Must-Have Tools for the Do-it-Yourself Handyman

As a do it yourself person I like to take on most home repair jobs. But in order to properly complete a job, you need to have the correct tools. Here is a list of tools that I find essential. I have all these tools separated on separate pegboards and shelves in my garage. Separating the tools by category helps me quickly find the right tool for the job at hand. I also keep one or two inexpensive plastic tool boxes handy to place tools into. This makes it easier to quickly transfer the tools to the area I need them. Another great idea is to trace the tool onto the pegboard. This way when the job is done, you will know if you are missing any tools.

Measuring and marking

25-ft. tape measure

Combination square

Carpenter's level

String level

Chalk Line

Awl

Steel framing square

Plumb bob

Flat pencil

Cutting and shaping

Utility knife

Crosscut saw

Jig saw
Tin snips

Hand rip saw

Coping saw

Block plane

Sandpaper

Flat file

Putty knife / taping knife

Caulking gun

Wire brush

Sharpening stone and oil

Set of wood chisels

Set of Stone chisels

Wider taping knives

Fastening

Set of Standard and Phillips Screwdrivers

6 inch long nose pliers

5 inch and 8 inch adjustable wrenches

Allen wrench set (metric and standard)

Socket wrench set (metric and standard)

Clamps (multiple varieties) - you can never have enough clamps

Groove-joint pliers

Diagonal-cutting pliers

Electric drill

Locking pliers

Staple gun

Open-end and box wrenches (metric and standard)

Hammering and prying

16-oz- curved-claw hammer

Rubber mallet

Nail punch sets

Pry bar

20oz. framing hammer

Cat's-paw Nail puller

Crowbar

Plumbing

Utility knife

Pipe Wrenches (small, medium and large)

Hacksaw

Small propane torch

Metal file

Plunger

Pipe cutter

Flux

Solder

Flint sparker striker

Teflon tape

Emory sand paper

Electrical

Wire stripper / cutter

Set of small size screwdrivers

Snake for fishing wires in walls

Digital multi meter

Power Tester

Painting

Tack cloth

5 in 1 paint tool

Paint rollers

Paint brushes

Paint pans

Drop cloths

Painters tape

Clean cloths to wipe paint spills

Power Tools

Circular saw

Sawzall

Jigsaw

Chop miter saw

Cordless drill

Router

Planer

Joiner

Palm sander

Belt sander

Dremel tool

Safety

You can't overstate the importance of safety equipment.

Flashlights / Flood lighting

Eye goggles

Face Shield

Chemical gloves

Leather gloves

Rubber gloves

Latex gloves

Ear protection

Hard Hat

Respirator

Work boots

Disposable coveralls

ABC Fire extinguisher

First aid kit

List of emergency contact numbers