Help me build a basic apartment tool set!

August 26, 2013 7:59 PM

I am at the stage of life when I need to move from a random collection of tools to an organized tool set that equips me for basic home/apartment maintenance. What do I need? Budget: just-finished-grad-school poor.

I have collected a bunch of tools over the years, but there's no rhyme or reason to the set. Screwdrivers? I've got about 6 Philips, of various sizes, and one flathead. The rest of the collection is equally disorganized. So, if I were to try and round out the collection, what should I aim to have?

The kind of tasks I have in mind are basic home/apartment maintenance stuff. If I want to install new faceplates for outlets, assemble furniture, etc.: what do I need to have? I'm not looking for every single tool, but the 20% of the set that will take care of 80% of my needs. I'm also not looking to do construction projects, so no table saws are necessary.

posted by philosophygeek to Home & Garden (32 answers total)

Faceplates for outlets, you've probably got already with your assortment of screwdrivers.

For furni assembly, you're looking at some combination of the aforementioned screwdrivers, hex/allen wrenches, and maybe a rubber mallet. Specific allen wrenches are usually supplied with furniture; you can also get a set of them at bike shops or hardware stores (also the home of the rubber mallet).

In my experience, a cheap socket set like this is also a good idea. It replaces the need for a lot of adjustable wrenches or pliers for stuff like fixing faucets, changing cords on the back of a clothes dryer, etc. Especially if, like me, you are fairly uncoordinated, they also provide a much tighter, more reliable grip than wrenches or pliers.

Needle-nose pliers or tweezers are pretty damn useful for getting tiny things out of trouble, however. I've fixed my increasingly crappy shredder a number of times that way.

If you need to do something like upgrade the RAM in your laptop (a not uncommon grad student pursuit, I'm told) you will very likely require a set of tiny screwdriver heads like these (Home Depot was the first result, but you can get comparable at Radio Shack, Sears, online, etc). They are worth the trouble, I assure you.

Most of these, especially hex wrenches and socket sets, you can find at garage sales for practically nothing once you actually know you want them. If you live near an IKEA, actually, you can get a lot of hex keys for free in their spare parts bins near customer service (please don't ruin it for the rest of us), and they sell some decent-enough basic hammer/screwdriver kits for pretty cheap.
posted by ivan ivanych samovar at 8:12 PM on August 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

You can do all of that with screwdrivers or the Allen keys that come with furniture. But this is what I use 90% of the time:

Socket wrench set. (I've found that cheap is ok.) Same for a few measuring tapes, and a decent Allen wrench set.

Cordless drill. Don't cheap out; I'd go Dewalt, Ryobi, or Porter-Cable. Maybe a Dremel, especially if you have a pet whose nails you have to trim.

Stud finder and a level if you hang anything heavier than a large poster on your walls.

Anything else as needed.
posted by supercres at 8:13 PM on August 26, 2013

This probably reflects my own idiosyncrasies, as I fiddle with bikes a lot more than pipes, but maybe it'll get you started:

- a few sizes of screwdriver in both flathead and Philips
- a big adjustable wrench, a small adjustable wrench
- a ball-peen hammer*
- big blunt pliers, needlenose pliers
- 3-in-1 or light machinists' oil, NOT WD-40
- a keyring full of male hex wrenches (the little L-shaped ones are fine)
- electrical tape
- a cheap low-resolution multimeter that's just good enough to tell mains from ground

* I prefer ball-peen over claw because on the rare occasions when I've had to pull a nail, it was sticking out enough that I could grab the nail head with pliers, put a screwdriver or something under the pliers for leverage, and pry that way. But trying to bang a dent out of something with a claw hammer is just an exercise in frustration and accidental other dents.
posted by d. z. wang at 8:13 PM on August 26, 2013

Measuring tape, screwdrivers, level, pliers, duct tape.

