Construction
Must have
Tape measure, pencil, speed square, level, hammer, drill or impact driver.
Helpful
Framing square, chalk line, clamps, stud finder, laser level.
Wish list
Miter saw, framing nailer, rotary laser, cordless circular saw.
A practical place to start
Tool Lists
Each section has a basic kit that gets you moving, a helpful middle ground, and a wish list for when you want the job to go faster or cleaner.
Woodworking
Must have
Tape, pencil, square, rule, chisel, handsaw, drill.
Helpful
Combination square, block plane, clamps, router, random orbit sander.
Wish list
Table saw, jointer, planer, drill press, band saw.
Mechanical
Must have
Calipers, combination wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, feeler gauges.
Helpful
Torque wrench, micrometer, dial indicator, bearing puller.
Wish list
Bench lathe, mill, press, ultrasonic cleaner, optical tachometer.
Electrical
Must have
Multimeter, wire stripper, cutters, screwdrivers, safety glasses.
Helpful
Soldering iron, helping hands, heat gun, continuity buzzer, terminal crimper.
Wish list
Bench supply, oscilloscope, hot air station, inductance meter.
Finishing
Must have
Mixing cups, stir sticks, respirator, gloves, masking tape, drop cloths.
Helpful
Digital scale, spray gun, paint strainers, surface prep pads.
Wish list
Dedicated spray area, drying rack, turbine system, color matching deck.
Cooking and Household Measurement
Must have
Measuring cups, measuring spoons, kitchen scale, thermometer.
Helpful
Timer, stand mixer, bench scraper, instant read probe.
Wish list
Precision scale, proofing box, immersion circulator, grain mill.
Must have does not mean bare minimum forever
The must have list is what gets the work going. The helpful list is what makes the work easier. The wish list is the stuff that usually shows up after enough jobs have taught you exactly what slows you down.