A Basic home maintenance and fixit toolkit

 There are videos and posts everywhere that want to tell you about things you should have in "beginner" toolkits for woodworking,  automotive, and other career and hobby specialties.

But if you own a home or intend to be helpful to someone else around their home, then tool considerations shouldn't be so limited.  Also, houses don't give a good goddamn about what experience level you might be.  These are things that need to be done and you'll need to figure it out.

Now, if you didn't grow up getting "Hey you'd" into helping with house repair projects by a relative, you can look for a home repair book by "This Old House", or even some tool companies (I like the Black and Decker home repair series) to get an idea on how to go about these things.

But, I digress...  Here is the list:

A tape measure that has BOTH imperial and metric markings or one of each.  (Nowadays,  so many things are made overseas and are made using metric measurements. You need both)

A cordless ½" drill.  You will want at least 3 sets of drill bits.  A set of standard bits for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic, etc (up to ½" bit). A set of brad point bits. These will aid you in drilling into drywall, wood, plastic, as you mount and hang various items on walls, ceilings, etc...   Nowadays, people tend to want boring bits (as in, boring holes, not uninteresting) over spade bits.  Both do generally the same thing but both have their unique uses.  I'd get both, but if you can only afford one, get the boring bits.

You WILL want a full set of good screwdrivers.  You will ALSO want at least a 4V powered screwdriver.  So many people want to use a drill with screwdriver bits but then proceed to overtighten and tear up the workpiece because they can't handle it properly.   The 4V powered screwdriver will save you from yourself.

Then yes, you will want an impact driver.  They usually can be bought as a combo with a drill.  

I'm on the fence about an impact wrench.  On one hand, if you're not very ambitious,  you likely not use it.  However,  if you have any ambition at all working on your house, you will definitely use it. IF you get one, a mid torque model will generally get around the house tasks done fine.  A high torque model may be useful but probably overkill for most folks.

Keep in mind, around the house, you're dealing with glass, concrete, wood, pvc, and "almost wood" materials.  You will need at least a 7¼ circular saw.  You probably won't need a tablesaw though unless you get into building things instead of just maintaining and fixing them.

You probably won't use a jigsaw nearly as much as they like to make people think.  BUT, I think of a jigsaw as one of those "better to have it and not need it" tools.

You will get good use out of a "one handed" reciprocating saw though. Again, unless you're doing demolition or getting into building stuff, a full blown recip saw is probably overkill.

NEVER buy wrenches one at a time.  Always buy them in pairs.  Why?  Because often you need one wrench on each side to turn a bolt.  Or if you're an ADHD pro like me, you WILL put one down and immediately lose it, never to be found again.  (Or 10 years later and rusted)

Please let us stop trying to do home repair stuff with CA glue.  You're house is not a wannabe YouTube channel.  Get some actual wood glue.  You will need,  eventually,  both interior and exterior  wood glues.  Do NOT Use Elmer's brand glue, you're not in kindergarten anymore.

You WILL need some 2 part epoxy.  Usually looks like a 2 tube syringe.  Squirt some on a paper plate, mix it up, nearly pass out from vapors, then apply to items that need to be glued together permanently.  Open all the windows,  children may pass out immediately entering the house. Spouse WILL complain vehemently. 

Yes, you need a hammer. 16 oz gets most done. You will also want a rubber mallet.

You will want a utility knife. Also, a good hand saw.  You will also want a hand plane, a decent wood chisel set.  Then you will also probably want an orbital sander.

If I may suggest, get at least a 6 piece plier set that includes wire cutters.  Make sure big and small needle nose and a slip wrench is included.

A decent assortment of putty knives will be invaluable. You will NEVER regret having a good oscillating multi-tool. 

In future posts, I'll discuss each item to cover various uses around the house, some does and don'ts,  even some why's and why nots.