This is for the do-nothing-yourselfer...someone who has no interest in doing anything that someone else can be hired to do.  However, sometimes there's no one to be found, and we have to do it ourselves.  You should have at least these tools and supplies around the house.

Everyone needs a hammer.  They say, "if it doesn't fit, get a bigger hammer."  Sometimes, just hitting something that's broken is enough.  $10

The vice-grip pliers serve all sorts of squeezing and holding purposes...use like a wrench on plumbing fixtures and pipes, or as a wire cutter to repair an electrical appliance.  Buy the middle size.  $15

A nice selection of cheap screwdrivers are useful for turning screws of all sizes and head configurations, as well as prying, gouging and jamming things that are stuck.  This set comes with an essential tape measure for $10.

The one power tool you need is a cheap, variable speed, reversible, battery powered electric drill.  It's good for drilling holes and driving screws.  It's well worth $30 in time saved and sweat foregone.

The drill's no good without bits of all types.  Get the most items for the least money and don't worry about quality...you won't be using them that often.  $20

You probably won't need a saw, but here's a versatile little number that will cut almost anything...with effort.  $10

After buying the tools, get a few supplies such as the sheetrock screws below, which, with the drill above make short work of hanging pictures, repairing furniture, or what-have-you.  In addition get a roll of plastic electrical tape, some duct tape, and a bottle of Elmer's all-purpose or Gorilla glue.