Buy what else you need when you need it if you can't borrow it from a friend (for example, an expensive electric drill). Keep your tools organized. I keep mine sorted in ziplock bags by category so that things are easily accessible, and dust and debris isn't an issue.
posted by oceanjesse at 8:24 PM on August 26, 2013

a set of assorted pliers, a ratchet set, a utility knife, a small hammer, a level that's at least two feet long, a drill and some drill bits (bits for drilling holes and bits for screwing in screws), and a crescent wrench set.
posted by xbonesgt at 8:29 PM on August 26, 2013

The sort of bowl with a magnetic bottom that you can find cheaply at some hardware stores, for putting screws / bolts / screwdriver bits / wrench sockets in while you're working so that they're less likely to get lost.

A bunch of "zip strips" / electrical cable ties, which have manifold uses.
posted by XMLicious at 8:29 PM on August 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

You might want to consider a vise grip.
posted by obscure simpsons reference at 8:31 PM on August 26, 2013

I've got a subset of tools in a "home basics" kit:

- the Klein Tools 10-in-1 for basic screwdrivering
- large and small Vise-Grips
- a Crescent wrench (which is better than the Vise-Grips for some tasks)
- blunt and needlenose pliers
- spirit level that doubles as a straight edge
- a 7 oz. claw hammer (the bigger Estwing is reserved for jobs that need it.)
- Hyde 6-in-1 painters' tool

I also keep a small strap wrench in the bathroom, as it's useful for light plumbing stuff (say, replacing a shower head). Throw in some teflon tape.
posted by holgate at 8:33 PM on August 26, 2013

Some good scissors, of the sort you buy at Home depot, not office depot.
posted by CrazyLemonade at 8:57 PM on August 26, 2013

Don't invest ahead of time. Get what you need when you need it. You'll most likely have to get parts from a hardware store anyway, so get the exact right tool then.

The only thing I'd exempt from that is a low to mid priced cordless drill.
posted by dantodd at 9:15 PM on August 26, 2013 [5 favorites]

One suggestion: instead of a toolbox, get a cleaning caddy something like this. it may not fit your socket set, saw, or power tools, but it should hold everything else.

I keep mine in a closet, and when I just need a tool or two, I can grab and return them without opening and closing a toolbox, or getting tools buried under each other. Everything is easily accessible. If I need the whole set, I can grab it by the handle and go. The compartments make it easy to keep things semi-organized. In one compartment I have "hitting and turning" things (hammer, screwdrivers, and hex keys). Another has "cutting things" (scissors, utility knives, etc.). Another compartment has "gripping things" (pliers, wrenches, vice-grips). I use one of the smaller compartments for "fastening things" (screws, nails, tape). I put a few screws in the closet wall near the tools for hanging my saw, level, and other large items.
posted by The Deej at 9:25 PM on August 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

You can probably find stuff at yard or estate sales, but I think owning a Makita or the equivalent makes life a lot easier. And a really sturdy, long extension cord.
posted by Ideefixe at 9:44 PM on August 26, 2013

Leatherman Wave will get you 80% of the way to where you wanna be. Immediate nice-to-haves are a genuine Estwing claw hammer, for various hitting tasks (of which there are surprisingly many) and a set of hex-keys in metric and SAE for putting together furniture. A nice 18v cordless drill with a set of screwdriver bits and drill bits, including a drywall bit, a little further down the line. After that, pick up what you need when you need it, and take care of it once you have it.
posted by Slap*Happy at 9:55 PM on August 26, 2013

ooh, and epoxy. passenger side mirror on the car is currently held on with 15-minute epoxy. much better than superglue for most things.
posted by ivan ivanych samovar at 10:00 PM on August 26, 2013

Great advice above but I'd recommend against a cordless drill. Corded ones have fewer parts to go wrong or get lost, usually cost a bit less, and are always ready when you are. Just get a good extension cord.
posted by codswallop at 10:36 PM on August 26, 2013 [2 favorites]

Some bar clamps (too expensive, link is for example only) and other assorted ones like Irwin Quick-Grip Micro Bar Clamps (the price in that link is absurd, I paid $5.00 for 8 of them at a garage sale) a bunch like this (price also absurd).

