We get a lot of questions about which tools people should own, and the requests always spike around Father’s Day. “Should” is a strong word—what you actually need depends on the projects you take on and how much budget and space you can dedicate to tools. For what it’s worth, my partner uses every tool I do, so many of these make perfectly good Mother’s Day gifts too—just maybe avoid surprising someone who asked for breakfast in bed with a router unless you know they’ll love it.
Rather than dodge the inevitable “what tools do you recommend?” question, I went through everything I’ve collected over the years and pulled together a practical, usable list of essential tools and useful supplies. Some picks are obvious (yes, a hammer), while others are small items people tend to overlook but reach for constantly. Whether you’re just starting a tool collection or trying to fill gaps in someone’s tool arsenal, this list is a solid place to start.
Where possible I referenced the exact tools I own or the current models I’d buy today. I split the list into four groups to make it easier to browse:
- Power Tools
- Basic Manual Tools
- Tools for Measuring, Leveling, & More
- Things To Have Around Your Workspace
These selections cover the essentials for home maintenance and common building projects. I intentionally left out tools specific to painting, tiling, drywall, and other specialized trades to keep the list approachable. We accumulated these tools over several years, so think of this as a long-term reference rather than an immediate shopping list. Buying tools as needs arise helps you choose the right tool for the job and spread out costs.
Power Tools
Power tools can be intimidating at first—saws especially—but having the right ones dramatically speeds up common projects and improves accuracy.
- Power Drill/Driver: From furniture assembly to hanging heavy items, this is my most-used tool.
- Drill/Driver Bit Set: A compact set of drivers and bits (including masonry bits) is invaluable.
- Hammer Drill (corded): A corded hammer drill gives extra power and is useful for drilling into brick, stone, or concrete.
- Battery Nail Gun: Super convenient for trim work and quick framing—saves time and wrist effort.
- Miter Saw (sliding): My most-used saw—sliding models handle wider boards and make precise crosscuts.
- Table Saw: Ideal for ripping boards and trimming large panels to width.
- Circular Saw: Great for breaking down sheet goods and cutting long boards when a table saw isn’t practical.
- Multi-Tool (Oscillating): Handy for tight spaces and detailed cutouts; the metal-cutting blade is useful for odd jobs.
- Jigsaw: Best for cutting curves, internal cutouts, and non-straight lines.
- Palm Sander: Speeds up smoothing and prep work; I like models with a pointed tip for corners.
Basic Manual Tools
These hand tools are affordable, easy to store, and essential for everyday fixes. You can buy kits when starting out, but I’ve highlighted a few individual items I reach for more than you might expect.
- Large Hammer: A sturdy, visible hammer for general demolition and nailing.
- Small Hammer: Lightweight and handy to keep in a kitchen drawer for quick tasks like picture hanging.
- Rubber Mallet: Non-marring face for tapping trim and assembled pieces into place without denting surfaces.
- Nail Punch: Useful for setting nails flush when finishing trim or built-ins.
- Screwdriver Set: A simple set of Phillips and flatheads is indispensable.
- Hex Key (Allen) Set: Saves you from keeping every random hex key that comes with furniture.
- Adjustable Pliers (V-groove): V-groove pliers provide a tighter grip on irregular shapes than flat-jaw models.
- Pry Bar: Essential for removing trim, pulling nails, and light demolition.
- Needlenose Pliers: Great for gripping small parts, bending wire, or reaching into tight spots.
- Metal Snips: Cuts thin metal, ducting, floral wire, and picture wire cleanly.
- Ratchet & Socket Set: Speeds removal and installation of bolts compared to wrenches.
- Adjustable Wrenches: A set of small adjustable wrenches complements pliers for plumbing and fixture work.
Tools For Measuring, Leveling, & More
These measuring and leveling tools won’t knock anything to pieces, but they’re the unsung heroes of accurate work. Precise measurements and straight lines save time and frustration.
- Metal Yardstick: Durable straight edge for measuring and marking long lines.
- Tape Measure: A comfortable, reliable tape measure is worth having; a smaller one in the car is handy for measuring furniture on the go.
- Rafter Square: Keeps cuts square and helps mark 45-degree angles and common layouts.
- 24″ Level: An easy-grip level that covers most everyday tasks.
- 9″ Magnetic Level: Compact and magnetic—perfect for tight spots and installing hardware.
- Laser Level: Makes hanging multi-piece arrangements and aligning curtain rods simple and fast.
- Utility Knife: A sharp utility knife is useful for cutting drywall, trimming materials, and opening packaging.
- 5-in-1 Hand Saw: If starting from scratch, a 5-in-1 saw covers many basic cutting needs.
- Sanding Blocks: Keep various grits on hand to smooth cuts and prep surfaces for paint.
- Caulk Gun: A basic drip-free caulk gun is invaluable for sealed joints and finishing work.
- Chalk Line: Quickly marks long, straight lines on plywood and floors when a straightedge isn’t practical.
- Trigger Clamps: Fast, reliable clamps for holding workpieces in place while you assemble or glue.
- Handi-Clamps: Smaller clamps for quick tasks and tight spots.
Things To Have Around Your Workspace
Finally, these supplies and organizational items keep your workspace safe, tidy, and efficient. They make projects more pleasant and cleanup faster.
- Safety Goggles: Protect your eyes whenever you use power tools or cut materials.
- Dust Masks: Lightweight masks are fine for most jobs; choose higher protection for dusty demolition or sanding.
- Saw Horses: Collapsible saw horses create a stable, portable workspace for cutting and assembly.
- Pegboard or Wall Organizer: A wall system keeps frequently used tools visible and within reach; larger models often include bins for small parts.
- Small Parts Organizers: Portable organizers for screws, nails, and fittings keep small hardware sorted and easy to find.
- Hand Vacuum: A compact vacuum makes quick cleanups easier and helps keep the workspace tidy.
- Portable Tool Organizer (Bucket System): A bucket-style organizer keeps commonly used tools accessible without everything sinking to the bottom of a bag.
- Work Lights: Bright, portable lighting helps when working in dim corners or early/late in the day.
- Wet/Dry Vacuum: A larger vacuum handles demo debris and heavy cleanup tasks around the shop or garage.
- Dust Pan Set: Old-school but essential for keeping the floor clean after cutting and sanding.
If you want to dive deeper into tools, consider reading focused guides like pieces that explore how a few power tools transformed our DIY approach or articles about organizing workshop storage—those resources expand on projects and organization strategies beyond this general starter list.
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