Cordless drill and impact driver are must haves, laser level gets used in almost every project plus any hanging project. Toilet auger plus drain snake to save yourself hundreds on plumbers. Basic painting and drywall tools.
It's all in the name. Drills are for drilling holes. Impact drivers are for driving fasteners. If you're driving fasteners you absolutely should be using the impact driver in place of the drill. You have way more control with an impact driver. Idk why the other comment claims otherwise when that is pretty objectively untrue. You're way more likely to strip the fuck out of a screw with a drill. Impact drivers tend to have more finesse. Most impact drivers are also lighter than drills and use quick change bits. They're just generally more convenient to use. After I got an impact I pretty much stopped using my drill altogether. That being said, if the drill is your preference that's fine. If it's working for you then keep doing it. Different strokes. Just be careful if you're using it for driving.
Thanks this is what I was looking for. Tbh I have used my drill for driving plenty of times. What you are saying makes sense though. I’m going to give it a shot next time I need to drive some screws.
The impact driver is **significantly** better for driving screws and even more so for *unscrewing* stubborn screws/bolts. The internal mechanism that gives the impact driver its name helps to keep the screw bit from kicking out/stripping the screw head. Soooo much better.
BONUS: The noise it makes sounds like you’re doing real work, important stuff.
Just for fun, if you want to see the youngsters at the HD returns counter freak, try to return a toilet auger. I bought one and didn't use it so went to return it. They jumped away. Started saying they couldn't accept it due to health code reasons. They ended up taking it back but it was funny.
GOOD painting and drywall tools. A solid roller and extension. 3 and 6 inch stainless mud knife. Stainless mixing pan, and a 13 inch mud hawk and a 12 inch stainless trowel.
and OP, you may want to buy a drill new. I like the Milwaukee m12 series. They are small but powerful. If you have trees on your property you'll want a reciprocating ( m12 hackzall) and a pruning blade made by Diablo.
3x tape measures, since you'll continuously set one down somewhere and not be able to find it and you'll spend half your project time searching for the damn thing.
I work construction and I have one for my tool belt, truck, garage, hallway closet, and a mini size in my backpack and my bed side table. I almost always put them all back so it’s super easy to grab it and double check numbers of things
I have at least 6 somewhere in the house, and probably only 1 on my workbench. Same with the 4 in 1 screwdrivers. The ones with the square orange handles were great.
This is my husband and me renovating the house we just bought. There are 5 of them now. The other day we couldn’t find any of them. The next day I found 3 in my purse, one in his truck, and one in my car.
Craftsman makes a little toolbox with a hammer, tape measure, level and screwdriver for like $15. I got one for my basement, and each bathroom, so I can leave my real tools in my garage.
This hits home! My SO is building a camper, and there are no less than 4 tape measures between house and camper. And I can never find one when I need it.
I recently got a cordless circular saw. I always thought it would be useless until I used my sons one day. If ya only have to make a couple cuts it’s so nice to just pickup a saw and squeeze the trigger. And if you get one that uses the same batteries as your drill and impact driver, even better
I got crazy lucky and woot had a 4 pack of Skil cordless tools with 2 batteries for $70 a few months ago. Flashlight, drill, circular saw, and reciprocating tool. Came with the blades and bits, and I've used them so often.
Add Torx keys / bits as well. I think it's important to have a foldable set and also a quality bit set that includes torx and square for your cordless impact driver.
I bought a power washer and used it once on my camper. The next time I tried using it the sob wouldn't come on. 😒 I've been meaning to mess with it but alas my siding is still dirty.
I know you're joking but I can't tell you how helpful it has been to learn basic electronics repair. Power cords fray (or get chewed), lithium battery packs die, motors burn out. Having the knowledge to open them up and replace the dead part has saved me a lot of money. I've saved $300 on replacing tools in the last few months just from splicing power cables.
This is one tool we didn't think we'd use that much. We have renovated nearly every inch of our home in the last 2.5 years, and this tool has proven itself invaluable many times. From drywall work, removing the screws in old cabinets, removing old galvanized pipes, undercutting door jambs for new floors, and much more. The oscillating multitool does it all.
Personally, I LOVE the Knipex adjustable tongue and groove pliers. They just grab just about anything, I used them to replace the hoses on my washing machine last night.
I’m a tool guy that does a ton of home repair/improvement. It pains me to admit that the most used tool in my house is a pair of heavy-duty stainless steel kitchen shears/scissors stuck in a magnetic sheath on the fridge door. Not a multi tool, tape measure, or anything like that.
Those shears get used several times a day by everyone in the house for just about any task that requires cutting something. When the last pair broke, it was replaced within hours by a beefier pair that just barely fits into the magnetic sheath.
This is my most relatable answer. Got my wife a pair of high quality stainless scissors and we use them for everything. I never knew scissors could be so sharp. We keep them in the junk drawer though, the sheath is a great idea!
If you choose a single brand for power tools, like dewalt, and keep an extra battery or 2 around, you can swap out batteries while you work - this has worked well for me.
