairly short list of tools. You don’t need a garage full of gear on day one. You need the right basics, stored where you can find them.
This list is organized by what the tools do, with notes on what to look for and what can wait until a specific project calls for it.
The Core Hand Tools
These handle the majority of small jobs.
Claw hammer
A 16-ounce claw hammer is the all-purpose size. Look for a comfortable grip and a smooth face. Use it for picture nails, small trim work and pulling nails.
Screwdriver set (or a multi-bit driver)
You’ll meet Phillips, slotted (flat), square (Robertson) and Torx screws. A multi-bit screwdriver with interchangeable bits covers most of them in one tool. A few precision screwdrivers are handy for electronics, eyeglasses and battery covers.
Tape measure
A 25-foot tape is the standard. A wider blade “stands out” farther before bending, which helps when you measure alone.
Utility knife
Retractable, with a stash of spare blades. You’ll use it to open boxes, score drywall, trim caulk and cut carpet. Dull blades cause more slips, so change them often.
Adjustable wrench
An 8-inch and a 10-inch adjustable wrench will handle most nuts and fittings around the house, including many plumbing connections.
Pliers
Get three types: slip-joint pliers, needle-nose pliers and tongue-and-groove pliers (often called by the brand name Channellock). The last ones grip large nuts and pipes under sinks.
Level
A 24-inch level for shelves and pictures, and optionally a small torpedo level for tight spaces. Many phone apps work in a pinch, but a real level is more reliable.
Stud finder
Essential before hanging anything heavy. Some models also detect live AC wiring, which is a useful safety feature. (See our guide to choosing a stud finder.)
Putty knives
A 1.5-inch and a 4- or 6-inch knife for spackle, drywall patches and scraping.
Power Tools Worth Buying Early
Cordless drill/driver
The most useful power tool a homeowner can own. A drill/driver with two batteries handles furniture, shelving, curtain rods, and countless small projects. If your budget stretches, a combo kit with an impact driver is a great value. Our cordless drill guide explains what to look for.
Drill bit and driver bit sets
A basic twist bit set for wood and metal, a few masonry bits, and a driver bit set with a magnetic holder.
Plumbing Basics
Plumbing problems are common and urgent. Keep these on hand:
- Flange plunger for toilets (the one with an extra rubber sleeve). A flat cup plunger works better on sinks and tubs.
- Toilet auger (closet auger) for clogs a plunger can’t clear.
- Drain snake or plastic drain-cleaning strip for hair clogs in bathroom sinks and showers.
- Plumber’s tape (PTFE thread tape) for threaded connections.
- Bucket and old towels for anything under a sink.
Also, find your home’s main water shutoff valve on day one, and make sure you can turn it. Label it.
Electrical Basics
You don’t need to be an electrician, but these are worth having:
- Non-contact voltage tester: Confirms a wire or outlet is dead before you touch it. Inexpensive and important.
- Outlet tester: Plugs into an outlet and shows basic wiring faults and whether a GFCI trips.
- Extension cords and a power strip with surge protection.
- Spare bulbs and fuses if your home has a fuse box.
Find your electrical panel, and if the breakers aren’t labeled, spend an afternoon mapping and labeling them. You’ll thank yourself during the next outage or repair.
Safety Gear
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Dust masks or N95 respirators for sanding
- Hearing protection for loud power tools
- A fire extinguisher for the kitchen, plus one for the garage or workshop
- Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (test them and note their age)
Painting and Patching
You’ll almost certainly paint and patch in your first year.
- Spackle and joint compound
- Sanding sponges
- Painter’s tape
- A 2- to 2.5-inch angled sash brush
- A roller frame, roller covers and a tray
- Drop cloths
Ladders
A sturdy step ladder (4 to 6 feet) reaches most ceilings in a standard home. If you have high ceilings, gutters, or exterior work, a multi-position or extension ladder may be needed later. Always check the duty rating and follow the manufacturer’s setup guidance.
Organization and Storage
Tools are only useful if you can find them.
- A toolbox or tool bag for the core hand tools
- A small parts organizer for screws, anchors and nails
- An assortment of wall anchors and picture-hanging hardware
- Duct tape, electrical tape, wood glue, super glue and zip ties
- A flashlight or headlamp (headlamps are much easier for under-sink work)
What Can Wait
Don’t buy these until a project calls for them:
- Circular saw, miter saw or table saw
- Oscillating multi-tool
- Shop vacuum (though it’s often an early second-wave purchase)
- Tile saws and specialty flooring tools
- Pressure washers
Many of these can be rented from hardware stores for a single project.
A Budget-Friendly Way to Build Your Kit
- Start with a pre-assembled homeowner’s tool kit if you have nothing at all; many include a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, a tape measure and a level.
- Add a cordless drill and bit sets.
- Add the plumbing and electrical basics.
- Buy specialty tools project by project.
Pick a cordless battery platform carefully, since that choice affects what you’ll buy for years.
Caring for Your Tools
A few habits keep tools working for decades:
- Keep them dry. Store tools indoors or in a dry garage, and wipe off moisture after use. A few silica gel packs in a toolbox reduce rust.
- Clean as you go. Wipe compound off putty knives before it hardens, and clean paint brushes immediately.
- Store batteries properly. Keep lithium-ion batteries away from extreme heat and cold.
- Replace blades and bits. Dull utility blades and worn screwdriver bits cause slips and stripped screws.
- Keep a list. Note what you own and where it is, so you don’t buy a third tape measure because you couldn’t find the first two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a pre-made tool kit or individual tools?
A pre-made kit is a fast, affordable starting point, but the quality varies. Many people buy a kit and then upgrade the tools they use most, like the hammer, tape measure and screwdrivers.
What’s the single most important tool for a new homeowner?
A cordless drill/driver gets the most use. For emergencies, though, knowing where your main water shutoff and electrical panel are matters even more.
Do I need a stud finder if I can knock on the wall?
Knocking works sometimes, but a stud finder is more reliable and some models warn about live wiring. For heavy items like TVs and shelves, you want to anchor into studs.
How should I store tools in a small home?
A single tool bag or box in a closet works fine. Pegboard or wall-mounted storage in a garage or utility room keeps tools visible and easier to grab.
The Bottom Line
A first home toolkit doesn’t need to be big or expensive. Start with quality basics, add a cordless drill, prepare for plumbing and electrical surprises, and buy specialty tools when a real project calls for them.
Editorial note: Fix It Folio is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.