10 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own

You don't need a garage full of tools to handle basic home maintenance. But you do need some basics. Here's what to actually buy.

The Essential 10

1. Cordless Drill/Driver

The single most useful tool you can own.

What to get:

• 18V for most home use (see our drill buying guide)
• Combi drill if you'll drill into masonry
• Two batteries if possible

What you'll use it for:

• Driving screws (90% of use)
• Drilling holes in wood and walls
• Flat pack assembly
• Hanging things

Budget: £80-£150 for something decent

2. Screwdriver Set

For when the drill is overkill.

What to get:

• Mix of flat and Phillips heads
• Multiple sizes (PH1, PH2, PH3)
• Decent handles you can grip

What you'll use them for:

• Light switches and sockets
• Drawer handles
• Small adjustments
• Delicate work

Budget: £15-£30 for a good set

3. Hammer

Basic but essential.

What to get:

• 16oz claw hammer
• Fibreglass or wood handle (comfortable grip)
• Don't go cheap - cheap hammers break

What you'll use it for:

• Picture hooks
• Knocking in nails
• Gentle persuasion of stuck things
• Removing nails (claw end)

Budget: £15-£25

4. Tape Measure

You'll use this constantly.

What to get:

• 5m minimum, 8m even better
• Wide blade that stays rigid
• Metric (some have imperial too)
• Belt clip

What you'll use it for:

• Measuring rooms for furniture
• Cutting things to length
• Checking will-it-fit
• Everything

Budget: £5-£15

5. Spirit Level

For anything that needs to be straight.

What to get:

• 60cm (2ft) covers most jobs
• A small torpedo level too is handy
• Cheap ones are fine

What you'll use it for:

• Hanging shelves and pictures
• Checking furniture is level
• Kitchen installations
• Anything that needs to be horizontal/vertical

Budget: £10-£20

6. Adjustable Spanner

One tool, many sizes.

What to get:

• Medium size (200-250mm)
• Decent quality jaw that doesn't slip

What you'll use it for:

• Plumbing connections
• Tap repairs
• Bicycle maintenance
• Any bolt/nut you encounter

Budget: £10-£20

7. Pliers

Gripping, pulling, twisting.

What to get:

• Combination pliers (most versatile)
• Long-nose pliers too if budget allows
• Wire cutting ability

What you'll use them for:

• Pulling out nails and staples
• Gripping things you can't with fingers
• Bending and cutting wire
• A thousand small tasks

Budget: £10-£25

8. Utility Knife

Sharp blade for precise cutting.

What to get:

• Retractable blade (safety)
• Spare blades stored in handle
• Comfortable grip

What you'll use it for:

• Opening boxes
• Cutting carpet and vinyl
• Trimming things
• Scoring lines

Budget: £5-£15

9. Torch

Because things always go wrong in dark places.

What to get:

• LED (bright and efficient)
• Decent battery life
• Ideally hands-free option (headtorch)

What you'll use it for:

• Under sinks
• In lofts
• Power cuts
• Checking dark corners

Budget: £10-£30

10. Step Ladder

Safe access to height.

What to get:

• 3-4 step is enough for most homes
• Sturdy and stable
• Folds flat for storage

What you'll use it for:

• Changing light bulbs
• Reaching high shelves
• Painting ceilings
• Anything above arm height

Budget: £30-£60

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The Extended Kit (Nice to Have)

Once you've got the basics:

For Wall Fixings

• Rawlplug assortment (various colours/sizes)
• Wall anchor assortment
• Stud finder (if you have plasterboard)

For Plumbing

• Plunger (cup type)
• PTFE tape
• Spare tap washers
• Radiator bleed key

For General Repairs

• Wood filler
• All-purpose filler
• WD-40 or similar
• Strong adhesive (No More Nails type)
• Duct tape

For Precision Work

• Set square
• Craft knife
• Fine sandpaper assortment
• Masking tape

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What NOT to Buy (Yet)

Don't waste money on:

Specialist tools for one job - Hire or borrow instead

Cheap multi-tool kits - Full of rubbish you won't use

Power tools "just in case" - Buy when you need them

Duplicate tools - One good hammer beats three cheap ones

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Where to Buy

Hardware Shops

• Toolstation/Screwfix - Trade quality, good prices
• B&Q - Wider range, higher prices
• Local hardware shops - Advice, but pricier

Online

• Amazon - Wide range, check reviews carefully
• Screwfix online - Often cheaper than stores

Second-hand

• Facebook Marketplace - Can find bargains
• eBay - Good for quality used tools
• Car boots - Hit and miss

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Storage

Keep tools:

• Together (so you can find them)
• Dry (rust is the enemy)
• Accessible (not buried in the shed)

A simple toolbox or tool bag is enough for this list.

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Budget Summary

Essential 10: £150-£350 total

Extended kit: Add another £50-£100

You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with drill, screwdrivers, and hammer - you'll use those immediately.

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Rather have someone else bring the tools? That's what I'm here for. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.