Must have tools:

Hammer - A 16-ounce, curved-claw hammer will handle most tasks. Choose a drop-forged steel head

Screwdriver - Get one with changeable tips.

Putty knife – Can be used for applying putty and for scraping. Keep a couple of different varieties on hand to meet your needs.

Tape measure - Measuring is a must for almost any project. A 12-foot length is good for most home repairs and a 25-foot length is better for carpentry and plumbing.

Vise grips - Use this tool for grabbing all sorts of things very tightly. It comes in handy for loosening nuts that won't budge.

Utility knife - It's better and safer than a knife because the blades can be changed when dull.

Hack saw - This saw is good for cutting metal or a variety of other materials including plastic. Keep a variety of blades on hand for your specific needs.

Caulking gun - This tool is a must for dispensing caulk, glue and even tar for roof repairs

Assorted fasteners - Repairs are all about putting things back together. A nice variety of nails, screws, zip ties, etc. will keep you prepared for that unexpected repair or project.

Cordless drill - Ease of use is the main reason to go cordless. Higher voltage means more power and more life between charges.

Square - Cutting materials square is the first step in making sure projects turn out right. This tool is a must-have.

Level - From hanging pictures to building a deck, everyone needs a level. Projects that are level and plumb look professional..

Flat bar or Pry bar - Often starting a project means tearing something out. A flat bar will help. Use claws on either end for removing nails.

Diagonal cutters – can cut wire and a variety of other materials such as small nails and dowels.

Adjustable wrench - Flexibility makes this tool a must for turning nuts, bolts and plumbing fittings. While a set of sockets and wrenches is preferred, this wrench will get you by most of the time.

Drill bits - Get a kit that contains different sizes and varieties for drilling through different materials.

Jig saw - This saw can do a wide variety of cutting jobs and is easy to use.

Clamps (pair) - A set of bar clamps is always useful for holding things together while they are glued or fastened.

Paint brush/roller kit - A good quality brush and roller are easier to clean and hold up longer than cheap varieties. You save in the long run. Consider an extension pole, too.

Pipe wrench - Pipe wrenches work better in pairs because you often have to twist one piece while holding another still.

Tongue and groove pliers - Sometimes called channel locks, these pliers handle a variety of gripping and turning tasks including taking apart drains.

Voltage detector – is also known as a voltage tester. You should have this device if you are going to work on electrical repairs.

Combination wire stripper - It cuts, it bends, it strips and it pinches. It's a tool you'll find indispensable.

Circular saw - Unless you enjoy sawing by hand, a circular saw with sharp blades is something you cannot do without for cutting lumber.

Reciprocating saw - Sometimes called Sawzall (the Milwaukee tool brand name), this power saw is especially good for demolition work because it cuts through nails. It tackles a variety of other tasks as well.

Vise - A vise holds things perfectly in place while you work on them. It’s the best way to avoid frustration.

Belt sander - This tool is great for quickly removing paint and other finishes. Belts with different grits can take you from a rough finish the smooth.

Allen wrench - So many things, from furniture to faucets are put together with Allen screws that a wrench set is a "must have."

Pipe cutter - A heavy-duty pipe cutter can be used to cut a variety of pipe and tubing