Tools: 10 essentials for every household

You could easily spend hundreds of dollars on tools you’ll never use. Instead take our experts’ advice. Here are the ones you really need and which features to look for, as well as CR’s Quick Picks of recently tested models that provide performance and value:

1. Curved claw hammer

Sixteen-ounce versions are ideal for driving and yanking nails. Look for steel or fiberglass handles.
Price: $10 to $30.

2. Screwdriver set

Screwdrivers cost less as part of a set. Be sure it includes slotted drivers with tips 1/4, 3/16, and 5/16 inches wide, and Phillips drivers ranging from No. 1 (smallest) to No. 3. Look for ergonomic handles.
Price: $12 to $20.

3. Slip-joint pliers

Use this tool to hold and twist fasteners and hardware. Look for an integral wire cutter and a flush-rivet design for tight spots.
Price: $8 to $18.

4. Utility knife

Plastic-handled ones are fine for drywall and paint that makes windows stick. An all-metal handle can take more abuse. Look for a multi-position retractable blade and blade storage.
Price: $5 to $12.

5. Level

Spirit levels remain the cheapest, most reliable way to tell whether a surface is level (horizontal) or plumb (vertical). Look for a 24-inch level with a rigid aluminum frame and replaceable sight bubbles.
Price: $15 to $30.

6. Cordless drill

Models with 14.4 and 18 volts offer the best balance of power and light weight. Look for drills with two batteries for use in tandem, chargers that recharge in an hour or less, and multiple speeds.
Price: $70 to $200. The Ryobi P813, $180, Ryobi ONE+ P811, $100 and Craftsman 11588, $120.

7. Combination wrench set

Essential for tightening and loosening hex-head nuts and bolts. Look for ones with standard and metric sizes with an open end on one side for tight spots and a closed end on the other for grip.
Price: $30 to $50.

8. Tape measure

Look for 25-foot measures with easy-to-read markings, a 1-inch-wide tape for stiffness and bend resistance, and an end hook secured by three rivets.
Price: $12 to $18.

9. Hand saws

Check blade length and tooth size, measured in points per inch; fewer means larger teeth and faster cuts. Look for a 15-inch, 9-point saw for quick wood cuts. For metal, look for a hacksaw with a high-tension frame, a closed-handle design, and easy tensioning.
Price: $12 to $40 ($15 to $25 for hacksaws).

10. Corded circular saw

These still outperform cordless saws. Look for a 71/4-inch model with a carbide-tipped blade.
Price: $60 to $150. The Ridgid R3200, $110, Makita 5740NB, $90, and Hitachi C7SB2, $100, are CR Best Buys.