Starter Tool Kit for a New Handyman: What to Buy First
A practical, staged shopping list of tools and equipment for a new handyman, with advice on what to buy, what to hire and what can wait.
New handymen often make the same mistake: they buy a van-load of tools before they have a single booking, then discover half of them never leave the shelf. The better approach is a tight first kit that covers the most common jobs, with a plan to add equipment as paid work justifies it.
Here is a staged approach, with what to buy, what to borrow or hire, and how to look after your investment.
Start from the jobs, not the shopping aisle
Look at what customers in your area actually ask for. Typical small-job requests include:
- Hanging shelves, mirrors, curtain poles and pictures
- Assembling flat-pack furniture
- Fixing dripping taps, loose hinges, sticking doors
- Sealing around baths and sinks
- Replacing fittings like door handles and toilet seats
- Minor plastering and filling
Match your first kit to the three or four jobs you expect to do most, and list the tool each requires. Our guide to choosing which services to list helps you narrow that list.
Stage one: the essential hand tools
These tools cover a large share of everyday jobs:
- Tape measure and a spirit level
- Claw hammer and a set of screwdrivers (flat and cross-head, in several sizes)
- Adjustable spanner and a set of Allen keys
- Pliers, side cutters and a pair of mole grips
- Utility knife with spare blades
- Hacksaw and a general-purpose hand saw
- Stud, pipe and cable detector
- Stanley-type filling knives and a sealant gun
- Torch or head torch
- Pencil, marker, and a set of masking tape
Spend more on tools you use constantly, such as a level and tape measure, and less on those you will rarely use.
Stage two: power tools
A cordless drill-driver is the single most useful purchase. Choose a well-supported battery platform, because you will probably add tools from the same range. Consider:
- Cordless drill-driver with a good set of bits
- Impact driver for heavy screwing and assembly
- Multi-tool for cutting in tight spaces
- Jigsaw for curved or rough cuts
- Orbital sander for finishing
Buy a spare battery and charger before you buy more tools; running out mid-job costs you time and goodwill.
Stage three: consumables and fixings
A well-stocked fixings tray means fewer trips to the merchant:
- Screws and wall plugs in assorted sizes
- Anchors for plasterboard and masonry
- Sealant, filler, and wood glue
- Sandpaper, dust sheets and cleaning cloths
- Spare washers, tap tails and a small plumbing kit for basic fixes
Keep receipts and think carefully about how you pass these costs on; see how to buy materials and handle customer-supplied items.
Safety kit you should not skip
- Eye protection and dust masks
- Work gloves and ear defenders
- Knee pads
- A basic first aid kit
- A sturdy, appropriate ladder, used according to the manufacturer's instructions
Working at height has particular risks; do not take on work you are not trained or equipped to do safely. For lone-working habits, read working alone safely in customers' homes.
Know the limits of what you should do
Some jobs require registration or qualification, such as gas appliance work and, in many cases, electrical work that must meet building regulations. A good handyman knows when to say no and refer the customer on. See trade certifications and registrations.
Storage and transport
Keep tools in a rigid, lockable case or toolbox that is easy to carry up stairs. In a vehicle, keep tools out of sight and secured, and check that your insurance covers them. Public liability insurance will not generally cover theft of your own tools, which needs separate cover.
Buying smart
- Buy second-hand for expensive tools you will use infrequently, but check condition and safety.
- Hire specialist tools for one-off jobs and pass the cost on in your quote.
- Check that you keep records so you can include allowable costs in your accounts; see expenses you can usually claim.
- Maintain tools: clean, oil and store them dry.
A sample first-month budget approach
Rather than quoting a total, split your spending into tiers. Put roughly half of your starter budget into the hand tools and drill-driver you will use daily. Spend a smaller share on consumables and safety gear, and keep the remainder in reserve for the first awkward job that needs something you did not predict. Many new handymen find a modest reserve more useful than another gadget.
Organise the kit so it earns its keep
- Zone your storage. One tray for measuring and marking, one for fixings, one for sealants and wet work.
- Label fixings by size. Hunting for the right screw wastes more paid time than most people realise.
- Keep a "never leave" bag with torch, tape, gloves and spare batteries.
- Do a short end-of-day check so tools do not stay at customers' homes.
Tools to hire or borrow first
Some items are not worth owning at the start: a tile cutter, a wallpaper steamer, a pressure washer, a large extension ladder or a mitre saw. Hire for the job, add a line to your quote and see whether the same job comes up again before you buy.
Common beginner mistakes
- Buying many cheap bits instead of a few reliable ones.
- Mixing battery brands so chargers and batteries cannot be shared.
- Forgetting dust sheets, which looks careless on a first visit.
- Underpricing jobs that need materials and a second trip.
Our guide to how to quote a job accurately shows how to recover kit wear and consumables in your price.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on my first kit?
Spend what your first jobs justify. Buy the essentials, then add tools when a paid job needs them. Cheap tools you replace repeatedly can cost more than good ones.
Should I buy a van straight away?
Not necessarily. Many new providers start with a car and a good toolbox. A van makes sense when your jobs regularly need larger materials or equipment.
Can I claim tool costs against tax?
Tools used for business are generally allowable costs, sometimes through capital allowances. Check gov.uk or ask an accountant how your purchases should be treated.