Tools to own

Basic home repair toolkit: tools every home should have

You don't need a garage full of tools to get started. These eight basics cover most of the fixes on this site and cost about $80–150 together. Each one links to the guides that use it, so you can see what you'll need for your next job. Just moved in? Start with the new homeowner checklist.

Already have some of these?See what you can fix with them →

Not sure what a tool is called?See the picture guide to tools →

8 basic tools
About $80–150 for the set
Each links to the guides that use it

A starter set of homeowner tools laid out in rows on a wooden workbench — A small set of basic tools handles most of the repairs on this site.

A pegboard with the eight basic tools that cover most home fixes: a flange plunger, a plastic drain snake, an adjustable wrench, a multi-bit screwdriver, a hex key set, a non-contact voltage tester, a headlamp and a 16 oz claw hammer. — The eight basics: a plunger (1), drain snake (2), adjustable wrench (3), screwdriver (4), hex keys (5), voltage tester (6), headlamp (7) and claw hammer (8).

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? Start here

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.

Handy calculators

Fix it or call a pro?Weekend planner Hidden leak test Filter schedule Paint calculator Caulk calculator Drywall calculator Tile calculator Flooring calculator Mulch calculator Deck stain calculator Attic insulation calculator Wallpaper calculator Leak cost calculator Home info sheet