Bishop Home Tool Set Guide: What Every DIYer Should Have in Their Tool Kit

Learn what you may need when it comes to your next DIY project.

These are the tools that every DIY homeowner should have in their toolbox. These are all the tools you'll need to complete most basic home repairs.

I've also included power tools that may come in handy to have around. You don't have to get these all at once, and they definitely come at a higher price than hand tools, but they’re well worth the investment.

They cut down the time needed for repetitive tasks like drilling, sawing, and sanding. In many cases, power tools are also more accurate and easier to use. Just try making a straight cut through plywood with a handsaw.

Building a Basic Tool Set

With any hand tool, the best rule is to make sure it's quality. They last longer, they're safer and easier to use, and they're less likely to damage what your'e working on.

Tools like open-end wrenches and sockets are less expensive as a set. So, although you may be tempted to buy tools as you need them, these sets are worth getting all together at the same time.

We're including the tools you'll use the most often. With all the little things that can go wrong in a home, none of these tools is likely to sit unused for long. So whether your a hard core DIYer or just want to be able to handle small projects, these tools are worth having in your toolbox.

Basic Tools You Need for Your Toolbox

Handsaw

A handsaw is a must-have because it lets you quickly cut wood for small projects without needing power tools. It's great for trimming boards, building shelves, or making simple repairs around the house.

The blade is the most important part of the handsaw. The length, thickness, and flexibility determine how successfully it cuts and how easy it is to use. Long blades are more efficient for cutting larger pieces of wood, while shorter blades are better for more precise movements.

A handsaw’s teeth determine how successfully the tool cuts through wood. Saws are measured in teeth per inch (TPI). Higher TPI results in smoother cuts but slower cutting speeds, and vice versa.

Brands We Like

Stanley, Craftsman

What to Look For

Look for a good grip that matches the side of your hand. Keep in mind the TPI if you have a specific job in mind. A lifetime warranty is common. Just make sure you keep your receipt.

Flat Pry Bar

A flat pry bar is made of forged metal and shaped for pulling nails, prying boards apart, or opening tight seams. It usually has two ends one flat and one with a nail slot.

The main part of the tool is the bar itself. Its thickness and shape give it strength and leverage. Thinner tips get into tighter spaces but may bend under pressure. Some pry bars have beveled edges to help slide under materials. Others are more square for heavier jobs.

Brands We Like

Estwing, Stanley

What to Look For

Look for one-piece steel, a thin but strong tip, and a length that gives good leverage without getting in the way.

Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench has a moveable jaw that changes size to fit different nuts and bolts.

The worm gear turns to open and close the jaw. The handle should be long enough for leverage but not so long it gets in the way. The jaw should stay tight and not slip when pressure is applied. The gear should turn smoothly and hold the jaw steady once adjusted.

Brands We Like

Crescent, Channellock

What to Look For

Check that the jaws don’t wiggle when clamped down. Go for steel construction and a size range that fits your usual fasteners.

Utility Knife

A utility knife has a sharp replaceable blade that folds or retracts into the handle for safety. It's used for cutting drywall, plastic, rope, and other materials.

The blade is what does the work. Some are snap-off, while others slide in and out. Quick-change options make it easier to stay on task. The handle should fit your hand and be sturdy enough to stay safe during cutting.

Brands We Like

Milwaukee, Olfa, Stanley

What to Look For

Look for easy blade changes, a strong locking mechanism, and a comfortable grip that won’t slip.

Hacksaw

A hacksaw is used for cutting metal, plastic, and even some types of pipe. It is good for trimming bolts, cutting through PVC, or tackling plumbing repairs and small metal projects.

The blade is the most important part. It can be swapped out and tightened depending on the material.

The teeth per inch (TPI) decide how fast and clean it cuts. The frame holds the blade in tension and should feel solid in your hand.

Brands We Like

Lenox, DeWalt

What to Look For

Choose a frame that’s easy to adjust. Go with a blade that matches the material. Higher TPI cuts smoother, but slower.

