This is in no way a comprehensive list but it contains the tools that I consider essential and others that are ‘Nice to haves.’
I don’t explain the essentials because I feel they speak for themselves, but I do explain why it’s nice to have the others.
Essential Tools
Fill Your Workshop
General
Hammer
Drill with various bits
Socket set and adjustable wrenches
Duct tape
Miter saw
Carpenter square
Clamps in various lengths
Sharp knives (i.e. utility, razer)
Pencil, pens
Paint, brushes
Plyers
Various nuts, bolts, nails
For Electrical / Motors
Soldering iron
Wires in various gauges
16 gauge is good for motors
22 gauge is good for lighting
Electrical Tape
Heat-shrink tubing
Wire nuts
Nice to Have
Great stuff
Everyone uses this to expand their projects. It’s a hate-to-love.
Chip brushes
Expendable. Good for when you don’t want to ruin a good brush. I use these a lot for tombstones (Drylock), and other non-latex coatings.
Heat gun
A hairy dryer can be used as a replacement but I use this quite a bit.
Dremel
So many uses for this that it’s hard not to included in the Essentials area.
Heat pens and wands
Really good for tombstones and adding details.
Rubber mallet
Useful for when you want to ensure you don’t put dents in objects.
Sledgehammer
I mainly use this driving rebar into the ground. You can use single or double-handed.
Jigsaw
If you want to do any circular cuts or just to make it easier on yourself.
Orbital sander
You could argue this is a must have but depends on what you are building.
Pipe cutter
Helps make straight cuts but can be substituted with a saw.
Sewing Machine
Can be substituted with sewing by hand.