How To Put Together a Toolkit for a New Homeowner

New homeownership brings plenty of excitement — and responsibility, too. A toolkit stocked with inexpensive, hardworking basics ensures can you do whatever you need to make the home yours, like hang pictures, then tackle future maintenance tasks and repairs.

Here are your must-haves:

Toolbox or Tool Bag

Select a toolbox or tool bag with multiple sections or compartments. That ensures tools and supplies won’t get lost or buried under other items.

Hammer

Although hammers are mainly for driving and pulling nails, hammers also come in handy for assembling furniture, prying materials apart and various other uses.

Multi-Bit Screwdriver

Homeowners tighten screws all the time. Most homes feature Phillips or flat screw heads on outlets and electrical plates. A multi-bit screwdriver is an alternative to owning multiple screwdrivers.

Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is a good addition for unscrewing and tightening bolts. It can also be used to loosen or tighten plumbing fasteners.

Hex Key Set

A Hex key set comes in handy when assembling furniture or installing decorative fixtures with hexagonal sockets.

Utility Knife

Add in a folding utility knife for opening packages and breaking down boxes, or removing old caulk, built up paint and silicone.

Long Nose Pliers

Long nose pliers are perfect extracting items from tight or hard-to-reach places. Use these to remove staples and small nails from furniture, trim and boxes.

Level

A small level is useful for hanging wall art and photos. It can also come in handy when assembling furniture.

Pencil or Marker

Keep a pencil or marker in your toolkit. It’ll be handy for marking stud locations on a wall or hanging wall art.

Paint Brush

Paint touch-ups are inevitable, no matter the age of your home. Keep a small, high-quality paint brush handy.

Flashlight

A flashlight is invaluable for working in small or dark spaces. It’s good to keep a quality flashlight or two handy in case of emergency, too.

Patch and Prime Kit

Stock a patch and prime kit for lightweight spackling jobs, such as repairing nail or screw holes.

Tape

Duct tape and painters tape help make temporary fixes and complete paint touch-ups.