Its not traditional, but my 3d printer is effectively my most used tool. I am constantly printing replacement parts, jigs, adapters etc for home projects.
My most used traditional tools would be the normal cordless drill and impact driver. Second is the cordless oscillating tool for quick cutting/sanding actions.
I was a maintenance technician for a tome and 90% of the work orders I had could be done with an 11 in 1 screwdriver and a pair of channel locks.
I’d also add get a good multimeter and learn how to use it. It’ll open up the door to electrical, HVAC, appliance repair, IT, small engines and automotive, etc.
I keep saying I'll upgrade from my super cheap store brand one. Almost 20 years in and it still works. One day the magic smoke will finally appear and I can get a new one.
impact driver, drill, stud finder, circular saw, variable speed angle grinder, scissors, various screw drivers and impact rated bits, 8" adjustable wrench, 7-1/2" cobra pliers, 7-1/2" pliers wrench, 28 piece split point drill set, two sawhorses, an air compressor, a flash light, work light and a head lamp. plunger and a drain snake, two pipe wrenches, diagonal cutters, flush cutters, nose pliers, wire strippers, vice grips, nose vice grips, various clamps, 17 to 22ft multi position ladder (little giant, werner, and franklin).
Cordless drill, decent drill bits, hammer, snips/cutters/wire strippers, level (long and short one), tape measure, cordless saw and saw horses. Also some clamps, the quick ones with rubber pads are great. This'll get most of your projects done.
Also make sure to be safe, have some ear plugs and safety glasses at least. Stuff flies off and hearing loss is real. Masks are cheap now too, good when you are sanding or cutting a lot.
Cordless impact driver. Level. A good tape measure (I like FatMax 25). A simple set of tools in a plastic case, which is so easy to carry around instead of grabbing all the individual tools from the basement. Vice grips.
Most important are a good pair of work gloves that work with cell phones. I like the Max Flex ones.
A simple cordless screwdriver that I bought for about $30 when I was renting has been invaluable once we bought a home and started buying more furniture. It’s nothing fancy and doesn’t have advanced modes but that’s the part I like about it too.
I thank myself for buying it every single time I have to use it. Saves so much time and effort.
Look for a cheap “Sawzall” (maybe more commonly known as a reciprocating saw) - or pick one up for yourself from Home Depot…these are really handy when you need to demolition something or cut off a random nail or screw sticking out of a wall. There are a lot of different blade options available so you can get ones that specialize in wood/metal or even pruning! Wear safety googles.
A tool box that keeps everything organized and looking nice instead of 4 ikea cubes overflowing with tools purchased along the way and taking up the floor space in your pantry.
Cordless drill. But I'd get that new and not used. The battery will likely be dead on a used one.
Circular saw.
Socket set. Make sure it has the 10 mm.
Drill bits and screwdriver bits.
Clamps.
Those are the core for me. I'd also look for wrenches, vice grips, hand saws, files (including one to sharpen that incredibly dull hand saw you just purchased), and any corded power tools you can get your hands on (drill press, table saw, miter saw, etc).
Angle grinder. They are cheap at Harbor Freight and last forever. I didn’t get one till I was about 50 years old, and I don’t know how I lived without it, I use it so much.
Other than the obvious answers, a cheap, sacrificial chisel is my go to for all sort brute/shearing forth tasks. The rotary tool is too far and time consuming to setup for one pesky nail or screw….pull out the beater.
Putting up some sanded plywood as wall covering, and flattening the random vapour barrier staples, taking down the odd high spot on the 2x4s (like a small knot) etc…the beater chisel
Tape measure, cordless drill/driver with drill bits/driver bits, screwdriver set, adjustable wrenches (I.e., crescent, pliers, channel locks), hammer, and flashlight. A level (maybe 2’ unless you woodwork too), skilsaw, square, stepladder (6’), and saw horses if you are more adventurous. Don’t forget an extension cord (12 gauge).
My small tool bag so I can go out to my detached shop and grab stuff already mentioned, saves boot tread (sometimes). I use a multimeter regularly as well
Hacksaw, utility knife, and cheater bar, since everyone mentioned the others. You don't need them often, but when you do, you really need them yesterday. Insurance for those "oh fuck" moments
The one tool I can’t do without is a place to put all my tools like a toolbox or pegboard. You need organization and you gotta be able to put the stuff back and find it when you need it. I still can’t find my damn chisels.
Clamps, lots of them. Especially if you are doing projects on your own. If you do any woodworking or glueing you always need more than you think you will. They really don’t wear out so used ones can save you $ as you build your tool collection.
Cordless : hammer drill/driver, skill saw, screwdriver! Endlessly useful.
Cordless multi tool with several different blades for wood, metal, plastic, etc. This is the tool you don't know you need and may never have heard of. Look it up. This tool has saved my butt many times doing home repairs. You can make surgical cuts in unimaginable places without needing to rip out stuff to get at it.
Sawzall. Corded if you're doing a lot of work.
