What Are The Top 21 Must-Have Tools For A New Homeowner?

So you bought a new house recently and already there is a project waiting for you. In this article, we will look at what are the top 21 must-have tools for a new homeowner. Let’s start with the simple and less expensive and make our way to the more complex and slightly more expensive tools. 

1. Duct Tape.

I know what you are thinking, “Duct Tape! That isn’t a tool.” It may not be what is typically considered a tool, but it is something you definitely want to have around the house. Duct tape is a multipurpose tool used for many purposes like sealing, packing boxes, holding that broken saw handles together, and hanging things on the wall.  Unlike many other types of tape, duct tape can easily be evenly torn by hand. It is very tacky and adheres well to many surfaces. You will never regret having several roles of this sitting on the shelf in the garage. 

 2. Heavy-duty work gloves.

Did you know that hand injuries send millions of us to the ER every year?  A good pair of all-around work gloves will not only protect your hands from getting nicked by that protruding nailhead but also improve your grip. Just ask those ER doctors and nurses how many times a patient indicated their injury resulted from something slipping out of their hand, and you will not hesitate to wear gloves. A good all-around glove is perfect for most jobs around the house. 

3. A good multi-tool.

For years I have carried a multi-tool. Many of the jobs I have had over the years were of the type where having a multi-tool nearby was expedient. Whether it was pulling a broken nail from the soul of my boot or tightening a loose screw on a doorframe, a multi-tool is a great and frequently used resource. Many of them have 10 or more tools on them. However, the go-to multi-tool for me has been the original Leatherman. This is one rugged tool and is guaranteed for 25 years.

4. Flashlight.

Is a flashlight really a must-tool? Well, let me think about it. Yes! Have you ever tried to find that screw you dropped onto the garage floor and it took off like a rocket only to end up three feet away from you under the workbench? Without additional lightening, finding such an object is nearly impossible. And, again, a flashlight is something I carry with me almost everywhere I go (Click here for a flashlight designed to fit in your jean pocket. And for a powerful, rechargeable flashlight that your neighbors might think is a freight train heading their way, click here.)

5. Work Light.

And speaking of lights. There are going to be those projects, like moving boxes into the attic, where plenty of light is needed. In this instance, a flashlight just will not suffice. Having a good, study, and portable light source will prove worth the purchase price. Even when painting an interior room, having additional lighting will draw out those areas where touch-up is needed. Again, a good work light will be used over and over. 

6. Hammer

I assume you probably already own a hammer. If not, do not delay and go purchase one today. For most, a 16-ounce Claw hammer is a great overall choice. It is fairly light and many of them will have a rubber grip to help you hold onto it. 

7. Screwdriver set. 

If you are like most homeowners, you probably will have more than one set of screwdrivers. And that is a good thing. As every homeowner and mechanic knows, this is the type of tool which is easily lost or misplaced. I can’t tell you how many times I have left a screwdriver out in the lawn – after repairing the lawnmower – and found it the next time I mowed. Not a pretty sound! Anyway, having multiple screwdrivers is a must. Purchase a variety of types (i.e., Phillips, standard, etc) and simply look for those which are heat-treated and have a cushioned handle. There are many from which to choose. Or ask uncle Henry. He will tell you which is best. 

8. Tape measure.

Perhaps I should have started with this one. Having a tape measure is vital to any do-it-yourself project. Do yourself a favor and avoid those with thin tape. When you can’t extend the tape over a couple of feet in length without it buckling, it doesn’t do you much good. Another type of tape measure to consider is the laser tape measure. They are extremely accurate, easy to use, and fast. They are also more expensive. 

9. Cordless Drill/Driver

A cordless drill is a must-have tool, whether you are building a bookcase, installing a light fixture, or mixing a 5-gallon bucket of paint (a really cool hack). It might even be the most important tool in your toolbox.

In the past, cordless drills were not much to talk about. They lacked power, they were heavy, and they didn’t last very long. Not so today. Thanks to improved battery technology, cordless drills are more powerful, lighter, and more energy-efficient. 

I recommend you also stick with the same brand when considering battery-powered tools. Why? The batteries are interchangeable. Having differing brands of powered tools usually means you must have additional batteries, chargers, etc. And don’t forget about the additional space which is needed to house these tools. 

Consider purchasing a kit like those made by DeWalt, Bosch, Ryobi, etc. They are usually the best value for your dollar. 

10. Utility Knife.

Even though I usually carry a pocket knife on my person (yes, I often carry both a pocket knife and a flashlight. I don’t carry an American Express card), I have several utility knives in my toolbox. I even have one in my catch-all drawer in the kitchen. The nice thing about a utility knife is the blade is sharp, the size is compact, and it’s easy to use, too. If you do any drywall repair, then you will definitely need to have a utility knife on hand. Often I will use my utility knife to trim objects like cardboard rather than my pocket knife. It is easier to replace a utility knife blade than to sharpen my knife blade. 

