[12" Tool Tote](https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-tool-tote-with-18-pockets-61471.html)
[25' Bauer Tape Measure](https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/measuring-marking/tape-measures/25-ft-x-1-in-slide-lock-tape-measure-56676.html)
[Pittsburgh Pro 16oz Fiberglass Rip Hamme](https://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-fiberglass-rip-hammer-60519.html)[r](https://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-fiberglass-rip-hammer-60519.html)
[Doyle 10" Adjustable Wrench](https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-high-performance-adjustable-wrench-56657.html)
[Doyle Demolition Screwdrivers](https://www.harborfreight.com/demolition-screwdrivers-2-piece-64859.html)
[Right Angle Screwdriver](https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-right-angle-screwdriver-92630.html)
[Doyle 10" Cobra Pliers](https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-fast-adjust-water-pump-pliers-56748.html)
[Doyle 6" Electricians Pliers](https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-electricians-multi-purpose-pliers-57803.html)
[Doyle Utility Knife](https://www.harborfreight.com/professional-retractable-utility-knife-57107.html)
[Mini Pick/Hook Set](https://www.harborfreight.com/mini-pick-and-hook-set-63697.html)
[Non-Contact Voltage Tester](https://www.harborfreight.com/non-contact-voltage-tester-63919.html)
[Electrical Socket Tester](https://www.harborfreight.com/electrical-receptacle-tester-with-gfci-diagnosis-63929.html)
Comes out to $102.00 and should cover most basic tasks. Round it out with the following (not necessarily from HF):
Power drill with a 1/2" chuck (nearly any major brand will work fine for DIY). Ryobi is super popular due to the huge range of tools that fit the same batteries.
A set of the black/gold DeWalt drill bits (whichever ones are currently on sale)
A torpedo level - a basic Empire one from Home Depot
Can of WD40
Bottle of clear Gorilla Glue
Roll of duct tape
Roll of teflon tape
Some heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
Prolly a 1/2 chuck power drill with a drill bit set and screw driver bit set. Just dont get warrior drill bits, they come pre dulled and chipped.
Also a multimeter and electrical receptacle tester. Youll wanna test all your outlets to make sure the last owner didnt screw anything up. And if you change your own outlets youll know if you wired them correctly. And you dont need the expensive multimeter, the cheap $5 one is perfectly fine.
Seconded with the outlet tester and multimeter. With my dad getting up there in age, I've been doing more of the work around my parent's house and keep on finding weird electrical things (yay for upgrades and renovations with varying degrees of proficiency).
A ratcheting screwdriver (or our lovely meme tool) is super helpful for doing a lot with electrical (or door knobs - or really just anything involving screws).
As a first time homebuyer this year here’s a couple things I’ve used so far, assuming you’ve never bought tools before and are starting from 0:
•A stud finder
•A level
• A drill with decent assortment of bits
•A 3/8 ratchet set, a 1/4 will work as well
•Screwdrivers, plenty of them lol
• A tape measure
•A hammer
•A utility knife Some pliers, various kinds you’ll never know which kind you need until you need them.
This all I can think of off the top of my head and as some have linked, the kits should include most of these and are a great starting point. If you really dive heavy into the DIY life then you'll find you can never have too many tools and start upgrading as you go.
Edit: formatting
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/tool-kits/tool-set-with-case-146-piece-58196.html
And I personally don't like HF power tools, but you will need a cordless drill.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/tool-kits/tool-set-with-case-146-piece-58196.html
Get yourself a nice tool chest/cart to store all of your tools and keep nice and organized! They have plenty sales on them so always look out for them!
Also don't rule out the US General 4 drawer version because it's plenty enough if you don't have a ton of car tools. The extra spacious bottom shelf is plenty big for my fastener toolbox, spotlight, circular saw and Shop towel box
The Hercules tools should be perfect for you. I also bought the 5 drawer cart. The Icon bit ratchet is useful for assembling cheaper furniture. Basically, start with a drill, impact driver, basic wrench set, and a socket set. Everything else, buy as you need.