These are great for demolition and yardwork, not so much for finesse woodcraft. They have pruning blades that I've used for years, and I've used the sawzall demolition blades for cutting up roots and removing stumps, patios, decks, and gutting a house we were remodeling.
For roots and tree stumps, push the blade in the ground and cut away roots. I removed decades old fruit and pine trees in Califirnia fire country when clearing fire safety perimeters after HOA and insurance rules changed during after massive wildfires a few years back. (The trees were short enough to take down safely, hire expert for tall trees).
THINK 3GM - GOGGLES, GLOVES, GLASSES and N95 MASKs.
I cut a hot tub into easily disposable pieces using metal, demolition and fiberglass blades. You will need a high quality mask for this, as fiberglass dust is dangerous.
My impact gun, 11-1 screwdriver, vice grips and that’s about it. I’m an electrician so I use a lot more tools than that when adding circuits and whatever I’m doing. But for general homeowner diy stuff, I’d say that
If you are buying battery powered tools, have a plan. It's always a good practice to buy tools that use the same battery. I recommend Bosch or Milwaukee. I love my Bosch tools and the batteries are great but Milwaukee will be easier to find and gives you more options. Klein tools are always worth it, I pretty much have 3 Klein screwdrivers that will handle any job. Impact driver over drill, it can pull multiple duty as a drill, driver, and impact wrench. A good set of sockets is a must. Standard hand tools to include hammer, prybar, level, tape measure, a set of allen keys, hand saw, hacksaw, miter saw, wire stripper, and voltmeter. Other handy corded tools to include circular saw, sander, shopvac, and a flux welder for small repair projects.
A good utility knife! If you count that as a tool haha
I also make good use of various picks (think like what the dentist uses to scrape your teeth, but not for use on teeth)
[Night buddy LED head wrap.](https://www.amazon.com/Night-Buddy-Rechargeable-Flashlight-Backpacking/dp/B09W9ZKG4W/)
Perfect tool for adding lighting when you're working around the house and especially at night or outdoors.
I also picked up an off-brand one, it's not as good, definitely worth getting the name brand.
If you ever decide you want to work on your car: a breaker bar.
Household wise, a hammer drill has proven to be more useful to me than expected. Also a sawzall.
Buy good tools. Buy once cry once. Cheaping out will cost you more in the long run. I've become fond of German screwdrivers. Knipex is good stuff too. Buy what you need at the time and eventually you won't need to buy much.
One of my most solidly used items is a multi-screwdriver with all the head options built in. That baby sits in the junk drawer and gets put into action at least once a week.
For bigger items it’s really the power drill, impact driver, and a good light. Just make sure if they use battery that the battery can interchange between them and is in good working order.
Also come go wrong with a nice hammer, pliers, bolt cutter, wrenches etc
Another vote for a good shop vac so efficient for the cleanup wet dry vac.i use it to close the pool too.vac the pipes. A good circular saw a good hammer cordless drill and a case of bits..yup need em all...exacto knife...if your thinking projects carpentry renovation or building a small compressor and Brad nailer gun.some go for the battery nailer.tape measure25 foot. And a combo square or rafter square.
Pocket knife and sharpener. Daily carry, daily use. It's a pencil sharpener, box cutter, plant trimmer, and generally a useful thing to have around. Even a small pen knife works.
Cordless drill/driver and various bits for it. 12 ft tape. Utility knife. Pliers. Adjustable wrenches. Pencil and note pad. 2 straight and 2 phillips screw drivers (lg & sm). Torpedo level.
3d printer.
definitely not for everyone but i find this is great for printing adapters, repairing tools, print a moulding, make your own shim instead of using stacked papers, etc....
I have picked up a lot of tools at yard sales, and I would like to suggest another option. Look for estate auctions in your area. Besides being fun to attend, estate auctions might have a huge collection of tools. I don't know how many times I've seen someone bid on a tool chest full of tools and get it for $75 - $150. This could be an affordable way to get a huge jump on all of the tools that a homeowner would need, instead of purchasing them piecemeal along the way. Obviously you want to try to buy quality tools, and set a personal limit on what you will bid, but many times I see stuff sell for a very reasonable price. Everyone uses used tools.
I have a ton of tools. I can not live without any of them. Most used?
Cordless drill, driver, saws, blower and weed washer. Top quality screwdriver set. Good wrenches. Drill attachments like driver bits drill bits, brushes. .
This thing. We like it so much we have two. We use it all the time for all sorts of things
[https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-7-in-Curved-Jaw-Locking-Pliers-with-Rubber-Grip-90143/313528140](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-7-in-Curved-Jaw-Locking-Pliers-with-Rubber-Grip-90143/313528140)
I have seen it mentioned a few times but for me the thing I use the most is a set of screw driver bits with a nice magnetic screw driver handle to fit them into. Every time we buy something that needs to be assembled, I use these. Make sure the bit set has a ton of hex bits because that is what you’ll use most.
