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Handyman Tools List:  58 Handyman Tools for All Types of Work

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Hillary Walters
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Originally published on November 7, 2023. Last updated on January 16, 2025.

Handyman work is all about tackling a variety of tasks around your customers’ homes—fixing plumbing emergencies, assembling furniture, or knocking out a quick paint job. To handle it all, you need a well-equipped tool bag ready for anything.

To help you start your handyman business with the right equipment, we’ve compiled a list of handyman tools for your most common types of jobs, including average prices for each.

When you’re ready to shop, download this handyman tool checklist to keep track of what you’ve purchased and what you still need.

Preview of a handyman tool checklist

Essential tools list (by type):

  1. Basic hand tools for all jobs
  2. Basic power tools
  3. Specialized tools by job type
    1. Plumbing tools
    2. Appliance repair tools
    3. Painting tools
    4. Electrical work tools
  4. Supplies and accessories
  5. Safety gear
  6. Business management tools

⚠️ The tool prices listed below are approximate ranges and in USD. Pricing will vary by brand, store, quality, and whether you purchase larger supplies and equipment new or used.

Basic hand tools for all jobs

From simple to complex jobs, you can start building your toolkit with a few essentials. Keep these basic hand tools in your toolbox or belt for all types of handiwork:

1. Utility knife ($5–50): A utility or razor knife lets you cut cables, wire insulation, and other materials neatly for all kinds of repairs and installs.

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2. Hammer ($10–30): Find a lightweight hammer with a comfortable grip, and keep it handy for assembly jobs and repairs. Keep a claw hammer around for carpentry and woodworking projects.

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3. Screwdriver set ($10–30): Purchase a screwdriver set with a flat head, square tip, and Phillips driver heads. These will help you install and change plumbing fixtures, control panels, switch plates, and appliance parts. 

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4. Pliers or plier set ($15–45): Needle-nose pliers and channel lock pliers are useful for gripping, bending, and cutting materials. Slip-joint pliers have adjustable jaws that help you grip objects of various sizes.

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5. Tape measure ($5–25): Use a tape measure to take precise measurements of components and equipment, whether you’re replacing or installing them.

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6. Adjustable wrench ($15–45): A wrench with a movable jaw lets you torque nuts and bolts of various sizes.

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7. Stud finder ($10–30): By detecting changes in the density of a wall, stud finders help you locate framing studs so you can securely mount shelves, cabinets, or TVs.

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8. Staple gun ($25–35): Handymen use staple guns as an alternative to nails or screws to fasten upholstery and carpeting or to complete small repairs.

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9. Brad nailer ($25–100): Use for precision fastening on lightweight projects like attaching trim, molding, or decorative panels. Small brads provide a secure hold without splitting wood or leaving large holes.

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10. Chisel ($5–20):  Use for tasks that require precise shaping, carving, or removing material from wood, metal, or stone. A chisel also creates clean edges by scraping off unwanted material, making it invaluable for woodworking and detail work.

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11. Mini LED flashlight ($2-20): Use a mini LED flashlight to illuminate tight, dark spaces like under sinks or behind appliances, ensuring precision and safety during repairs or installations.

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12. Angle grinder ($40-100) A handyman needs an angle grinder for cutting, grinding, and polishing a variety of materials like metal, tile, and concrete, making it an essential tool for versatile and efficient project work.

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Basic power tools

Here are the most essential power tools for common handyman services:

13. Cordless drill and drill bits ($40–120): You’ll use a drill to create holes, bore, fasten, and more. Look for a drill with adjustable torque and speed settings.

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14. Impact driver ($50–180): Impact drivers provide higher torque than drills, which help you drive screws efficiently—even into dense materials—without stripping screw heads.

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15. Power saws ($30–130 each): Use a reciprocating saw, circular saw, or a jigsaw to create detailed cutouts in panels or drywall, a circular saw for long, straight lines, and a hole saw for round holes.

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16. Heat gun ($25–60): Heat guns provide controlled, directed heat to help you shrink or manipulate materials and make secure, insulated connections.

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17. Power sander ($60–95): Use this tool to achieve a smooth finish when refinishing furniture, decks, or other wooden materials.

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18. Vacuum ($20-120): Any good handyman needs a portable vacuum to quickly clean up dust, debris, and small messes on job sites, ensuring a tidy workspace and professional results.