If you plan on doing any furniture repair you really should have 36", 48" and 60" bar clamps, but they are a pain to store in an apartment.

Other useful things to have on hand: Nail Set, Countersink Drill Bits, Pry Bars (those ones are for fine work, you should have one for rough work as well).

Definitely hit some estate and garage sales and search the Tools category on Craigslist. Assuming you are in the US, flea markets might be a good source as well but it depends on your location. In the Northeast, not so good.
posted by mlis at 11:21 PM on August 26, 2013

Unless you are a machinist, IME, your tool set will always trend toward random and assorted. I do more crap than I have time to type and my favorite kit is a medium sized tupperware box full of common stuff, enhanced with job specific items off site, and shuttled between my shop and lab at home. Periodically, I organize and care for the contents.

The sad truth is that as we age, we endlessly collect implements. We also develop techniques that allow us to accomplish what we need to with what we have on hand. Man is a tool maker. I've gotten more mileage out of spontaneous tools and custom built tools than I can relate. One of my favorite tools is a physics book. Basic machines. ( I build a lot of stuff, so my needs exceed most folks' needs. )

That said, I'd like to place my vote for a Leatherman Wave (always at the ready, used 20 times a day, every day), large and small channel locks, decent screwdrivers, a box of bits for a powered variable speed drill (18 Volts or more). Sharp razor knife and box of replacement blades. I'm electronic, so jumper cables, an Amprobe AM-160 DMM, strippers, flush cutters, gripping tools, soldering stuff.

There is no perfect answer to this. It's like fingerprints.

You could to a 'show us your toolbox' reddit post and get some pix. You prep for the problems you confront. See what other folks have. Peek at your friends' tools.

Oh, and loan judiciously and make a note when you do. Collect your hard collected tools once you loan them out, and generally, don't loan them out. Use them to do someone a favor. Cheaper in the long run and preserves friendships.
posted by FauxScot at 12:35 AM on August 27, 2013

Another vote for just getting stuff as you need it. If you find yourself doing something that seems unreasonably hard with the tools you have, stop and ask yourself (or the internet) "Is there a specialized tool for this?" And there probably is.
posted by lakeroon at 2:10 AM on August 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

This home tool kit from Home Depot is a good beginning.
posted by megatherium at 4:41 AM on August 27, 2013

A Crescent brand crescent wrench, a Channel lock brand set of channel locks, vise-grips from Visegrip and some Allen keys made by Allen. Linemans pliers, needlenose pliers and some utility wire (baling wire). Drywall screws, and a cordless drill with set of bullet-point drills. A couple c-clamps, maybe a miniature vise that clamps on a table. A hacksaw with both a fine (24-32 teeth per inch) and coarse (14-16 tpi) blades (get good ones, Starrett is best).
posted by 445supermag at 5:13 AM on August 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

(answers assuming you're in the US)

(on preview: what 445supermag said)

Screwdrivers: phillips head sizes are #'d, you need a #1 and a #2, and maybe a #0 if you like to take apart your appliances. Regular drivers come in inch sizes; you should have a 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4". If your existing drivers are in good shape - i.e. not chewed up - you can just buy whatever you're missing. Otherwise you can buy a nice set at the hardware store. That's about it. Or you could just buy one of these - I use one for 90% of my fix-it jobs around the house (link is illustrative, you can get similar tools at Ace & Home Depot).

Pliers: Get a pair of 7" Vice Grips, a pair of electrician's pliers, and a pair of 10" tongue & groove pliers. If you expect to mess with your sink, you might want a larger pair of tongue & groove pliers as well.

Hammer: a 10 oz claw hammer is just right for hanging pictures, a 16 oz for general pounding of nails, which happens a lot less than you'd think.

Measuring: a 12' tape measure; a 3' metal yardstick; if you're ambitious, a combination square.

Wrenches: a cheap set of socket wrenches is useful; go with a 3/8" drive, and get both metric and inch sockets. Or just a couple of adjustable wrenches (6" and 10"), but if you go with adjustable wrenches, avoid the cheap ones, they slip. Also sets of allen wrenches, again English and metric; I prefer the ones that are all bolted together like this.

