The basic home tool kit: what you actually need for your first place
The short list of tools that handles most everyday home jobs, what to skip in pre-made kits, and what to add when you're ready.
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Most everyday home jobs need only a handful of tools: assembling furniture, hanging pictures and shelves, tightening loose handles, opening packages. A small kit of good tools beats a big case of flimsy ones.
The core kit
| Tool | Used for | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Claw hammer | Nails, picture hooks, light demolition | Around 16 oz is a common all-round weight; comfortable grip |
| Screwdrivers | Everything from outlet covers to furniture | Phillips and flat in a few sizes, or a multi-bit driver |
| Tape measure | Measuring furniture, walls, curtains | 25 ft is a common, versatile length; a lock that holds |
| Level | Hanging shelves and pictures straight | A 24-inch level, or a torpedo level for small spaces |
| Utility knife | Opening boxes, cutting carpet and drywall | Retractable blade, spare blades |
| Pliers | Gripping, bending, pulling | Slip-joint and needle-nose |
| Adjustable wrench | Nuts, bolts, faucet connections | Around 8 inches covers many jobs |
| Hex keys (Allen wrenches) | Flat-pack furniture | A set in both inch and metric sizes |
| Stud finder | Hanging heavy things safely | See our stud finder guide |
| Cordless drill | Holes and driving screws | The most useful power tool for a home |
Add a box of assorted wall anchors and screws, picture hooks, safety glasses and a flashlight or headlamp.
Why a drill is worth it
A cordless drill/driver turns half-hour jobs into minutes: putting up curtain rods, assembling furniture, mounting shelves. If you buy one power tool, make it this one. See our guide to drills and impact drivers for how to choose.
Pre-made tool kits
Kits in a carrying case are convenient and good value, but some are padded with dozens of tiny bits, low-quality pliers or plastic levels. When comparing:
- Look at the quality of the core tools, not the total piece count.
- Mixed-size bit sets can be useful, but large counts often include duplicates.
- A sturdy case keeps everything together and easy to find.
What to add later
- Socket set for bolts on bikes, furniture and appliances.
- Caulk gun for sealing tubs, sinks and windows.
- Putty knife and spackle for patching nail holes before moving out.
- Plunger and a drain snake for clogs.
- Step ladder for ceilings, light fixtures and high shelves.
Questions people ask
Should I buy a tool kit or individual tools?
A kit is convenient if the core tools are decent quality. Buying individual tools lets you choose better versions of the ones you use most.
What's the most useful tool for an apartment?
A good multi-bit screwdriver and a cordless drill handle most apartment jobs, from furniture assembly to hanging curtains.
Do I need metric and imperial tools?
In the U.S., you'll meet both. Much flat-pack furniture uses metric hardware, while many household fittings are imperial.