My Suggestions for DIY Tools
Over the years I have found that I keep going back to the same old tools that I have had for years when doing DIY work. In this section I want to share my experience with you for each one of them because you don’t need to spend a small fortune to get things done around the house. You can do a lot with a little! These items are in no particular order, as each project is different. Just buy whatever tool you need at the time and before you know it you can tackle anything around your home. To see the rest of my shop tools check out my Amazon Store:
Drill Driver Set
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When it comes to drills, I don’t believe that you need to get the biggest most powerful drill on the market. I have had this combo for over 4 years, and I find myself being able to do 90% of the stuff I do with just these two guys, and at the price point you can’t go wrong.
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Circular Saw
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A saw is a must in the home. You can either get a corded one or go battery. Because I was doing a lot of framing back in the day, I had a powerful worm drive but realized I didn’t need all that power and weight when doing things around the house. This 6 1/2" Circular Saw handles almost anything i can throw at it. It does take more time to cut thicker denser woods, but it will get through it. It’s perfect for 2x4s and plywood, Plus it nice not to have cords to deal with.
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Worm Drive Saw
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If you’re going to be doing some heavy-duty construction / framing and need unlimited power, then the 7 1/4" Skilsaw is for you. Its got some weight to it but its performance is unparallel in my opinion. I have had my saw for almost 20 years and have not had a since issue with it. It made this list because the price is awesome for what you get in this unit, and it will last forever. but remember it’s not a run and gun saw like some of the smaller ones. It will take some time to get used to its power and weight, but once you do you will fall in love with its performance.
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Chisel Set
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Chisels are an important part of any workshop. Having a sharp chisel will allow you to do a lot of things around the house as well, but you don’t need to spend a small fortune to get them. When first starting off you want to have 3 sizes that will do just about anything 1/2" - 3/4" - and 1" and these Buck Brothers chisels with a metal cap will let you use a metal hammer to chisel some of the harder projects. I use then any time I'm doing framing work or any projects around the home where my fancy chisels are just too delicate. at this price range who cases if you drop them or chip the edge.
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Orbital Sander
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This Makita sander is the first Orbital sander I ever owned, or I should say Honey Bunny owner. When we first met, she had this sander in the garage, and I made it my after using it for the first time. I lost it during a move and immediately bought another one to replace it. Its powerful, reliable, and more importantly comfortable in the hand. I do a lot of sanding and have multiple sanders, but always keep coming back to this little guy.
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Speed Square and Combo
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If you get any square to start make sure it’s a 7" speed square. If will make your cuts square and there are many features on it that make different calculations (like a roof pitch) a breeze. But what's better then a speed square is a speed square and a combination square. I got these from a sponsor when we started working together and have use both for a year now and have really enjoyed the quality and accuracy. Because believe it or not, not every square is square. I have thrown out a handful over the years because I found them not to actually be square.
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Level
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My first level I ever bought was a 2' level and I quickly realized that it was too short for most jobs. A 4' level is ideal for the shop and around the home. This Stanley level is built well, accurate and wont break the bank when first starting. Once you get a 4' level your next should be the shorter 2' and even a long 6' which has its advantages. If you want to really get crazy with it you can even get a digital level that beeps when you reach plum or level, however, expect to spend your kid’s college fund on one of those.
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Caulk Gun
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If you plan on doing projects around the house you will need a caulk gun, for sure! I used a regular caulk gun for years getting caulk all over me, all over projects, and it was just a pain. Couple of years ago a painter friend of my asked me why I'm not using a dripples gun, and I had no idea they existed. Once I tried it, it changed my life lol. Not really buy it made a tremendous difference in how I caulk, not in the project outcome but in the process. I'm no longer whipping the tip all the time and making sure its not dripping. I just caulk and go. This is a must have when for caulking projects
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Shop Vac
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If you are planning on doing work around your home you better have a way to clean up the construction debris, and a shop vac is the way to go. The Rigid shop vac is the first one I have ever bought and have had many other over the years. Surprisingly it is the only one that has survived the brutality I put on my tools. It has held up so well that I purchased a smaller version to go under my miter saw.
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Wrench and Socket Set
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Every home owner needs a socket and wrench set. Unless you are a professional mechanic or machinist there is no reason to be spending thousands of dollars on wrenches. This set has both metric and imperial and will be able to handle everything around your home. Having a durable case to make transporting it easy from project to projects is also helpful. This set has it all for a fraction of a price you would pay for major brands.
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Tape Measure
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There are many variations of the Stanley Tape measure, but the Fat Max is my favorite for projects around the house. If I have to build a deck or just measure a wall for new furniture this tape measure allows me to extend further than any other tape measure without folding over. And when you are standing on a ladder trying to hook it on somethings that makes a huge difference. I use thinner types in the shop and way shorter, but around the home this is my go-to.
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Quick Clamps
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If youre gluing wood together or just need a second pair of hands when screwing things together a quick clamp is super useful. There are hundreds of clamps out there from F style to parallel clams, but for everyday projects I find that a quick clamp is the easiest to use. I keep these quick clamps on my work bench and are the first ones I reach for when need to clamp something quickly. I would suggest getting clamps when you see them on sale, and get multiple types as you need them. That saying "you can never have enough clamps" is actually true. I own over 100 clamps and have run out of a specific type that I'm using at the time on multiple occasions. The deeper you dive into projects the more clamps you will need, but this will get you started.
