Tips & Advice Crafts & DIY Β· Home & Garden

Must-Have Tools for DIYers

For Whom/What:

First time home buyer

Budget:

Willing to invest for quality tools

Requirements:

general purpose

not too complicated to use

easily overlooked essentials

Extra Details:

What are some essential tools every homeowner should own? I'm moving into a fully furnished home (all the appliances and electrical stuff) but no furniture. I foresee that I'll need to install some furniture, and wall decor (clocks, paintings and such). The house doesn't need any major renovations, so nothing too heavy-duty or specific.

mr_volpix
11 months ago

That’s exciting! Since you're moving into a fully furnished home with no furniture yet, you'll mostly need basic tools for assembling furniture and hanging decor. You don’t need anything heavy-duty, but a well-rounded toolkit will save you time and frustration.

Essential Tools Every Homeowner Should Have (For Your Needs)

πŸ›  Furniture Assembly & Basic Repairs

βœ” Cordless Drill & Bits – For faster furniture assembly and drilling holes for wall decor. (DeWalt, Bosch, or Makita are great choices!)

βœ” Allen Wrench Set (Hex Keys) – Most IKEA and flat-pack furniture use these.

βœ” Screwdriver Set (Phillips & Flathead) – Manual for precision, electric for speed.

βœ” Rubber Mallet – Useful for gently tapping furniture pieces into place without damage.

βœ” Utility Knife – For opening moving boxes and cutting packaging.


πŸ”¨ Hanging Wall Decor (Clocks, Paintings, Mirrors)

βœ” Level (Laser or Bubble) – Ensures perfectly straight wall hangings.

βœ” Measuring Tape – Essential for spacing and layout.

βœ” Stud Finder – Helps locate studs vs. drywall for mounting heavier items.

βœ” Picture Hanging Kit – Includes hooks, nails, and wire.

βœ” Command Strips – For damage-free hanging (great for lighter frames!).


⚑ Quick Fixes & Home Maintenance

βœ” Adjustable Wrench – For tightening plumbing fixtures and bolts.

βœ” Pliers Set – Needle-nose for precision, slip-joint for general use.

βœ” Flashlight or Headlamp – Handy for checking dark corners or breaker panels.

βœ” Duct Tape & Super Glue – For quick fixes.

βœ” WD-40 – Stops squeaky doors and loosens stuck bolts.


πŸ”§ Miscellaneous Must-Haves

βœ” Ladder or Step Stool – A 4-6 ft ladder is perfect for most homes.

βœ” Extension Cords & Power Strips – For setting up your new furniture and electronics.

βœ” Toolbox – Keeps everything organized and in one place.


Do You Need Anything Extra?

Since you’re not dealing with renovations, you can skip heavy-duty tools like saws, pry bars, or tile cutters.

89

Here are three must-have tools for home maintenance that will make a big difference in tackling everyday repairs and DIY tasks. 

1. Cordless Drill: A versatile cordless drill is essential for everything from hanging shelves to assembling furniture and drilling pilot holes. Look for one with adjustable speed settings, a long-lasting battery, and a set of interchangeable drill bits to handle a variety of materials. It’s the workhorse of most home projects and is compact enough to store easily.

2. Multi-Bit Screwdriver: A high-quality multi-bit screwdriver set consolidates various screwdriver types and sizes into one convenient tool. It’s perfect for smaller tasks, like tightening screws on cabinet doors or assembling appliances, without having to search for the right screwdriver. Some models also come with ratcheting capabilities for easier use.

3. Stud Finder: For safely hanging heavy items like mirrors, shelves, or TVs, a stud finder is a lifesaver. It helps locate studs behind drywall, so you know exactly where to drill without damaging walls or risking an unstable mounting. Many modern stud finders also detect live wires, which adds an extra level of safety. If you get something that doubles as a line laser, it's even better. 

These tools are versatile, easy to use, and cover the basics of most home maintenance needs, making them must-haves for any well-equipped toolbox.

20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Brand: Dewalt
Ratcheting Screwdriver Set: 56-Piece Magnetic Multi Bits Tool Kit with Case
Brand: Ironcube
Line Laser, Auto-Leveling with Stud Finder
Brand: Black + Decker
357