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Tools for the DIYer

Everyone needs to have the right tools for the job. Here’s a list of my must have Tools for the DIYer to help you get started on your next project!

You can’t be a photographer without a camera, a pianist without a piano, or a baker without baking pans.

The same applies for the Do-It-Yourselfer.

What I’ve learned over the years of doing DIY projects at home is that having the right tool for the job saves so much time in the end.

Lemme tell ya, I can list many – many – projects that would have been so much easier had we own the right tool for the job.

Yes, it’s a bit of an investment, but it’s worth the cost of saving time and effort in the end.

So, I’ve pulled together a list of my must have Tools for the DIYer to help you get started on your next project!

Tools for the DIYer

(Some affiliate links are provided below. Full disclosure here.)

Household Tool Kit

If you were to start anywhere, I would start here with a purchase like this one.

You have most everything you would need to tackle any basic DIY project, including a cordless screwdriver!

Hammer, tape measure, pliers, level – all you need in one kit! In fact, Trent even heads for my toolkit over his own. It’s just so convenient!

Utility Knife

You can always use a quality utility knife in your toolkit. From cutting boxes to scoring wood – this is a tool I go for quite often.

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Ratcheting Screwdriver

This screwdriver safes you time and effort with the ratcheting option. You can screw easily without changing grip. Another awesome feature is that the top of the screwdriver opens as storage for extra bits!

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Level

If you’re wanting to hang shiplap, or make sure your pictures are even, then get a nice level. I like this one because you can use it at multiple angles.

Tack Lifter

I have linked to this tool many times before. This is my favorite tool I use when I do any reupholstery project. It’s perfect for removing staples and nails.

Click Below for Quick Links to These Tools:

Power Tools

So now you’re ready to take on the bigger projects and need the right tools for the job. Here are some essentials to get you started.

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Miter Saw

So this was the first big girl tool I learned to use.

But being a natural klutz, I steered away from making the cuts and always deferred to my husband to do the job.

Until that one day when I needed something cut and he wasn’t at home.

I had watched him hundreds of times, so I knew what to do.

Boy, I wish I would have learned sooner.  This is a favorite piece of mine!

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Jigsaw

This little guy is fun to use! It’s so easy to make the curved cuts and add detail when needed. Super easy to use and really affordable.

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Pancake Air Compressor

This tool had made my woodworking projects go by so quickly, but did you know you can use it for reupholstery too?

I used this tool when I recovered my Wingback Chair. Unless you are particularly handy, I recommend getting the “oil-free” type of compressor so you don’t need to keep up with the maintenance of that option.

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Pneumatic Brad Nail and Staple Gun

Ooh! I want this one just because it’s so pretty! This is the tool I use to hang shiplap, or build pallet projects, but what I love about it is the option to use it as a staple gun. It has made many an upholstery project much easier!

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Hand Sander

This isn’t the hand sander I use, but it’s the one I wish we had. We have a pneumatic hand sander because of our air compressor, but it sometimes leaves swirl marks. So this little guy is on my wish list.

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Power Drill

A good power drill with a quality battery is an excellent tool to have. This is our favorite one. We’ve owned it for years, still haven’t replaced the battery, and it holds a charge for days! Love this drill!

If there is a workhorse of all tools, then this is the one! We use this tool on nearly every job we do.

Trimming baseboards, sanding tile or detailed wood carving, ripping up carpet – you name it! So this tool does it’s job and has saved us tons of hard work with just one quick buzzzzz of the oscillating blade.

We love this tool!

Click Below for Quick Links to These Tools:

Tool Helpers

Carpenter’s Square

This tool makes marking so easy on boards!

Tool Chest with worktop

So this new addition to our tool arsenal has changed my life. Not only are my tools hidden away nice and neat, but the worktop is A-MAY-ZING!

Of course, I love having a clean surface to work on, and being able to leave a project to dry in a safe place is awesome!

Sawhorses

My sawhorses have taken a beating!

So as far as tools for the DIYer – we use this one all the time.

From painting doors to cutting plywood – I use these babies non-stop.  They are also helpful when you need to cut a long board on your miter saw.

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Safety Goggles and Dusk Mask

Do you remember the little dog on the side of the milk cartons in elementary school? He always gave tips on being safe, in fact, I think his name was Safety Pup!

Well, Safety Pup says always wear protective gear when you do woodworking. Sanding dusk and particles can easily get in your eyes or nose. So this is such a necessity to have these in your tool kit.

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Clamps

Not only do I use these when working on a DIY project, but I’ve also utilized these for many craft projects too.  

It’s the extra set of hands you need when no one is there to help out.

Deep Scanning Stud Finder

What I love about this tool is it’s safety feature.

Not only does it scan for studs, but it also scans for electricity to keep you from drilling or hammering into an electrical line. I use this guy ALLLLL the time!

Click Below for Quick Links to These Tools:

My Tool Wish List

Yes, there are a few tools I have yet to own, but I am hoping to get one day. So I’m sharing my wishlist Tools for a DIYer that I don’t own with you as well!

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Table Saw

Being able to trim pieces of wood easily would make so many projects easier, but it’s a pricey item and takes up space that we don’t have. So hopefully this tool will be in our home one day!

UPDATE: We finally got one! This is the table saw we were able to purchase, but on deep discount. What a difference it makes!

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Router

I haven’t really needed this tool in all of my DIYs, but it sure looks fun to use!

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

Contour Gauge

Click Below for Quick Links to These Tools:

This is really helpful in making tricky cuts. Of course I’d love to have one of these. It just looks so cool!

So this list of Tools for the DIYer should help you get a head start on what items you need to accomplish any project.  

Do you have a favorite tool that I haven’t listed?

Leave me a comment below and let me know what your favorite tools are!

Pin this for later!

Must Have Tools for the DIYer. These essentials are all you need to get started on your next DIY project!

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12 Comments

  1. Your power tools list helps choose the right tools. I have some tools and need some tools from your list so, your power tools list is beneficial for me.
    Thanks for your power tools listing.

  2. Yep, I use all of these. Thanks for sharing at the To Grandma’s House We Go DIY, Crafts, Recipes and More Wednesday Link Party! Have a great week and join us again!

  3. I want a pancake compressor so badly – we have a huge tank that I have to lug around – this is on my list for this year for sure! Thanks for taking the time to comment – it means so much!

  4. By far my favorite tool is the pancake compressor. I use mine for so many things. I like your wish list as I have all of the tools you listed that you have. the router and contour gauge are items to save for.

  5. Great suggestions! Saving a few of these as future gift ideas. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party this week!

  6. This is an awesome list and you have covered everything. My husband just got it into DIY (Yay! it’s only taken years) but now he needs all these cool tools. I’m horrible at using power tools. We have a lot of these, but need more. I will be sharing your list with him. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday.

  7. Hi Julie! That’s a great question! I’m not sure how long the cookie lasts or if it gets overridden with other cookies…. now I’m curious! Glad to know you found some tools to help you out!

  8. LOVE! Saved some of these on my Amazon Wish List! (if they are saved from your link, and I purchase later, do you still get the commission? Inquiring minds want to know!) 😉