I have a neighborhood friend whose son, in the army, is getting his first house rental with his wife and newborn.   He wants to get him a starter set of homeowner tools.  But he (the father) is a bit of a klutz and not much handy.  He asked me suggestions for the purchase.  He definitely wanted a cordless drill. Here's what I mentioned.  His wife (Lavinia) is a vet, hence that comment. Comments & suggestions.

 

Probably in priority order

• Cordless drill: I like Ridgid (Home Depot) as they have a "Lifetime Service Agreement" that covers a lot of things, including batteries that are typically the first to fail.  Just be sure to register purchase and any repairs.  DeWalt are also good, as are Milwaukee.   Get a set of drill bits to go with them and at least a Phillips bit
• Screwdriver:  My favorite is Pic-Quik from Canada.  I got mine at MicroCenter many years ago, but I presume Amazon also has them.  They come with about 8 bits and the nice thing is that they are a standard size so you can get replacements or additional drive types easily.  You can also use the bits in the cordless driver.
• My favorite tool is GearWrench 35 pc. microdriver.   It has a ratcheting drive and has imperial and metric 1/4" drive sockets, Phillips, slotted, Torx, and hex (Allen) drivers.  It works fast fits in tight spots, and gives you more torque than a standard screwdriver.  Likewise, it takes standard 1/4" drive pieces so easy to add or replace bits.  Pic-Quick bits will also fit it.
• Wrenches:  An adjustable wrench will work for most things, but a set of wrenches from about 1/4" to 9/16" will cover most things.  I have the GearWrench with ratchet on one end, but a cheap set from Harbor Freight that has open end on one end and box wrench on the other will do  fine.
• Hammer: 16 oz carpenter's hammer.  You can get a rubber tip to make a "deadblow" hammer.
• Pliers: I think the large type like Channellock or its like type, work best.  Maybe a needle nose as a second. If Lavinia has an extra set of surgical forceps, those also work for small things.
• Utility knife: I like the Stanley 99, but there are dozens of types with replaceable blades
• 12 or 16' tape measure
• Saw:  A basic carpentry saw
• Putty knife
• Electric outlet tester: a plug in type that shows if there is power, ground, and if wired correctly
• A toolbag or toolbox to hold all the above

Good, bright flashlite- rechargeable. See if the cordless drill has a combo set so the battery works for both. 

My recommendation for a cordless drill for a homeowner, DIYer would be the Ryobi 18v platform. Much less expensive than the Red/Orange/Blue lines, great quality with the opportunity to expand tools far beyond the workshop. I started with the 3/8" drill-driver and impact driver. I expanded it with several other shop type tools but also complimented with hedge trimmer, 10" chain saw, 8" pole saw, 4-1/2" RA grinder, 1/2" impact, inflator, leaf blower, 3g wet/dry shop vac all which I use as frequently as the other tools. Great options for a home owner/renter IMO.

 

As for the tool kit I'd add:

• Side cuts
• 6" combination pliers
• Pair of curve jaw locking (vice grip) pliers
• 12" nail bar
• SAE/ Metric Allen wrenches or at least a set each of the foldable type
• Metric wrenches 7mm-+19mm (also recommend expanded SAE set to 3/4")
• Roll of duct tape
• Roll of Black Electrical tape
• An awl
• 12oz ball peen hammer
• Both 6" & 12" adjustable wrench

How about buying the New Guy an on line tutorial course in basic woodworking?  Steve Ramsey has a nice one https://theweekendwoodworker.com/signup/  There's also a large support group via FBook that gives a lot of encouragement and ideas.  That basic course costs $147, and there are advanced courses.  

Edited March 26, 20242 yr by PeteM

Since this is a rental and we do not know the lease terms... the landlord may not take kindly to someone taking on electrical/plumbing/repair & maintenance items on their own.  Just MHO.

When our daughter went out on her own I gave her a bunch of free Harbor Freight (go HF!) tools and a few others.  Hammer, level, picture hanging kit, tape measure, needle nose pliers, screwdriver set, set of quick clamps, putty knife, cordless drill/driver with basic bits.

Our son - I always bought him tools for Christmas & birthdays from the get go.  He got plenty of toys from everyone else.  He left home with a complete set of mechanics and woodworking tools