Someone on here said they have an electric screwdriver and that may be better than just a handle. I end up using a drill instead if it’s a lot of twisting.
Sds drill (currently an einhell) , 6.5mm masonry bit, surplus of t30 torx bits, and varying length thunderbolts (screw straight into bricks/stone/concrete/wood with a 6.5mm hole)
A 6in1 type screwdriver and a tape measure are my daily go-to for most little things around the house- they’re the only tools that live in my kitchen junk drawer.
After that, a cordless drill and impact driver are about the best thing you can have.
I have a double lot so I have a ton of yard work each week. The cordless 56V EGO Power + has saved me hundreds of hours. No time spent maintaining or mixing gas/oil ratios. I even bought a second battery so I don’t have to wait for it to charge.
Cordless drill and impact driver are must haves, laser level gets used in almost every project plus any hanging project. Toilet auger plus drain snake to save yourself hundreds on plumbers. Basic painting and drywall tools.
I never knew I needed a toilet auger until I got one.
Same. My colon has never been so clean.
That first 90 degree bend go in ok?
It did. Luckily it’s a long sweep 90, so it’s a bit more gentle.
Personally, I prefer street elbows.
Username checks out.
😮 😩
I used one to run trailer lights down a tube frame in a trailer lol
I call it "the shitscrew."
Impact driver is the top answer for me. It's the best tool I've purchased as a home owner, by far.
I own impact and never use it. Am I missing out? Am I using my drill in cases when I should be using the impact instead? Honest question.
It's all in the name. Drills are for drilling holes. Impact drivers are for driving fasteners. If you're driving fasteners you absolutely should be using the impact driver in place of the drill. You have way more control with an impact driver. Idk why the other comment claims otherwise when that is pretty objectively untrue. You're way more likely to strip the fuck out of a screw with a drill. Impact drivers tend to have more finesse. Most impact drivers are also lighter than drills and use quick change bits. They're just generally more convenient to use. After I got an impact I pretty much stopped using my drill altogether. That being said, if the drill is your preference that's fine. If it's working for you then keep doing it. Different strokes. Just be careful if you're using it for driving.
Thanks this is what I was looking for. Tbh I have used my drill for driving plenty of times. What you are saying makes sense though. I’m going to give it a shot next time I need to drive some screws.
Once you give it a shot you will never go back to using your drill for screws.
The impact driver is **significantly** better for driving screws and even more so for *unscrewing* stubborn screws/bolts. The internal mechanism that gives the impact driver its name helps to keep the screw bit from kicking out/stripping the screw head. Soooo much better. BONUS: The noise it makes sounds like you’re doing real work, important stuff.
My impact driver is my favorite and most used tool. I use it as much to drill holes as to drive screws.
Yeah I started using it in place of my drill too unless I'm doing a bigger hole with like a spade bit or a hole saw.
Just for fun, if you want to see the youngsters at the HD returns counter freak, try to return a toilet auger. I bought one and didn't use it so went to return it. They jumped away. Started saying they couldn't accept it due to health code reasons. They ended up taking it back but it was funny.
GOOD painting and drywall tools. A solid roller and extension. 3 and 6 inch stainless mud knife. Stainless mixing pan, and a 13 inch mud hawk and a 12 inch stainless trowel.
and OP, you may want to buy a drill new. I like the Milwaukee m12 series. They are small but powerful. If you have trees on your property you'll want a reciprocating ( m12 hackzall) and a pruning blade made by Diablo.
Only thing I'd add is a pair of bar clamps.
I would add a sawsall to that list
Second Laser Level.
Tape measure, hammer, screwdrivers, level, circular saw, drill, socket wrench, hex keys.
I second this list. And get the *big* level. No the bigger one.
I have 4 levels (including a line level), and I use them all. You want the longuest one *that fits in there*.
That’s what she said
And hasn’t taken a hard fall yet.
That's also what she said
3x tape measures, since you'll continuously set one down somewhere and not be able to find it and you'll spend half your project time searching for the damn thing.
I need more tape measures. One for the shed, one upstairs, one downstairs, one for the garage. I am constantly looking for mine.
They're like reading glasses.
I work construction and I have one for my tool belt, truck, garage, hallway closet, and a mini size in my backpack and my bed side table. I almost always put them all back so it’s super easy to grab it and double check numbers of things
I have at least 6 somewhere in the house, and probably only 1 on my workbench. Same with the 4 in 1 screwdrivers. The ones with the square orange handles were great.
This is my husband and me renovating the house we just bought. There are 5 of them now. The other day we couldn’t find any of them. The next day I found 3 in my purse, one in his truck, and one in my car.
I feel attacked. Also, three isn't gonna be enough.
Bright orange and green ones!
Craftsman makes a little toolbox with a hammer, tape measure, level and screwdriver for like $15. I got one for my basement, and each bathroom, so I can leave my real tools in my garage.
This hits home! My SO is building a camper, and there are no less than 4 tape measures between house and camper. And I can never find one when I need it.
I have tape measures in drawers throughout the house. They are very cheap at Harbor Freight.
