Ultimate List of DIY Tools

Whether you’re looking to get into DIY, or you’re already in the thick of it, this is the ultimate list of power tools. Learn about brands and quality, what tools are best for your goals, and in which order to buy your tools. 

What Should I Buy First?

If you’re looking to invest in tools that will be used for general home repairs & simple DIY projects, here’s my top four:

 

1. Power Drill & Drill Bits

A power drill, especially a cordless one, will become your best friend! My first drill was a Black & Decker one off of Amazon for $30. It was perfect for small DIY projects, hanging mirrors/frames and general home repairs. Last year I upgraded to the Dewalt Cordless Drill and I can really tell a difference. It has more power, longer lasting battery and holds larger bit sizes.

 

2. Miter Saw

A miter saw is a versatile saw that makes both straight crosscuts and angled cuts. You can use the angle feature on a miter saw to quickly make cuts for crown moulding, picture frames, and door frames. All of the projects in our beginning woodworking post use a miter saw to make simple straight cuts for shiplap, benches, trays and other DIY projects. 

Miter saws come in both single and dual bevel (meaning the blade can either tilt to one or both sides). They also come in sliding and non-sliding versions, which determines the width of the boards you’ll able to cut.

3. 18 gauge brad Nailer

Nail guns are great for finishing work. Use your nail gun to attach trim, beadboard, shiplap or molding onto the wall. Nail guns are also used for baseboards. Keep in mind that nails are not strong, but paired with wood glue, it is a great way to attach two pieces of wood together that won’t hold weight. 

4. Electric Sander

An electric sander is a great tool that will both increase the quality of your project and cut down on time. Hand sanding is tedious, so an electric sander is a great investment. Be sure to start your sanding with a lower grit (usually 100 or 120) and work up to through increasing grits until you get to 220. Random orbital sanders will be round whereas mouse sanders come to a point and are great for getting into corners.

Not Power Tools, But You'll Need Them in Your Tool Belt

These aren’t power tools, but they are necessary to have in your tool box! These are safety items and useful things to have in order to complete your projects! 

  1. Measuring Tape

A good quality measuring tape will take you far. Try to find something that is at least 12′ long. That way, you can measure your room to fit rugs and sofas. Wider measuring tapes are sturdier and wont buckle as easily as the thinner tapes. I always prefer to buy the measuring tapes with all the measurements written out down the 1/8 measurements. 

2. Kreg Pocket Hole Jig

Kreg jigs are so useful, especially when you’re just starting out! They are a simple tool to create pocket holes, and making hidden joinery for your DIY projects. 

3. Level/Laser Level

As president of the “I’ll just eye it” community, even I have a level and laser level. Picture frames, mirrors and artwork all look so much better when they are centered perfectly and completely level. If you’re ever going to put up wallpaper or wall trim, a laser level will make your life so much easier. 

4. Safety Glasses and Ear Protection

Always always always wear protection. No project is worth not gearing up. Invest in quality safety glasses and wear them every time (and I mean EVERY time) you turn on a saw. My grandpa gifted me ear protection last year for Christmas and it’s made the biggest difference. I don’t know what I was doing without it! Even a simple pair of earplugs will work wonders. 

Now I Have the Basics, What's Next?

Now that you have the basic set of tools in your garage, and you have a few simple DIY projects under your belt, what should you invest in next? This next list of tools is all the fun stuff. These will take your projects up a notch, look more professional, be stronger and have a higher quality. 

  1. Router

Routers are neat little power tools that pack a huge punch (literally though – this thing has so much torque). Routers use unique bits that spin in a circular motion to router out (hollow out) sections of your wood. Depending on the bit, a router can have a variety of uses including creating joinery, decorative edges, straight cuts, and hollowing out slots in your wood. 

 

Routers can attach to router tables which allows you to slide the wood past the bit. Otherwise, you can use it handheld. I also own a circle jig for my router which allows me to cut perfect circles and arches. 


Routers are great for cutting circles and arches, adding decorative elements to furniture, and making more intricate joinery.

2. Table Saw

Table saws consist of a large blade that sit inside a table. This allows you to cut large pieces of wood by sliding it across the table and over the blade. While miter saws are generally used for cross-cuts, table saws are used for length-wise cuts. If you plan on making larger furniture items or cabinets, this is great tool. 

3. Jigsaw

If you’re looking to build things with arches, scallops, or waves, a jigsaw is a great tool to invest in. Jigsaws are unique because they are the only saw that can make curved cuts. Depending on the blade you’re using, you can cut wood, metal, and plastic. Jigsaws also feature an adjustable base plate, meaning you can also make bevel cuts at different angles. 

4. Multi-tool

Multi-tools are useful little tools that, as their name suggests, can be used for multiple things. This tool has an oscillating attachment that extends past the handle. You can attach various blades, sandpapers, and scrapers. Depending on the attachment, you can use the tool for cutting plastic, metal, or wood; making plunge cuts into wood or drywall; sanding down wood or sanding off rust; scraping off old adhesives, paint, or mortar; and removing grout from between tiles. 

Tool Brands

As a casual DIYer, budget-friendly brands will be great for starting out. If you find you use a tool frequently and want to upgrade, you can always sell your old tool and buy a nicer one!

 

Ryobi

Price: $-$$

Buy at: Amazon, Home Depot & Walmart

 

Ryobi has a large range of products, offered both in cordless and corded options.  As a lighter and more budget-friendly option, Ryobi tools are great for DIYers. The largest complaint with Ryobi tools is the battery life – they don’t last as long as higher quality brand, but for the casual DIYer, they get the job done. Ryobi offer lots of kits that sell their products in groups – which is a great way to save money.

Kobalt

Price: $-$$

Buy at: Amazon & Lowes

 

Kobalt is Lowes’ house brand of tools. Similar in quality to Ryobi, Kobalt has decent quality tools at a great price point. Although they don’t have quite as many products as Dewalt or Makita, they are expanding their line. Kobalt offers a limited lifetime warranty on all their products which covers repairs/replacement for the first 3-5 years. Kobalt is a great option for DIYers and semi-professionals. 

Craftsman

Price: $-$$

Buy at: Lowes, Amazon, Ace Hardware

 

Craftsman was originally created for Sears, and has since sold to Stanley Black & Decker. The brand started with hand tools, but has expanded to a wide range of power tools and storage solutions. Craftsman prides themselves on being American-made and offers an extensive warranty package with most of their tools. They are known for their reliability and extensive range of products. 

Dewalt

Price: $$-$$$$

Buy at: Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon

 

Dewalt is one of the oldest tool manufacturers on the market and they have a reputation for reliability. While their prices cater more to the professional market, the home DIYer can happily invest in Dewalt for the tools they use most often. Dewalt has innovated their battery pack to be just as powerful as other luxury brand like Mikita, but lighter weight and smaller. 

 

Stanley Black & Decker

Price: $-$$

Buy at: Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart

 

Black & Decker focuses on making simple tools at a good price point. They are perfect for the home DIYer that isn’t looking for all the bells and whistles of a more expensive brand, but a simple tool that will get the job done. Black & Decker has been in business for many years and in addition to their wide range of power and hand tools, has also expanded into the small home appliance space. 

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