Essential household tools. AKA Your Home’s First Aid Kit. Today I’m sharing some basic essential household tools you’ll need for home maintenance. These will help you tackle all sorts of repair jobs, general upkeep, and DIY projects. It’ll also help you save money and you’ll enjoy the supreme satisfaction of knowing you didn’t need to hire someone to do a simple job. Again, these are what I think are the basic tools. Every household is different. You may need less or you may need more of what I mention here. To be honest, you’ll need more in the future but I tried my best to keep it simple so you won’t get too overwhelmed.
Ok let’s begin.
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1. Power Drill
The power drill was the gateway power tool for me. Use it to screw fasteners and bolts (instead of a manual screwdriver) and to make holes on walls and other hard surfaces. Make sure you also have the proper bit for the job. Get a brad point drill bit set to drill through wood and plastic and a Masonry Bit set for drilling into concrete, stone, and brick.
Maxsell Cordless Hammer Drill | PH Link (Like mine) —
Bit Set w/ Anchors | PH Link –
DeWalt Impact Driver and Drill Combo | US Link — https://amzn.to/3bkotLX
DeWalt Bit Set | US Link — https://amzn.to/3tDDYFh
2. Screwdriver
Since you need both the Philips and flat head models, I suggest get one with interchangeable tips
Screwdriver Set | PH Link –
Screwdriver Set | US Link – https://amzn.to/33FNbSB
3. Hammer
Get one that’s comfortable and the proper size and weight for the job. If you’re going to get just one hammer, it better be this one. The 16oz claw hammer is the go-to size. I also have a rubber mallet which I use for even and softer impact on some projects.
Stanley 16oz Hammer |PH Link –
Stanley 16oz Hammer | US Link – https://amzn.to/3w04yt
4. Wrench
A must-have to assemble furniture, bikes, etc. It is also used to loosen or tighten nuts, bolts, pipes, and pipe fittings. I suggest getting an adjustable wrench.
Stanley Adjustable Wrench | PH Link –
Craftsman 10” Adjustable Wrench | US Link – https://amzn.to/3uHvbDi
5. Pliers
You’ll need three to 4 types:
- Slip-joint Pliers which is used for general work
- Needle Nose Pliers for delicate tasks and small spaces
- Diagonal Pliers or Cutting Pliers to accurately snip wires that are in crowded places or to cut small nails and screws.
- Linesman or Electrician Pliers to strip and cut wiring, cable, and small metal components
Pliers Set | PH Link –
Pliers Set | US Link – https://amzn.to/3biPWxL
6. Scissors
An essential for everyday tasksn — cut tape, ties, paper, etc. I have several scattered around the house.
Quality Scissors | PH Link —
Carbon Steel Scissors |US Link – https://amzn.to/33ASbYI
7. Utility Knife
There will always be something that needs cutting in your home. I use mine to open boxes and to cut through tough bindings. You can either get the retractable one or the foldout pocketknife-style design.
Kobalt Utility Knife (Like mine) | US Link – https://amzn.to/2Q963Xf
Utility Knife | PH Link —
8. Tapes & Adhesives
You’ll need different kinds…
Electrical tape for wrapping wires or cable. Painter’s tape for paint projects. Teflon to help seal pipe threads, masking tape for general use, and packaging tape for packing boxes.
For adhesives, super glue or Gorilla Glue is perfect for most household projects, fixes and repairs. Oh and I love BluTack. It’s a reusable putty used to attach lightweight objects to surfaces.
Blu Tack | PH Link –
Blu Tack | US Link – https://amzn.to/3stKjCl
Frog tape US Link – https://amzn.to/3hiDiCz
9. Caulk Gun
Silicone or Latex Caulk is used for sealing up gaps and cracks in the home — windows, doors, plumbing and pipes. Now if you don’t want to make a mess, get a caulk gun. Don’t ask me how I know this. Haha!
Caulk Gun | PH Link –
Caulk Gun | US Link – https://amzn.to/3tJrfks
10. Measuring Tools
You”ll need a level and measuring tape. Both are used for hanging anything. The level determines whether a surface is level (horizontal to the earth’s surface) or plumb (vertical).
You’ll also need a Measuring Tape. Get one with a locking mechanism. Unless you’re a carpenter, contractor or woodworker, just get a 16 or 25-foot measuring tape for around the house stuff. The 35-footer is too big and heavy.
Measuring Tape | PH Link –
25’ Measuring Tape | US Link – https://amzn.to/33yCQbd
Level | PH Link –https://bit.ly/3tCjU6a
Level | US Link – https://amzn.to/2RH71ui
11. Putty Knife
I use mine to smooth putty when filling holes and also as a scraper.
2” Putty Knife | PH Link- https://bit.ly/3tCkl0i
Putty Knife Set | US Link – https://amzn.to/33z3HE1
12. Hardware
These are nails, screws, anchors, bolts, picture hangers, washers, etc. I always have the appropriate hardware for most repairs here around the house and for my DIY project needs.
Flat Head Screws | PH Link — https://bit.ly/3feuhrH
Anchor and Screw Set | PH Link –
Anchor and Scre Set | US Link – https://amzn.to/2R9N7Ik
13. Staple Gun
I use mine to secure cords, repair window screens, replace upholstery, for crafts, etc.
Stanley Staple Gun | PH Link – https://bit.ly/3tAQa9K
Arrow Staple Gun | US Link – https://amzn.to/3w07KWm
14. Flashlight
To, well obviously, provide light esp in the darkness.
LED flashlight | PH Link – https://bit.ly/3bgGkTY
LED flashlight | US Link – https://amzn.to/3y4uaar
15. Safety Wear Protection
Safety goggles protects your eyes from flying particles, ricocheting objects, liquids, and sparks. Masks protect you from inhaling dust and respirators prevent some of the chemicals or dust in the air from getting into your lungs.
Safety Glasses (Like mine) | US Link – https://amzn.to/3eAYfXr
Safety Glasses (Similar) | PH Link – https://bit.ly/3bjuMzs
3M Dust Mask | PH Link – https://bit.ly/3bASDLh
3M Respirator | PH Link –
And there you have it! I tried my best to just mention 10 but ended up with 15. Let me know in the comments if you found this helpful or if you think I missed any essential toolkit must-have.