11. Pliers.

Leverage! Yep, that is what pliers give you. Pliers come in many shapes and sizes. I recommend that you have a standard plier (also called a Slip Joint plier), a Channel-lock or Tongue & Groove plier, and a Needle Nose plier. You will use these tools over and over. Whether it’s a nut on a toilet seat bolt that needs loosening or a mower blade that needs removing, a good set of pliers is often the tool of choice. 

12. Toolbox

You will quickly see, once you begin amassing tools for home repair, that you need a place to store them. There are a variety of solutions like building shelves, using peg-board, etc. But the most simple would be to purchase a quality toolbox. I am not a fan of most plastic toolboxes although there are a few good ones. I prefer the metal or steel toolbox as they last longer and provide some of the other important features like portability and drawers. 

13. Handsaw

For most jobs around the house, having at least two different types of saws is beneficial. First, you will want a crosscut saw. The crosscut saw can be used for a variety of cuts like making rough cuts of wood, trimming branches, or cutting 2x4s. 

The other saw you will want to have is a hack saw. The hack will cut materials like metal and hard plastic (PVC). The hack saw is an essential tool for the DIY’er. 

14. Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows are used for a variety of tasks. When you need to move rock from the back of your truck to the point in the backyard farthest away – where the best place for a garden is, says your wife – you will appreciate having a wheelbarrow. And, again, avoid plastic ones. They may be cheaper but you will eventually purchase another one as they simply will not last. 

15. Ladder

Having the right ladder around the house brings almost everything you might need to do within reach. Personally, I have three different types of ladders including a 6’ step ladder, a 24’ extension ladder, and a telescoping ladder. If I were starting anew, I would begin with the purchase of an excellent telescoping ladder.  It will cover most of your around-the-house needs. Purchasing an extension ladder to reach greater heights may be in order eventually but you won’t regret purchasing a telescoping ladder.

16. Stud Finder

Ok, ok, go ahead and make the jokes about setting off all the stud finders as you shop the big box store. I can see my wife rolling her eyes. But if you ever have to anchor something into a stud like a tv mount, having a stud finder will come in handy. They are easy to use and relatively cheap. 

17. Ratcheting Wrench and Socket Set

Find yourself a good ratchet wrench and socket set and buy it as soon as possible. This is another tool or tool set you will use frequently. Go with a brand name like Craftsman or Dewalt. 

18. Workbench or space

You are going to need a surface area to work on. A workbench can be bought or you can build your own.  There are plans for the simple and the complex bench. You could even go visit the local second-hand store and find something there. It all depends on your preferences and available space. My bench was initially designed for newspaper carriers of the Palm Beach Post newspaper. Its surface area is about 32”x60” and gives plenty of work area. I got it for free. Can’t beat that!

19. Pressure Washer

I love having a pressure washer. You will too! Why? Because of what can be done with it. Of course, having a pressure washer makes washing your can a breeze. Personally, I would rather wash my vehicle in my own driveway than take it to a carwash where I have to spend $15 or more dollars to get the same kind of result I can get at home.

Plus, there are many other uses for a pressure washer. Going to paint the exterior of the shed or house? Clean it with a pressure washer. Driveway looking dingy? Pressure washer. Bagworms invaded your Willow tree? Pressure washer. Although an expensive purchase – most of the good ones start at $300 or more – it is a tool that will serve you well for years. 

20. Compressor

This might be the first “tool” I would purchase if I were a new homeowner. Here again, versatility is the word. They make many jobs much easier. Of course, you have to own the related accessories like an impact gun (if you work on your vehicle, for instance) or an inflation accessory kit (to air up your tires), but you will be the envy of your neighbor when he hears that impact gun being used. 

As for which one to purchase, I have been pleased with my Bostitch brand. If you think you might use a nailer, brad nailer, or stapler (which I do), then purchasing the combo kit might be the best value.

21. Spare refrigerator

Ok, this is not really a tool but a nice-to-have appliance for the garage or shed. And you don’t have to have a full-size appliance. In fact, I would encourage you to donate that to an organization like Habitat For Humanity’s ReStore where they will use it to help families in need. Instead, get one of those dorm-size refrigerators. Having a chilled beer or soda pop nearby after mowing the lawn on a hot summer day is one of life’s simple-but-satisfying experiences. 

There are a variety of tools a new homeowner will need. I hope this list will help give guidance on what to purchase first. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me. Thanks and best of luck on your new homeowner adventure.