Sharp things: An awl, for marking things and starting small screws; a utility knife with retractable blades; a flexible joint knife for patching wallboard, and a stiff one for scraping.

Saws: you hardly ever will need one, and it takes practice to use one. But if it makes you feel good, buy a small hand saw with induction-hardened blades.
posted by mr vino at 5:28 AM on August 27, 2013

As an apartment-dweller, not a home-owner, I have used the following:

- needlenose pliers - for gripping small things

- screwdriver set (something with a variety of size and type heads, interchangeable on a single base) - for assembling and disassembling furniture, hanging things on walls, tightening loose screws on stuff

- hammer (I have a medium-sized claw type) - for hanging things on walls, removing nails from walls when moving, and the occasional furniture assembly task

- hex wrench set - for bicycle maintenance, and occasional furniture dis/assembly

- small and large adjustable wrenches - for bicycle maintenance and furniture dis/assembly

- tape measure - for various moving and furniture selection and placement related tasks

Those are the basics that I've had forever and use most frequently. Some other tools that I've accumulated on a more as-needed basis, but have still found somewhat helpful in apartment-living (but may require some instruction before using):

- a pipe wrench or channel lock, plus teflon tape - for replacing shower heads

- spackle and a putty knife - for filling nail holes in walls when moving out of an apartment, or prior to painting

- drill - for larger or more challenging hanging stuff on walls or stuff assembly tasks (eg. replacing curtain rods screwed in to window frames in older buildings)

- stud finder and level - for hanging larger things on walls

- I haven't personally re-caulked or grouted anything yet, but have on multiple occasions had friends or family do this for me - but you can pick up the contraption for holding and applying a tube of grout or caulk when and where you pick up such tubes

- a small utility knife - for scraping away excess grout or caulk or spackle before it dries, as well as for cutting tasks
posted by eviemath at 5:40 AM on August 27, 2013

It might help to give more context about your lifestyle? Eg., I've assumed from your title that you are currently an apartment-dweller, which limits the home maintenance tasks that you're even allowed to do. I included bicycle maintenance tools in my list because I keep all my tools together - except basic car maintenance tools which live in the car, but which I suppose I could have included as well as the bicycle maintenance stuff - but maybe that doesn't apply to you? Do you garden (in the ground, rather than in pots) or expect to do any yard maintenance? Then stuff like a saw, clippers, spade, and hoe or lawn rake might come up.
posted by eviemath at 5:49 AM on August 27, 2013

plunger
posted by thelonius at 6:26 AM on August 27, 2013 [3 favorites]

I downsized from being a home owner and I used to have a shit-ton of tools, now I just have a few.

First, the Fixa Set from Ikea is a pretty comprehensive little set, I have one and it's great.

Secondly, I also love my little power screwdriver. This is terrific for knock-down furniture assembly, and other screw-chores.

An Allen Wrench set, I like the ones that are in pocket knife form. Get one in Imperial and one in Metric.

A new, small set of screwdrivers is always useful. But between what you have, the Ikea thing and the power driver, it's not a must.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:30 AM on August 27, 2013

Here's what I've used the most for typical household tasks:

• Screwdrivers - one phillips, one flathead
• Pliers - I have a reversible pair like this which I *love*, but barring that, a pair of channel locks and a pair of needle nose
• A small claw hammer
• A medium adjustable wrench
• A decent power drill (either corded or cordless) with a set of drill bits
• A plunger
• A tool box that holds them with room for more
• A good pocket knife and a sharpening stone

FWIW, this is nearly the basic set of tools (I didn't have the plunger) that I had when I moved out of home. Of this set, 25 years later, I still own every single one except the pocket knife because I avoid buying crap tools and I lose pocket knives every 5 years.

There is very little that you would do in apartment life that you can't do with these tools, but there are some things that you could do faster. For example, if you need to assemble a table, it's far faster to use a socket wrench (pro tip, put a dish towel on the table side trim to keep you from dinging it up with the wrench).

