We often get asked which tools are worth owning, and those questions peak around Father’s Day (are dads really that predictable? Don’t answer that). “Should” is a strong word because the tools you need depend on the projects you tackle and how much budget and storage you can commit. Also worth mentioning: Sherry uses every tool I own, so many of these make great Mother’s Day gifts too — just maybe skip the router if breakfast in bed was requested. That one might land about as well as a vacuum or a toaster.
Rather than dodge the inevitable “what tools do you have?” question, I went through everything we’ve collected over the years and pulled together what I consider a solid set of basic tools and useful supplies. Some are obvious (hammer, of course), but others are easy to overlook and end up being used more often than you’d expect. Whether you’re just getting started or want to fill a few gaps in your toolkit (or pick something up for a parent), this list should help.
Where possible I’ve noted the exact models we own or what I would buy today if I were replacing something. I grouped the 45 items into four categories:
- Power Tools
- Basic Manual Tools
- Tools for Measuring, Leveling, & More
- Things To Have Around Your Workspace
These selections aim to cover the essentials for general home maintenance and common building projects. I intentionally left out specialized tool lists for jobs like painting, tiling, or drywall to keep this list from becoming overwhelming — 45 items already feels like a lot. If you want a follow-up focused on specific trades (tiling, drywall, etc.), I’m happy to put one together.
Keep in mind we accumulated these tools over several years. This isn’t meant to be an immediate shopping checklist to buy all at once. Purchase tools as needs arise — you’ll end up choosing the right item for the job and can spread the cost over time, which often allows for higher-quality purchases.
Power Tools
I used to be intimidated by power tools, especially saws, but having the right ones makes many projects faster and more accurate than doing everything by hand.
These power tools cover a wide range of woodworking and general home tasks:
- Power Drill/Driver: From assembling furniture to hanging heavy items, this is our most-used tool.
- Drill/Driver Bit Set: A compact kit with a variety of screw heads and drill bits (including masonry bits) is extremely handy.
- Hammer Drill: A corded hammer drill gives extra power for tougher jobs and lets you drill into brick, stone, or concrete when needed.
- Nail Gun: Battery-powered nailers speed up trim work and basic framing tasks and are super convenient.
- Miter Saw: Our sliding miter saw is the most-used saw for accurate crosscuts and for cutting wider boards.
- Table Saw: Ideal for ripping boards and precise long cuts when you need consistent widths, like with flooring.
- Circular Saw: Great for cutting large sheets of plywood or ripping lumber when a table saw isn’t practical.
- Oscillating Multi-Tool: Perfect for small jobs in tight spaces — especially useful with metal-cutting blades.
- Jig Saw: Useful for cutting curves or making interior cuts where a straight blade won’t do.
- Palm Sander: Makes sanding quick and easy; a pointed tip version helps reach into corners.
Basic Manual Tools
These hand tools are affordable and essential. You can buy many of them in a starter kit, but I’ve also included a few less obvious items that come in handy more than you might think.
Key manual tools to have on hand:
- Large Hammer: A reliable, visible hammer for general use.
- Small Hammer: Lightweight and handy for quick household jobs like hanging frames.
- Rubber Mallet: Useful for tapping boards into place without leaving marks.
- Nail Punch: Lets you set nail heads flush for trim and finish work.
- Screwdriver Set: A basic set kept in the shed and the kitchen is surprisingly useful.
- Hex Key (Allen) Set: Saves you from keeping every single wrench that comes with flat-pack furniture.
- Groove-Joint Pliers: V-groove pliers or Channellocks offer versatile gripping power.
- Pry Bar: Great for removing trim and stubborn nails.
- Needlenose Pliers: Handy for grabbing or maneuvering small items.
- Metal Snips: Cut thin metal, ducting, and even picture wire or floral wire.
- Ratchet & Socket Set: Speeds up removing and tightening bolts.
- Adjustable Wrenches: Small, lightweight adjustable wrenches are useful in confined spaces.
Tools For Measuring, Leveling, & More
These low-profile tools often save the day — accurate measuring and leveling make projects look right and prevent headaches.
Must-have measuring and marking tools:
- Metal Yardstick: Useful for measuring and as a straight edge for marking.
- Tape Measure: Keep a comfortable full-size tape and a smaller one in the car for measuring furniture or quick checks.
- Rafter Square: Helps keep corners square and is handy for marking 45-degree cuts.
- 24″ Level: A solid mid-length level for most household and building tasks.
- 9″ Magnetic Level: Compact and magnetic for tight spaces and hanging art.
- Laser Level: Excellent for hanging collages and curtain rods — a real time-saver.
- Utility Knife: Versatile for cutting drywall, trimming materials, and general shop use.
- 5-in-1 Hand Saw: If starting over, a multi-purpose hand saw covers a lot of bases.
- Sanding Blocks: Keep several grades on hand to smooth cuts and prep surfaces for paint.
- Caulk Gun: A basic caulk gun is essential for sealing and trim work.
- Chalk Line: For marking long straight lines on plywood, floors, and larger surfaces.
- Trigger Clamps: My go-to clamps for holding pieces while working.
- Handi-Clamps: Smaller, quick clamps that are great for light-duty holding tasks.
Things To Have Around Your Workspace
Finally, some supplies and organizers that make the workspace functional and safer.
Helpful workshop items:
- Safety Goggles: Keep at least one pair around to protect your eyes when operating power tools.
- Dust Masks: Useful for most dusty tasks; heavier protection may be necessary for certain jobs.
- Saw Horses: Lightweight, collapsible saw horses provide a portable work surface and support for cutting.
- Pegboard or Wall Organizer: A wall system with hooks and bins keeps tools visible and accessible.
- Small Parts Organizers: Portable organizers for screws, nails, and small hardware are indispensable.
- Hand Vacuum: Makes quick cleanup easy and keeps the workspace tidy.
- Portable Tool Organizer (Bucket System): A bucket-style organizer keeps frequently used tools within reach and off the bottom of a bag.
- Work Lights: Extra lighting is always useful for detailed work and poorly lit areas.
- Wet/Dry Vacuum: A larger shop vac handles demolition debris and keeps the shop clean.
- Dust Pan Set: Simple but essential for quick sweep-ups and routine cleanliness.
If you’d like more reading, we’ve written about how a few specific power tools changed how we DIY and how we organized our shed. And if you want bonus photos, tips, project ideas, and behind-the-scenes updates delivered to your inbox, consider subscribing to our newsletter for occasional extras.
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