Building the Best At-Home Tool Kit: Top Tips and Essential Tools to Include

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, it may be time to invest in a quality tool kit to keep around for various tasks. And even if you’re renting, it might not be a bad idea to have supplies laying around for changing batteries, hanging wall decor, etc. Below, we’ll dive into the details to help you figure out which tools you need, as well as a few kits that make the purchasing process as simple as can be.

What Tools Do I Need In My Home Tool Kit?

When you start looking at tool kits, you’ll notice that their contents vary greatly. Because of this, it can be helpful to have a good understanding of what you need before you set out to make your purchase. Here are some of the most commonly-used at-home tools.

Tape measure — You will likely need to measure doorways and room sizes to check what type of furniture will fit in your home. Tape measures can also be helpful when hanging wall decor that needs to be evenly spaced, hanging curtains and blinds, changing interior and exterior doors, bringing in new appliances, and more.
Screwdriver with various bits — Instead of having several screwdrivers laying around, try one tool with a full set of bits. It’s not just Phillips and straight heads you need to worry about, either. Did you know there are many differently-shaped Phillips screws, and using the wrong one can strip them in their place, making them extremely difficult to remove?
Hammer — Hammers will come in handy for demolition, picture hanging, and so much more.
Level — Levels make wall hanging perfection a breeze. There will be no more asking your partner, “is this straight?” just to disagree with their opinion when it’s all said and done.
Pliers — These are handy for removing small items that get stuck in small places, You may also need pliers for repairing items that break around the house. The needlenose variety is the most commonly used.
Hex wrenches — Have you ever set up furniture that comes with a hexagon-shaped tool? If you have a whole set of these little things in your tool kit, you won’t have to worry about saving every one that comes with your household goods.
Adjustable wrench — Adjustable wrenches are for twisting and turning tight pipes, lids, nuts, and more. And they save you from having a full collection of differently-sized wrenches in your kitchen drawer.
Utility knife — You may need a knife for opening packages, cleaning out old caulking, etc. And it’s nice to not use the same one that you use for your food.

You may need more than this, depending on whether you like to DIY solutions or leave them to the pros. But if more involved scenarios, you’ll likely need to purchase a few extra supplies that are project specific. Some necessary products for bigger projects may include caulk, tile and other flooring material cutters, sandpaper, drywall spatulas for patching, and more.

In these instances, it’s best to make a step-by-step list of necessary tools and products. And don’t forget to check your local tool library if it’s an item you’ll only use once or twice!

The Best Tool Kits to Purchase Today

Cartman 148-Piece Tool Set — This kit has everything mentioned above and more, and it’s all sold together at a nice, affordable price point.

Hyper Tough 11-Piece Home Repair Kit — This set is smaller than most, making it ideal for renters.

Black + Decker Cordless Project Kit — This large set comes with a cordless drill for easy wall hangings and furniture assembly, and everything fits into a compact bag.

Kobalt 267-Piece Household Tool Set — This large kit is a great start for the homeowner/DIYer.

(pssst consider buying these from your local hardware store to also promote local business!)

Which tool set will work best for you? And did you know such a variety was needed, even if you’re not into doing things yourself? We hope this article has helped you find the best kit, and best of luck on your updating, repairing, and decorating adventures! Feel free to get in touch for more home revamping tips!

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