Essential Hand Tools for Home Renovation (and How to Choose Good Ones)

Power tools get the attention, but hand tools do a surprising share of the work in any renovation. A good hammer, a sharp knife, an accurate level and screwdrivers that fit the screw properly make every job easier and neater. This guide goes tool by tool: what to look for, which sizes to buy and the details that separate a tool you will keep for decades from one that fails on day two.

Hammer

A 16 oz (450 g) claw hammer is the standard all-rounder. Look for a curved claw for pulling nails, a smooth face (a milled face is for framing and marks surfaces), and a shock-absorbing handle (fibreglass or steel with rubber grip). A one-piece steel hammer is the most durable. Add a rubber mallet for tapping laminate, tiles and furniture joints without damage.

Screwdrivers

Poorly fitting screwdrivers are the main cause of stripped screws. Buy a good set covering:

Look for hardened tips (often labelled S2 or chrome-vanadium-molybdenum), comfortable two-component handles and a hex bolster for a wrench on stubborn screws. A ratcheting multi-bit driver is a great space-saving addition.

Tape measure

• Length: 5 m (16 ft) for general use, 8 m (25 ft) for rooms and flooring.
• Blade width: 25 mm (1 in) blades extend further without bending ("standout").
• Hook: should slide slightly to compensate for its thickness when measuring inside vs outside dimensions. That slack is normal.
• Markings: clear metric and/or imperial as you prefer; stud markings every 16 in in US tapes.

Spirit levels

A 60 cm (24 in) level is the most versatile. Add a 1.2 m (48 in) level for doors and long runs, and a torpedo level for tight spaces. Look for accuracy of 0.5 mm/m or better, milled edges and solid vials. To check a level: place it on a flat surface, note the bubble, turn it end-for-end in the same place; the bubble should read the same. See measuring and layout tools.

Utility knife

You will use it constantly: opening packaging, scoring plasterboard, trimming carpet and vinyl, cutting sealant and wallpaper. Choose a retractable or snap-off knife with a metal body and blade storage. Change blades often; a blunt blade needs more force and slips.

Pliers

• Combination pliers (180–200 mm): gripping, bending, cutting wire.
• Long-nose pliers: small parts and tight spaces, bending wire loops.
• Side cutters (diagonal cutters): cutting wire and cable ties flush.
• Water pump pliers (tongue-and-groove, 250 mm): plumbing nuts, traps, pipes.
• Locking pliers (vise grips): clamping, removing stripped screws and bolts.

Wrenches and keys

• Adjustable wrench 200–250 mm: tap connections and odd nuts. Pull towards the fixed jaw.
• Hex (Allen) key set: metric (and SAE in the US). Ball-end keys work at an angle.
• Combination spanners 8–19 mm if you work on furniture, bikes or appliances.

Demolition and prep tools

• Pry bar / wrecking bar: removing skirting, trim and old fittings.
• Scrapers and putty knives (25–100 mm): filling, scraping, removing wallpaper.
• Chisels (wood): 12 and 25 mm for hinge recesses and trimming.
• Cold chisel and club hammer: chasing and breaking masonry.
• Hand saw: a fine-tooth pull saw is easy to use and cuts cleanly.
• Hacksaw: metal and plastic pipes, bolts.

Signs of a quality hand tool

• Forged rather than stamped metal parts (pliers, wrenches).
• Tight joints with no wobble in pliers.
• Well-finished tips that fit screws snugly.
• Comfortable handles that do not twist on the shaft.
• A lifetime or long warranty from established brands.

Frequently asked questions