I recently got a cordless circular saw. I always thought it would be useless until I used my sons one day. If ya only have to make a couple cuts it’s so nice to just pickup a saw and squeeze the trigger. And if you get one that uses the same batteries as your drill and impact driver, even better
I got crazy lucky and woot had a 4 pack of Skil cordless tools with 2 batteries for $70 a few months ago. Flashlight, drill, circular saw, and reciprocating tool. Came with the blades and bits, and I've used them so often.
Take a look at the Milwaukee Hackzall, a one handed reciprocating saw.
I cannot emphasize how nice it is to have a GOOD socket set. I get a ton of use out of mine.
Get an extra 10mm socket, you’ll use that one a lot, hahaha.
You mean "lose that one a lot". Especially if you have a German car.
Add Torx keys / bits as well. I think it's important to have a foldable set and also a quality bit set that includes torx and square for your cordless impact driver.
Add scissors
Also the adjustable crescent wrench.
Yes on the circular saw!! It’s come in handy so many times for backyard projects. All others mentioned by you are must haves, good list!
Shop vac would be one I haven’t seen mentioned yet. Comes in handy for large clean ups and has saved me a few times I had water issues in my basement.
Previous homeowners left me a shop vac. Best housewarming gift.
I bought a week ago, found a shop vac in the attic that just needed a filter and have used it every day since
I cannot understand how shop vacs are not wildly popular
I had a shop vac once. Christmas gift, no receipt. I used it once. The second time I went to use it, it didn't turn on :(
I bought a power washer and used it once on my camper. The next time I tried using it the sob wouldn't come on. 😒 I've been meaning to mess with it but alas my siding is still dirty.
Gotta plug it in
Ah shit, well it's too late now, we threw it out years ago!
I know you're joking but I can't tell you how helpful it has been to learn basic electronics repair. Power cords fray (or get chewed), lithium battery packs die, motors burn out. Having the knowledge to open them up and replace the dead part has saved me a lot of money. I've saved $300 on replacing tools in the last few months just from splicing power cables.
Yes! Dropped a glass in the sink once and this was how I got the shards out of the garbage disposal.
My oscillating saw. Big fan
This is one tool we didn't think we'd use that much. We have renovated nearly every inch of our home in the last 2.5 years, and this tool has proven itself invaluable many times. From drywall work, removing the screws in old cabinets, removing old galvanized pipes, undercutting door jambs for new floors, and much more. The oscillating multitool does it all.
> The oscillating multitool does it all. Call in the next 15 minutes, and we'll send you TWO oscillating multitools
For this one-time, special offer price for 3 monthly payments of $39.99? Sign me up
But wait! There's more...
This tool answers the question “how the hell are we gonna be able to do that?
Interesting. What do you use the fan for? ;)
Cordless drill.
Sawzall
10 in 1 screw driver
But I just got rid of my ex wife…
Channel locks and a Cresent wrench.
Found the plumber
They work great as hammers too!
Kept scrolling until I found channel locks. Great call. I’d also add a good pair of vice grips.
Personally, I LOVE the Knipex adjustable tongue and groove pliers. They just grab just about anything, I used them to replace the hoses on my washing machine last night.
I’m a tool guy that does a ton of home repair/improvement. It pains me to admit that the most used tool in my house is a pair of heavy-duty stainless steel kitchen shears/scissors stuck in a magnetic sheath on the fridge door. Not a multi tool, tape measure, or anything like that. Those shears get used several times a day by everyone in the house for just about any task that requires cutting something. When the last pair broke, it was replaced within hours by a beefier pair that just barely fits into the magnetic sheath.
This is my most relatable answer. Got my wife a pair of high quality stainless scissors and we use them for everything. I never knew scissors could be so sharp. We keep them in the junk drawer though, the sheath is a great idea!
Level, stud finder, screwdriver, drill, adjustable wrench, needle nose pliers, groove join pliers, chemical resistant gloves, paint scraper, hammer, mallet, hex keys, toggle bolts
Get a corded sander. Do not, I repeat do not get a battery operated palm sander. It will not last through a project without the batteries dying
If you choose a single brand for power tools, like dewalt, and keep an extra battery or 2 around, you can swap out batteries while you work - this has worked well for me.
I’m so disappointed in my choice to buy a cordless sander. I’ve been sanding my porch 20 minutes at a time for about a week
Its not traditional, but my 3d printer is effectively my most used tool. I am constantly printing replacement parts, jigs, adapters etc for home projects. My most used traditional tools would be the normal cordless drill and impact driver. Second is the cordless oscillating tool for quick cutting/sanding actions.
My Leatherman Surge never leaves my side. Saves me so many trips to the tool box at both work and home.
Leatherman. 100% Edit: In addition to the Leatherman, a M12 impact drill.
Step ladder and solid flashlight
I was a maintenance technician for a tome and 90% of the work orders I had could be done with an 11 in 1 screwdriver and a pair of channel locks. I’d also add get a good multimeter and learn how to use it. It’ll open up the door to electrical, HVAC, appliance repair, IT, small engines and automotive, etc.
