Tools are the kind of things you never really know you're missing until you need them. Or when duct tape just isn't doing the job!

All homeowners and apartment tenants need a basic household tool kit. Do-it-yourself television shows have given many average Joes the confidence to try their hand at home repairs, whether it's fixing a leaky faucet or repairing a loose hinge on the front door.

You may have lots of tools for particular projects that you use infrequently, and they can be kept in a garage or workroom. But having basic tools handy in your living area makes it much more convenient to do simple home repairs. Keeping your most essential tools in one container keeps everything organized and together, so you don't have to search high and low for items when you need them. You might keep these basic tools in a hall closet, a kitchen drawer, or in a handy tool box or plastic box on a shelf in the entry or mudroom.

It's important to have the right tools for the job.  For example, using a wrong size screwdriver can damage the head of the screw.

Here are basic tools that are useful for basic home care:

Toolbox

Safety glasses

Hammer

Tape measure

Needle-nose pliers

Screwdrivers (mixed set)

Utility knife

Wire cutter/stripper

Pencils

Crescent wrench

Glues

Levels

An assortment of nails, screws, wire, molly bolts, wall anchors and fasteners

Vise-grips

As you begin to do more complicated tasks, you will find that you will need to add on.

When you go to the store, make sure you handle the tools you're considering. The secret to a great tool kit? Selection. However, quality can be just as important in choosing a tool. The right tool for you should feel good in your hand. If it feels awkward or too heavy, keep searching; otherwise, you won't use it, and that's money wasted.

One mistake consumers make is that they start a project not really knowing what they need to complete it. Many people make multiple trips to the hardware store, each time buying a part or tool only to discover it's not the right item. If you're a beginner, try talking to someone more experienced at home repair or do-it-yourself projects.

So, roll up your sleeves and tool it yourself!