Here are 11 tools every new homeowner should own
Claw hammer
You probably already own one of these. One side of the hammerhead is flat and used for pounding, while the other has a V-shaped notch that can extract nails from surfaces such as wood without damaging the nails or the surface. You want a claw hammer made from materials that can resist harsh weather and reduce the vibrations traveling from the hammer to your arm. A 16oz hammer with a shock-resistant Grip should do the trick.
Manual screwdriver set
A manual screwdriver is one of the most frequently used tools in any household — good for assembling furniture, removing light switch covers and tightening cabinet knobs, among other tasks. But there are a variety of screw heads and sizes, so buy a package with multiple blade tips and sizes.
Cordless drill
A cordless drill will make many of your tasks so much easier. will be the “most-used tool in your tool kit,” says Brian Kelsey, a contractor and host of the online video series “Kelsey on the House.” Whether you’re driving bolts into wall studs to mount a flat-screen TV, tightening hinges or cutting out holes for doorknobs, using a battery-powered drill means you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet or snaking a cord into hard-to-reach spaces.
Level
A laser level will in invaluable when it comes to hanging artwork, photos and shelving. There are a variety of them out there with a wide range of prices. Some of the higher priced ones will produce a bright horizontal, vertical or cross line (helping you hang objects at evenly spaced intervals) on any surface up to 30 feet away.
Pliers
A few pairs of needle-nose pliers and tongue-and-groove pliers are like having an extra set of hands. You can use the needle-nose pliers to grip nails and wires where bulkier tools or fingers can’t reach; the tongue-and-groove pliers are useful for tasks that involve fastening and crimping.
Standard wrench set
These will come in handy when you need to tighten anything with nuts and bolts. You can also consider a socket set. Standard sets come with 5 sizes, ¼”, 3/8”, ½”, ¾” and 1”.
Allen wrench set
A hex key, also known as an Allen wrench, is that small, L-shaped wrench used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets. A favorite among furniture manufacturers, an Allen wrench is often included in build-it-yourself furniture, but it can also be used for basic plumbing repairs such as unjamming a garbage disposal, tightening a door handle or even fixing a bike.
Putty knife
Whether you’re filling cracks, scraping away dry paint or applying caulk a putty knife with a stiff, metal two-inch blade will do the trick
Staple gun
Great for common stapling needs such as retacking carpet, securing fabric and installing sheets of insulation, a staple gun is the perfect tool for quick fastening jobs. Manual staple guns are the tool of choice for most homeowners because they’re generally easier to use and less expensive than electric and pneumatic staple guns.
Tape measure
Whether is a standard or digital tape measure this is a must have. You will want one that extends up to 16 feet if possible. Some of the digital ones will also have a memory function which is useful when you are on a ladder and don’t want to fumble with a pen and paper.
Ladder
If space is a concern there are some great telescoping ladders on the market. They can be used as an extension type ladder or a step ladder. Most will extend up to 16’.