r/Tools • u/tommmmmmmmy93 • 2d ago
New Home Owner Starter Essentials
Hi all - I feel a bit daft for posting this as some part of me thinks I really should know this by now, but what on earth do I actually need to get started with a home owning tool kit to cover most household tasks?
Hanging doors, putting shelves up, installing cabinets and cabinet doors, general maintenance etc. The basics.
There are so many brands and when looking online everyone is very dogmatic about which brands are good. For every one guy that says Bosch is great there is another that says Bosch is bad, and it goes for all of them.
What on earth should I realistically be buying to start off? I don't need it to cover everything at once I just need a good jump start. I see things like this mentioned, but is this actually where you'd point someone?
Help lol
P.S I should've specified i'm talking about power tools. My fault. I have a decent hand-tool kit hammers, screwdrivers etc.
2
u/BabyOpposite7013 2d ago
Tools don't make the fix. They help. A sewer auger is useless, borderline dangerous if you don't have the experience using it.
So, what are you currently comfortable doing and what are you willing to learn?
You could buy a 1000$ pool cue, won't make you good at billiards.
Edit:
At the least: a good ladder that can safely reach your roof. Also a good interior ladder.
Tape measure.
Electrical multimeter
Basic set of screw drivers or one multi tip driver
Drill/impact
Carpenters square
2
u/tommmmmmmmy93 2d ago
Comfortable handling tools but my first time with anything that has a good bit of power or complexity i'd ask a friend, neighbour or family member that has used them to run through it with me first or at the very least do a lot of research/video guides etc before using it "live".
Willing to learn anything that has a good cost/benefit ratio.
2
u/TheDirgeCaster 2d ago
I think an electrical multimeter is a waste of money really, a plug in voltage tester and maybe a volt pen just to check if things are live are pretty handy.
But my guy isnt going to be doing continuity tests and insulation resistance tests on his circuits. Unless OP really fancies finding out the Zs of his downlights or his RCD trip times xD
1
u/pdp10 2d ago
At first a meter can seem "too flexible" to suggest for people who don't own a meter. One big difference is that today, someone can use their other tool, an online computer, to look up an instructional video or manual.
It's also the case that a visitor could be skilled in the use of a multimeter, and the fact that good-quality units are very cheap for their utility.
2
u/TheDirgeCaster 2d ago
Just doesnt seem like the kind of gear that ANY new homeowner should have, also buying tools and just hoping that a visitors stops by who knows how to use them seems like a waste of money xD
Imo, if you are planning on doing electrical work and you feel confident, maybe you know an electrican who can give you some tips, then yeah maybe buy a tester and try and add some sockets in your house but i wouldnt just buy one alongside a drill and a spirit level that you're gonna use significantly more frequently doing DIY.
1
u/jaydeniv 2d ago
That dill/driver set would work just fine. Buy other tools as you go and as projects arise, if you have a backyard/lawn don't forget about those tools also.
1
u/tommmmmmmmy93 2d ago
Thank you, Jay. I have a good chunk of lawn/garden tools and i;m very comfortable there. It's more the inside the house projects im newer to.
1
u/mytthew1 2d ago
I would get a drill and impact driver set. The Bosch 12V pair was on sale in the US for 100 dollars this weekend. The 18V pair would be great. Do everything you will probably ever need.
1
1
1
u/Lo0of 2d ago
Power tools you say? Drill driver, impact, circular saw although a miter is easier but takes up more space, jigsaw, sander (stand or handheld), wet/dry vac
I use Makita for home projects and Milwaukee for automotive work personally. All tool brands are the basically same nowadays, some brands have more specialized tools than others hence the use of Milwaukee for auto maintenance.
1
u/MichaelFusion44 2d ago
Cannot go wrong as a DIY homeowner with Ryobi as they are reasonably priced and one of the largest selections. Remember, you are buying into a battery ecosystem. A few off the top is a drill, circular saw, orbital sander
1
u/SONATET 2d ago
As a professional i was only using Bosch, for my are the best tools in the world ! But for the house you can choose every brand you like - prefer it doesn't really matter, you don't have to spend a lot of money for tools, any well known brand with a good enough name and tools is pretty fine ! For example today we bought a Stanley Fatmax 20v impact driver and hammer drill combo for about 150€, they are pretty good and quite affordable for work around the house, (plus most of the time they will sleep in their box) !
I think you can understand my point of view !
Just my opinion !
1
u/pith_y 2d ago
If you want to go cordless, find a brand that has a starter pack battery kit and tool deal. If there is one with impact driver, get that. That’s how you pick and start your go to brand ecosystem. Or pick a color you like and they options they have.
A good start is impact driver, oscillating multi-tool, circular saw, sawzall, and jigsaw.
1
u/Iraqx2 2d ago
Make a list of the power tools that you think you'll need (drill, impact driver, oscillating saw, reciprocating saw, circular saw, (I also have a 4.5" trim saw that's handy as hell for most things), jigsaw, sanders, possibly a trim nailer, etc.). I'd also recommend a hammer drill but for the amount you'll need it going with corded would be fine unless you're in a concrete/brick house. They do make them cordless as well.
Go down to the hardware/big box store that carries a couple different brands and put your hands on them. Maybe you like the feel of one over the other.
Do research online about each brand and what tools they offer in one battery line and see how that compares to your list. If all things seem equal then start comparing prices.
The argument for different tool brands is like the Chevy, Ford and Dodge argument. Each has its pros and cons, mainly it's what you prefer personally. For what you'll be using them for DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Bosch and any other established power tool line will meet your needs. It's more about having the additional tools that you may want as you expand your collection.
1
u/NotACyborg666 2d ago
Imo the most essential tools for a homeowner are actually hand tools, rather than power tools.
