If you are a newer homeowner you have or will soon learn that beyond the initial financial investment involved, the cost of upkeep and repairs will soon force some lifestyle changes as you learn to be a handyman. You will find that the hardest part of any home project is getting started and not putting off a job. The second hardest part is finishing. In both these cases possessing the proper tools will help. Hopefully after just a few projects and certainly over the life of the tools a carpenter or professional handyman would have cost as much as the tools. Of course, this is a common argument but is worthless if the tools are left unused. For a bit of cash a very basic set of hand tools can be purchased for home repairs. Hand tools will serve for a large number of simple repairs. Hammer, handsaw, various types and sizes of screwdrivers, pliers, a vise grip, an adjustable wrench and socket wrenches for bolts will cost about $150. The next step consisting of a collection of power-tools and accessories will easily cost twice as much or more. The price ranges and types of tools available and needed will depend on whether they are for simple home maintenance and household projects or "major" remodeling.
A very simple way to keep your costs down and often get better, more powerful and more durable power tools for the price is to resist the temptation to purchase cordless tools unless you really need them. Stick with the basics and go with corded tools. Buy a really good drill, circular saw, and reciprocating saw for half the price of cordless models and then invest $50 in a few good 25-50 foot extension cords of the proper gauge that will handle the amperage draw of even a circular or reciprocal saw. If using a 100-foot cord outdoors, buy a 12/3 cord. Additionally, get reels to keep them untangled and easy to carry. The major brands like Bosch, Craftsman, Dewalt, Hitachi, Makita, Milwaukee and Skil carried at building suppliers like Home Depot, home improvement specialty stores and local hardware retailers do vary in quality but should serve the homeowner's needs. This is not Vertical injection molding machine Suppliers to imply that the purchase of cordless tools, which probably has become the norm for newer homeowners, foolish or unnecessary.
Certainly, a pistol grip, cordless lightweight, low voltage screwdriver is a marvelous convenience; particularly, it can be used as a screwdriver for pilot holes. If you insist on buying cordless larger tools then spend a little more on those cordless power tools and get 18-volt, lithium batteries powered tools instead of NiCad. In all fairness, a cordless drill is a better screw driver than a corded power VSR drill because they normally have a clutch that limits how much power you can put into a screw, thereby avoiding stripping heads and skittering off and scratching your work. Whatever drill/driver you buy a multi-piece drilling and driving set, and nut-setters - roughly a dozen or more drill bits and about as many screw-driving tips and nut-setters. Usually, underpowered, cordless circular saws offer the choice between inexpensive 5½-inch models or a little more powerful 6½-inch model. For the latter, stick to a corded saw. Always buy a carbide blade. Reciprocating saws are often known by one brand name, Sawzall. It's ideal for demolition work as part of major remodeling and is almost always used inside the home for cutting through walls and floors.