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Step stool -

For indoor jobs, a large, heavy ladder isn't usually needed. Invest in a solid, preferably aluminum step stool. Be sure to account for not only your weight but the approximate weights of different things you might be lifting while on the stool.

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Tape measure -

When tackling those big projects, you'll need a sturdy tape measure. It's recommended to invest in a 25-foot (7.6 meter) tape measure and one that's wide enough to avoid bending and collapsing when it's extended across a room.

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Utility knife -

From tough cuts like plastic zip ties to easier-to-manage string, the utility knife is a must-have. Ensure the blade you choose is replaceable and sharp. When you're not using the utility knife, take the blade out and safely store it.

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Precision knife -

Precision knives are used for delicate jobs, namely those in which a utility knife or pair of scissors would be too clumsy or big. Whether you need to trim off the edges of painter's tape or thin materials like paper, plastic, or stencils, this blade is perfect.

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Stud finder -

Ready to hang something up on your wall? Anything you attach to a wall should always be mounted to the vertical structural pieces of wood, known as studs, behind the wall. This finder helps you locate the studs so you can easily hang your photo or piece of art.

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Power drill -

For most home jobs, a 12V drill will work. However, if you foresee wanting to mount a heavier object like a sound system or shelving, you might want to invest in the 18V or 20V drill. A drill can prove helpful in many of your DIY home tasks, so be sure to have one handy!

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Drill bits -

For many medium-to-large-sized jobs, it's easier to first drill a hole before driving any screws or bolts into the wall. When you purchase the drill, consider the drill bits you might need in the future. Often, hardware stores will sell them in sets or packs, so you're covered no matter what.

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Adjustable wrench -

An adjustable, 6-inch (15 cm) wrench is your new best friend! This particular wrench is a good enough size to give you torque for big jobs without being so large that it can't handle small jobs.

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Small tool bag -

You may know someone who has a metal toolbox at home, and while they're okay to have, fabric ones make carrying much easier. It's also better for popping open the top and grabbing something quickly. 

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Mallet -

Sometimes, furniture needs to be firmly hit a few times during assembly. However, a regular hammer can cause damage, so a rubber mallet is best to help the pieces fit better together without chipping off bits of plastic or wood.

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Hammer -

This hammer is an excellent staple item to have for every DIY'er. The head of the hammer should be in the 16 to 20-ounce (535 to 566 grams) range and have a curved claw at the back to help pull nails out should you need to.

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Quick-grip bar clamp -

The bar clamp is often considered the most versatile clamp. For the majority of simple home repairs, the bar clamp can act as an extra set of hands and free you up to secure things or even check instructions if you have them.

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Hex keys -

Sometimes, new furniture will come with small, flimsy Allen wrenches, but as with most other tools, it's worthwhile to invest in a good set of hex keys. At some point in your future, you'll need a hex key, so it's better to have good ones handy.

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Level -

Having a good level is important for work around the home. Before purchasing a level, be sure to investigate its accuracy. Buying an aluminum one for toughness and with ends capped in plastic (to avoid scraping your walls) is advised.

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Combination screwdriver -

Having a combination screwdriver or one with multiple heads included will cover you for most home repairs and maintenance. It takes up much less space than having six individual screwdrivers. Plus, it's likely more sturdy and quicker to use.

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Precision screwdriver kit -

Precision screwdrivers are often used to repair items such as sunglasses and electronics. Plus, they're compact and won't take up much space.

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Touch-up marker -

Furniture is something we use regularly, and the longer you have it, the more scrapes, knicks, and dents it's bound to accumulate. A quick, budget-friendly fix is to use furniture touch-up markers. They dry quickly, and it only takes a few seconds to apply.

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Multi-tool -

These multi-tools have numerous tools built into them and are easy to use and quick to grab to tackle a simple job. Consider the tools you use or might need at a moment's notice and find the matching multi-tool.

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Yardstick -

A yardstick should accompany your tape measure and be a resource for when the tape measure won't sit flat enough against a wall to trace a line. Though the yardstick won't fit in your tool kit, it's often thin enough to slide into a closet somewhere near your tools.

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Magnetic parts dish -

When you're right in the middle of your project, it can be so easy to lose an important screw, nail, or bolt. The magnetic parts dish is just like it sounds—a bowl where you can place those metal parts, and they'll stay magnetized, making finding them much easier!

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Pliers -

Pliers are one of the tools you'll likely use most often. Buy a good set with various pliers included, as you'll likely have different needs arise. For example, large tongue-and-groove pliers are great for large pipes, while cutting pliers will go through anything and help with small-to-do tasks like cutting plastic ties.

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Variable speed rotary tool -

This ultra-portable, plug-in power tool often comes with 30 or more attachments! This versatile tool will help you accomplish everything from cutting through a bolt or screw at home to mounting new legs on your couch.

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Eye protection -

Protecting your eyes and vision is essential. While you're hard at work on your home DIY projects, keep your eyes safe from wood dust, chemicals that might splash, or other hazardous materials. Depending on the specific task you're working on, safety glasses (versus safety goggles) are more appropriate. 

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Caulk gun -

Caulk guns today allow you to release the trigger to use the caulk, but they won’t dribble like they did in years past. Whether you need to fill a drafty window or address flaws in the walls, caulk can be used to solve a wide array of problems.

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Caulk smoother -

In the past, many would smooth caulk with their fingertips, but it often resulted in cheap, sloppy-looking work. Using a caulk smoother tool will help you evenly distribute the caulk and set the rest of your project up for success.

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Quality scissors -

Regular kitchen or sewing scissors will often break if you use them on tough DIY projects. Be sure to invest in a solid set of scissors or shears to tackle those larger, harder jobs. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of a project and your scissors break.

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Ruler -

While your DIY tool kit will include a yardstick and tape measure, sometimes neither of those will work well enough for certain projects. Invest in a footlong (30 cm) ruler, as these can help you draw straight lines on walls and so much more.

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Wall anchors -

For things heavier than a coat hook or small picture frame, you should mount them to the wall. Screwing a bracket into the wall stud is the most secure way. These plastic bolts mount to the wallboard, and then a metal screw is inserted into them and holds the object onto the wall.

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Duct Tape -

The super-sticky tape known as duct tape will fix most things (temporarily, anywho!). Have a roll handy in your tool kit for those quick fixes.

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Flashlight -

A simple flashlight will help you in numerous ways, namely when you are in a dimly-lit location of your home doing work. If it's getting later in the day and the natural light is fading, but you still have work to get done, grab that flashlight and keep powering through.
Sources: (Wired) (Lowe's)
See also: Crafting with kids: Creative DIY projects for family fun

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