Start With the Basics
You don't need a professional shop to handle most appliance repairs. A well-chosen set of basic tools covers 80% of what you'll encounter.
The Essential Starter Kit
Screwdriver set with multiple heads
- Phillips #1 and #2 (most common)
- Flat/slotted in multiple sizes
- Torx T15, T20, T25 (increasingly common on modern appliances)
- Square/Robertson (common on Canadian appliances and some US brands)
Nut driver set (1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16")
Most appliance screws are actually hex-head bolts. A nut driver is faster than a wrench and won't strip the heads.
Adjustable wrench (8" is a good all-purpose size)
For water supply lines, gas connections, and odd-sized fasteners.
Needle-nose pliers
Essential for grabbing small parts, bending wire, and reaching into tight spaces.
Multimeter
Even a basic $20 multimeter lets you test for continuity, check voltage, and verify components are working. This single tool helps diagnose most electrical issues.
Flashlight or headlamp
You'll be working in dark spaces — under appliances, inside cabinets, behind panels. A headlamp keeps your hands free.
Work gloves
Sheet metal edges inside appliances are sharp. Leather or cut-resistant gloves protect your hands.
Appliance-Specific Tools
For Washing Machines
Spanner wrench — For removing the tub nut on top-load washers. Without this, you can't access the transmission or tub bearings.
Lid switch bypass — A simple tool for testing if the lid switch is your problem (many are).
Hose clamp pliers — Spring clamps on internal hoses are much easier to remove with the right pliers.
For Dryers
Dryer vent brush kit — A long flexible brush for cleaning lint from the exhaust duct. Prevents fires and improves efficiency.
Putty knife — For releasing the spring clips that hold the top panel on many dryers.
Drum support tool — Helps when removing and reinstalling the drum. Not strictly necessary but saves frustration.
For Refrigerators
Coil cleaning brush — A long, narrow brush for cleaning condenser coils. Dirty coils are the #1 cause of refrigerators running warm.
Thermometer — To verify temperatures are correct after repairs. Your fridge display might not be accurate.
Tube cutter — If you're replacing water lines for ice makers or water dispensers.
For Dishwashers
Wet/dry vacuum — For removing standing water before working inside the dishwasher.
Strap wrench — For removing stuck spray arms without cracking the plastic.
Thread seal tape (Teflon tape) — For water supply connections.
For Ovens and Ranges
Multimeter with high voltage capability — Ovens run at 240V. Make sure your meter can handle it.
Igniter tester — For gas ranges, tests if the igniter is drawing enough current.
Temperature probe — To verify oven temperature calibration after repairs.
Tools That Save Time and Frustration
Magnetic parts tray — Keeps screws and small parts from rolling away or getting lost.
Smartphone with flashlight and camera — Take photos before disassembly so you remember how things go back together.
Zip ties and wire nuts — For securing wires after repairs.
Penetrating oil (PB Blaster, WD-40 Specialist) — For stuck or rusted screws. Apply, wait 10 minutes, try again.
Painters tape and a marker — Label wires and connectors as you disconnect them.
Shop rags — Appliances are dirty inside. Keep rags handy.
What You DON'T Need
Don't waste money on:
- Appliance-specific "repair kits" — Usually overpriced bundles of basic tools
- Powered screwdrivers — Manual is better for appliance work; you need to feel when things are tight
- Professional-grade multimeters — A basic one works fine for DIY repairs
- Single-purpose tools you'll use once — Rent or borrow specialty tools for one-time jobs
Building Your Kit Over Time
Don't buy everything at once. Start with the basics and add tools as you need them:
Year 1: The basics
- Screwdriver set
- Nut drivers
- Adjustable wrench
- Needle-nose pliers
- Multimeter
- Flashlight
As needed: Appliance-specific tools
- Buy when you encounter a repair that needs them
- Often cheaper than hiring a repair tech once
Quality matters
- Cheap screwdrivers strip easily
- Cheap pliers lose their grip
- Buy mid-range tools from known brands (Craftsman, Stanley, Klein)
Safety First
Before any appliance repair:
- Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker
- Turn off water supply for washers, dishwashers, refrigerators with water lines
- Turn off gas supply for gas appliances
- Wait 5 minutes after unplugging before touching capacitors (they hold charge)
- Never bypass safety switches permanently
A $30 non-contact voltage tester is cheap insurance to verify power is really off.
Quick Reference: Tools by Repair
| Repair Type | Essential Tools |
|---|---|
| Replace heating element | Multimeter, screwdrivers, nut drivers |
| Fix leaking washer | Pliers, screwdrivers, new hoses |
| Dryer not heating | Multimeter, screwdrivers, vent brush |
| Fridge not cooling | Coil brush, multimeter, screwdrivers |
| Dishwasher not draining | Wet/dry vac, screwdrivers, pliers |
| Oven not heating | Multimeter, screwdrivers (and caution!) |
Store Your Tools Properly
- Keep appliance tools together in a toolbox or bag
- Store manuals/guides with your tools (or digitally)
- After each repair, clean tools and put them back
- Note what tool you wished you had for next time
The right tools turn a frustrating 3-hour job into a manageable 1-hour project. Build your kit gradually, buy quality where it matters, and you'll save hundreds on repair bills over the years.