Toolkit

Tools every home should have

You don't need a garage full of tools. These 8 basics handle most of the fixes on this site, and together they cost about $80–150. Each one lists the guides it's used in.

Starter kit: Flange plunger, Plastic drain snake, Adjustable wrench, Multi-bit screwdriver, Hex (Allen) key set, Non-contact voltage tester, Headlamp or flashlight, 16 oz claw hammer.

Must-have

Flange plunger

$10–20

The soft sleeve at the bottom seals into a toilet drain. A flat cup plunger can't, which is why it just splashes.

Tip: Get the kind with a fold-out flange; it also works on sinks with the flange tucked in.

Used inUnclog a toilet (without the overflow)

Plastic drain snake

$4–8

A barbed plastic strip that hooks the hair clogs in bathroom sinks and tubs. It clears more slow drains than any chemical.

Tip: Buy a two-pack. You won't want to reuse one.

Used inUnclog a sink without chemicals Unclog a slow bathtub drain

Adjustable wrench

$10–20

Fits supply-line nuts, shutoff valves and toilet bolts without buying a full wrench set.

Tip: An 8 inch size covers most household jobs. Wrap the jaws with tape on chrome.

Used inStop a dripping faucet Find and fix a leak under the sink Fix a wobbly toilet

Multi-bit screwdriver

$10–15

One handle with flat and Phillips bits. Hinges, outlet covers, faucet caps and bolt caps all need one.

Tip: Pick one with bits that store in the handle so they don't wander off.

Used inFix a door that sticks or won't latch Fix a squeaky door hinge Fix a wobbly toilet

Hex (Allen) key set

$6–12

Frees a jammed garbage disposal and removes most single-handle faucet handles.

Tip: Make sure it includes 1/4 inch for the disposal and small metric sizes for faucets.

Used inUnjam a garbage disposal Stop a dripping faucet

Non-contact voltage tester

$15–25

Beeps near a live wire, so you can confirm power is really off before touching a fixture or switch.

Tip: Test it on an outlet you know is live first, every time.

Used inReset a tripped outlet or breaker Why are my lights flickering?

Headlamp or flashlight

$10–20

Under sinks, behind appliances, inside a disposal. A headlamp keeps both hands free.

Tip: Keep one in the kitchen drawer and one by the breaker panel.

Used inFind and fix a leak under the sink Unjam a garbage disposal No hot water? Check these first

16 oz claw hammer

$15–30

Hangs pictures, reattaches trim, taps hinge pins and pulls old nails. The one tool every home needs.

Tip: A 16 ounce curved claw with a rubber grip is the right all-rounder.

Used inHow to use a hammer (without bending nails)Hang heavy pictures and mirrors safely Reattach loose baseboard trim Fix a squeaky door hinge

Nice to have

Stud finder

$15–30

Finds the wood framing behind drywall so heavy pictures, shelves and TV mounts go into something solid.

Tip: A strong magnet that finds drywall screws is a cheap backup.

Used inHow to find a wall stud (with or without a stud finder)Hang heavy pictures and mirrors safely Fix a squeaky floor

Nail set and finish nails

$8–12

Sinks finish nail heads just below the surface on trim so they can be filled and disappear.

Tip: A 1/32 inch tip fits most finish nails.

Used inReattach loose baseboard trim How to use a hammer (without bending nails)

Putty knife

$5–10

Spreads spackle and joint compound for drywall patches, and scrapes old caulk.

Tip: A 4 inch flexible blade handles most patches.

Used inPatch a hole in drywall Recaulk a tub or shower

Caulk gun

$8–15

For recaulking tubs and sealing drafty windows. A smooth-rod gun gives a steadier bead.

Tip: Pair it with painter's tape for clean, straight lines.

Used inRecaulk a tub or shower Stop drafts around windows

Dry graphite lubricant

$4–8

The right lubricant for stiff locks. Oil sprays attract dust and gum up the pins.

Tip: A small puffer tube lasts for years.

Used inFix a sticking deadbolt or door lock

Toilet auger

$20–40

For toilet clogs a plunger can't clear. The rubber sleeve protects the bowl.

Tip: Crank as you push; don't force it.

Used inUnclog a toilet (without the overflow)

Step ladder

$40–80

Smoke alarms, light fixtures and return-air filters in the ceiling. Safer than a chair.

Tip: A 4 to 6 foot fiberglass ladder covers most indoor jobs.

Used inStop a smoke alarm from chirping Why are my lights flickering?Change your HVAC air filter

Prices are typical US hardware store ranges and vary by brand and area.