You can find studs by knocking the wall (gently) with your hammer and listen/feel the change in sound/bounce, but a stud finder is nice.

You don't need a tape measure, but they're nice to have around.

You don't need a spackling knife, but it's easier to clean up before you move out if you have one.

I would also consider consumables to keep on hand:

• WD-40
• Liquid Wrench
• Super Glue
• Picture hangers
• Various screws/nails
• Blue masking tape
• Medium and fine grit sandpaper
• White glue or wood glue
• Toothpicks

posted by plinth at 6:30 AM on August 27, 2013

Only things I'd add to what people have already said: dustbuster or other small handheld vacuum, razor blades or really sturdy exacto knife, staple gun and staples, tape caddy for a few different sorts of tape (packing, duct, electrical, teflon)

Other optional things depending on what you do: eyeglass screwdriver set (useful for more than just eyeglasses), tweezers with a magnifying glass on them.

Things I have and never use: files, wood boring drill bits, bendy socket for going at angles, plumb bob.

I'd also consider getting one small tool box to carry around with you and a small tool chest where you can put larger tools and rarely used items. Craftsman has some nice ones and they are very reasonably priced and always on sale over Labor Day. I have this one.
posted by jessamyn at 6:53 AM on August 27, 2013

Check out the tool section in the dollar store. I've picked up handy things there - for example a crowbar. Oh, how my neighbour laughed at my 'useless' purchase, until the day came when he needed to lever up a manhole cover and had to come begging.

Dollar store tools aren't top quality (obviously) but they're great for those jobs where you have to use a tool that you'll only ever need to use once.

Also don't forget WD40 and Duct Tape. The engineer's motto - if it's moving and it shouldn't be - Duct Tape. If it's stuck and it should be moving - WD40.
posted by essexjan at 10:09 AM on August 27, 2013

Just wanted to recommend that pawn shops often have a good selection of good and cheap hand tools as well as power tools. Hand tools are the best gamble, since you might not know what to look for to see that a power tool is still in good shape. Even if they don't have hand tools on display, it's worth asking if they have some behind the counter or in the back.

Pawn shops have been great for me as a first time homeowner- all my yardwork implements have come from them too. They've basically taken the place of Target for me!
posted by leemleem at 12:36 PM on August 27, 2013

If you're going to buy a power drill (and really, you should), I strongly recommend getting a hammer drill if think you will ever need to hang something on a brick/concrete wall. I have one by Makita and it's served me well through my 10 years of NYC apartment living. A corded drill is better than cordless if you have to choose, because nothing sucks more than a drill dying in the middle of a job.

Also good: 22oz hammer, drill bit set, screwdriver (with replaceable bits), spackle, putty knife, wood fillers (for when you accidentally scratch the floor moving your couch), socket set, monkey and/or large crescent wrench, electrical tape, needle nose pliers, snips, utility knife, sturdy tape measure, allen wrench, level, a ladder that allows you to reach your ceiling (check out the little giant), extension cord, duct tape.

A small organizer box filled with: multiple nail sizes, multiple screw sizes/types, adhesive cushiony things for the bottom of table/chair legs, command hooks, zip ties, wall anchors, picture hooks (the little gold ones w a nail), sandpaper (rough and fine), any other supply-type item.

Other items nice to have on hand: mouse traps, wd-40, goo gone

Source: family of contractors
posted by melissasaurus at 1:27 PM on August 27, 2013

I think something like this Craftsman tool set would be a great place to start.

I received something similar as a gift and have just added to it over the years. This set has the basics covered. (I don't work for Sears, I'm just a fan of their lifetime warranty on hand tools)
posted by fieldtrip at 8:14 PM on August 27, 2013

Note: the Evolv tools do not come with the same warranty as the mainline Craftsman tools - they're guaranteed against defects with proof of purchase, where Craftsman proper as a "if it fails to satisfy" clause that lets you bring back pretty much anything for a replacement if it breaks for almost any reason. (Using a ratchet with a breaker bar is the only exception I know of.)
posted by Slap*Happy at 5:13 AM on August 28, 2013