As we tackle different projects, we slowly build up a toolbox over time. Owning a collection of tools is good. Unfortunately, we sometimes go on a haunt for the right tools, and acquire them, only after a need arises. Our toolboxes must already have the tools before a need arises for them if we are to be truly ready for emergencies. So, what is in your toolbox?

The tools below are good to have in your toolbox before a true need arises:

Screw Drivers – one of the most frequently used tools is the screwdriver. Be it a loose door handle or a wobbly piece of furniture, a screw under the hood or an electrical appliance in the kitchen, a screwdriver comes in very handy for quick fixes. There are different types of screw drivers. Flat head, cross head and Hex are the general categories but there are specialty screwdrivers such as Testers used to test for electric current and mitigate electrocution while working on projects involving possible live current. You can cut down on the clutter by investing in a screwdriver set that offers multiple, interchangeable, tips.

Pliers and Wrenches – You can tackle most repairs that only require a little tightening if you have pliers or wrenches readily available. Using the right tool makes it easier to accomplish simple tasks such as changing a shower head. A wrench guarantees your shower head is on tight. There is hardly any substitute to get the job done if it calls for a plier or a wrench.

Hammer and Mallet – though not frequently used, a hammer is a good tool to have in hand when a need for one arises. Not every job is effectively done by improvising with random objects around the house. A job that requires a mallet will be best accomplished with a mallet – not every task requires a regular hammer. Having one of each in your toolkit ensures you will have the right tool for the job at hand.

Power Drills – when working on a project that requires a lot of screws, a power drill will keep you from hitting muscle failure as a result of manually tightening screws. It will speed up your weekend projects such as putting together that furniture you just bought. Be sure to get a good assortment of bits with your power drill.

Level Tool – have you ever tried hanging up a photo frame and wondered if it was tilting slightly? Most of us have. The level tool easily resolves this dilemma. Whether it is a simple torpedo level, a digital electronic level or a more modern laser level, you can be sure the finished work will be pleasant to the eye regardless your viewing angle.

Tape Measure – as the old saying goes, “measure twice and cut once.” You most certainly can heed these words with the help of a tape measure. A 25-foot tape measure will meet your needs for most projects around the house. You cannot go wrong with a measuring tape whether you are measuring a room to decide what furniture pieces would fit or just taking measurements to mount photo frames on the wall.

Ruler – as simple as this sounds, you need a ruler in your toolkit. While the tape measure is good for most measuring tasks, the ruler affords you the ability to both measure and draw lines where needed. Drawing a line before the next phase of the project, for example, cutting, is sometime necessary. Simply eyeballing it before putting a saw to the wood “ain’t gonna cut it” – ok, a little pun intended. The Carpenter Square ruler would be a plus for woodwork.

Stud Finder – we sometimes have those projects where mounting an item on the drywall is a recipe for disaster. At such times, your ability to find the stud, without your X-ray vision, is vital. Well, fret not, the Stud Finder is here to save the day. This tool will help you find and drill into the stud for a firm and more secure finish. You can also identify and avoid electric wires running behind the drywall. Simply put, this tool will save you in more ways than one.

Painters Tool – there is a need to touch up the paint around the house every now and then. That can that is holding the leftover paint, from the last paint job, might be a tad bit difficult to open unless you have a painters tool on hand. These tools often serve multiple purpose such as scraping and removing loose paint, applying sparkle and puttying windows amongst other things.

Multitool – we do not all have to be MacGyver in order to pull off some cool stuff. Some miscellaneous tasks are better dealt with using a multitool. Imagine having pliers, screwdrivers, wire stripers, bottle opener, knife etc. all rolled into one tool. The multitool gives you the flexibility to tackle small tasks with small tools that are just right for the job. The assortment of tools contained in the multitool allows you improvise if you are ever in a bind.

Now that you know what tools should be in your toolbox, what are the 10 must have tools you should consider?