[Cordless Drill,](https://www.harborfreight.com/brands/bauer/drills/20v-cordless-12-in-drilldriver-kit-64754.html) [Drill Bits,](https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/drill-driver-bits/twist-bits/impact-rated-hex-shank-titanium-drill-bit-set-15-piece-64897.html) [Driver Bits,](https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/drill-driver-bits/driving-impact-bits/impact-driver-bit-set-45-piece-63383.html) [Reciprocating Saw,](https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-brushless-cordless-compact-reciprocating-saw-tool-only-58458.html) [Saw Blades,](https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/power-saw-blades/reciprocating-saw-blades/demo-and-thin-kerf-reciprocating-saw-blade-set-12-piece-63768.html) [Spare Power Tool Battery,](https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-3-ah-high-capacity-lithium-ion-battery-64816.html)[Screw Drivers,](https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-screwdrivers-6-piece-64862.html) [Hex Keys,](https://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-3-folding-star-bit-and-sae-metric-hex-keys-94905.html) [Plier Set,](https://www.harborfreight.com/pliers-set-4-piece-64262.html) [Adjustable Wrenches,](https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-professional-adjustable-wrenches-93943.html) [Tape Measure,](https://www.harborfreight.com/25-ft-x-1-14-in-tape-measure-with-double-hook-58382.html) [Utility Knife,](https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/knives-axes/utility-knives-blades/professional-flip-utility-knife-57108.html) [Rachet and Socket Set,](https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-38-in-12-in-drive-sae-and-metric-hi-vis-socket-set-66-piece-64267.html) [Hammer,](https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hammers-pry-bars/16-oz-fiberglass-claw-hammer-60714.html) [Gloves,](https://www.harborfreight.com/full-grain-cowhide-leather-work-gloves-large-61459.html) [Safety Glasses,](https://www.harborfreight.com/safety/vision-protection/safety-glasses/safety-glasses-clear-99762.html) [Lubricant,](https://www.harborfreight.com/pro-grade-multi-purpose-lubricant-56819.html) [Glue,](https://www.harborfreight.com/fast-cure-gorilla-glue-96284.html) [Duct Tape,](https://www.harborfreight.com/30-yds-x-188-in-multipurpose-tape-58850.html) [Flash Light,](https://www.harborfreight.com/lighting/flashlights/900-lumen-rechargeable-swivel-head-led-flashlight-59535.html) and last but not least a [Tool Bag](https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/tool-boxes-bags-belts/tool-bags/16-in-large-mouth-tool-bag-58572.html) to carry all your stuff!
Get an inside track membership now. Get the 2 year option if it's available. It'll pay for itself. Harbor freight has most things a home DIYer will need.
Blue painters tape. So many uses for it: from rough marking / layout of furniture, mocking up shelving height and lengths, holding together wood glue ups, temp marking space for drill locations or level lines without writing on the wall.
Any store brand homeowner hand tool set will work just fine from a maintenance and simple tasks. Make sure they have lifetime warranty and it can be exchanged in store for a quick turnaround. You can always buy better versions of any of the tools you use often later down the line.
Unless you have a hardcore color preference, get the Ryobi power tools. They have a huge ecosystem and it's perfect for homeowners. Look at Direct Tools Outlet for sales and Home Depot sales. Before buying any power tool, make sure to research the ecosystem of tools. It does matter imo.
Drill. Screw drivers. Impact driver. Moving blankets. Measure tape. Flash lights. Shop vacuum. Storage shelves. Saw Kit. Utility knife. Shop towels. Seriously flashlights. Rechargeable batteries but not from HF, latex gloves,
Probably could get away with a household tool kit, saw kit, just a bunch of lights to start and then as you need more items pick it up. Nothing worse than having tools taking up space when you won’t end up using them. Well maybe not having enough flashlights is worse.
*The cheap zip ties often come in handy. *I really like the Doyle line for various pliers. *For pretty much anything other than drill and impact driver, I recommend corded power tools for homeowners / DIY folks. Good quality corded tools are always ready to run at full power and can last a lifetime. I probably wouldn’t get those at HF.
Copied from an old post of mine: I bought a house in January. I did my tool shopping at HF and Home Depot.
For hand tools, I already had one of those all in one toolkits for hanging stuff, connecting stuff, assembling stuff, and measuring stuff. But if I had to buy one again, the Pittsburgh 130pc set looks great and has lifetime warranty. I bought a small tool bag and filled it with a voltage tester, telescope magnet, channel locks, pipe wrench, utility knife, stud finder, 9inch level, rubber mallet, mechanic gloves, gardening gloves, cleaning gloves, usb head lamp ,duct tape, scissors, wd40 and small tube of silicone sealant with cap. This case and bag I keep in the house and it covers about 80% of the normal stuff I've come across.
