I always have projects going on in my home, from little home improvements to DIY projects to furniture that just needs a little tightening up. I try to make sure I have everything on-hand to fix the little problems that come up in every household or make little updates here and there when inspiration strikes. Naturally, my toolbox is a household MVP. There are 10 tools to keep in a home toolkit that I’d say are absolute, 100% must-haves, even if your handyman skills end at hanging framed pictures.

A Flathead Screwdriver

Although these aren’t used as much these days, they’re still great for dislodging things that are tightly packed. And of course for flat head screws.

Phillips Screwdriver

You’ll need these for EVERYTHING, from the kitchen to kids toys, IKEA builds to general furniture maintenance (wiggly chair? Tighten that ish UP).

An Electric Drill

I know you’re wondering why you need a drill AND screwdrivers, but trust me: you do NOT want to hand-crank into a stud. A drill is a workhorse that will bore holes as needed (like pilot holes for drywall anchors), tighten up screws, and power through projects like a pro.

A Claw Hammer

This is the kind of hammer with a flat head and a long, forked tail. The long forked tail is for removing nails, and the head is obviously for driving nails. You’ll use this for hanging photos, art, putting together IKEA projects, you name it.

A Crescent Wrench

This is an adjustable wrench that can open wide or screw tightly, and it’s going to be your hero when you need to open up your U-bend if something falls down the drain.

A Pair of Pliers

There are lots of options as far as pliers go, from Vicegrips that lock in place to needle-nose pliers that are great for precision shaping. My recommendation is to find a combination plier that has both serrated teeth and a wirecutter, so you have the option of gripping or snipping as needed.

Measuring Tape

You already know to measure twice and cut once, but you’re gonna need measuring tape to do it. 16′ will cover most rooms, so the next time you hit up IKEA, you’ll know what will fit and what won’t.

A Level

If you have a good level app on your phone, then scratch this off your list, but if you’re hanging shelves, pictures, building anything, you need a level. Unless you’re into torturing yourself with lopsided frames, of course.

A Utility Knife

Open boxes, score wood, slice plastic or cork paneling.. this should be like an X-Acto knife on steroids.

A Flashlight

You should have one of these in your house anyway, but I like to keep a mini light in my toolbox, too.

A Pencil

It’s one of those things that you’ll totally forget about or scramble to find, but when you need one, BAM! It’s already waiting for you in your toolbox.