Basic Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Home

If you aren't very tool savvy, but find yourself needing some now and again for household projects, look no further. If you have this short and relatively cheap list of tools, you will be well in the clear.

Hammer. Ah yes, the hammer. This great all-around tool is capable of much more than just pounding nails into wood. Yes, the hammer can bash, dent, move, reshape, tap, smash, slam, and everything in between. The hammer is a must have; don't skip it.

Socket set. The only thing to remember about a cheap household socket set is to get both Metric and SAE size sockets, because stripping the heads off of bolts is simply no fun.

Tape measure. Before one does almost any project, one must measure something. Get a cheap 12 foot tape and call it a day. If you plan on carpeting a room or something big like that, spring for the 30 footer. Tape measures are invaluable.

Screwdrivers. I recommend having at least two sizes of Phillips drivers, and two sizes of flat bade screwdrivers. For the occasional user, you can probably get away with one of each, but they are cheap. Do it right.

End-wrench set. Those are the wrenches that look like Pac-Man on one end, and round on the other. As with the socket set, I recommend having a few Metric and a few SAE sizes around, because although the difference is sometimes slight, it is there, and can be annoying sometimes.

Crescent wrench. This can take the place of the end-wrench set, but I do not recommend that. The crescent wrench is simply so that you can loosen or tighten nuts that your end-wrench set cannot. However, they are good all-around tools. I recommend at least an 8 inch, and 10 inch models can tackle just about everything.

Utility knife. These can be found for a couple of dollars almost anywhere. They come with extra blades already in the handle, and are retractable for safety. They also save the good kitchen knives from being used on the interior of that classic car...

Pliers. I wouldn't get the cheapest pair I could find, but you shouldn't spend more than ten dollars on a pair that will safely last for years. Like the hammer, there are a thousand ways to misuse these and get jobs done. Very important little addition to the tool box.

Power drill. While this is probably the most expensive item on my list of tools, it is almost impossible to get anything done without one. Many models even come with a bit set, so you cannot go wrong. Wait until you see a sale on one, and pick it up. Oh, and don't forget an extension cord. For some reason, drill manufacturers think every project is within three feet of an outlet.