13 Essential Tools You Need in Your Home

Being a homeowner means that you occasionally have to get a bit handy. There are a lot of common home problems that are easy enough to fix yourself if you’ve got the essential tools on hand—things like leaky faucets, crooked cabinets, and unsticking sticky doors and windows, to name a few. If you’re feeling brave, you can even attempt some more serious repairs, assuming you’ve got the basics down and aren’t just trying to wing it (sometimes, it really does make more sense to call in a pro).

So how do you build a sufficiently stocked toolkit? It starts with nailing down the essential tools that all homeowners should have, which you can then add on to if necessary for specific projects. Whether you’re moving into your first home or just need to make sure you’ve got everything you need, read on for the 13 tools you should definitely have handy in your home.

1. Screwdrivers Types: There’s actually a pretty wide variety of screwdriver types out there, but for basic home repairs you’ll want to have a Phillips head screwdriver (also called a cross slot screwdriver) and a flat head screwdriver (also called a slotted screwdriver). Many home improvement stores sell screwdriver bases with multiple heads that you can swap in depending on your needs. What they’re good for: Any time you need to remove or tighten a screw—a quick fix that can actually solve a lot of common home problems.
2. Hammer Types: A basic smooth-faced, clawed hammer should be sufficient. Experts recommend getting one that’s medium weight (about 16-20oz) with a rip claw, which is the part that allows you to pull out nails. Opt for a fiberglass or metal handle instead of a wood one for more durability. And if you plan on ever doing some light demolition work, pick up a mallet hammer as well. What it’s good for: Basic clawed hammers are used to pound nails into and extract them out of surfaces—typically wood. You can use them for demolition work too, though you’ll have a bit more control with a mallet hammer.
3. Wrenches Types: You should have quite a few different wrenches as part of your essential tools, including an Allen wrench, open-end wrench, combination wrench, adjustable wrench, and socket wrench. If you don’t want to get all five to start, go with just an Allen wrench and an adjustable wrench. What they’re good for: Each type of wrench serves a distinct purpose. For example, you’ll use an Allen wrench to do things like building furniture, while other types of wrenches will help you loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. An adjustable wrench—also called a crescent wrench—is one of the most useful wrenches you’ll have, since you can change the size depending on the size of nut or bolt you’re working with.
4. Pliers Types: There are a ton of different types of pliers, but start with the basics—needle nose pliers, slip-joint pliers, and cutting pliers—and then purchase more as needed. What they’re good for: You’ll use needle nose and slip-joint pliers to grip, tighten, and loosen metal elements, and cutting pliers to cut wires when you’re doing electrical work.

With these essential tools in your home, you should be able to tackle pretty much any basic home repair issue that comes your way. Up against a fix you don’t think you can handle on your own? Here are eight ways to find a handyman, plumber, or other home service provider in your area.