Basic tools include screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, utility knife, measuring tape, and a hammer--purchased for just $10 as a set. The tool box cost another $10.

A tool is any mechanical implement that cuts, turns, grabs, attaches, or provides some other useful function. To fix things around your household you'll need at least a few basic tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, drills, and pliers. There are additional tools for specific jobs, such as a toilet plunger, level, clamps, paint brushes, caulk gun, etc.

Which tools do you need in your fix-it toolbox? We recommend these basics:

• A good quality 8- or 16-ounce curved-claw hammer for installing and removing nails
• An adjustable wrench (6, 8, or 10 inches long) for tightening and loosening bolts
• A set of screwdrivers or a combination screwdriver with assorted tips (standard and Phillips) for tightening and loosening screws 
• Adjustable pliers (6, 8, 10, or 12 inches long) for holding or turning things
• A basic multimeter for testing electrical voltage, current, and resistance.

Pliers come in all sizes and shapes for special tasks. Buy them as you need them.

That's about it. For less than $25--including the cost of a small toolbox or tool apron to hold everything--you can have the basic tools you need to fix hundreds of things in your household. Just make sure you buy at least medium quality. A $3.00 hammer is hardly worth three bucks. A $10.00 hammer may last you many years. Besides, you'll probably save the cost of the tools on your first repair--and you get to keep the tools!

You also can expand your budget to upgrade any of the basic tools covered here. For example, you can invest a couple dollars more to get a better set of screwdrivers or even a power screwdriver with assorted tips. If you want to add on to this basic toolbox to make tasks easier--or to make even more repairs--you can get these:

• Hand or power drill with assorted bits for drilling holes in wood, metal, or plastic
• Wire stripper for cutting and removing the outer wrapper (insulation) from around wires
• Retractable-blade utility knife for cutting softer materials such as plastics
• Measuring tape for measuring the height, width, or depth of various materials
• Hand, hack, or power saw for cutting wood, plastic, or metal (depending on the blade used)
• Set of wrenches (open- and closed-end) with standard (inches) and metric (millimeter) sizes for bolts and nuts
• Socket wrench set with standard (U.S.) and metric sizes using 1/4-, 3/8-, or 1/2-inch ratchet drives for bolts and nuts
• Allen wrench set for tightening and loosening Allen-head screws and bolts
• Files are useful for removing excess metal, plastic, and wood.