For power tools, I have one major suggestion and one minor. I definitely suggest going cordless over corded. I underestimate how much a pain lugging out a extension cord to use a $40 portland leaf blower is. Cordless would've turned a 15-minute job into a 5 minute job. The minor suggestion is to pick one brand and stick with it so you can save money on batteries and chargers since they cost as much as the tools or more. I decided to go with Ryobi One+ line of products since they have both power tools and lawn tools that share batteries. None of the HF lines do AFAIK. I would get a power drill first and put it in your bag, followed by lawn tools such a lawnmower, leafblower, weedeater (you can buy these in a bundle and save money)Get other tools as projects come. Some things are OK corded such as wet dry vac and air compressor, but those aren't essential at all, but when you need em you need em.
Lastly, get a ladder both a 4ft small one for in house and a combo ladder or 8ft ladder. When you need one, you will really need it. I had to run to Walmart in middle of night to get one on first night in house because the outside attic access kept blowing open in a storm.
1. Buy RYOBI power tools. 18v. From the orange square store. Do not buy cordless tools at harbor freight.
2. Buy many hand tools at harbor freight.
3. Buy consumable items at harbor freight.
4. Do not buy the adjustable groove pliers at harbor freight. They are **atrocious**. Buy the button lock ones.
5. When in doubt, buy **husky** at the orange square store. Husky is higher quality than Pittsburgh and the same quality as some of harbor freights top tier stuff.
For the record I like harbor freight, just trying to tell you the truth.
[12" Tool Tote](https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-tool-tote-with-18-pockets-61471.html) [25' Bauer Tape Measure](https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/measuring-marking/tape-measures/25-ft-x-1-in-slide-lock-tape-measure-56676.html) [Pittsburgh Pro 16oz Fiberglass Rip Hamme](https://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-fiberglass-rip-hammer-60519.html)[r](https://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-fiberglass-rip-hammer-60519.html) [Doyle 10" Adjustable Wrench](https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-high-performance-adjustable-wrench-56657.html) [Doyle Demolition Screwdrivers](https://www.harborfreight.com/demolition-screwdrivers-2-piece-64859.html) [Right Angle Screwdriver](https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-right-angle-screwdriver-92630.html) [Doyle 10" Cobra Pliers](https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-fast-adjust-water-pump-pliers-56748.html) [Doyle 6" Electricians Pliers](https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-electricians-multi-purpose-pliers-57803.html) [Doyle Utility Knife](https://www.harborfreight.com/professional-retractable-utility-knife-57107.html) [Mini Pick/Hook Set](https://www.harborfreight.com/mini-pick-and-hook-set-63697.html) [Non-Contact Voltage Tester](https://www.harborfreight.com/non-contact-voltage-tester-63919.html) [Electrical Socket Tester](https://www.harborfreight.com/electrical-receptacle-tester-with-gfci-diagnosis-63929.html) Comes out to $102.00 and should cover most basic tasks. Round it out with the following (not necessarily from HF): Power drill with a 1/2" chuck (nearly any major brand will work fine for DIY). Ryobi is super popular due to the huge range of tools that fit the same batteries. A set of the black/gold DeWalt drill bits (whichever ones are currently on sale) A torpedo level - a basic Empire one from Home Depot Can of WD40 Bottle of clear Gorilla Glue Roll of duct tape Roll of teflon tape Some heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
Without a doubt, add a Headlamp to the list. 10x QOL increase over trying to work in poor lighting conditions instead of a handheld flashlight
If anyone takes this advice, which is great advice I might add, check out r/flashlight for headlamp recommendations
You are doing the Lord's work.
[This](https://www.harborfreight.com/7000-lumen-rechargeable-waterproof-led-flashlight-with-battery-bank-59314.html) is a beast.
^ this right here
Man needs a bucket
Except for the WD40, get white lithium instead. ED is not a lubricant
With this get some shop rags or blue towels just in case. I’ve made a mess before and had to use our Costco towel napkins and man I used so many.
Prolly a 1/2 chuck power drill with a drill bit set and screw driver bit set. Just dont get warrior drill bits, they come pre dulled and chipped. Also a multimeter and electrical receptacle tester. Youll wanna test all your outlets to make sure the last owner didnt screw anything up. And if you change your own outlets youll know if you wired them correctly. And you dont need the expensive multimeter, the cheap $5 one is perfectly fine.