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READ MORE:12 must-have handyman apps for busy contractors

Specialized tools by job type

Depending on the services you offer, you may need tools made specifically for plumbing, painting, and other specialized work. Although you might keep your services more general, be sure to pick up specialized tools if you plan to do any of the work below.

Plumbing tools

These pipework tools, wrenches, and declogging tools are essential for plumbing work:

19. Pipe cutters, including plastic ($12–50), copper ($15–60), and steel cutters ($25–75): Different types of pipe cutters help achieve smooth, precise cuts when working with various types of plumbing pipes.

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20. Pipe wrench ($20–60): A pipe wrench comes in handy when gripping and turning pipes or fittings during plumbing repairs.

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21. Basin wrench ($15–50): Designed for super tight spaces, a basin wrench makes adjusting or removing nuts under sinks much easier.

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22. Faucet seat wrench ($5–30): Rely on this tool for replacing or repairing faucet seats as a way to stop leaks quickly.

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23. Plungers ($5–20): This one is a common household tool. Plungers make it easier to clear clogs in toilets, sinks, or drains by using pressure and suction.

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24. Plumber’s snake ($10–25): Use this to tackle blockages deeper in pipes where a plunger won’t reach. It’s especially helpful when a drain is clogged by loose hair.

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READ MORE: 40 best plumbing tools for all jobs

Appliance repair tools

Appliance repair jobs can have you fixing washers and dryers, refrigerators, ovens, and more. Be prepared for any task by picking up these tools for appliance repair:

25. Rubber mallet ($4–10): Rubber mallets are gentle but powerful. They’re perfect for tapping objects into place without causing damage to a surface or item.

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26. Nut driver set ($12–30): This set is great for tightening or loosening small nuts in appliances and fixtures. Having a complete set ensures that you’ll have the right option, no matter what you’re repairing.

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27. Belt tension gauge ($20–40): A tension gauge is especially practical when it comes to appliance maintenance, since many machines (like dryers and refrigerators) drive power with belts. This gauge might also be useful for repairing exercise equipment.

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28. Tub nut wrench ($15–20): This type of wrench is specifically designed for removing and installing drain nuts in bathtubs.

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29. Temperature probe ($20–35): Appliance temperature probes offer a quick way to check appliance temperatures for diagnosing problems and common errors.

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30. Gas leak detector ($30–120): When it comes to breathable gas or harmful fumes, it’s always safety first. This tool helps identify gas leaks during repairs or inspections so that you can clear the space if needed.

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Painting tools

Whether you need a fresh coat of paint for a wall or want to do a few touch-ups, basic paint supplies can help you finish each job neatly and professionally. Carry these essential pieces of painting equipment for residential paint jobs:

31. Painter’s multi-tool ($8–20): From scraping rough paint spots to opening cans, this versatile tool helps pro painters and handymen alike.

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32. Masking tape ($1–6 per roll): Keep edges clean and protect surfaces by using this tape while painting. Painter’s tape peels off gently without damaging fresh coats.

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33. Manual caulk gun ($5–30): This metal or plastic tool is perfect for applying caulk neatly to seal gaps and cracks.

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34. Patching knife or putty knife ($7–15): Reach for your putty knife when patching material or scraping away old paint or putty from places like trim or door jambs. 

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35. Drywall tape knife ($8–15): This is the best tool for applying and smoothing out drywall tape, which holds newly applied sections of drywall in place.

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36. Brushes ($5–25 each): A good set of brushes can help with detail work or reaching areas that standard paint rollers can’t cover. These can also be used to apply stain, varnish, or protective coating.

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37. Paint rollers and covers ($20–45): Use these to quickly and efficiently cover larger areas (like entire walls) with a fresh coat of paint.

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38. Paint tray ($3–6): Disposable (or metal) paint trays offer a simple but effective way to hold paint and reduce splatter.

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Electrical work tools

Add these basic electrician tools to your handyman tool kit so you’re equipped for electrical repairs:

39. Wire stripper ($10–50): This tool allows you to precisely and safely remove insulation from electrical wires without damaging the wire itself, making it a top choice for installation or repair.

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40. Wire crimper ($20–35): This tool securely crimps connectors onto wires. Crimping makes sure that you have professional-grade connections for electrical installations and repairs to reduce risks.

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41. Coaxial cable crimper ($20–50): Use this to attach connectors to coaxial cables carefully. Doing so creates strong connections for audio, video, or internet systems.

