In this section of Hometips for Home Improvement, we learn about top ten and some of the most essential tools and tool kit for home owners.

There are thousands of moving parts in a house and many of them are bound to foul up at some point of time. There can be pipes burst, wires cross, toilets clog etc. You need to take quick action to fix them to make sure these small problems do not create any big problem. You can prevent big problems by acting quickly and decisively at the first drip, zap, or gurgle. For this, you need some essential tools to help you handle any such emergency home repair and home improvements.

You just cannot spend thousands of dollars buying all the latest and greatest tools and do-dads to put together a great shop. Homeowners need to keep the most essential tools in their home tool kits to be able to take care of small home repair jobs in and around the house. It may take around hundred dollars to buy an assortment of hand tools that will give you a running start at home repair or improvement projects. You can also have tools for cutting, layout, fastening, and finishing.

Just spend a few minutes browsing through the tool department of any hardware store, and you learn that there is a tool for almost every possible purpose of home repair. You need to select the most essential ones. The rule here for buyers is not to compromise with quality. Screwdriver tip that mangles under pressure or an adjustable wrench that won't adjust can be too much frustrating. I recommend paying few extra dollars for top-quality tools that are easy to handle, durable and last long time.

Here I mention the top 10 must-have and most essential tools for your home tool kit. These tools should always be in your "Buy First" list. You can also Buy Home Repair Tool KIts Online.

A hammer is one of the most essential and basic of all home tools. Buy a hammer that feels good to hold. A 16-ounce curved-claw standard model good enough and may cost about $15.

The second essential toll to have in your home tool kit is an 8-inch adjustable wrench. This is good size for turning small- to medium-sized nuts and bolts. Always opt for top and best quality. You can also get a larger size for larger nuts and bolts an 8-inch adjustable wrench may cost about $20.

The third most essential tool for any home tool kit is a screwdriver. Choose a top quality screwdriver with comfortable grips. Buy several sizes, with both flat and Phillips-style blades. You can also go for a complete screwdriver set. May cost about $20 for a set.

The next essential tool is a retractable 20-foot tape measure with a thumb lock for the blade handles easily and is long enough for most jobs. It may cost you about $10.

Next is a utility knife. The razor-sharp blade of a utility knife cuts everything from drywall to cardboard and can be easily replaced when it gets dull. Get one with a retractable for safety. May cost you about $5.

An arc-joint plier is the nest essential toll to have in your home tool kit. The jaws of these pliers have a wide adjustment, allowing them to grip anything from tiny nails or wires to large pipes. May cost about $13 - $15.

For many home projects, knowing where framing members are hidden behind walls and ceilings is important especially when hanging things. You just have to slide one of these across the surface and flashing lights signal locations of studs or ceiling joists. May cost about $18 to$20.

Paintbrush is another essential toll to have in your home tool kit. Several paintbrushes are available. Synthetic bristles apply all types of paints; natural bristles work only with oil/alkyd paints. You should choose long bristles that splay evenly at the ends. May cost about $6 to $10.

A putty knife is another essential and inexpensive tool to have in your tool kit. You should buy a 1-inch blade for filling cracks and small holes and a larger 3-inch-wide blade for big holes. Blades should be straight and flexible. May cost about $3 to $5 each.

Finally add a Torpedo level  to your tool kit. A 9-inch bubble level fits neatly in a toolbox and works well for leveling appliances, shelves, and pictures. A magnetic edge strip is a good and handy feature. May cost about $8 to $10.

For Electric and plumbing work

* A plumber's helper to free up stubborn drain clogs.
* A multi-meter or ohm-meter (easy-to-use tester) for many electrical problems.
* Long-nose or needle-nose pliers.
* Electrical tape.
* Wire nuts.
* Wire cutters / strippers.
* Abrasive papers.
* Steel wool for metal, paint stripping, and wood projects.

Hardware to keep in the tool kit

* Drywall screws
* Galvanized deck screws
* Molly bolts
* More expanding sleeves
* Umbrella-type fasteners
* Faucet washers
* Regular washers and nuts
* Expanding sleeves
* Finishing nails
* a pipe clamp for emergency plumbing repairs.

Tools for safety:

1. A good pair of safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes when you're using power tools or tools that involve striking an object.
2. A hard hat.
3. Ear protectors when working with noisy machinery
4. A few disposable dust masks when doing particularly dirty jobs or working with insulation
5. Leather gloves to protect your hands from scratches and splinters, and rubber gloves when handling caustic chemicals.

6. A good first aid kit where you can find it quickly in an emergency.