Best Home Repair Tools for Beginners (Starter Kit)
The 8 tools that cover 80% of home repairs — what each does, what to buy, and what you can skip until you actually need it.
By Askento Editorial Team · 4 min read · Apr 24, 2026
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You don't need a full workshop to handle most home repairs. Eight tools cover the vast majority of what comes up in a typical home.
1. Cordless Drill / Driver — Most Useful Tool You'll Own
A cordless drill/driver drives screws, drills pilot holes, assembles flat-pack furniture, and handles dozens of other tasks. It's the single most useful tool for home repairs.
What to look for: 18V or 20V battery platform, variable speed trigger, a clutch (for driving screws without stripping them), and a keyless chuck. Brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi have compatible battery ecosystems — once you're in one ecosystem, stick to it so batteries work across tools.
What it costs: $80–$150 for a quality kit with two batteries and a charger
Skip: Drill bits included in cheap kits. Buy a separate drill bit set — you'll get better quality and the sizes you actually need.
2. Hammer — For More Than Just Nails
A 16 oz claw hammer handles picture hooks, assembling furniture, minor demolition, and driving anchors. The claw pulls nails and pries apart boards.
What to look for: 16 oz weight (light enough to use all day, heavy enough for general work), a fibreglass or steel handle (more durable than wood), a smooth face (waffle-face hammers are for framing, not home repair).
What it costs: $20–$40
3. Screwdriver Set — Still Necessary Even With a Drill
A screwdriver set covers jobs where a drill is overkill — tightening door handles, replacing outlet covers, adjusting cabinet hinges, and working in tight spaces.
What to look for: At minimum, 4 sizes (Phillips #1 and #2, flat head small and medium). A set with magnetic tips is worth it — screws stay on the tip without falling.
What it costs: $15–$30 for a solid set
4. Tape Measure — Non-Negotiable
A tape measure is needed for hanging shelves, measuring before cutting, buying furniture, and dozens of other tasks.
What to look for: 25 ft length, a wide blade (1 inch+) that stands out further without bending, a lock button, and a magnetic tip (holds to metal surfaces hands-free). Stanley FatMax and Milwaukee are reliable picks.
What it costs: $15–$25
5. Pliers — Gripping, Bending, Pulling
A combination pliers set — needle nose, slip-joint, and locking pliers (Vise-Grips) — covers most situations where you need to grip, bend, or hold something in place.
What to look for: A 3-piece set with needle nose, standard slip-joint, and adjustable jaw pliers is enough to start.
What it costs: $20–$35 for a basic set
6. Utility Knife — Versatile Cutting Tool
A utility knife cuts drywall, opens packaging, scores tile, trims carpet edges, and dozens of other tasks. Far more useful than scissors for home repair work.
What to look for: A retractable blade for safety, a comfortable grip, and the ability to snap off dull blade sections to expose a fresh edge. Buy a pack of extra blades.
What it costs: $10–$20
7. Level — Essential for Anything Wall-Mounted
A spirit level ensures shelves, pictures, and wall-mounted objects are straight. A 24-inch level handles most tasks; a smaller torpedo level is useful in tighter spaces.
What it costs: $15–$30
8. Stud Finder — Before Every Wall Anchor
A stud finder locates the wooden studs behind drywall. Mounting into a stud holds 10× more weight than a drywall anchor alone — essential for shelves, TVs, and anything heavy.
What to look for: Models that detect both wood studs and live electrical wires (AC detection) are worth the small premium. Franklin Sensors and Zircon are reliable brands.
What it costs: $20–$40
What You Can Skip for Now
- Circular saw or jigsaw — only needed if you're cutting wood. Rent if you need it once.
- Oscillating multi-tool — useful but not essential until you're doing grout, tile, or cutting in tight spaces.
- Air compressor and nailer — for trim, fencing, or decking only. Skip unless you're doing those projects.
- Work light — borrow or use your phone torch until you're working on bigger projects.
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