TOOLS NO HOME SHOULD GO WITHOUT

Keep the basics on hand for your making and mending needs

Words by Stephanie Monrad
Images by Nikki Omundson

Every house needs a tool kit, even if it's just for looks. Whether you plan on attempting handyman projects or just want to look like you could, these are the top picks to keep around.

Hammer. Just about anything that's attached to a wall will need a hammer to stay there, from photo frames to shelving. Hammers range from basic to advanced anti-vibration models, so decide how much handiness you can handle before you choose one that best suits you.

Phillips and flathead screwdriver. A Phillips is the plus sign; a flathead is the minus sign. You need these for pesky projects like a leaky faucet or even prying off the lid of a paint can. Screwdrivers are a must for any "assembly required" items.

Crescent wrench. This differs from other wrenches because you can adjust the size of the clamp on the end—much more convenient than buying a set of ten. This tool is useful for nuts, bolts or anything tightly screwed that needs some oomph to open.

Tape measure. The more OCD you are, the more use you will get out of this tool. It's perfect for making sure everything fits just right in its place. This will help a lot for rearranging big pieces of furniture, too, so you only have to strain yourself once.

Hand-held drill. A huge time-saver compared to hand-held screwdrivers, so if you have the urge to build, this will be your best friend. Be warned: despite the ease, it's a bit harder to control, so screwing things in straight takes some extra effort.