10 Must-Have Tools for DIYers
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When you’re first starting out with DIY it can feel overwhelming to figure out what tools you’ll need for a project. While this is a comprehensive list of tools for DIY, you don’t need to buy them all at once! This list is meant to help you figure out what tools you’ll need for specific projects and give you ideas for birthday and holiday gifts!
- MITER SAW
The first power tool I ever used was a miter saw. I had the idea to take the existing wood clothing rod in our entry closet and chop it up to make coat hooks. I remember pulling down on the handle, cutting that first piece of wood, and feeling absolutely exhilarated that I did it!
The miter saw is a great first tool because it’s fairly straightforward to use and there are a lot of things you can do with it. You can cut molding, trim, and 2x4s. You can also make straight cuts and angled cuts. - DRILL
A drill is a must-have tool for a wide range of tasks. From assembling furniture to hanging shelves or installing fixtures, a drill makes driving screws and drilling holes a breeze. I’ve used a drill to hang curtain rods, change out the doorknobs in our entire home, and hang drywall. A drill can also be used with a drill bit to make holes in wood and drywall (called pre-drilling), which will make driving screws easier. - NAIL GUN
A nail gun is useful in just about any woodworking project. If you’re looking to add an accent wall to your home with box trim moulding, shiplap, board and batten, etc., a nail gun is going to be your best friend. I’ve also used my nail gun to reinstall baseboards in most of our home. - CIRCULAR SAW
The first time I used a circular saw my husband had to keep telling me to keep it on the material I was cutting. I was nervous and, as a result, I kept lifting up the back of it as I moved it through a sheet of plywood. But as with anything, using it again and practicing helped me be less afraid and confidently learn to use it.
A circular saw can be used to cut plywood, and it can also be used to cut trim, moulding, and 2x4s, etc. - IMPACT DRIVER
An impact driver is kind of like a step up in strength from a drill. It provides powerful torque and rotational force for quickly driving screws and bolts into various materials like wood and metal. An impact driver is perfect for heavy-duty tasks, providing more power to drive long screws and bolts into tough materials quickly and easily. They are useful for projects like building decks or framing, where high torque and efficiency are essential. - TABLE SAW
A table saw is used for cutting boards to size, ripping lumber, and making long, straight cuts in wood, plywood, and other materials that are difficult with other saws. It’s an essential tool for building furniture, cabinets, and other custom projects.
I’ve used a table saw to cut down plywood to create shelves for built-ins and planks for doors, and also use it to cut shiplap planks trim longer pieces of wood. - MULTI-TOOL
An oscillating multi-tool is helpful for a variety of tasks, such as cutting, sanding, scraping, and grinding. As its name suggests, it has interchangeable attachments that allow you to use it in multiple situations and purposes. Because of its size and ability, it’s helpful in tight spaces and perfect for detailed work and repairs that larger tools can’t reach.
A multitool has come in handy so many times. I’ve used it for cutting door jambs while installing new flooring, trimming a wood detail I added to my son’s dresser, and making cuts into drywall, trim work, and baseboards. - JIGSAW
A jigsaw allows you to make curved and more intricate cuts in materials like wood, plastic, and metal, which gives the flexibility to create unique shapes and designs. I cut the holes for the lights in my family room built-ins with a jig saw. I’ve also used it to create the holes for pots in an herb garden stand and to match some trim work in a camper that was curved. - SANDER
A sander is a must for any woodworking project. It’s used to remove rough edges, old paint, and varnish, and gets surfaces ready for painting or staining. Using a sander saves time and effort compared to manual sanding. - SHOP VAC
If you’re going to be woodworking and using saws to cut materials, you’ll want to make sure you have an efficient way to clean up! Shop vacs are designed to handle heavy-duty cleanup, easily tackling sawdust, debris, and even liquids. With various attachments and strong suction, a shop vac can reach into tight corners, handle both indoor and outdoor messes, and even clean car interiors.
Tools are not cheap, but it’s useful to know which ones can help with certain projects and prioritize which one you might want/need to purchase. There are ways to do any project using what you have, renting from your local hardware store, or asking a neighbor to borrow theirs! A tool collection can be built over time. And with each new tool purchase, take the time to read the instruction manual and understand how it works! Safety first, my friends.