The starter toolbox
You don't need a workshop. These are the tools that handle most of the fixes on FixItCity, grouped by job.
Start with the everyday group and the voltage tester, then add the rest as jobs come up. Buy decent quality for anything you'll use often. A cheap screwdriver that strips screws costs more in the end.
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Everyday Do most small jobs
- Multi-bit screwdriver
One handle with Phillips, flat and square bits covers most screws in the house.
Shop for Multi-bit screwdriver (opens in a new tab) - 16 oz claw hammer
For hanging pictures, setting nails and pulling old ones.
Shop for 16 oz claw hammer (opens in a new tab) - Adjustable wrench (8 or 10 inch)
Tightens supply lines, packing nuts and bolts without a full wrench set.
Shop for Adjustable wrench (8 or 10 inch) (opens in a new tab) - Slip-joint and needle-nose pliers
Grip, bend and reach into tight spots.
Shop for Slip-joint and needle-nose pliers (opens in a new tab) - Utility knife with spare blades
Opens boxes, scores drywall, trims caulk.
Shop for Utility knife with spare blades (opens in a new tab) - Cordless drill/driver
Drives screws and drills holes. The tool you'll reach for most.
Shop for Cordless drill/driver (opens in a new tab)
Plumbing Clogs, drips and leaks
- Flange plunger
The bell-shaped kind seals in a toilet bowl; a flat cup plunger is for sinks.
Shop for Flange plunger (opens in a new tab) - Hand drain auger (snake)
Clears hair and clogs past where a plunger reaches.
Shop for Hand drain auger (snake) (opens in a new tab) - Thread seal tape
Wraps pipe threads on shower arms and fittings to stop drips.
Shop for Thread seal tape (opens in a new tab) - Bucket and old towels
Catch water before you open anything. You already have these.
Electrical safety Know the power is off
- Non-contact voltage tester
Confirms a wire or outlet is dead before you touch it. Every electrical guide here starts with one.
Shop for Non-contact voltage tester (opens in a new tab) - Plug-in outlet tester
Shows wiring faults and checks GFCI outlets with a push of a button.
Shop for Plug-in outlet tester (opens in a new tab) - Flashlight or headlamp
Panels, crawlspaces and under-sink cabinets are always dark.
Shop for Flashlight or headlamp (opens in a new tab)
Measuring and walls Measure twice, patch once
- 25 ft tape measure
For filter sizes, replacement parts and furniture that has to fit.
Shop for 25 ft tape measure (opens in a new tab) - Torpedo level
Hang shelves, pictures and doors straight.
Shop for Torpedo level (opens in a new tab) - Stud finder
Find framing before you drill or hang anything heavy.
Shop for Stud finder (opens in a new tab) - Putty knives and spackle
Fill nail holes and small dents in drywall.
Shop for Putty knives and spackle (opens in a new tab) - Caulk gun
For tub, sink and window caulk.
Shop for Caulk gun (opens in a new tab)
Safety gear Protect yourself first
- Safety glasses
Wear them for any drilling, cutting or work overhead.
Shop for Safety glasses (opens in a new tab) - Work gloves
Protect your hands from sharp edges and splinters.
Shop for Work gloves (opens in a new tab) - Dust masks or N95 respirators
For sanding and dusty work.
Shop for Dust masks or N95 respirators (opens in a new tab) - Sturdy step ladder
Reach ceilings safely. Read the label for its height and weight limits.
Shop for Sturdy step ladder (opens in a new tab)
Want to know what each tool is for in more detail? Read the basic home toolkit, then put your tools to work with our repair guides.