The best starter tool kit for apartment DIY

What goes in the kit

• Cordless drill/driver (12V)

  12V is enough — 18V is overkill in apartments
• Bit set

  60-piece combo bit and drill bit
• Tape measure

  16 ft minimum
• 24" level
• Stud finder

  Basic magnet-style works fine
• Utility knife

  Retractable, with extra blades
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers (regular + needle-nose)
• Allen key set
• Small hammer
• Damp-rated screwdriver set

Step by step

1. 01

   Start with the drill

   A Bosch 12V or Ryobi USB drill covers most needs. Skip corded drills — too loud for shared walls.

2. 02

   Add the basics

   Tape measure, level, utility knife, stud finder. These four solve 70% of small-apartment problems.

3. 03

   Skip these until you need them

   Circular saw, table saw, router — these almost never fit apartment life. Borrow or rent for the one weekend.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying a 200-piece toolset for $40 — they break on the first real job
• Overspending on a brand-name 18V drill you’ll never max out
• Forgetting safety glasses and a dust mask

If you can’t drill, cut, or paint…

• Library tool lending program if your city has one
• Hardware store rentals for one-off projects
• Borrow from a neighbor and offer to return with snacks

Shopping list

• Bosch PS31 12V drill/driver
• DeWalt 60-piece bit set
• Stanley 16ft tape measure
• Empire 24" level
• Zircon e10 stud finder
• Klein utility knife