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Hammer
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Everyone needs a good hammer! I actually collect hammers, from forging, metal work, wood, and many other specialty hammers, but if I had to choose one I would pick the Eastwing 16oz framing hammer. Its built solid, has a timeless design, and is comfortable in the hand. If you ever swung a hammer for hours you know the ergonomics is key. I alternate between this hammer and a heavy wooden handle framing hammer in my tool belt depending on the project. I like a heavy hammer when driving big nails, but for everything else this hammer is my go to.
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Compressor
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When you get deeper into your renovation projects you will want to use all sorts or pneumatic tools and you will need a compressor. The first compressor I ever bought was this Porter Cable 6 gallon Pancake compressor, and I still have it after 20 years. I have upgraded to quieter compressors since then for the shop, but when I'm doing projects around the house or outside this old boy still comes out to play. I have never had any issues with it and can handle small trim work to large framing projects.
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Hand Saw
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When you need to cut something a power tool is great but a lot of times you need to accuracy and accessibility of a hand saw, and a Japanese pull saw is the way I chose to do it. They have a distinct pull action vs a push that traditional western saws have, and I believe its much easier to use. This saw has a two sided blade. One for crosscuts and one for rip cuts, so whatever the job is it can handle it. I was exposed to pull saws when I dove deep into woodworking and now, I only keep western saws for sentimental value. All my work is done with there.
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Oscillating Sander
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Having a palm sander is great however sanding straight edges can get difficult. An oscillating sander can help you keep lines straight. Its also easy to bring a work piece to the sander and make different profiles. I got this sander for Christmas a few years ago and have used it on a daily basis for smaller projects. There are many oscillating sanders on the market and this one is quality and reasonable price rolled into one.
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Planer
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Some people may think that a planner is not a beginner tool, and I will have to agree with them. When first starting off you don’t truly need this, however I wanted to include it in this list because I cant see myself never owning one. It is one of the most essential tools when doing furniture work or working with raw stock, which in turn can save you a ton on money. I owned a smaller Delta planer before this one and didn't know what I was missing. The quality of finish this machine produces vs a planner that is $200 cheaper is unbelievable. If you are planning on getting a entry level planner, save your money till you can afford this one. You will not be disappointed. Tip: You can also find these used on FB Market place for 1/2 the price.
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Track Saw
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I was lucky enough to first own a table saw before most other tools in my shop. However table saws can be very pricy and space can be an issue, so a track saw is a awesome tool to rip long pieces. I got this track saw after doing a lot of research and speaking with multiple makers on their experience with it. I was not disappointed when I got it. having the ability to cut up against a wall or cutting a large slab is huge to my work. Even though you can still make most of these cuts with a miter saw and a straight edge, there is no substitute to a track saws easy use. Plus, it hard to take a table saw from job to job. I would also recommend getting the 9' long track if you do a lot of long stock. Yes you can clamp multiple tracks together, but its nice having a short and long track.
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Belt Sander
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I bought this belt sander when I couldn't find my Makita. I needed it for a job and didn’t want to spend a lot of money since I already had one, so I didn’t expect much from it. However, it really surprised me with its performance for the low price. It did everything I asked it to and have had it for over 10 years.
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Reciprocating Saw
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I love my reciprocating saw so much I own two of them. One corded and one cordless. Why you may ask. Well I had the corded one first for years, and when I switched to cordless tools I could not bring myself to get rid of it. Even though the cordless one has all the power I need, the corded one has that little extra power that is had to find in a battery. Either one will work great and I find myself using the cordless one all the time but just cant bring myself to part with the OG. Take your pick. They both are great.
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Jig Saw
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A jig saw can be very useful around the shop. The first jig saw I ever owned was a old school metal one my dad gave me. It worked great but was so heavy and uncomfortable. Then I upgraded to a old version of this saw and still own it to this day. It has plenty of power that you typically don't get from a cordless and won’t break the bank.
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Pocket Hole Jig
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This is a Mini pocket hole jig. I like the mini because when you are first starting off you can do a lot with it for 1/2 price of a full-size jig. This jig from Armor tool is also self-adjusting. Meaning that it takes the guess work out of setting it up for different wood thicknesses. If you plan on doing a lot of pocket holes you may want to consider the Armor Tool full size jig which is self-adjusting as well. But for smaller projects this little guy is perfect and clamps right onto your work piece. so you don't have to bring the work piece to the jig, which is very convenient.
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Brad Nailer
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A 18g Brad Nailer can be a very useful tool. From trim work to building cabinets its uses can be more then handy. I was introduced to Senco Nailers when I was in construction and have used them ever since. Everything from a 16g to a stapler, they have never let me down. I used to own a different brand before and used to have all sorts of jamming issues, but since I switched to Senco about 15 years ago I never experienced the same.
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Grinder
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A grinder can have many uses from grinding metal or wood to carving and cutting. So having one of them in your home can be very helpful. Three years ago, I went from corded tools to cordless and it has made my life some much easier. But I did have a worry with power issues especially with a grinder, cuz you want that sucker to have some umpthhhh. That worry was quickly put to bed when I first used this grinder. It has plenty of power in the 18V platform and has handled anything I have thrown at it over the years.
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