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Best Tools for Home DIY: 7 I’d Buy First If I Had to Start Over
Best Tools for Home DIY: 7 I’d Buy First If I Had to Start Over
A real-world starter kit for serious DIYers and first-time homeowners. If I had to start over with nothing, these are the Best Tools for Home DIY I’d buy first. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or weekend builder, this list gives you a real-world foundation.
Why These Are the Best Tools for Home DIY
1. Cordless Drill/Driver
If I could only buy one power tool, it’d be this. A good cordless drill handles furniture assembly, wood builds, drywall anchors, you name it. It’s your workhorse.
Pro Tip: Get a kit with two batteries — one’s always dead when you need it most.
👉 View My Favorite Drill Under $150
2. 25-Foot Tape Measure
You’ll reach for this more than you think. Measuring a wall, spacing a shelf, cutting a board — it’s nonstop.
Pro Tip: Go with a wide blade and at least a 10’ standout. Magnetic tip = bonus.
3. 16-Ounce Hammer
Framing, demo, stubborn nails — a classic hammer is still a must. Nothing beats one-piece forged steel for durability and feel.
Pro Tip: Wooden handles look cool but loosen over time. Forged steel stays true.
👉 Check Out My Favorite Hammer
4. Utility Knife
A utility knife isn’t just for cutting boxes — it scores drywall, trims vinyl, scrapes paint, and slices through just about anything.
Pro Tip: Keep spare blades nearby. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one.
👉 Best Utility Knife I’ve Used
5. Speed Square
If you’re cutting wood, framing, or even just marking layouts — you need a speed square. It’s your guide for straight, accurate cuts.
Pro Tip: Combine it with a circular saw and you’ve got a mini miter station.
6. 24-Inch Level
From shelves to picture frames to decks — if it’s not level, it looks bad. A 24” level is the perfect mid-size for most jobs.
Pro Tip: Cheap levels warp. Get aluminum or composite for accuracy that lasts.
7. Adjustable Wrench
Every home should have at least one. Whether you’re fixing a leaky pipe or adjusting a bolt, an adjustable wrench saves the day.
Pro Tip: If the jaws are loose or sloppy — skip it. Precision matters here.
Wrap-Up: Building Your Best Tools for Home DIY Kit the Right Way
If you’re starting fresh, or helping someone else build their first kit, these 7 tools cover 80% of the jobs you’ll run into. These really are the best starter tools for DIY — versatile, durable, and ready to help you tackle most home projects.
Here’s a post that’s been helping a lot of DIYers: a breakdown of drill vs impact driver you’ll actually use.
Want to see the full gear lineup, including pro upgrades and specialty tools?
👉 Check out Tools We Recommend »
Looking for your next weekend win? This list of DIY Projects for a Drill or Impact Driver is full of simple ideas that pay off.