Hammer

Of course, a hammer is one of the most essential tools for any toolbox, and used for driving nails, pulling them out, or even light demolition work like removing old trim or breaking apart small structures.

The head is the working end. Most have a claw on the back to pull nails. The handle should give you control and not vibrate too much when you strike.

Brands We Like

Estwing, Stanley

What to Look For

Pick a hammer with a solid grip. One-piece steel hammers last longer and don’t loosen over time.

Ratchet Wrench

A ratchet wrench works with sockets to turn fasteners in tight spaces. It lets you tighten or loosen bolts without lifting the tool off.

The ratchet mechanism is inside the head. A higher tooth count gives smoother turns in tight spaces.The handle should fit your grip and not flex under pressure.

Brands We Like

GearWrench, Craftsman

What to Look For

Look for a fine-tooth ratchet, a firm direction switch, and a grip that won’t slip when your hands are oily.

Open-End Wrenches

Open-end wrenches have fixed-size jaws and are made to fit over nuts and bolts. They come in sets with different sizes.

Each wrench has two heads, often sized differently. They fit snugly around the fastener to avoid stripping. Handles are straight and give good leverage in small spaces.

Brands We Like

Tekton, Craftsman

What to Look For

Make sure the sizes are clearly marked. Choose steel wrenches with a good finish that resists rust.

Screwdrivers

A screwdriver is for tightening or loosening screws. The most common types are the flathead and Phillips.

For around the house, I recommend a ratcheting multi-bit screwdriver that combines several screwdrivers into one. It has a ratcheting mechanism, which means you can turn the screw without having to reposition your hand each time—just twist back and forth and it does the work for you. It also comes with interchangeable bits (like Phillips, flathead, Torx, etc.) that store inside the handle, so you’re always ready for different screw types without digging through your toolbox.

Fun fact: The Phillips head screwdriver was actually designed to slip out of the screw head when too much torque was applied. It was created that way to prevent over-tightening and damage and was especially useful on early automotive assembly lines.

Brands We Like

Klein Tools, Craftsman

What to Look For

Pick screwdrivers with magnetic tips if you’re working in tight spaces. A wide handle helps with torque. The ratcheting multi-bit is the way to go for saving space. Sm

Rubber Mallet

A rubber mallet is a soft-strike hammer. It won’t dent surfaces but can move things into place with force. It's perfect for tapping tiles into place, assembling furniture, or nudging pieces of wood without leaving dents.

The head is solid rubber or dual-faced. One side may be softer for delicate work.

Handles are usually wood or fiberglass and should feel solid during use.

Brands We Like

Estwing, Tekton

What to Look For

Check for a head that won’t fly off. Weight should match the type of job—lighter for assembly, heavier for flooring.

Small and Large Levels

A level checks if surfaces are straight or flat. It uses bubble vials to show horizontal and vertical alignment.

The body is often aluminum or plastic. Longer levels span wider surfaces, shorter ones fit in tighter spots. Vials should be easy to read and firmly fixed in the body.

Brands We Like

Stabila, Empire

What to Look For

Go for a solid frame that won’t bend. Make sure the bubble moves smoothly and settles quickly.

Standard Pliers

Standard pliers have flat and curved jaws for gripping and turning. They are used in electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

The jaws grip flat or rounded parts. Teeth should be sharp and aligned. The handles should not slip, even under pressure.

Brands We Like

Channellock, Klein Tools

What to Look For

Choose pliers with tight pivots and non-slip grips. Hardened steel holds up better over time.

Needle Nose Pliers

These pliers have long, thin jaws for tight spots. Often used for electrical work or handling small parts.

The jaws come to a fine point. They need to meet evenly and not twist under pressure.

The handles are usually rubber-coated for grip.

Brands We Like

Irwin, Klein Tools

What to Look For

Pick ones with strong tips and smooth pivot action. Spring-loaded handles are helpful for quick work.

Channel-Type Pliers

These adjustable pliers grip larger items like pipes or fittings. The jaw size changes with a sliding mechanism.

