Whether you've decided to finally bite the bullet and try your hand at home maintenance and repairs or are looking for a new, rewarding hobby in DIY and need to figure out where to start, the first thing you're going to need is a durable set of tools. From fixing pipes and hanging shelves to building tables and doing basic auto work, here are 10 tools you'll need to get started. And the best part: You can get the entire set for under $200.
Price: $13.19 | Buy it on Amazon
A hammer will be one of the most important tools you own, but not all hammers are created equal. They vary in size, weight, grip, and function. You're going to want a hammer that feels comfortable and powerful, more like an extension of your arm rather than a tool in your hand, and the Stanley 51-616 will fulfill that need. It boasts a high-carbon steel head that's affixed to a treated hickory handle that'll only look better with use. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Price: $17.30 | Buy it on Amazon
For simplicity and efficiency, nothing beats this Klein 4-piece screwdriver set. With interchangeable bits that are held firmly in place by a powerful magnet in the shank, the Klein set has is able to handle projects as simple as tightening a loose screw to hanging heavy-duty shelves in your garage.
Price: $15.47 | Buy it on Amazon
Whether you need to tune up a bike or assemble, disassemble, and then reassemble a seemingly unintimidating Ikea table, the Allen wrench (or hex key) will quickly become a staple in your toolkit. For a simple, easy to use and store versatile pick, check out this Stanley twin pack. Between the two of them, you're getting 17 wrenches of different sizes (metric and SAE -- or American) all fastened to a brightly colored, easy to hold unit. The one drawback is that the wrenches aren't as long as some others on the market, but for basic, everyday tasks, these are the best deal there is.
Price: $12.89 | Buy it from Home Depot
Although socket sets are chiefly employed for automotive repairs, having a go-to kit around for DIY projects and general bolt-tightening is a smart move. This Stanley 20-piece kit is a 6-point set and will be able to provide you with a good amount of torque and leverage for everyday tasks.
Price: $8.89 | Buy it on Amazon
Just as your car needs tires, your toolbox needs pliers, and this three piece set from Stanley is hard to beat. The kit features slip-joint pliers (good for plumbing, large bolts), needle-nose pliers (perfect for gripping and bending wires), and wire cutters (self-explanatory). They also come with a lifetime warranty, which is rare for anything under $10.
Price: $6.76 | Buy it on Amazon
Probably the most obvious inclusion in the list, measuring tape is a no-brainer when fleshing out a proper toolkit. There are myriad options to choose from and they all do the exact same thing, so it honestly comes down to brand loyalty and convenience. This Komelon tape measure boasts metric and Imperial units, is durable, and has 30 feet of tape, plenty for almost any DIY home project.
Price: $6.24 | Buy it on Amazon
Yes, you can download an app on your smartphone and use that and it will probably be okay. Or you can pick up this 10-inch Stanley magnetic level, which will give you better results. Scenarios in which you will totally need this: hanging shelves, hanging pictures, and winning an argument with your spouse that the table is in fact off and it's not just your imagination.
Price: $12.78 | Buy it on Amazon
There's a priceless confidence gained in your work when you're less worried about smashing your knuckles into the engine block while busting alternator bolts loose. Or, you know, raking up a pile of leaves. Snatch up a set of these Wells Lamont leather gloves. Not only are they useful for about every DIY task you could think of, they also double as motorcycle gloves and are dutifully made from high-quality cowhide.
Price: $10 | Buy it on Amazon
When building or fixing, you're bound to strip a screw or bolt. There's a chance you could rectify the situation with a standard set of pliers, but why make it harder on yourself? Bust out these Irwin vice grips, lock 'em to that pesky screw, and yank away.
Price: $18.90 | Buy it on Amazon
This Channellock wrench is an absolute steal at just under $19. It features an extra-wide jaw for tightening or loosening stubborn, large bolts, as well as a sleek design to help you in cramped places -- two features that could be a lifesaver if you run into a leaking pipe in a tight space.