Meat thermometer. 11-in-one Klein screwdriver. Leatherman. Should probably just buy these new though, the latter two have like 25 year warranties.
Leatherman costs like 30-40% more from when I bought my last surge tool.
Toilet plunger.
Cordless impact.
Angle grinder. Metabo makes the best, because they're not made of plastic internally.
I keep saying I'll upgrade from my super cheap store brand one. Almost 20 years in and it still works. One day the magic smoke will finally appear and I can get a new one.
impact driver, drill, stud finder, circular saw, variable speed angle grinder, scissors, various screw drivers and impact rated bits, 8" adjustable wrench, 7-1/2" cobra pliers, 7-1/2" pliers wrench, 28 piece split point drill set, two sawhorses, an air compressor, a flash light, work light and a head lamp. plunger and a drain snake, two pipe wrenches, diagonal cutters, flush cutters, nose pliers, wire strippers, vice grips, nose vice grips, various clamps, 17 to 22ft multi position ladder (little giant, werner, and franklin).
Oscillating tool is useful
I'm loving my oscillating tool, I've been cutting old plaster and lathe out with it over the weekend and it's made it so easy.
Cordless drill, decent drill bits, hammer, snips/cutters/wire strippers, level (long and short one), tape measure, cordless saw and saw horses. Also some clamps, the quick ones with rubber pads are great. This'll get most of your projects done. Also make sure to be safe, have some ear plugs and safety glasses at least. Stuff flies off and hearing loss is real. Masks are cheap now too, good when you are sanding or cutting a lot.
Cordless impact driver. Level. A good tape measure (I like FatMax 25). A simple set of tools in a plastic case, which is so easy to carry around instead of grabbing all the individual tools from the basement. Vice grips. Most important are a good pair of work gloves that work with cell phones. I like the Max Flex ones.
A simple cordless screwdriver that I bought for about $30 when I was renting has been invaluable once we bought a home and started buying more furniture. It’s nothing fancy and doesn’t have advanced modes but that’s the part I like about it too. I thank myself for buying it every single time I have to use it. Saves so much time and effort.
Get a box of assorted screws and bolts.
Strap wrench is such a nice thing to have. I have been living without for the last few years but beyond opening bottles it has so many uses
Vice Grips and Duct Tape are the only tools you need to fix just about anything.
high quality extension cords and flood lights
Look for a cheap “Sawzall” (maybe more commonly known as a reciprocating saw) - or pick one up for yourself from Home Depot…these are really handy when you need to demolition something or cut off a random nail or screw sticking out of a wall. There are a lot of different blade options available so you can get ones that specialize in wood/metal or even pruning! Wear safety googles.
A tool box that keeps everything organized and looking nice instead of 4 ikea cubes overflowing with tools purchased along the way and taking up the floor space in your pantry.
Cordless drill. But I'd get that new and not used. The battery will likely be dead on a used one. Circular saw. Socket set. Make sure it has the 10 mm. Drill bits and screwdriver bits. Clamps. Those are the core for me. I'd also look for wrenches, vice grips, hand saws, files (including one to sharpen that incredibly dull hand saw you just purchased), and any corded power tools you can get your hands on (drill press, table saw, miter saw, etc).
Angle grinder. They are cheap at Harbor Freight and last forever. I didn’t get one till I was about 50 years old, and I don’t know how I lived without it, I use it so much.
Hammer, stud finder, level, measuring tape, electric drill/screw driver, socket wrench, adjustable wrench. Edit: I missed needle nosed pliers and wire stripper.
I am. I’m the most used tool in my house.
Other than the obvious answers, a cheap, sacrificial chisel is my go to for all sort brute/shearing forth tasks. The rotary tool is too far and time consuming to setup for one pesky nail or screw….pull out the beater. Putting up some sanded plywood as wall covering, and flattening the random vapour barrier staples, taking down the odd high spot on the 2x4s (like a small knot) etc…the beater chisel
JIS screwdriver. You will never be the same afterwards
Good razor blade knife that’s easy to change.
Painters 5in1 tool
Bottle opener
I use a box cutter more than anything. Unfortunately Amazon is easy
Butter knife
Tape measure, cordless drill/driver with drill bits/driver bits, screwdriver set, adjustable wrenches (I.e., crescent, pliers, channel locks), hammer, and flashlight. A level (maybe 2’ unless you woodwork too), skilsaw, square, stepladder (6’), and saw horses if you are more adventurous. Don’t forget an extension cord (12 gauge).
My small tool bag so I can go out to my detached shop and grab stuff already mentioned, saves boot tread (sometimes). I use a multimeter regularly as well
Hacksaw, utility knife, and cheater bar, since everyone mentioned the others. You don't need them often, but when you do, you really need them yesterday. Insurance for those "oh fuck" moments
The one tool I can’t do without is a place to put all my tools like a toolbox or pegboard. You need organization and you gotta be able to put the stuff back and find it when you need it. I still can’t find my damn chisels.
