There’s a wrench to fit every home-improvement nut. It’s an old joke, but true enough. Tools, sadly, are pricey if you’re after quality. Most contractors I know build up their tool collection over a period of years. They pack their trucks with the essential items, and carry indispensable tools in their belt.  As the adage goes, you need the tool the matches the job.

If you’re just putting together your tool set, look for used tools online or sales at home improvement stores. The exact tools you need vary by the jobs you intend to perform on your own. If you get in over your head, you can do more damage than it costs to call in a professional.

Essential Tools for Home Repair or Renovation

Experts at Popular Mechanics say a sledgehammer is the most-important tool, followed by a center punch, putty knife, adjustable wrench, socket wrench set, metal file, combination square, and combination wrench. I think you might survive without the sledgehammer if you’re doing home repair work on your own.

You can find this initial group of tools reasonably priced and put them together in short order. The power tools, of course, cost more and require stands, power cords and supply, and workshop space. Some of us are lucky enough to inherit tools from our parents or relatives, or have them around for myriad quick fixes around the house.

The second tier of tools, says Popular Mechanics, consists of a bow saw, jigsaw, coping saw, side-cutting pliers, crosscut saw, snips, roundhouse shovel, needle-nose pliers, and a cordless drill. The trio of indispensable tools for plumbing repairs include a pipe wrench, pliers of all sizes and adjustable models, and an adjustable and crescent wrench.

Squaring Away Your Repair Tools

Organizing your repair tools so they are there when you need them can be a project unto itself.  If you plan on doing work off property, you might want a toolbox for your truck.  In the garage, you can thrive with a well organized peg boards and hooks, shelves, and storage cabinets. Put each family of tools together in their own shelf, slot, or see-through plastic container.

While you’re building up your toolbox, consider whether you have duplicates and which tools are in need of oiling, repair, or replacements.  Relying on someone else for your tools can be tricky. Many home carpenters and fix-it enthusiasts are protective of their tools.

During repairs, you may want to strap on a tool belt with the leather pouches arranged intuitively with nails, hammer, screwdrivers, bolts, tape, and measuring tape in easy reach.

I’m not great with tools. I’m awkward with a hammer, I can never get the pliers to stay in the right setting, and ask me to use the cordless drill without supervision – well, I’m hopeless.

But the more home improvement projects I work on, the more I realize how important it is to have an arsenal of quality tools on hand.  If you have a home that you plan on doing lots of updated on, having the right tools is even more important.  So, here are some tools I’m learning I can’t live without, and some recommendations on how you can round out your own DIY tool box:

Stud Finder - I think I’ve mentioned this one before, but I really really love stud finders. They make hanging pictures, shelves, and whatever so much easier. All you have to do is drag the flat tool across the wall until it beeps, that’s where your stud is.

I’m sad to have just found out that the house I just moved in to, a house from the early 1900’s, is not stud finder friendly. It’s an older lath and plaster constructed home, which according to my smart builder friends, won’t allow you to use a stud finder. Total bummer!

Staple Gun – Just got my first staple gun, and it’s already coming to good use.  I reupholstered a small stool I salvaged from the thrift store with a great new fabric. It also comes in handy for lots of other little jobs around the house.

Cordless Drill -  Whether you are framing a wall, building furniture, or, like I once used it for, creating drainage holes in the bottom of some pots, you’re going to be so happy to have a cordless drill. You have to make sure you have one battery charging while you are using the other, but the convenience of this tool is unparalleled.
Along with the drill, I also recommend getting a good set of bits for your drill, that way you’ll be set for any project that comes you way.

A Great Pair of Gloves –Don’t be afraid to spend a few more dollars the next time you’re at a hardware store to outfit yourself with some quality hand protection. A good pair of gloves will help you through gardening, demolition, framing, and just about any other house project you can think of.

Some other tools you might want to consider are torpedo levels for projects involving leveling awkward small spaces (plus this small level will fit in your pocket), a jig saw, a ratcheting screwdriver, and you’d be surprised how often you might need a rubber mallet.

Another smart option for investing in more expensive tools is to consider buying reconditioned tools. The team over at OneProject Closer .com has done a good job of putting together links to many different tool companies that provide this option. Often refurbished tools are just as good as brand new ones, they just have a lower price.

And, as I mentioned in an older post about renting tools, you may be lucky enough to live near a tool library where you can rent tools for free. Or at least a Home Depot where you can pay to rent tools.

With all the right home improvement tools, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way this spring during your remodeling adventures.