The Modern Man's Toolkit

You don't need a red Craftsman toolshed in the garage to be able to fix things around the house. Even the most urbane of men should have these six simple (and inexpensive) essentials which will allow you the tackle most DIY jobs.

Tape
Measure

Buy too cheap a tape measure and you'll be cursing the repair before it even starts. This durable Stanley model is easy to use and won't bend.

$11.50 at Sears

Hammer

Look for a lightweight fiberglass handle and a curved claw to make pulling nails easier.

$6, at Ace Hardware

Adjustable Wrench

You don't need a bulky or fancy set of socket wrenches. This old school adjustable spanner will do the job.

$8, at Amazon

4-in-1 Screwdriver

Again, no set is necessary. This all-in-one model will handle any screwdriving need just fine. Make sure not to lose the tips.

$12, Stanley Supply

Utility
Knife

You want it to have a three-position, retractable blade like this one. And you want to keep it clean and sharp.

$6, at Sears

Vise-Grips

Think of these as pliers that won't give up, which come in handy more than you'd think.

$16, at Ace Hardware