10 $40 tools that’ll save you hundreds in repairs

You don’t have to spend a fortune to avoid expensive repairs—just a few tools that’ll actually let you handle problems before they get worse. Half the battle is catching stuff early and knowing how to do small fixes yourself. I’ve found that with the right $40 tools, you can skip a lot of calls to the plumber, the electrician, or the HVAC guy. Here are the ones that’ve saved me the most over time—without having to blow a big budget upfront.

Moisture Meter

If you ever suspect a leak behind a wall or under flooring, a $40 moisture meter can catch it before it becomes a moldy, rotted mess. It reads moisture levels inside surfaces without tearing anything up, which helps you figure out where to look closer.

It’s especially useful in bathrooms, kitchens, or around windows. A small leak that goes unnoticed can easily turn into a $1,000+ repair. This little tool gives you a heads-up while there’s still time to stop the damage.

Circuit Tester

Outlet not working? Light won’t turn on? Before calling an electrician, a $40 circuit tester can help you figure out if the issue is with the wiring, the breaker, or the device itself. Some even give a clear readout of open grounds or reversed polarity.

It’s a quick way to spot problems safely without taking everything apart. I’ve saved more than a few service call fees by using one to check outlets and switches when something seems off.

Non-Contact Voltage Detector

If you’re doing anything electrical—installing a new light fixture, replacing a switch—this tool tells you if the wire is live without touching anything. For under $40, it adds a huge safety layer and helps you avoid unnecessary guesswork.

You’ll save money by being able to handle basic electrical swaps yourself, and you’re way less likely to end up shorting something out or getting shocked. It’s one of those things that earns its keep fast.

Caulking Gun

Bad caulk leads to water damage, and water damage leads to repair bills. A $40 caulking gun that’s smooth and easy to control helps you reseal bathrooms, windows, and siding without hiring it out.

Done right, fresh caulk can extend the life of tubs, sinks, and trim for years. It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent water from sneaking where it doesn’t belong—and it’s way cheaper than replacing warped baseboards or repairing a rotten subfloor.

Basic Plumbing Snake

A $40 drain snake is usually enough to clear out clogged bathroom sinks and slow drains—without calling in a plumber. Most clogs are hair, soap scum, or kitchen gunk that a handheld auger can reach in seconds.

It’s saved me hundreds over time, especially since some plumbers charge over $100 just to show up. You don’t need fancy gear—just something that lets you break up that clog before it turns into a full backup.

Stud Finder

Mounting something heavy? Hanging shelves or a TV? A stud finder keeps you from drilling into the wrong spot, which can lead to wall damage, uneven installs, or even a busted pipe or wire if you really mess it up.

For $40, you can get one that’s accurate and reliable—even through textured walls. It keeps projects cleaner, safer, and more durable, which means fewer patch jobs or repair runs later.

Hex Key Set

Furniture, faucets, bikes, door handles—you’d be surprised how many things around the house are held together by Allen screws. A $40 hex key set with a solid range of sizes makes it easy to tighten loose parts or replace hardware without stripping anything.

It’s saved me from hiring someone to fix wobbly furniture or sticking with broken pieces when it was a 30-second fix. Having the right key on hand makes a huge difference, especially with imported furniture or oddball bolts.

Adjustable Wrench

If you only have one wrench, make it an adjustable one. For under $40, you can get a sturdy model that handles basic plumbing fixes, bike maintenance, and small engine work. It covers a wide range of bolt sizes without needing a full set.

I’ve tightened leaky hose bibs, adjusted appliances, and fixed up kid gear more times than I can count. Paying someone to do those small repairs adds up fast when you could’ve knocked it out with a wrench and five minutes.

Socket Set

When something’s rattling on your mower, truck, or water heater, a socket set is the fastest way to tighten it. Even a basic $40 set can handle dozens of common household bolts and fasteners—stuff that would otherwise stay loose until it breaks.

Having the right size and fit saves you from stripping hardware or skipping maintenance. It’s the kind of set that earns its value every time something around the house needs tightening or replacement.

Utility Knife Set

You wouldn’t think a utility knife could save you money—but it’s one of the tools I reach for most. From scoring drywall and cutting carpet to trimming caulk or opening packages cleanly, a good $40 knife set with extra blades is worth its weight.

Doing things carefully—especially demolition or finish work—keeps you from causing extra damage that you’ll later have to patch. Plus, it helps you be precise, which means fewer do-overs and wasted material.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.