Everyone must have a certain set of tools to perform various household tasks, but not everyone has room for a full-fledged toolkit. So only take in what is necessary. But what are they? Here are the tools you will need to cover most of your everyday fix-it projects without taking up valuable storage space.
To help organize this list and your toolkit, it is divided into two types of tasks. Most basic DIY repairs and improvements require either measuring and cutting or tightening and loosening. They are therefore useful categories for organizing your tools.
Measure and cut
Without the right tools, you can’t measure twice, cut once. These basics will keep your artwork perfectly level and ensure you never buy a couch that is too big to fit through the door.
- High-performance scissors: A lot of Utility scissors has many uses, from the kitchen to the workshop. Office scissors cannot handle cutting ropes. So keep them for easier tasks.
- Tape measure: From woodworking to interior decoration, a tape measure is essential. A 12 foot tape measure should do most of the work around the house and won’t have the bulk of a 25-foot tape measure for contractors.
- Level: A 12- or 24-inch Standard spirit level with a measuring scale is necessary for the installation of shelves, hanging mirrors or works of art, and the assembly of televisions.
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Tightening and loosening
Nails, screws, bolts, and staples hold almost everything in your home together, so you’ll need the right tools to set it up.
- Screwdriver: A multi-bit set with interchangeable flat and Phillips heads is more versatile than some of each and takes up less space, especially if you go for the stocky handle variety.
- Drill: Chances are that if you measure and make sure things are straight, at some point you will be hanging something heavy, and to do that you almost certainly need one Basic drilling machine and a range of interchangeable parts (often included with purchases) to help you place wall anchors and other sturdy screws. Whenever a special job comes up, you can always buy a special piece –like one for drilling into bricks, for example.
- Half moon adjustable wrench: At least one Adjustable wrench is a must in every tiny tool kit. Consider A kit that contains multiple sizesSo you’ve covered all of your nut and bolt sizes.
- Hammer: You don’t have to be too fancy here 8 ounce chunky claw hammer will do 90% of the work around the house.
- Pliers: Ideally, you will need at least two pliers: One adjustable and one non-adjustable. They come in tons of different shapes and sizes, all of which are suitable for different tasks. Do a little research to make sure you choose a pair of pliers that do exactly what you need.
- Allen key: These little wrenches are inexpensive and essential. Buy a kit and have it handy so you are always prepared.
Even if you don’t really consider yourself a DIY type, having some basic tools on hand is a must. Knowing you have what you need to get the job done, allows you to fix things as they arise instead of waiting for someone else to do them.
This article was originally published on October 18, 2014. It was updated on May 7, 2021 with a new photo, updated links, an Allen key and drill recommendation, and Lifehacker’s current style guidelines.
