From hanging a picture frame to making repairs around the house, having the right tools on hand makes a big difference. But what are the tools that are essential for every toolbox, and also won’t cost you an arm and a leg? The short answer is no. You can fill your toolbox with handy products that won’t break your budget. These must-have items are reliable and have a great overall value. Best of all, all of these tools can be yours for less than $50 each. From ratcheting screwdrivers to drills, stud finders and even an ideal box to store everything in, here’s what you need to create an ideal tool set.
1. This 26-piece ratcheting screwdriver is easy on the wrist, and the accompanying set of flathead, Philips and Torx bits are enough to handle most at-home projects.
>> Buy the CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver and Multibit Set for $15.98 on Amazon
2. Whether you’re installing or removing screws or drilling holes, this simple but effective battery-powered cordless drill/driver can get the job done.
>> Buy the BLACK+DECKER 12V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver for $29 on Amazon
3. This extensive set of screwdriver bits is great for all types of screws, including tiny screws on electronics and computers, and the bits’ carbon steel construction can stand up to use with any driver.
>> Buy the Jackson Palmer 236 Piece Screwdriver Bit Set for $29.99 on Amazon
4. This Irwin hammer is great because it’s made of fiberglass (for less fatigue when using it) and has a solid rubber grip handle.
>> Buy the Irwin Hammer for $9.99 on Amazon
5. When drilling into walls or hanging objects, a stud finder makes your work much easier. This JAXWQ Stud Finder conducts wall scans of different depths to locate studs, metal and even live wiring.
>> Buy the JAXWQ Stud Finder Wall Scanner for $19.99 on Amazon
6. The DEWALT Socket Set features a good assortment of SAE and metric sockets as well as a 72-tooth wrench that gives you a 5-degree arc that works in tight spaces.
>> Buy the DEWALT Socket Set for $34.97 on Amazon
7. If you need to work with precision screws for equipment such as computers, phones and game consoles, this 142-piece set has you covered, with a slim magnetic screwdriver as well as a flexible shaft for tight spots.
>> Buy the STREBITO Electronics Precision Screwdriver Set for $27.99 on Amazon
8. This particular tape measure is a great option because of its secure rubber grip and its markings for fractions of inches (i.e., ⅛ of an inch) for easy reference.
>> Buy the CRAFTSMAN 25-Ft Tape Measure for $13.99 on Amazon
9. This knife features a razor-sharp blade with three adjustable positions and can cut everything from boxes to flooring, carpet, drywall and more.
>> Buy the WORKPRO Premium Utility Knife for $8.98 on Amazon
10. A bunch of high-quality tools deserves a high-quality tool box, and this heavy-duty stackable box is both durable and portable.
>> Buy the DEWALT TSTAK Tool Box for $30.87 on Amazon
11. Whether tightening up some furniture or working with your car, an adjustable wrench can be an invaluable tool, and this set includes both a large and small wrench that can be used for a variety of tasks, from plumbing and auto maintenance to work in smaller spaces.
>> Buy the WORKPRO 2-piece Adjustable Wrench Set for $19.99 on Amazon
12. Light your way if you need to work in dark spaces with this set of 120-lumen pen flashlights, which are slim enough to clip to a pocket, a notebook, your shirt or even your cap.
>> Buy the LE LED Pen Flashlights for $14.99 on Amazon
13. Make cleanup easier after every DIY or repair job with this cordless vacuum, which comes with a built-in crevice tool to reach tight spaces.
>> Buy the BLACK+DECKER Cordless Handheld Vacuum Set for $27.85 on Amazon
