With thousands of tools available in hardware and specialty stores, it can be confusing to figure out just which ones you should have ready to use to home. It all rather depends on your skill level, as well as the type of projects you plan to do at home. Here’s a guide to help you build your home repair toolkit depending on your skill level:

BASIC

A universal toolbox contains around 10 essential tools that work perfectly with beginners. Among these tools are the following:

  1. Claw Hammer

A solid hammer completes a toolbox and the claw hammer is the perfect tool for beginners. One end drives the nails while the other pulls them out of a wall or a piece of wood. Rubber, plastic, or vinyl handles offer shock absorption and a better grip.

How to Build a Home Repair Toolkit for Every Skill Level - utility knife, toolkit, tape measure, staple gun, set of pilers, repair, lock picking set, home, cordless dremel rotary tool, claw hammer, circular saw, chisel

  1. Tape Measure

Measurements are essential in DIY and home repairs, and for that, you’ll need a tape measure. These come in varying styles and widths, but you should opt to get the ones with wider widths as they are easier to support when extended.

How to Build a Home Repair Toolkit for Every Skill Level - utility knife, toolkit, tape measure, staple gun, set of pilers, repair, lock picking set, home, cordless dremel rotary tool, claw hammer, circular saw, chisel

  1. Utility Knife

Considered the workhorse of a toolbox, a utility knife can be used to pry open boxes and sharpen your pencils, among others.

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ADVANCED

As you level up on your skills, so should your toolbox. Try adding in some inexpensive specialty tools that can help you tackle more varied projects, such as these 3 below:

  1. Set of Pliers

There are the needle-nose pliers and wire cutting pliers, but there are also other types of pliers to use for more grip work, such as when you’re dealing with wires. It’s a perfect tool for small cutting jobs, and is a great addition to an enhanced skilled toolbox.

How to Build a Home Repair Toolkit for Every Skill Level - utility knife, toolkit, tape measure, staple gun, set of pilers, repair, lock picking set, home, cordless dremel rotary tool, claw hammer, circular saw, chisel

  1. Lock Picking Set

A good set of lock picking tools and a bit of patience is all you need to open a door without having to call the locksmith. Beginner’s sets usually come with a rake, hook and tension wrench.

How to Build a Home Repair Toolkit for Every Skill Level - utility knife, toolkit, tape measure, staple gun, set of pilers, repair, lock picking set, home, cordless dremel rotary tool, claw hammer, circular saw, chisel

  1. Chisel

This tool is a handy one to have around when you need to work with wood, or even when you’re just changing your front door’s deadbolt since you’ll need to carve out a part of your wall to accomplish that. Chisels also come in different types for different purposes.

How to Build a Home Repair Toolkit for Every Skill Level - utility knife, toolkit, tape measure, staple gun, set of pilers, repair, lock picking set, home, cordless dremel rotary tool, claw hammer, circular saw, chisel

SKILLED

Serious enthusiasts commonly have even more tools in their toolboxes, including power tools and expensive specialized items to complete their projects efficiently. These tools can be found in a skilled-level worker’s tool kit:

  1. Circular Saw

This type of saw is a powerful tool that can cut through steel, masonry, and tile. It’s one of the most common power tools around, and ranges in prices from $50 to $200.

How to Build a Home Repair Toolkit for Every Skill Level - utility knife, toolkit, tape measure, staple gun, set of pilers, repair, lock picking set, home, cordless dremel rotary tool, claw hammer, circular saw, chisel

  1. Staple gun

Available in both electric and manual versions, a heavy duty staple gun doesn’t even cost much for all the things you can use it for. From crafts to upholstery and roofing, this is a powerful tool to have in your toolbox.

How to Build a Home Repair Toolkit for Every Skill Level - utility knife, toolkit, tape measure, staple gun, set of pilers, repair, lock picking set, home, cordless dremel rotary tool, claw hammer, circular saw, chisel

  1. Cordless Dremel Rotary Tool

This isn’t a necessity for a beginner toolbox, but for the more skilled and experienced, it’s a handy tool to have around. It comes with many attachments, and can be used for engraving, sharpening, cleaning, drilling, sanding, and grinding, among others.

How to Build a Home Repair Toolkit for Every Skill Level - utility knife, toolkit, tape measure, staple gun, set of pilers, repair, lock picking set, home, cordless dremel rotary tool, claw hammer, circular saw, chisel

No matter what your skill level is, there are tools that you can use efficiently and effectively. Let the list above serve as your inspiration to start building your own toolbox for just about any projects you decide to tackle around your home.