When I moved into my first apartment, I owned a single screwdriver — the kind that comes with assemble-it-yourself furniture, stamped out of metal so soft the tip rounded off after three screws. I used a butter knife as a flathead for six months.

If you’re starting from zero, here’s what to get and what to skip.

The core set: what you’ll actually use

A basic homeowner’s tool kit ($30-50). Look for one that includes: 16oz claw hammer, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers in multiple sizes, adjustable wrench, slip-joint pliers, needle-nose pliers, 25ft tape measure, utility knife, and a level. Everything else is bonus.

What to skip (for now)

Skip the 200-piece socket set. Unless you’re working on cars, you’ll use maybe four sockets ever. A small set of the most common sizes (10mm, 12mm, 14mm) plus the adjustable wrench from your basic kit covers household needs.

Skip the circular saw. Your first power saw should be a jigsaw — it’s safer, more versatile, and cuts curves. Upgrade to a circular saw later when you’re building something that needs long straight cuts.

Skip the stud finder. Use a strong magnet to find the drywall screws, which are screwed into studs. Free, works better, no batteries.

I still have that butter knife. It’s in a drawer with my actual tools now. A reminder of darker times.