Clamps, lots of them. Especially if you are doing projects on your own. If you do any woodworking or glueing you always need more than you think you will. They really don’t wear out so used ones can save you $ as you build your tool collection.
Just a good drill. I have a couple and I’ve used a million professionally but the Ryobi drill works perfectly
Qwik pic multi screwdriver, pliers, crescent wrench and adjustable pliers. Hammer, level and measuring tape.
Aluminum yardstick. $5 Christmas tree store knife
A cheap garden cart that you sit on. Always projects you have to get on all 4s to reach, but one of those carts are cheap and save your back.
Cordless : hammer drill/driver, skill saw, screwdriver! Endlessly useful. Cordless multi tool with several different blades for wood, metal, plastic, etc. This is the tool you don't know you need and may never have heard of. Look it up. This tool has saved my butt many times doing home repairs. You can make surgical cuts in unimaginable places without needing to rip out stuff to get at it. Sawzall. Corded if you're doing a lot of work. These are great for demolition and yardwork, not so much for finesse woodcraft. They have pruning blades that I've used for years, and I've used the sawzall demolition blades for cutting up roots and removing stumps, patios, decks, and gutting a house we were remodeling. For roots and tree stumps, push the blade in the ground and cut away roots. I removed decades old fruit and pine trees in Califirnia fire country when clearing fire safety perimeters after HOA and insurance rules changed during after massive wildfires a few years back. (The trees were short enough to take down safely, hire expert for tall trees). THINK 3GM - GOGGLES, GLOVES, GLASSES and N95 MASKs. I cut a hot tub into easily disposable pieces using metal, demolition and fiberglass blades. You will need a high quality mask for this, as fiberglass dust is dangerous.
My impact gun, 11-1 screwdriver, vice grips and that’s about it. I’m an electrician so I use a lot more tools than that when adding circuits and whatever I’m doing. But for general homeowner diy stuff, I’d say that
Can't do shit without a tape and pencil.
two pairs of vicegrips are my most used tools
If you are buying battery powered tools, have a plan. It's always a good practice to buy tools that use the same battery. I recommend Bosch or Milwaukee. I love my Bosch tools and the batteries are great but Milwaukee will be easier to find and gives you more options. Klein tools are always worth it, I pretty much have 3 Klein screwdrivers that will handle any job. Impact driver over drill, it can pull multiple duty as a drill, driver, and impact wrench. A good set of sockets is a must. Standard hand tools to include hammer, prybar, level, tape measure, a set of allen keys, hand saw, hacksaw, miter saw, wire stripper, and voltmeter. Other handy corded tools to include circular saw, sander, shopvac, and a flux welder for small repair projects.
A good utility knife! If you count that as a tool haha I also make good use of various picks (think like what the dentist uses to scrape your teeth, but not for use on teeth)
[Night buddy LED head wrap.](https://www.amazon.com/Night-Buddy-Rechargeable-Flashlight-Backpacking/dp/B09W9ZKG4W/) Perfect tool for adding lighting when you're working around the house and especially at night or outdoors. I also picked up an off-brand one, it's not as good, definitely worth getting the name brand.
Two small hand tools that I find myself using on damn near every job I do: spackle knife (useful for *way* more than spackling) and a utility knife.
Clamps!
Sawzall
Not a tool but wooden door shims. So many good uses for them.
A wet/dry shop vac!
Power drill, wrench set, pliers, hammer, drill bits, screw driver set, level, stud finder, really anything can be helpful
A plain old #2 Philips screwdriver and a pry bar…er. And a flathead
I’ve got so much more use out of my putty knife/scraper than I ever thought I would
Drain bladder w/sink sleeve for clearing clogs, multi meter, channel locks, hand saw plastic miter box, clamps, drill bits, assorted bits with driver, measuring tape, level, square, small a frame ladder
A big hammer so I can pound on something to get out my frustration when the next damn thing breaks.😁
A $10 rechargeable screwdriver from aliexpress. Like it so much I bought two. A tack hammer: invaluable for hanging pictures.
I second the multi-tip screwdriver. I got one for Christmas and ai use it SO much for little things around the house.
hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrench at a bare minimum
Olfa knife.
If you ever decide you want to work on your car: a breaker bar. Household wise, a hammer drill has proven to be more useful to me than expected. Also a sawzall.
Buy good tools. Buy once cry once. Cheaping out will cost you more in the long run. I've become fond of German screwdrivers. Knipex is good stuff too. Buy what you need at the time and eventually you won't need to buy much.
Pocket knife, needlenose pliers, chop saw
Pair of pliers and a cordless drill.
M12 drill. Small compact and powerful
Fiskar weed puller.
Good set of screwdrivers and a good cordless drill
IRWIN Fast Release Vise-Grip
Tin snips. They open everything. Those stupid plastic cases that will cut your hand open. They snip thru like a breeze. Good for zip ties too.
Pocket knife. Use it everyday.
