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Basic Hand Tools Explained: Hammer, Screwdriver, Wrench, Pliers

Tap a tool to see its features.

Hammer

The most basic tool for driving nails or striking objects, typically with a claw on the opposite side for pulling nails out.

Screwdriver

A tool for tightening or loosening screws, with Phillips (cross-head) and flathead being the most widely used tip shapes.

Wrench (Spanner)

A tool for tightening and loosening bolts and nuts, available in fixed sizes or adjustable versions.

Pliers

A versatile tool for gripping, bending, and cutting wire.

Utility Knife

A bladed tool for cutting paper, boxes, and thin materials, often with a retractable or replaceable blade.

Tape Measure

A tool for measuring length, with a retractable design that makes it easy to carry.

Level

A tool that checks whether a surface is precisely horizontal or vertical, read by the position of a bubble inside.

These 7 Tools Handle Most Basic Repairs

From assembling furniture to simple household repairs, having a few basic hand tools on hand lets you handle a lot of jobs yourself without calling a professional. They are especially worth picking up first when you move into your first place on your own or into a new home.

A Good Starter Set

A hammer, a Phillips/flathead screwdriver set, pliers, and a tape measure are generally enough to cover most basic household repairs β€” a solid starting point before expanding your toolkit further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools should I buy first?

A hammer, a Phillips/flathead screwdriver set, pliers, and a tape measure are generally a good starting combination that can handle most basic household repairs.

What is the difference between a wrench and pliers?

A wrench is specialized for turning fixed-size parts like bolts and nuts, while pliers are used for a wider range of purposes, like gripping objects or cutting wire.