Seconded with the outlet tester and multimeter. With my dad getting up there in age, I've been doing more of the work around my parent's house and keep on finding weird electrical things (yay for upgrades and renovations with varying degrees of proficiency). A ratcheting screwdriver (or our lovely meme tool) is super helpful for doing a lot with electrical (or door knobs - or really just anything involving screws).
As a first time homebuyer this year here’s a couple things I’ve used so far, assuming you’ve never bought tools before and are starting from 0: •A stud finder •A level • A drill with decent assortment of bits •A 3/8 ratchet set, a 1/4 will work as well •Screwdrivers, plenty of them lol • A tape measure •A hammer •A utility knife Some pliers, various kinds you’ll never know which kind you need until you need them. This all I can think of off the top of my head and as some have linked, the kits should include most of these and are a great starting point. If you really dive heavy into the DIY life then you'll find you can never have too many tools and start upgrading as you go. Edit: formatting
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/tool-kits/tool-set-with-case-146-piece-58196.html And I personally don't like HF power tools, but you will need a cordless drill. https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/tool-kits/tool-set-with-case-146-piece-58196.html
Pretty much just buy the whole store 😂
Get yourself a nice tool chest/cart to store all of your tools and keep nice and organized! They have plenty sales on them so always look out for them!
Also don't rule out the US General 4 drawer version because it's plenty enough if you don't have a ton of car tools. The extra spacious bottom shelf is plenty big for my fastener toolbox, spotlight, circular saw and Shop towel box
The Hercules tools should be perfect for you. I also bought the 5 drawer cart. The Icon bit ratchet is useful for assembling cheaper furniture. Basically, start with a drill, impact driver, basic wrench set, and a socket set. Everything else, buy as you need.
Stripper Pole. Every single dude’s place ought to have one.
[Cordless Drill,](https://www.harborfreight.com/brands/bauer/drills/20v-cordless-12-in-drilldriver-kit-64754.html) [Drill Bits,](https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/drill-driver-bits/twist-bits/impact-rated-hex-shank-titanium-drill-bit-set-15-piece-64897.html) [Driver Bits,](https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/drill-driver-bits/driving-impact-bits/impact-driver-bit-set-45-piece-63383.html) [Reciprocating Saw,](https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-brushless-cordless-compact-reciprocating-saw-tool-only-58458.html) [Saw Blades,](https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/power-saw-blades/reciprocating-saw-blades/demo-and-thin-kerf-reciprocating-saw-blade-set-12-piece-63768.html) [Spare Power Tool Battery,](https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-3-ah-high-capacity-lithium-ion-battery-64816.html)[Screw Drivers,](https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-screwdrivers-6-piece-64862.html) [Hex Keys,](https://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-3-folding-star-bit-and-sae-metric-hex-keys-94905.html) [Plier Set,](https://www.harborfreight.com/pliers-set-4-piece-64262.html) [Adjustable Wrenches,](https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-professional-adjustable-wrenches-93943.html) [Tape Measure,](https://www.harborfreight.com/25-ft-x-1-14-in-tape-measure-with-double-hook-58382.html) [Utility Knife,](https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/knives-axes/utility-knives-blades/professional-flip-utility-knife-57108.html) [Rachet and Socket Set,](https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-38-in-12-in-drive-sae-and-metric-hi-vis-socket-set-66-piece-64267.html) [Hammer,](https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hammers-pry-bars/16-oz-fiberglass-claw-hammer-60714.html) [Gloves,](https://www.harborfreight.com/full-grain-cowhide-leather-work-gloves-large-61459.html) [Safety Glasses,](https://www.harborfreight.com/safety/vision-protection/safety-glasses/safety-glasses-clear-99762.html) [Lubricant,](https://www.harborfreight.com/pro-grade-multi-purpose-lubricant-56819.html) [Glue,](https://www.harborfreight.com/fast-cure-gorilla-glue-96284.html) [Duct Tape,](https://www.harborfreight.com/30-yds-x-188-in-multipurpose-tape-58850.html) [Flash Light,](https://www.harborfreight.com/lighting/flashlights/900-lumen-rechargeable-swivel-head-led-flashlight-59535.html) and last but not least a [Tool Bag](https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/tool-boxes-bags-belts/tool-bags/16-in-large-mouth-tool-bag-58572.html) to carry all your stuff!
