Tools 10: essentials for every household.(Home)(Buyers guide)

You could easily spend hundreds of dollars on tools you'll never use. Instead take our experts' advice. Here are the ones you really need and which features to look for, as well as CR's Quick Picks of recently tested models that provide performance and value:

1 Curved claw hammer. Sixteen-ounce versions are ideal for driving and yanking nails. Look for steel or fiberglass handles. Price: $10 to $30.

2 Screwdriver set. Screwdrivers cost less as part of a set. Be sure it includes slotted drivers with tips 14, 316, and 516 inches wide, and Phillips drivers ranging from No. 1 (smallest) to No. 3. Look for ergonomic handles. Price: $12 to $20.

3 Slip-joint pliers. Use this tool to hold and twist fasteners and hardware. Look for an integral wire cutter and a flush-rivet design for tight spots. Price: $8 to $18.

4 Utility knife. Plastic-handled ones are fine for drywall and paint that makes windows stick. An all-metal handle can take more abuse. Look for a multi-position retractable blade and blade storage. Price: $5 to $12.

5 Level. Spirit levels remain the cheapest, most reliable way to tell whether a surface is level (horizontal) or plumb (vertical). Look for a 24-inch level with a rigid aluminum frame and replaceable sight bubbles. Price: $15 to $30.

6 Cordless drill. Models with 14.4 and 18 volts offer the best balance of power and light weight. Look for drills with two batteries for use in tandem, chargers that recharge in an hour or less, and multiple speeds. Price: $70 to $200. The Ryobi P810, $100, and Bosch 32614-2G, $155, are CR Best Buys.