We’re often asked for a list of essential tools, and while we may be leaving a few out, here’s a concise rundown of the tools we reach for most often. Many of these live in the kitchen cabinet to the left of the stove — yes, we know that’s an unusual spot, but it works.
- Hammer and crowbar — basic, indispensable tools for demolition, prying, and general tasks.
- Flat-head screwdriver — essential for screws, and useful as a makeshift chisel for prying off baseboards or trim.
- Tape measure — a reliable, worn-in Stanley or similar tape is something we always keep nearby for accurate measurements.
- Phillips-head screwdriver — another must-have for common screw types around the house.
- Plumber’s putty, liquid nails, and plumber’s tape — three versatile supplies that fix a surprising number of problems quickly.
- Box cutter, X-Acto knife, and straight razors — indispensable for cutting materials like vinyl tile and for scraping paint or adhesive residues.
- Channel-lock pliers — we keep both a large and a small pair. They’re excellent for gripping and turning stubborn nuts and bolts.
- Wrenches in multiple sizes — useful for a range of nuts and bolts, though we often reach for the channel locks first.
- Needle-nose pliers — great for detail work and for cutting wire, thanks to the built-in cutter near the jaws.
- Level — essential for hanging and installing anything that needs to be straight; nothing looks worse than a crooked installation.
- Cordless drill — we keep a compact drill for light tasks and a larger, more powerful battery drill for heavier jobs.
- Sandpaper — we like an electric sander for big sanding jobs, but regular sandpaper sheets and elbow grease are used more often. Cheap sheets work well and are easy to replace.
- Caulk, a caulk gun, spackle, and putty knife — these are crucial for repairing holes and cracks before painting. Remember: paint highlights flaws, it doesn’t hide them.
- Painter’s tape, high-quality angled brushes, paint trays, a roller extension rod, and quality rollers — use durable wool or poly rollers instead of foam, which can leave bubbles. A good angled brush makes trim work much neater.
- An assortment of nails and screws — keeping a variety on hand saves time and multiple trips to the hardware store during a project.
That covers our go-to tools. While this list includes what we use most, there are always new tools and techniques to discover. Tell us what you consider essential — which tools do you rely on to get the job done?