Household Tools Every Frugal Homeowner Should Own

By Paul Michael on 16 March 2016

If you have a home, you need a tool kit. It's an essential for any household. But what to put in it?

Well, the good news is you can get by with just essential 10 items. You will of course need more tools as time goes by, but this list is a great starting point. (Oh, and you will need a sturdy toolbox to store them all. You can find used ones for cheap, or even free, on Craigslist. Or try your local thrift store.)

Multi-Bit Screwdriver

There are many variations of the multi-bit screwdriver. On the cheaper end, the bits come in a separate holder or case. You can also find ones called "auto-loaders" that contain at least six different varieties of bit. You want one that fits both Phillips head and slot head screws. With this one tool, you have a starter set of screwdrivers that will work for most jobs around the home. (See also: 10 Easy Plumbing Repairs That Don't Require a Plumber)

Power Drill (Go Cordless)

There are so many different jobs around the home that require a power drill, so your frugal tool kit should include one. If you want to save the most money and have something much more handy, go with a cordless drill. They don't have as much power as an equivalently-priced corded drill, but for everyday needs, they're just fine. Ideally, get a good, refurbished brand rather than a cheap new one. DeWalt or Makita are reliable, and will last you many years. This will definitely be the most expensive tool you buy in this kit, but it's worth it. You will also need a variety of drill bits. Luckily, many drills come with a starter selection.

Claw Hammer

There are several types of hammer available to the DIY enthusiast. A ball peen hammer, a tack hammer, a club hammer, and even a sledgehammer. But for the basic, frugal tool kit, your best bet is a claw hammer. Its two uses, driving in and removing nails, are ideal. When you get into more specific tasks, other hammers for specific jobs are much better, but for a starter kit, the basic claw hammer is just fine.

Adjustable Wrench

The key word here is adjustable. As you're building a frugal tool kit, you want your tools to have as many uses as possible, whenever possible. The adjustable wrench can fit a wide variety of nuts and bolts, and is therefore perfect for your kit. Buy a wrench that is big enough to cover a large array of sizes, without being so big that it will be cumbersome on smaller nuts and bolts. Anywhere from eight to 12 inches is good.

Retractable Tape Measure

You probably know this as the Stanley Measuring Tape, but they are available from many different manufacturers. However, Stanley has been making these for decades, and they're very good at it. In particular, the PowerLock model is a great tape measure for having around the house. They're available in many different sizes, but for the minimal price difference, go for the 25'x1" model. It's sturdy, long enough to cover most jobs, and very reliable.

Needlenose Pliers (AKA Long Nose Pliers)

Again, there are so many different types of pliers available on the market, all doing slightly different jobs. For the frugal starter kit, you are better off going with a pair of sturdy needle-nose pliers. We're looking for tools with more than one function, and these include a wire-stripping tool whilst also having a long reach and the ability to twist small wires and objects. When you start building up your kit, you can add locking and adjustable pliers. But for the basic kit, these will serve you well. Stanley's eight-inch long nose pliers are solid, and usually sell for under $10.

Retractable Utility Knife

Just like the tape measure, Stanley has also become synonymous with the utility knife. In fact, many professionals and amateurs still refer to it as the Stanley Knife. You will need a sharp knife for a countless array of DIY jobs, whether it's cutting carpet or vinyl tile, to wallpaper, wood veneer, or even sharpening a pencil. With a good retractable knife, you have safety as well as versatility, with a variety of different blades on the market available.

Hacksaw

There will be more than a few DIY experts screaming "No!" at this next statement, and I would usually concur — but this is a frugal toolkit, after all. Instead of buying a wood saw and a hacksaw, simply buy the hacksaw and use it for both purposes. There. I said it. If you only have the money for one saw, a hacksaw is at least multi-functional. It cuts through metal and plastic beautifully. It can also cut wood, although it's inefficient, slow, and clogs the small teeth — but, it will do it. Try cutting metal with a wood saw and see how far you get. There are several different blades available, so if you do need to cut wood, opt for blades with the fewer teeth per inch. For instance, 14 will perform way better than 32.