The Bob Vila Approved Homeowner’s Survival Kit

“Always be prepared” isn’t just a motto for scouts—it’s also an important mantra for the average homeowner. A well-equipped home is a happy home, and the right tools and supplies can save you from a lot of headaches (and expensive professional help).

That’s why our team of experts has curated this list of essentials every homeowner should have on hand for our 2025 Bob Vila Approved collection. This seal carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation. Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.

Ahead, you’ll find the ultimate starter kit for homeownership, featuring tools, outdoor gear, security devices, and other must-haves that belong in your garage or tool box.

Tools

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Cordless Drill/Driver

DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver Kit

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Level

Craftsman CMHT82347 48-Inch Box Beam Level

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Tape Measure

Stanley 25 ft. Powerlock Tape Measure

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Utility Knife

Gerber Gear EAB Lite Pocket Knife

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Hammer

Estwing Rip Claw 16-Ounce Hammer

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Screwdriver Set

Craftsman 8-Piece Bi-Material Screwdriver Set

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“I keep Gerber’s utility knife in my pocket all day long–it’s a great alternative to a traditional utility knife.”

Oscillating Multi-Tool

Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit

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Safety Glasses

3M Virtua CCS Protective Eyewear With Foam Gasket

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Pliers

KNIPEX Tools – Cobra Water Pump Pliers

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Tool Box

Trusco ST-350-B 2-Level Tool Box

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Workbench

Worx Pegasus Folding Work Table & Sawhorse

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Stud Finder

Zircon MultiScanner A200 Stud Finder

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Outdoor Equipment

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Mower

Toro 21″ 60V MAX Super Recycler Battery Lawn Mower

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String Trimmer

Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer

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Garden Hose

Zero-G ⅝-Inch by 50-Foot Black Aluminum Garden Hose

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Shovel

Bully Tools 12-Gauge Round Point Shovel

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Pruning Shears

Felco 2 One-Hand Classic Manual Pruning Shear

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Garden Hose Nozzle

Green Mount New Patent Heavy-Duty Hose Nozzle

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“The Swiss-made [Felco] pruners are just the best that money can buy. I’ve used them for over 30 years, and the quality has never wavered.”

Gutter Cleaner

The Gutter Tool

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Pressure Washer

Westinghouse WPX2700 Pressure Washer

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Leaf Rake

True Temper 26-Inch Dual-Tine Poly Leaf Rake

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Leaf Blower

Worx 40V Power Share Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower

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Snow Shovel

Snow Joe Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel

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Safety & Security Gear

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Fire Extinguisher

Amerex 5-Pound B500 ABC Fire Extinguisher

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Floodlight Camera

Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera

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Water Leak Detector

Kidde 60WLDR-W Water Leak + Freeze Detector

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Flashlight

Streamlight 88040 ProTac HL Tactical Flashlight

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Carbon Monoxide Detector

Kidde Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector

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Home Safe

SentrySafe Digital Fire/Water Safe

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Home Essentials

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Wet/Dry Vac

Ridgid 12-Gallon 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

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Vacuum/Mop Combo

Tineco Floor ONE S5 Smart Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

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Drain Snake

Ridgid Power Spin+ With Autofeed Drain Cleaning Snake

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Dehumidifier

GE ADHR22LB 22-Pint Dehumidifier With Smart Dry

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Space Heater

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater

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Air Purifier

Shark HC502 3-in-1 Air Purifier With NanoSeal HEPA

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Caulk Gun

Newborn 250 Smooth Rod Revolving Frame Caulking Gun

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Caulk

Sashco Big Stretch Latex Caulk

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Super Glue

Gorilla Super Glue Gel

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LED Bulbs

Feit Electric 8.8W Dimmable LED Light Bulb

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Extension Cord

Iron Forge Tools 100-Foot Outdoor Extension Cord

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Article Sources

Our tested reviews on Tools: The Best Cordless Drills, Best Levels, Best Tape Measures, Best Utility Knives, Best Hammers, Best Screwdriver Sets, Best Oscillating Tools, Best Safety Glasses, Best Pliers, Best Tool Box, Best Portable Workbenches, and Best Stud Finders.

Our tested reviews on Outdoor Equipment: The Best Lawn Mowers, Best Battery Trimmers, Best Garden Hoses, Best Shovels, Best Pruning Shears, Best Hose Nozzles, Best Gutter Cleaners, Best Pressure Washers, Best Leaf Rakes, Best Leaf Blowers, and Best Snow Shovels.

Our tested reviews on Security: The Best Fire Extinguishers, Best Floodlight Cameras, Best Water-Leak Detectors, Best Flashlights, Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors, and Best Home Safes.

Our tested reviews on even more Home Essentials: The Best Shop Vacuums, Best Vacuum/Mop Combos, Best Drain Snakes, Best Dehumidifiers for Basements, Best Energy Efficient Space Heaters, Best Air Purifiers, Best Caulk Guns, Best Caulk for Baseboards and Molding, Best Super Glues, Best Light Bulbs, and Best Extension Cords.