Owning a home comes with a long list of maintenance tasks, minor repairs, and improvement projects. Whether you’re hanging pictures, fixing a leaky faucet, or assembling furniture, having the right tools on hand can save you time and money. But where do you start?
If you’re new to homeownership, you don’t need to buy an entire hardware store’s worth of equipment. Instead, start with these essential tools—and for those less frequently used, you can always rent them on Garage101 when needed.
1. Claw Hammer 🔨
Why You Need It:
A claw hammer is a versatile tool for driving nails into walls and wood, as well as removing them. It’s a must-have for everything from hanging artwork to basic carpentry.
When to Rent: If you’re doing heavy-duty demolition or framing work, you may need a sledgehammer or framing hammer instead.
2. Screwdrivers (Flathead & Phillips) 🛠️
Why You Need It:
From tightening loose cabinet handles to assembling furniture, screwdrivers are essential for countless household tasks. Invest in a set with different sizes for maximum flexibility.
When to Rent: If you’re working on electrical projects or need extra power, consider renting a cordless electric screwdriver.
3. Tape Measure 📏
Why You Need It:
Accurate measurements are crucial for home improvement projects. Whether you’re buying furniture, hanging curtains, or cutting materials, a 25-foot retractable tape measure should be in every toolbox.
When to Rent: For large construction projects, a laser distance measurer can be more efficient.
4. Adjustable Wrench & Pliers 🔧
Why You Need Them:
- Adjustable Wrench – Great for tightening and loosening nuts, bolts, and plumbing fixtures.
- Pliers – Used for gripping, twisting, and cutting wires or nails. A set including needle-nose pliers, slip-joint pliers, and locking pliers is ideal.
When to Rent: If you’re doing major plumbing work, you might need pipe wrenches or specialty pliers.
5. Utility Knife & Putty Knife 🏠
Why You Need Them:
- Utility Knife – Perfect for opening boxes, cutting drywall, trimming materials, and removing caulk.
- Putty Knife – Used for applying spackling paste or scraping off old paint and wallpaper.
When to Rent: If you’re refinishing an entire room, renting a wallpaper steamer or paint scraper might be more efficient.
6. Level (Bubble or Laser) 📐
Why You Need It:
A level ensures that pictures, shelves, and furniture are perfectly straight. A 24-inch or 48-inch bubble level is ideal for most household tasks.
When to Rent: For larger projects like framing or installing cabinets, a laser level is more accurate and easier to use.
7. Cordless Drill & Drill Bits 🔩
Why You Need It:
A cordless drill makes drilling holes and driving screws much faster and easier. Get a set of drill bits for different materials like wood, metal, and masonry.
When to Rent: If you only need a drill for a one-time project, renting it on Garage101 is a smart move. For heavy-duty jobs, a hammer drill might be necessary.
8. Stud Finder & Wall Anchors 🏗️
Why You Need Them:
- Stud Finder – Helps you locate wall studs so you can securely mount shelves, TVs, and mirrors.
- Wall Anchors – Prevent screws from pulling out of drywall when mounting heavy items.
When to Rent: If you’re hanging a large number of heavy items, a professional-grade stud finder or drywall anchor kit could be useful.
9. Extension Cord & Work Light 💡
Why You Need Them:
- Extension Cord – Helps you power tools and electronics in hard-to-reach areas.
- Work Light – Essential for dimly lit spaces like attics, basements, or under sinks.
When to Rent: For outdoor projects, you might need heavy-duty extension cords or industrial work lights.
10. Ladder & Step Stool 🏗️
Why You Need Them:
A 6-foot ladder is perfect for changing light bulbs, painting walls, and cleaning gutters. A step stool is useful for quick indoor tasks.
When to Rent: For roof work or high ceilings, renting an extension ladder is a safer option than buying one.
11. Safety Gear & Work Gloves 🦺
Why You Need Them:
- Gloves – Protect your hands from splinters, cuts, and dirt.
- Safety Glasses – Shield your eyes from dust and debris.
- Ear Protection – Useful when working with loud power tools.
When to Rent: For specialized jobs, you may need respirators, welding masks, or knee pads.
Should You Buy or Rent Your Tools?
✅ Buy If:
- You’ll use the tool frequently for home maintenance.
- It’s an affordable, multi-purpose tool (like a screwdriver set or hammer).
🛠️ Rent If:
- You need the tool for a one-time project.
- It’s expensive or takes up too much storage space (e.g., pressure washers, tile saws, or power sanders).
- You want to try before investing in an expensive tool.
With Garage101, you don’t have to buy every tool. Simply rent the ones you need, use them, and return them hassle-free!
Final Thoughts: Build Your Essential Toolkit with Garage101
Having a basic toolkit makes homeownership easier, whether it’s hanging pictures, fixing leaks, or assembling furniture. Start with these must-have tools, and for everything else, Garage101 is here to help you rent what you need!
🔍 Browse tools in your community, list the ones you own, and start sharing today!