10 Top Tools for a Home Improvement Wish List

How-To

Having the right tools in your toolbox can potentially make or break a home improvement project.

There’s always a right tool for the right job, and these 10 tools are ones to prioritize adding to your toolbox, according to our pros.

Screwdriver

The number one thing that every homeowner should have in their toolbox is a manual screwdriver. From simple tasks like tightening loose cabinet screws to more advanced DIY projects, screwdrivers will 100% come in handy.

In fact, it can help you do more than just tighten screws.

Look for one with interchangeable tips for different flat and Phillips head pieces to increase the tool’s versatility. A ratcheting screwdriver, with handle storage for the additional bits, is a premium upgrade.

Level

If you’re looking to hang shelves or mount a television, it’s critical that you purchase the right size level. Opt for a torpedo level — one that’s 6-8 inches long that you can slide into your back pocket — or for those shelves and TV mount, pick one that’s two feet.

The limitations of your space will guide you on which size to purchase. And a nice bonus: some levels come with magnets, so you can go hands-free and attach to steel and other magnetic surfaces you’re working with.

One thing to keep in mind regarding care for your level is that if you mistreat it, even by accident — i.e. you drop it — it may not be “true” anymore.

Measuring Tape

It’s important to add a tape measure to your home improvement wish list as well. For most homeowners, a 25-foot tape measure will be long enough for any home projects. Once you start looking at longer tape measures, they tend to be heavier and bulkier.

Claw Hammer

Keeping a claw hammer on hand is another must, as the hooked end makes removing nails quick and easy.

5-in-1 Tool

The 5-in-1 tool is also essential on your home improvement wish list because of its many uses. With this one tool, you can scrape, poke, check the density of wood, pop a nail or pry back interior casing.

Socket Set

Socket sets come in various sizes depending on what application you need. If you typically work with wrenches, you might be able to substitute it with a socket set, which can make the job ten times easier and significantly faster. For instance, if you’re tightening a bolt with a wrench, you have to fix the wrench head onto your bolt — then you have to physically take off the wrench, put it back on, and turn it again. But with a ratchet (that’s included as part of the socket set), when you turn it in one direction, you’re tightening the bolt. Then you can swing it back and tighten it again without having to completely remove it from what you’re trying to tighten.

Pry Bar

A pry bar comes in different sizes. if you live in an apartment, a tiny, 7-inch pry bar is probably best for you. Larger pry bars (or “breaker bars”) are best when you’re demoing heavy duty renovations and are in need of more leverage.

Telescopic Ladder and/or Small Step Ladder or Step Stool

There are inaccessible areas in your apartment or home that you need to find elevation to reach. It’s natural to wheel over a desk chair or balance on a barstool, but those are not designed to stand on top of and they can be dangerous.

Step stools are a great option, but they can take up a lot of space, especially in a small apartment. Telescopic ladders, however, can be stored in a closet, underneath your bed or even behind it. The only disadvantage of these types of ladders is that you need to lean them on something in order to properly use them.

Cordless Combo Kit

Combo kits are a great option for any DIYer’s home improvement wish list. They can range in size but typically come with three or four essential items. Many kits will often go on sale just in time for the holidays, making them a more affordable option.

Typically kits come with a drill, impact driver, batteries, and charger. For DIYers who utilize tools regularly, you can purchase additional tools separately or find a kit that contains more tools, which could include the following:

Palm sander
Work light
Grinder
Wet/Dry vacuum
Blower
Radio
Reciprocating saw
Circular saw
Oscillating Saw
Jig saw

There are pros and cons to both corded and cordless power tools. The biggest drawback to corded tools is not having the full mobility and flexibility to work anywhere. However, because they are constantly plugged in, corded power tools offer the ability to work consistently without worrying about the battery pack dying. On the other hand, cordless tools are more convenient because they eliminate the need to find outlets near to your work area and/or run long extension cords. To help offset the potential issue of not having a charged battery pack, always have at least two batteries on hand. This way, you’re able to use one and charge the other at the same time. Keep in mind that power tools manufactured by the same brand have interchangeable batteries.