The jaws have angled teeth that grip tightly. Longer handles give better leverage but need more room to work.

Brands We Like

Channellock, Knipex

What to Look For

Check for smooth adjustment and tight joints. Teeth should be sharp and grip well.

Allen Wrenches

Allen wrenches (or hex keys) are L-shaped tools for hex screws. They come in sets with different sizes.

Each key is one solid piece. The long side gives reach, the short side gives control.

Some sets include ball-end tips for easier angles.

Brands We Like

Bondhus, Tekton

What to Look For

Look for hardened steel. Ball-end options help in tight spots. Organizers keep your set together.

Wood Chisel

A wood chisel has a flat blade with a sharp edge. It’s used to shape or remove wood by hand or with a mallet.

The blade should be sharpened to cut clean. The handle must be tough enough to take hammer strikes. Handles come in wood or plastic, sometimes with a metal cap on the end.

Brands We Like

Irwin, Narex

What to Look For

Look for sharp edges and solid handles. A metal strike cap helps if you’ll be using a hammer.

Measuring Tape

A measuring tape has a retractable metal blade with marks in inches and centimeters.

The blade pulls out and locks. A hook at the end grabs onto edges. Most cases are plastic or metal and fit in a tool belt.

Brands We Like

Stanley, Milwaukee

What to Look For

Check for standout (how far the tape extends before bending), easy-read markings, and a strong return spring.

Metal File

A metal file is a hand tool used to smooth, shape, or remove small amounts of material from metal surfaces (and sometimes wood or plastic too).

It has a rough, textured surface that grinds down sharp edges or burrs. You’d use it when you cut metal pipe, trim hardware, or fine-tune a tight fit. It's kind of like sanding, but for tougher jobs.

Brands We Like

Stanley, Milwaukee

What to Look For

When buying a metal file, look for one made of durable steel. A good file should bite the metal, not just slide over it. Cheap ones wear down fast and don’t get the job done.

Power Tools You Made Need

For basic home repairs, you don’t need a full workshop, but a few key tools can make a big difference. Power tools can be especially helpful with repetitive tasks like drilling, sawing, and sanding.

Circular Saw

A circular saw is a great power tool used for making straight cuts in wood, metal, plastic, and more. It's perfect for crosscuts, rip cuts, and bevel cuts, and is typically equipped with an adjustable depth and bevel angle for precision.

The blade rotates at high speed, allowing it to cut through material quickly and efficiently. Circular saws are available in corded and cordless models.

Brands We Like

DeWalt, Makita

What to Look For

Look for a saw with an electric brake, which stops the blade quickly after you release the trigger. A strong base plate that doesn’t bend is important for straight cuts. Check that the depth and bevel adjustments are easy to use. Cordless models are great if you move around a lot, but corded saws usually have more power.

Palm Sander

A palm sander is a compact, lightweight power tool used for sanding and smoothing surfaces. It's ideal for light to medium sanding tasks on wood, metal, or plastic, and it helps achieve a smooth, even finish with minimal effort.

Palm sanders are typically available in corded models, though cordless options are available.

Brands We Like

Makita, Bosch

What to Look For

Look for a sander with a comfortable grip for better control and less hand fatigue. Ensure the sandpaper is easy to change. Choose a model with variable speed settings for different types of sanding jobs.

Cordless Drill

A cordless drill is great for drilling holes and driving screws without the need for a power outlet. You can use it for assembling furniture, installing hardware, or even drilling through wood, metal, and masonry.

Brands We Like

DeWalt, Bosch, Makita

What to Look For

Look for a drill with multiple speed settings and adjustable torque for flexibility in different tasks. Ensure it has a comfortable grip and lightweight design. Check the battery life and charging speed, and opt for a model with a keyless chuck for easy bit changes. A brushless motor offers more efficiency and longer lifespan.

Why Choose Bishop Builders?

When the task is just too big, consider the team at Bishop Builders. We offer friendly advise and service backed by years of experience. Call us any time you need help with storm damage, remodels, new builds, or any construction project in north Texas.