Have a Basic Home Tool Set at Halfvalue.com

Tool Set
A good assortment of hand tools is a great place to start any home toolbox. Rather than picking out and purchasing individual tools, consider a tool set like the 'Olympia Industrial 06226 Home/Auto Tool Set'. It's less expensive and easier than buying tools one at a time, and the set contains a nice selection of screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and sockets, all in one handy and handsome carrying case.

Tape Measure
The carpenter's 'Stanley 33-116 16' Powerlock Tape Rule' is a toolbox necessity, and for most home improvement and maintenance projects, a 12- or 16-foot model is just fine. If you're thinking of building a deck or taking on other serious carpentry projects, consider a 25-foot model with a 3/4- or 1-inch-wide blade.

Torpedo Level
The 'Stanley 42-264 9" Top Read Torpedo Level' is small--8 or 9 inches long--and great for leveling appliances, hanging pictures, or working on basic carpentry projects. If you've got plans to build a deck or are pondering a major project, consider a 4-footer, but for basic use around the home, this Stanley is a good choice.

Stud Finder
This clever device, like the 'Zircon 50793 Studsensor Pro 4.0', shows you where metal or wood studs are located within a wall, so hanging or mounting just about anything becomes a cleaner, simpler project. Once you get into more serious home improvement projects--such as hanging brand-new kitchen cabinets--a stud sensor is downright essential.

Claw Hammer
Believe it or not, there are lots of hammer types out there, from rubber mallets to sledge hammers. For beginners, we recommend a claw hammer, so that when you bend nails--and everyone does--you can easily pull them out. There's no need to pick anything too heavy. For hanging pictures and other basic tasks, a quality 16-ounce hammer such as this Stanley does the job well.

Cordless Drill/Driver
The 'Makita 6233DWBLE 3/8" 14.4-Volt Drill/Driver Kit with Flashlight' is definitely a favorite. Our editors have used it on job sites for everything from building sun decks to installing sliding doors, and around their homes for hanging shelves, putting together furniture, and working on bikes--it's that versatile. We think you'll find this tool indispensable too. It even comes with a cool flashlight.

Tool Storage
You'll need something to hold your new stuff, and we think the Bucket Boss canvas organizers are great. They come in all flavors; the 'Bucket Boss Brand 01056 Bucket Boss 56 Organizer', for instance, has 56 inside and outside pockets of various sizes to hold hand tools, cordless drills, screws, nuts, bolts, glue, and any other tools you choose to add to your collection.

Mark McDonald has worked as a carpenter for the past 15 years. Lately, he's been banging nails and teaching English in Missoula, Montana.