We get a lot of questions about what tools people should own, and those questions always ramp up around Father’s Day. Whether that’s predictable or not, the right tools depend on the projects you tackle, your budget, and how much space you can dedicate to a collection. Also worth noting: Sherry uses every tool I do, so many of these picks make great gifts for moms too—though maybe not if she already asked for breakfast in bed and you brought her a router instead.
Rather than dodge a single comprehensive list, I reviewed the tools we’ve accumulated over the years and pulled together what I think are solid basics and a few often-overlooked items that come in handy more than you might expect. Some entries are obvious—yes, a hammer—but others are small tools or accessories that make many tasks easier. Whether you’re just starting a toolbox or filling gaps in someone else’s, this list is a practical place to start.
The collection below is organized into four groups to make navigation easier:
- Power Tools
- Basic Manual Tools
- Tools for Measuring, Leveling, & More
- Things To Have Around Your Workspace
These selections are meant to cover common home maintenance and general building projects. I intentionally left out specialty tools for tasks like painting, tiling, or drywall to keep the list approachable. We accumulated these tools over several years, so don’t feel like you must buy everything at once. Purchasing tools as needs arise often leads to better choices and spreads out the cost.
Power Tools
I used to be intimidated by power tools—especially saws—but having the right ones makes many projects faster and more accurate. If you can’t get every tool, prioritize the drill/driver and a saw that fits the projects you’ll do most.
- Power Drill/Driver: The most used tool in our shop—essential for building furniture, hanging items, and everyday fixes.
- Drill/Driver Bit Set: A compact kit with a variety of bits, including masonry bits, is incredibly useful.
- Hammer Drill: For tougher jobs that require more torque or drilling into brick, stone, or concrete.
- Nail Gun: A battery-powered nail gun speeds up trim work and small building projects.
- Miter Saw: A sliding miter saw is versatile for cutting trim and wider boards; it’s my most-used saw.
- Table Saw: Helpful for ripping stock to narrower widths when working on flooring or cabinetry.
- Circular Saw: Great for cutting large sheets like plywood when a table saw isn’t practical.
- Multi-tool (rotary): Handy for tight spots and precision cuts, especially with metal-cutting blades.
- Jig Saw: Useful for cutting curves or holes in the middle of a panel.
- Palm Sander: Speeds up smoothing and prepping surfaces for finish or paint; pointed-tip pads help reach corners.
Basic Manual Tools
These affordable hand tools form the backbone of any toolbox. You can buy many as a kit, but I’ve highlighted a few extras that are particularly handy around the house.
- Large Hammer: A reliable, comfortable hammer for most demolition and driving tasks.
- Small Hammer: Lightweight and handy for quick jobs like hanging picture frames.
- Rubber Mallet: Gentle tapping without marring wood or leaving dents.
- Nail Punch: For setting nail heads flush in trim and finish work.
- Screwdriver Set: A basic set is indispensable—keep one in the shed and one inside the house.
- Hex Key (Allen) Set: Keeps you from saving every random Allen wrench that comes with furniture.
- Adjustable Pliers: V-groove or channel-lock style pliers provide a strong grip for plumbing and general use.
- Pry Bar: Essential for removing trim or stubborn nails.
- Needle-Nose Pliers: Great for getting into tight spots or handling small parts.
- Metal Snips: Cuts thin metal, helpful for ductwork, wire, and small metal projects.
- Ratchet & Socket Set: Makes tightening and loosening bolts much faster than wrenches alone.
- Adjustable Wrenches: Light, compact wrenches are handy in confined spaces.
Tools For Measuring, Leveling, & More
These tools don’t get the spotlight but repeatedly save time and prevent mistakes. Good measuring and leveling tools are worth investing in.
- Metal Yardstick: A durable straight edge for marking and measuring.
- Tape Measure: Comfortable, accurate, and useful in multiple sizes; a smaller one is handy to keep in the car.
- Rafter Square: Helpful for squaring up stock and marking 45-degree cuts.
- 24″ Level: A solid general-purpose level for most household needs.
- 9″ Magnetic Level: Small and perfect for leveling art or tighter spaces.
- Laser Level: Especially useful for aligning picture collages, curtain rods, and shelving quickly and precisely.
- Utility Knife: A reliable utility knife is essential for cutting drywall, trimming materials, and opening boxes.
- 5-in-1 Hand Saw: If starting fresh, a multifunction hand saw covers many basic cutting needs.
- Sanding Blocks: Useful for smoothing rough cuts and prepping surfaces.
- Caulk Gun: A sturdy caulk gun makes sealing and finishing work cleaner and easier.
- Chalk Line: Handy for marking long straight lines on large sheets or floors.
- Trigger Clamps: Fast and reliable clamps to hold work steady.
- Handi-Clamps: Smaller clamps that are quick to use and very convenient.
Things To Have Around Your Workspace
A few more supplies and organizational items make working safer, cleaner, and more efficient—especially if you have a workshop, shed, or garage corner designated for projects.
- Safety Goggles: Protect your eyes whenever you use power tools or scrape materials.
- Dust Masks: Useful for sanding, cutting, or dusty demolition work.
- Saw Horses: Portable supports that create a stable cutting surface or mobile workbench.
- Pegboard or Wall Organizer: Keeps frequently used tools visible and within reach.
- Small Parts Organizers: Portable bins for screws, nails, and other fasteners to prevent chaos.
- Hand Vacuum: A quick way to tidy up dust and debris between projects.
- Portable Tool Organizer (Bucket Jockey): Easier to access tools than digging to the bottom of a bag.
- Work Lights: Extra light makes precise work easier and safer.
- Wet/Dry Vacuum: Great for big cleanup jobs and workshop maintenance.
- Dust Pan Set: Simple but effective for keeping a workspace tidy.
If you’d like, I can follow up with specialized tool lists for projects like tiling, drywall, or painting. For now, start with the essentials that match the jobs you expect to do and add tools as your needs grow—one thoughtful purchase at a time.
*This post originally included links to specific products; the recommendations above describe categories and types rather than brand-specific purchases.