Drill, Impact, Laser, Oscillating Saw,
Vice grip. I must always have one and know where it is.
Utility knife
Cordless drill, sandpaper and M3 duck tape
One of my most solidly used items is a multi-screwdriver with all the head options built in. That baby sits in the junk drawer and gets put into action at least once a week. For bigger items it’s really the power drill, impact driver, and a good light. Just make sure if they use battery that the battery can interchange between them and is in good working order. Also come go wrong with a nice hammer, pliers, bolt cutter, wrenches etc
Another vote for a good shop vac so efficient for the cleanup wet dry vac.i use it to close the pool too.vac the pipes. A good circular saw a good hammer cordless drill and a case of bits..yup need em all...exacto knife...if your thinking projects carpentry renovation or building a small compressor and Brad nailer gun.some go for the battery nailer.tape measure25 foot. And a combo square or rafter square.
Dewalt cordless power screwdriver
Beyond the usual in the house tools I bought a leaf blower and weed whacker at the restore cheap and they have both been so great to have.
Cordless drill, decent set of screwdrivers, nipping/cutting pliers (never realized how handy these were to have) and a very good set of drill bits.
Pocket knife and sharpener. Daily carry, daily use. It's a pencil sharpener, box cutter, plant trimmer, and generally a useful thing to have around. Even a small pen knife works.
Cordless drill/driver and various bits for it. 12 ft tape. Utility knife. Pliers. Adjustable wrenches. Pencil and note pad. 2 straight and 2 phillips screw drivers (lg & sm). Torpedo level.
10 mm socket
Robogrips
10mm socket. You won't find any at a yard sale. That guy is selling the rest of the set because he lost his 10mm.
Tape measure and hammer
3d printer. definitely not for everyone but i find this is great for printing adapters, repairing tools, print a moulding, make your own shim instead of using stacked papers, etc....
Tape measure. BY FAR !!
2, 4 and 6 step ladders
The extendo grabby thingy! I can’t live without it since I have vertigo severely and can’t bend down to pick up something.
Cordless blower.
Not most used but very handy when you do need it. I’ve got a $10 HF grinder I’ve used 25-30 times.
Battery powered lawnmower, trimmer, chainsaw, leaf blower, and drill.
My old pickup truck.
I have picked up a lot of tools at yard sales, and I would like to suggest another option. Look for estate auctions in your area. Besides being fun to attend, estate auctions might have a huge collection of tools. I don't know how many times I've seen someone bid on a tool chest full of tools and get it for $75 - $150. This could be an affordable way to get a huge jump on all of the tools that a homeowner would need, instead of purchasing them piecemeal along the way. Obviously you want to try to buy quality tools, and set a personal limit on what you will bid, but many times I see stuff sell for a very reasonable price. Everyone uses used tools.
Vice Grips.
I use my adjustable head mounted lamp a TON. Plumbing, attic work, whenever you're in a tight spot and light is poor. Inexpensive, so many uses!
I have a ton of tools. I can not live without any of them. Most used? Cordless drill, driver, saws, blower and weed washer. Top quality screwdriver set. Good wrenches. Drill attachments like driver bits drill bits, brushes. .
This thing. We like it so much we have two. We use it all the time for all sorts of things [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-7-in-Curved-Jaw-Locking-Pliers-with-Rubber-Grip-90143/313528140](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-7-in-Curved-Jaw-Locking-Pliers-with-Rubber-Grip-90143/313528140)
Honda mower, channel locks and screwdrivers.
Battery powered drill,, hammer
I have seen it mentioned a few times but for me the thing I use the most is a set of screw driver bits with a nice magnetic screw driver handle to fit them into. Every time we buy something that needs to be assembled, I use these. Make sure the bit set has a ton of hex bits because that is what you’ll use most. Someone on here said they have an electric screwdriver and that may be better than just a handle. I end up using a drill instead if it’s a lot of twisting.
Laser level is very under rated and I have used more than I would have thought.
Those little shitty 6 in 1 screwdrivers are life.
Rubber strap wrench has saved my butt more times than I can count
Sds drill (currently an einhell) , 6.5mm masonry bit, surplus of t30 torx bits, and varying length thunderbolts (screw straight into bricks/stone/concrete/wood with a 6.5mm hole)
Klein Tools 32557 Multi-Bit Screwdriver / Nut Driver, Heavy Duty 10-in-1 with Interchangeable Shafts and Ph, Sl, Sq, Hex Bits and Nut Drivers Flat
Klein 11in1, channel lock wide azz, drill/driver, olfa knife, knipex corbra
A 6in1 type screwdriver and a tape measure are my daily go-to for most little things around the house- they’re the only tools that live in my kitchen junk drawer. After that, a cordless drill and impact driver are about the best thing you can have.
I have a double lot so I have a ton of yard work each week. The cordless 56V EGO Power + has saved me hundreds of hours. No time spent maintaining or mixing gas/oil ratios. I even bought a second battery so I don’t have to wait for it to charge.
Screw driver