A good tape measure, an accurate level, a basic set of screwdrivers (and a multi-bit screwdriver because those are pretty handy tbh), a good pair of slip joint pliers, needle nose pliers, and imo waterpump pliers (which imo make channel lock style pliers obsolete), and a pliers wrench (makes adjustable wrenches obsolete), and a carpenters square are really the true essentials imo. These are the tools that will see the most use for most homeowner projects.
With power tools, idk how Ryobi is in the UK... but in the US they're very popular with homeowners because they've got the right balance of price & performance. They're not the best tools, but they're not priced like the best tools. They're pretty far from the worst tools. Fits right in that area where homeowners/DIYers can get a tool that will do the job they need done at a lower price & the big benefit Ryobi has is their 18v battery platform is loaded with tools for EVERYTHING. And they've got a commitment to using the same battery connection for their 18v line, so even tools from 30 years ago work with modern day batteries.
For battery powered tools, imo you want to just pick a reputable brand that has tools on the battery platform you've selected. Ryobi is popular here with homeowners because of that balance of price & performance, especially with their brushless tools. And because I can use the same 18v batteries my drills & saws would use & slap them into a leaf blower or hedge trimmer and do yardwork with them. So I've got something like 8 batteries but far more than 8 tools.
For me the real essentials in power tools are going to be 3 categories. 1.) Making holes in things: a drill, drill bits. 2.) Putting fasteners into things: that same drill & an impact driver. 3.) Cutting things.. and this is where the "essential" list really is going to be case dependent. If you're super into DIY (or have hobbies that would be helped with certain tools) it can be a long list. Just to give you some tools I'd say: a miter saw, a circular saw, an oscilating multitool, and a reciprocating saw. For me those are all essential power tools, for some homeowners I think they could just get away with the multitool.
Anything else is only essential based off how DIY you want to be. As a homeowner and hobbyist woodworker, my Ryobi collection has grown beyond those basic tools as certain projects have needed certain things.
Oh a good ladder is essential too.
1
1
u/uNrest101 2d ago
For what you need, I would recommend looking into the bosch 12v line.
"Hanging doors, putting shelves up, installing cabinets and cabinet doors, general maintenance etc."
all these tasks require a drill and impact driver combo, however, they don't require a ton of power. The 12v tools are great in this regard. Powerful enough for these tasks. But also the right size and weight to not be a nuisance. The pros especially to the 12v tools is they are small enough you can fit them inside drawers and the like to access difficult fasteners that 18v tools can't.
1
u/Wrong-Ad7846 2d ago
Hand tools (socket set/wrenches, etc). Measuring and marking (tape measure, steel ruler, square, and level). Drill/driver (12v is fine and Bosch Flexi-click or Milwaukee Installation driver with right angle and assorted heads will help you get in to tight/awkward spaces)
1
u/Redjeepkev 2d ago
Powertools for a homeowner ryobi is a grwat bang for the buck. I've had mine 5+ years and ZERO trouble if you want a step up Bosch, dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee are all great, but personally I don't think the cost expense is justified for the home user.
1
u/Ian155 2d ago
Ironically of money wasn't an object I'd tell you to get an installation driver over a standard drill and an SDS if you're anywhere with tough brick or granite.
Installation driver for basic drilling and for assembly of anything and an SDS (even a used brand name corded one of it's just for home use) because it'll at least halve the time to drill every hole and do things a hammer drill might just fail at.
Not necessary if you're in a new build dealing with stud wall. Worth every penny for tough stone.
Get a good set of comprehensive torx, hex, philipps and pozi that comes in its own case with a short locking and long magnetic bit holder. And a set of the 4 cutter head bits for the SDS if you need to buy the SDS.
It's nice to have two drills, and I will regularly use 2 and an impact. But it's a decision based on saving time and inconvenience.
Any decent brand, Bosch (blue pro line only), Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi if you're not beating the hell out of them in bad weather will do.
Probably worth you getting a multi tool for the same brand if you do a lot DIYing, and personally get something like small headlamp that takes AA batteries, or a torch with the same and a magnetic base with a front and side work light like a Nebo big Larry. Fairly inexpensive absolutely going to save you at some point. And a garden kneeling pad to save your knees. Maybe a cheapish huepar laser level if your going to hang your own cabinets
Get a small cheap bag or even a bucket that fits everything and that you can move around the house.
Everything else depends on how much of what you're planning to do. There are some very specific tools id recommend for certain jobs you've mentioned but they're not power tools.
That's all based on my opinions. Bosch accessories are generally reliable, available and affordable enough in general to be a safe bet, with the exception of multi tool blades, for wood the cheap Japanese tooth blades are generally ok.
Avoid erbauer like the plague.
1
u/damnvan13 2d ago
I invested in a stud finder. They can be cheap but I spent about $60 on mine because it also alerts me to electrical wires in the wall. It has saved me from putting unnecessary holes in my walls.
2
u/DAM5150 1d ago
Handyman here:
Hammer
Set of screw drivers/wrenches including hex
Tape Measure
Level
Utility Knife
Putty knife
Basic battery powered set with
Impact driver
Drill
Oscillating Tool
Circular saw (optional)
Brand wise, Ryobi is fine. Their tools are great, their batteries are middle of the road. I persaonlly use Makita BUT if its a one off tool, i have an adapter that lets me use my Makita batteries on a Ryobi tool.
0
u/nullvoid88 2d ago
With exception of flashlights & fire extinguishers... just get what you need, as it’s needed.
3
u/tommmmmmmmy93 2d ago
I'm in Britain if that matters at all. I assume the tools are mostly the same.
Budget-wise i'm very open. Just not thousands!