Let’s get down to brass tacks: You can tackle most home repair and installation jobs. It doesn’t much matter if you’ve never done it before. That’s what first times are for. And it doesn’t matter that you don’t already know how to do them: That’s what YouTube tutorials are for. All it takes is a can-do attitude, a bit of patience, the humility to know when to consult the instructions, and the right tools.
You can save a ton of money and time if you’re willing to learn. Instructions on how to construct things can be found in manuals and YouTube videos, but there are certain tools you inevitably need, whether you live in an apartment or a single-family home. We promise that if you go in with the right attitude and the right gear, you’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish.
Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including our Favorite Cold-Weather Gear Under $100, the Best Climbing Gear for Beginners, Emergency Gear to Keep at Home, and our Buy It For Life Guide.
Updated July 2023: We’ve updated pricing and availability and also replaced a few old picks with new ones, such as the yardstick, adjustable wrench, and step stool.