Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or someone who likes to handle the occasional weekend project, having the right tools makes all the difference. You don’t need a huge workshop full of equipment—just a few reliable essentials that cover most of the repairs and improvements you’ll run into.
Here are five tools every handyman recommends for everyday home projects.
1. A Quality Cordless Drill
If there’s one tool that gets used on almost every job, it’s a cordless drill. From assembling furniture to installing shelves, mounting TVs, hanging blinds, or fixing loose hardware, a dependable drill saves time and effort.
Why it’s essential:
- Drives screws quickly and cleanly
- Drills holes for anchors, brackets, and hardware
- Works anywhere—no outlet needed
- A good battery lasts through most projects
Look for a drill with a couple of batteries, variable speed, and a decent set of bits.
2. A 16–20 oz Hammer
Simple, reliable, and endlessly useful. A good hammer helps with carpentry, small demolition tasks, framing adjustments, and general repairs.
Why it’s essential:
- Great for nails, light demo, tapping pieces into place
- Works with inexpensive hand tools like nail sets and pry bars
- Lasts for decades with proper care
Choose a comfortable grip and a smooth face unless you’re doing framing.
3. A Multi-Bit Screwdriver
While a drill is great, sometimes you just need the control of a hand tool. A multi-bit screwdriver saves space and solves most screw-related tasks.
Why it’s essential:
- One handle covers Phillips, flathead, square, Torx, and more
- Perfect for electrical plates, cabinet adjustments, hardware, and repairs
- No batteries or charging required
For homeowners, this might be the single most-used item in the toolbox.
4. A 25-Foot Tape Measure
Accurate measurements are the foundation of almost every repair or installation. From hanging shelves to cutting wood, installing trim, ordering furniture, or checking room dimensions, a tape measure prevents mistakes long before they happen.
Why it’s essential:
- Helps avoid costly “guesswork”
- Useful for big projects like flooring, carpentry, or remodeling
- Compact and inexpensive
A sturdy tape with a strong standout and a locking feature will make your life much easier.
5. A Utility Knife
This simple tool does so much more than cut open boxes. A sharp utility knife makes clean cuts on drywall paper, carpeting, flooring, caulk, insulation, rope, and stubborn packaging.
Why it’s essential:
- Replaceable blades stay sharp
- Safe and precise for scoring, trimming, and clean-edge cuts
- Handy for cleanup and demolition tasks
Choose one with a comfortable grip and easy blade storage.
A Small Set of Tools Covers Most Home Repairs
With just these five essentials—plus a few common fasteners—you can tackle most small home tasks without frustration. They’re the same tools handymen rely on day after day because they’re effective, reliable, and versatile.
Whether you like doing your own repairs or bring in a professional, building a solid foundation of tools makes maintaining your home easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
