My first-ever adult tool kit came courtesy of a neighbor as a high school graduation gift nearly 20 years ago: an IKEA set that included a hammer, a pair of pliers, a basic wrench, and a screwdriver ...

First rule of tools: Everyone needs a screwdriver. In fact, everyone needs several screwdrivers, including flathead and Phillips versions in multiple sizes (Torx bits are useful, too). While big tool ...