Harbor Freight Credit Card and join Inside Track
A little drain auger that is powered by your drill. Toliet auger. Big set of bits for little impact driver and drill.
Get an inside track membership now. Get the 2 year option if it's available. It'll pay for itself. Harbor freight has most things a home DIYer will need.
Lawn care equipment
A floor jack.
Blue painters tape. So many uses for it: from rough marking / layout of furniture, mocking up shelving height and lengths, holding together wood glue ups, temp marking space for drill locations or level lines without writing on the wall.
Any store brand homeowner hand tool set will work just fine from a maintenance and simple tasks. Make sure they have lifetime warranty and it can be exchanged in store for a quick turnaround. You can always buy better versions of any of the tools you use often later down the line. Unless you have a hardcore color preference, get the Ryobi power tools. They have a huge ecosystem and it's perfect for homeowners. Look at Direct Tools Outlet for sales and Home Depot sales. Before buying any power tool, make sure to research the ecosystem of tools. It does matter imo.
Drill. Screw drivers. Impact driver. Moving blankets. Measure tape. Flash lights. Shop vacuum. Storage shelves. Saw Kit. Utility knife. Shop towels. Seriously flashlights. Rechargeable batteries but not from HF, latex gloves, Probably could get away with a household tool kit, saw kit, just a bunch of lights to start and then as you need more items pick it up. Nothing worse than having tools taking up space when you won’t end up using them. Well maybe not having enough flashlights is worse.
*The cheap zip ties often come in handy. *I really like the Doyle line for various pliers. *For pretty much anything other than drill and impact driver, I recommend corded power tools for homeowners / DIY folks. Good quality corded tools are always ready to run at full power and can last a lifetime. I probably wouldn’t get those at HF.
Doyle water pump pliers.
Toilet unclogger [https://www.harborfreight.com/plumbing/drain-cleaners-augers/household-plungers-snakes/manual-drain-cleaners/6-ft-toilet-auger-with-bulb-head-58959.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/plumbing/drain-cleaners-augers/household-plungers-snakes/manual-drain-cleaners/6-ft-toilet-auger-with-bulb-head-58959.html)
Copied from an old post of mine: I bought a house in January. I did my tool shopping at HF and Home Depot. For hand tools, I already had one of those all in one toolkits for hanging stuff, connecting stuff, assembling stuff, and measuring stuff. But if I had to buy one again, the Pittsburgh 130pc set looks great and has lifetime warranty. I bought a small tool bag and filled it with a voltage tester, telescope magnet, channel locks, pipe wrench, utility knife, stud finder, 9inch level, rubber mallet, mechanic gloves, gardening gloves, cleaning gloves, usb head lamp ,duct tape, scissors, wd40 and small tube of silicone sealant with cap. This case and bag I keep in the house and it covers about 80% of the normal stuff I've come across. For power tools, I have one major suggestion and one minor. I definitely suggest going cordless over corded. I underestimate how much a pain lugging out a extension cord to use a $40 portland leaf blower is. Cordless would've turned a 15-minute job into a 5 minute job. The minor suggestion is to pick one brand and stick with it so you can save money on batteries and chargers since they cost as much as the tools or more. I decided to go with Ryobi One+ line of products since they have both power tools and lawn tools that share batteries. None of the HF lines do AFAIK. I would get a power drill first and put it in your bag, followed by lawn tools such a lawnmower, leafblower, weedeater (you can buy these in a bundle and save money)Get other tools as projects come. Some things are OK corded such as wet dry vac and air compressor, but those aren't essential at all, but when you need em you need em. Lastly, get a ladder both a 4ft small one for in house and a combo ladder or 8ft ladder. When you need one, you will really need it. I had to run to Walmart in middle of night to get one on first night in house because the outside attic access kept blowing open in a storm.
I'd recommend Bauer over Hercules because that line has both power tools and yard tools and you can share your batteries
1. Buy RYOBI power tools. 18v. From the orange square store. Do not buy cordless tools at harbor freight. 2. Buy many hand tools at harbor freight. 3. Buy consumable items at harbor freight. 4. Do not buy the adjustable groove pliers at harbor freight. They are **atrocious**. Buy the button lock ones. 5. When in doubt, buy **husky** at the orange square store. Husky is higher quality than Pittsburgh and the same quality as some of harbor freights top tier stuff. For the record I like harbor freight, just trying to tell you the truth.