Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
A handyman sells being able to fix a bit of everything. The kit is wide rather than deep, so buy what the first ten jobs need and add as the calls come in.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Cordless drill, impact driver and batteries | Most jobs start here | Varies by brand |
| Circular saw and oscillating multi-tool | Cuts and repairs in place | Varies by brand |
| Hand tools: hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches and a utility knife | Every visit | Varies by brand |
| Level, tape measure, stud finder and a square | Mounting and hanging | Varies by brand |
| Non-contact voltage tester | Fixtures and outlets, safely | $45 (Fluke 1AC II non-contact voltage tester, Fluke) |
| Step ladder | Lights, fans and smoke alarms | $229 (Little Giant King Kombo 6 ft fiberglass Pro bundle, Little Giant) |
| Multi-position ladder | Stairwells and gutters | $535 (Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, Little Giant) |
| Drywall patch tools | Holes and dents | $15.40 (Bon Tool stainless taping knife, 8 in, Bon Tool) |
| Caulk gun, putty knives and a shop vacuum | Finishing and cleanup | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most handymen buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Miter saw | Trim and small carpentry | Varies by brand |
| Tile tools | Small tile repairs | Varies by brand |
| Plumbing basics: basin wrench, auger and PEX tools | Faucets, toilets and small leaks | Varies by brand |
| Air compressor and brad nailer | Trim and molding | Varies by brand |
| Work trailer or van shelving | Faster setup and a full parts stock | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Screws, anchors and nails. Every job.
- Caulk, spackle and touch-up paint. Finishing.
- Toilet parts: flappers, fill valves, wax rings. The most common small plumbing calls.
- Outlets, switches and cover plates. Small electrical jobs where allowed.
- Furnace filters and smoke alarm batteries. Easy add-ons on every visit.
What a handyman kit costs
The 4 starter kit items we could price add up to $824 at the maker's listed price, out of 9 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
None of the 5 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
Cordless tools and ladders make up most of the starting cost. The license line in your state decides which bigger jobs you can take.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most handymen buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our handyman suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the handyman services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Fluke: Fluke 1AC II non-contact voltage tester, checked October 9, 2026
- Little Giant: Little Giant King Kombo 6 ft fiberglass Pro bundle, checked October 9, 2026
- Little Giant: Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, checked October 9, 2026
- Bon Tool: Bon Tool stainless taping knife, 8 in, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for handyman businesses, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.