Must-Have Tools for Home Improvement Projects

Do you have home repair projects to tackle or are you a DIY enthusiast who likes to tinker with things around the house? Whether you're fixing what's broken or creating something new, having the right tools is essential—but how do you know if your current collection has everything you need?

Home improvement projects, from quick fixes to major renovations, require proper tools to get the job done efficiently and safely. Building the right toolkit isn't just about buying everything at once—it's about understanding what you need now and what you might need as your skills and projects grow.

Ready to build or upgrade your toolkit? In this guide, we'll cover:

The essential hand tools every homeowner should have.
Safety gear to protect you during projects.
Power tools to elevate your DIY game.
Tips for organizing and maintaining your toolkit.
How to decide when to expand or upgrade your collection.

At the end of this article, you will be ready to build a toolkit that meets all your home improvement needs.

Essential tools you need

Now, before you start buying everything you see at your nearest hardware store, here’s something you should know: you don't need a huge toolbox to start fixing things around your house. These basic tools will help you tackle the most common repairs and projects you'll run into at home.

Hammer: A 16-ounce claw hammer with a comfortable grip is your best friend for driving and pulling nails. It’s perfect for hanging pictures, fixing furniture, and countless other tasks.
Screwdrivers: A set of flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers in various sizes handles everything from furniture assembly to simple repairs. You'll need screwdrivers for most home projects, from fixing loose cabinet handles to putting together furniture.
Measuring tape: A 25-foot retractable tape measure with a lock mechanism ensures precise measurements for all your projects, from hanging shelves to cutting materials. Why get one? Well, consider the fact that even a tiny error in measurement (most tape measures are 99.8% accurate) can cause problems; imagine cutting a board too short or buying a fridge that doesn't fit. Accurate measurements save you from making mistakes, wasting materials, and having to redo work.
Utility knife: This is a sharp, retractable blade that's much safer than using scissors or a kitchen knife. It can break down boxes, cut drywall, score wood, or trim carpets. Look for one with replacement blades and a solid grip; a good utility knife will last years if you take care of it.
Pliers: There are many types of pliers, but you just need two: regular pliers for gripping and twisting things like nuts and bolts, and needle-nose pliers with a long thin tip for reaching into tight spots and working with small items like wires or jewelry. Keep both in your toolbox; you'll be surprised how often you use them.

Safety gear: a must

Did you know that in 2020, over 290,000 DIYers in the US ended up in the ER from home improvement injuries—and that most of that could have been prevented with basic safety gear? That’s why before you start any project, make sure you have:

Safety glasses: There are many types of safety glasses. Go for impact-resistant glasses for most jobs, or sealed goggles when working with chemicals or lots of dust. Look for ones that you know meet safety standards, like the ones marked with "ANSI Z87.1" in the U.S. Skip the dollar store ones; your eyes are worth the extra cost!
Work gloves: There's a glove for every job, but most DIYers should start with two basic types: tough leather gloves for rough work like moving lumber or handling sharp tools, and rubber-coated gloves for better grip on smaller items. Working with chemicals? Get chemical-resistant nitrile gloves instead. The right gloves not only protect your hands but also help you work better.
Earplugs: These are necessary hearing protection when using power tools or working in noisy conditions. Choose between foam earplugs (cheap, disposable, great for dusty work) or earmuffs (more comfortable for longer jobs, easier to take on/off), depending on your comfort level. If you're using power tools often, invest in electronic earmuffs that block loud noises but let you hear normal conversation.

Speaking of using power tools, that’s exactly what we’ll talk about in the next section.

Power tools

Hand tools are great, but power tools can cut a 2-hour project down to 15 minutes—and they often do a more precise job. Whether you're building a deck or installing new cabinets, here are the power tools that will make your work faster and easier:

Cordless drill: This is likely the power tool you'll use most often. Get one with multiple speeds and a good battery life for drilling holes and driving screws. Even basic jobs like hanging shelves or assembling furniture go much faster with a drill.
Power saw: There are many types of power saws, but most DIYers start with either a circular saw or a jigsaw. Circular saws make fast, straight cuts through deck boards and plywood - perfect for big projects like building a deck. Jigsaws are better for curves, detailed cuts, and smaller projects like making custom shelves. While pros might own both (plus table saws, miter saws, and more), pick the one that matches the projects you plan to do most.
Electric sander: Ever tried smoothing wood by hand with sandpaper? It's exhausting and takes forever. An electric sander is a tool that moves sandpaper for you, but way faster and with better results. There are several types (like belt sanders that strip paint fast, or detail sanders for tight corners), but most DIYers start with an orbital sander. It moves in tiny circles, is hard to mess up, and works for most jobs from smoothing rough wood to prepping furniture for paint. Get one with a dust collection bag unless you want sawdust everywhere.

Accessories and extras

Your power tools need the right accessories to actually do their job, just like a drill is useless without drill bits! Here's what you need to get started:

Drill bits: Get a basic drill set that includes bits for wood, metal, and masonry; it will cover most projects. Make sure to get both regular drill bits for making holes and driver bits for screws. Replace them when they get dull; sharp bits make cleaner holes.
Extension cord: Get a heavy-duty cord that's at least 25 feet long and rated for outdoor use. This lets you use your tools anywhere around your home and yard. Multiple outlets at the end let you plug in several tools at once; they’re super helpful when you're switching between your drill and saw on a project.

Tips for organizing and maintaining your toolkit.

You spent good money on your tools; don’t forget to ensure you can actually find them when you need them. Here's how to keep everything organized and in good shape:

Get a proper storage system: Skip the plastic bags and kitchen drawers. A good toolbox or bag with compartments lets you sort everything properly. Look for one with a removable tray; small stuff like screws and nails go up top, bigger tools stay below. This makes everything easier to find and prevents tools from banging into each other.
Label everything: When you're in the middle of a project, you don't want to waste time digging for the right tool. Use colored tape or labels to group similar tools together (i.e. blue for measuring tools, red for cutting tools). Even label the spots where tools belong in your box, as this helps you notice if something's missing.
Keep tools clean and dry: Take a minute to wipe down your tools after using them, especially if they get wet or dirty. Remember: moisture leads to rust, and rust ruins tools. A quick clean after each use keeps them working longer.

When to upgrade or expand your toolkit

Eventually, you'll face decisions about upgrading your tools. Maybe your old hammer isn't cutting it anymore, or you're eyeing a better drill. Plus, different projects need different tools; for example, you can't tile a bathroom with just a screwdriver! Here's how to make smart choices about both:

Get tools as you need them: Starting a tile project? That's when you buy a tile cutter. About to install flooring? Time for a nail gun. Buy specialty tools when you have a specific project in mind. This way, you're not wasting money on stuff you might never use.
Consider renting instead of buying: Don't rush to buy expensive tools you'll rarely use. If possible, rent tools. Renting, say, a power washer for your yearly driveway cleaning makes more sense than dropping money on one that'll sit in your garage for long periods of time. But if you find yourself renting the same tool more than twice a year, it's probably time to buy your own.
When to spend more: Cheap tools often break when you need them most. Spend extra on tools you'll use often (like your drill or saw) or ones where breaking mid-project would be a disaster. Save money on tools like hammers and screwdrivers; they’re harder to break!

Conclusion

Now you know the must-have tools every homeowner needs. Start with the basic hand tools, since they'll handle most repairs around your house. When it's time for bigger projects, add the right power tools to your collection.

Also, keep everything organized, and your tools will be ready when you need them. Now what are you waiting for? Go build that toolkit and start your home improvement projects!