Everything a one-person handyman needs to walk onto a paying job and leave it done right.
Curated starter gear · buy direct from trusted retailers · no markup
Start with the DIY Core Tools tier -- it's enough to book and finish 80% of small-repair calls. Land a few jobs, bank the cash, then reinvest into the cordless combo kit and specialty tools that let you say yes to bigger work. Don't buy the pro tier until the calendar is full.
Typical starter cost: $520–$2650
| Item | Price | |
|---|---|---|
25 ft tape measure Every quote and cut starts with an accurate measurement Stanley PowerLock 25 ft | $12–$22 | Shop → |
Claw hammer, 16 oz Framing, trim, and demo -- the tool you reach for on every call Estwing E3-16C 16 oz | $24–$38 | Shop → |
Screwdriver set with bit driver Handle every fastener from switch plates to cabinet hardware Klein Tools 32500 11-in-1 | $18–$30 | Shop → |
Utility knife with blades Scoring, caulk removal, drywall, and packaging on every job Milwaukee Fastback flip utility knife | $12–$20 | Shop → |
Adjustable wrench + tongue-and-groove pliers Plumbing fittings, supply lines, and general grip work Channellock 430 + 8-inch adjustable | $28–$48 | Shop → |
4 ft and torpedo level set Level shelves, cabinets, TVs, and door installs Empire True Blue 48-inch box level | $30–$55 | Shop → |
| Item | Price | |
|---|---|---|
18V cordless drill/driver + impact combo kit The workhorse pair for fastening, drilling, and assembly DeWalt DCK240C2 20V MAX combo | $149–$219 | Shop → |
Oscillating multi-tool Flush cuts, grout removal, and trim work in tight spaces DeWalt DCS354 20V oscillating tool | $99–$159 | Shop → |
Drill and driver bit set Sized bits so you never stall a job for a missing size DeWalt DW2166 45-piece screwdriving set | $22–$40 | Shop → |
Cordless work light See under sinks, in attics, and in unlit basements Milwaukee M18 rover LED flood light | $45–$80 | Shop → |
Rolling tool bag / open-top tote Carry the core kit door-to-door without trips to the truck Klein Tools Tradesman Pro tool bag | $45–$90 | Shop → |
| Item | Price | |
|---|---|---|
Assorted fastener kit (screws, anchors, nails) Wall anchors and screws on hand so small jobs never stall GRIP-IT / Hillman assorted fastener and anchor kit | $25–$45 | Shop → |
Caulk gun + silicone/paintable caulk Seal tubs, trim gaps, and finish every job clean Newborn 250 caulk gun + GE silicone | $18–$35 | Shop → |
Safety glasses + work gloves + N95 masks Protect eyes, hands, and lungs on demo and sanding 3M safety glasses + Mechanix gloves | $25–$45 | Shop → |
Drop cloths and blue painter's tape Protect floors and finishes so you leave homes spotless Trimaco canvas drop cloth + ScotchBlue tape | $20–$40 | Shop → |
Contractor trash bags + shop rags Fast cleanup that earns the five-star review Husky 42-gal contractor bags | $18–$30 | Shop → |
| Item | Price | |
|---|---|---|
6-tool 20V cordless combo kit Add circular saw, recip saw, and grinder to take on bigger remodels DeWalt DCK694P2 6-tool combo kit | $599–$899 | Shop → |
Wet/dry shop vacuum Dust control and water cleanup that keeps you working in occupied homes RIDGID 12-gallon NXT wet/dry vac | $99–$160 | Shop → |
Compact air compressor + brad nailer Trim, baseboard, and casework at pro speed Metabo HPT / Porter-Cable pancake compressor combo | $199–$320 | Shop → |
Laser level / laser distance measure Faster quotes and dead-level installs that win referrals Bosch GLL 30 cross-line laser | $60–$130 | Shop → |
Fold-out multi-position ladder Reach high fixtures and gutters safely on any surface Little Giant Velocity M17 multi-ladder | $200–$330 | Shop → |
Stud finder + digital multimeter + voltage tester Locate framing and safely diagnose basic electrical calls Franklin ProSensor 710 + Klein MM400 | $70–$130 | Shop → |
Run the business, not just the gear. The kit gives you the spreadsheet back-office; the course teaches you to price, win clients, and scale.
Get the ops kit See the full courseEvery item here is the beginner-right version — not the cheapest junk that fails on job two, not the pro overkill you don't need yet. It's the exact loadout taught in the course.