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42. Multimeter ($30–40): A multimeter measures voltage, current, and resistance. When it comes to handyman duties, it’s useful for pinpointing electrical problems and verifying which circuits are running smoothly.

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43. Voltage tester ($20–35): Safely and quickly determine if an electrical wire or outlet is live to prevent accidents during repairs.

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44. Fish tape ($15–75): This tool simplifies pulling wires through walls, ceilings, or conduit, even in tight or hidden spaces.

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Pro Tip: In many U.S. states, you need an electrician’s license before you complete any electrical work legally. Check out our electrician licensing guide to double-check if you need certification in your state. Network with other professionals in your area to provide mutually beneficial references.

Supplies and accessories

To be prepared for any handiwork job, stock your van with these essential supplies and accessories:

45. Tool belt ($30–60): To keep all your tools in arm’s reach while you work, purchase a tool belt you can comfortably wear throughout the day.

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46. Portable toolbox ($25–150): Get a rolling toolbox—or one with a handle—to keep your tool organized and accessible on the go.

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47. Extension cords ($20–35): Extension cords let you work on outdoor projects without being tethered to a nearby outlet.

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48. Step ladder ($25–45): A basic step ladder will help you paint, replace light fixtures, and complete repairs in hard-to-reach places.

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49. Duct tape ($3–8 per roll): This tape is a must-have for quick fixes and longer-term repairs—like patching holes and sealing ducts.

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50. Wood glue and superglue ($4–10 per bottle): Apply wood glue to joints or cracks when completing deck or furniture repairs. Superglue comes in handy for assembling small components or stopping a fray from unraveling.

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Safety gear

Stock your van or truck with these safety tools to protect yourself, your customers, and their property:

51. Goggles ($10–25): Whether you’re soldering, drilling, or sawing, safety goggles are a must-have to protect your eyes from flying debris and chemicals.

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52. Earplugs ($0.50–20): Handymen use earplugs to protect their hearing during high-noise tasks like drilling or sawing. They’re a small investment for your long-term health.

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53. Respirator ($15–45): Respirators, or gas masks, provide you protection against dust, fumes, and other hazardous airborne particles while you’re sanding, painting, or handling chemicals.

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54. Knee pads ($20–40): Handiwork can keep you on your knees for long periods. Knee pads help soften the pressure and save you from serious joint issues down the road.

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55. Gloves ($7–25): Pick a heavy-duty work glove to protect your hands from cuts, and burns, or nitrile gloves for cleaning agents and other chemicals.

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READ MORE: 7 plumbing safety hazards and 13 tips to stay safe on the job

Business management tools

In addition to hand tools and power tools, look into software that simplifies your quoting, scheduling, customer service, and all other parts of running your business.

Consider these business management tech tools that help you win handyman jobs and keep customers happy:

56. Handyman invoice generator

The free handyman invoice generator from Jobber lets you create and download a professional invoice that you can send to your customers in minutes.

Simply add your company and client information, job details, and pricing, then download your invoice as a PDF that’s easy to send to clients.

Preview of handyman invoice template

Use Jobber’s invoice template to include all the necessary information—and look more professional than you would with handwritten invoices.

Or try using field service invoicing software to convert job details into invoices, send multiple invoices at once with batch invoicing, and automatically follow up with customers on overdue payments.

With Jobber, we just hit a button. Payments are due within 24 hours, and we get paid right away.

Ryaan Tuttle Best Handyman Boston

57. Accounting software

Accounting software is essential for managing expenses, payments, payroll, and all your finance work. QuickBooks Online helps you track and manage:

  • Payments from clients
  • Payroll to contractors or employees
  • Costs related to home repairs and handyman services, like gas, materials, or parts
  • Expense receipts to prepare for tax season and claim tax deductions

Plus, QuickBooks integrates with Jobber so you can keep your customer, invoice, and payment information accurate without any double-entry.

58. Handyman business software

Handyman business software like Jobber helps business owners create quotes, schedule service calls, invoice, and collect payments—from the office or the job site.

Jobber also sends automatic quote follow-up emails to keep the ball moving on your upcoming projects. Plus, you can easily access estimates and details about your client’s job or project, all in one convenient place.

Quote follow-up settings and examples in Jobber

Once the job is complete, use the Jobber to collect payments quickly and digitally. You’ll get paid faster and impress your customers with a convenient, professional experience.

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