When it comes to DIY projects or simple home repairs, having the right items on hand can save you time and frustration. You don’t need a fully stocked workshop, but there are a handful of essentials that make tackling common fixes much easier.
Knowing which 14 things to always keep for DIY or repairs helps you prepare for most household issues without needing to call a professional. Having these basics ready means you can handle small problems quickly and confidently, keeping your home running smoothly.
DeWalt 20V Cordless Drill
You’ll find the DeWalt 20V Cordless Drill a handy tool for many DIY projects. It offers good power and lasts through various tasks around your home or workspace.
The drill comes with batteries and a charger, so you’re ready to work without delay. It’s lightweight, making it easy to handle for quick repairs or assembling furniture.
This drill fits well in your toolkit whether you’re a beginner or need a reliable, everyday drill.
Irwin Vise-Grip Pliers
You’ll find Irwin Vise-Grip pliers useful for many repair tasks. They provide a strong grip on fasteners, pipes, and other materials.
These pliers often include features like wire cutters, fold-out blades, and screwdriver bits, giving you extra versatility.
Their locking mechanism helps hold items securely, making your work easier. With proper care, they stay reliable for years.
Stanley 25ft Tape Measure

You’ll find the Stanley 25ft tape measure reliable for most DIY projects. Its auto-lock feature helps keep the tape in place while you work.
The tape is easy to read with clear markings, making measurements straightforward. Its durable rubber case protects it from drops and daily wear.
At 25 feet, it offers good reach for most tasks around the home or workshop. It’s a handy tool to keep in your kit.
3M Painters Tape
You’ll find 3M painters tape useful for both indoor and outdoor projects. It sticks well and helps prevent paint bleed, giving you cleaner lines.
The tape removes easily without leaving residue for up to 14 days. This makes it great for protecting walls, trim, or windows while you work.
It’s a solid choice if you want a reliable tape that holds but won’t damage surfaces when removed. Keep it handy for any painting job.
Sugru Moldable Glue
Sugru is a moldable glue that turns into silicone rubber after curing. You can shape it to fix or improve almost anything around your home.
It’s great for quick repairs, like patching worn fabric or reinforcing loose parts. Keep a pack handy because it lasts a long time and is easy to use whenever you need it.
Mr. Grip Screw Hole Repair Kit
You can use the Mr. Grip Screw Hole Repair Kit to fix stripped or worn screw holes quickly. It works well on furniture, cabinets, stools, and more.
The steel teeth in the repair plugs give your screws a strong hold. This kit helps you avoid replacing entire pieces just because of loose screws.
Keep this kit handy for small repairs around the house. It’s easy to use and saves time on DIY projects.
Kampel Seam-Fil

You should keep Kampel Seam-Fil for fixing nicks, seams, and small gouges in laminate surfaces. It bonds well and dries hard, making your repairs durable.
Mixing colors with Seam-Fil helps you match your laminate perfectly. It’s easy to apply and smooth out, so your repair looks neat and professional. Having this on hand can save you time and money when small damages occur.
Wagner Spraytech Power Paint Sprayer
You’ll find the Wagner Spraytech Power Paint Sprayer useful for many DIY projects. It offers airless spraying, which helps you cover large areas smoothly and quickly.
This sprayer works well on things like decks, fences, and home exteriors. It’s designed to make your painting tasks easier without needing much experience.
Having one in your toolkit means you can handle bigger painting jobs more efficiently. It’s a smart choice if you want consistent results with less effort.
Estwing Hammer
You’ll appreciate the durability of an Estwing hammer. It’s forged from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it both strong and surprisingly lightweight.
This design helps you swing faster and with less fatigue during your projects. Plus, it’s built to last without needing frequent maintenance.
Always wear safety goggles when using your hammer to protect yourself and anyone nearby. Your Estwing hammer is a reliable choice for many DIY and repair tasks.
Wire Strippers
You’ll want a reliable wire stripper for any electrical DIY or repair project. It helps you remove insulation cleanly without damaging the wire.
Look for strippers that handle multiple wire sizes, like 14, 12, 10, and 8 gauge. Versatile tools save time and frustration.
Some wire strippers have extra functions like cutting and crimping. Having these handy can simplify your work and reduce the number of tools you carry.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive
You’ll find Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive useful for many DIY projects. It’s strong, waterproof, and works well both indoors and outdoors.
This adhesive bonds quickly and holds up under tough conditions. It’s great for wood, metal, tile, and more.
Keep it on hand to fix or build with confidence. Its all-weather formula means your repairs last longer.
Leatherman Multi-Tool
You’ll find a Leatherman multi-tool handy for a variety of DIY projects and repairs. It usually includes tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and a blade all in one compact device.
Keep it clean and dry after use. Adding a drop of oil to the pivots keeps it working smoothly.
Having a replaceable pocket clip makes it easy to carry around during your tasks.
Porter-Cable Impact Driver
You’ll find the Porter-Cable impact driver reliable for many DIY projects. It offers a strong motor that can handle tough jobs without much effort.
This tool runs on a brushless motor, which means longer runtime compared to older models. Whether you’re tightening screws or driving bolts, it gives consistent power and speed.
If you want a tool that stays durable and works well for repairs, this impact driver is a solid choice to keep in your toolbox.
PVC Pipe and Fittings
You should always have a few lengths of PVC pipe on hand for quick fixes or projects. It’s lightweight, easy to cut, and works for many plumbing or crafting needs.
Keep a variety of fittings like elbows, tees, and couplings. These help you connect pipes easily without special tools.
Remember, use proper glue and primer for leak-proof joints. Mixing PVC with CPVC or other plastics can cause problems, so stick to the same type.