DIY is a great way to save money on home improvement projects. We’ve done a ton of DIY on this house, so today I’m giving you a peek in our “workshop” to see the power tools we use regularly and can’t live without. I’m also going to give you the scoop on regrets and what I should have bought instead.
These would be perfect gifts for the DIYer or aspiring DIYer in your life!
Brand
If you’re just starting your power tool collection, you want to think about brand first. Do you want all the same brand? Are you going to hang them all on a pegboard so they are visible? Will it bug you if some tools are different colors than others? What’s your budget?
These are all necessary questions to answer before you get started so you don’t waste any money. All of the different tool brands make virtually all the same types of these tools. If you want them all yellow & black, get DeWalt. If green is your thing, go Ryobi. Like Red? Milwaukee or Craftsman. Blue looks better in your garage? The store brand at Lowe’s, Kobalt, is blue or Hart Tools at Walmart has a lot of options. Some brands are at Home Depot, others are at Lowe’s.
Figure this out before you start so you don’t have regrets later.
DIYer Must Have Tool #1: Cordless Drill
A drill is the #1 must have tool. This one has a powerful 20v rechargeable battery that works with other Dewalt Tools on this list. It also comes with the charger and an impact driver for when you need a little more power. We love this drill! It is our most frequently used power tool, which is why it is #1 on the list!
DIYer Must Have Tool #2: Miter Saw
This compound miter saw was one of the very first tools we bought when we got the keys to this house. It’s come in so handy not only for angle cuts, but just to use as a chop saw to cut straight lines on smaller boards. It is my favorite saw, however…
I wish I had invested in this one instead. A Double Compound Sliding Miter saw would be a better choice. Yes, it is more expensive. The Double Compound allows you to make all of the cuts you could ever need in each direction. The sliding component allows you to cut wider boards than my saw does.
If your budget allows, the double compound sliding miter saw is a better choice.
DIYer Must Have Tool #3: Circular Saw
This circular saw is great for cutting large boards. This is a great choice for many projects, but especially projects that you would use a table saw. It’s very versatile. It uses the same batteries as the drill, so you can get the tool only for a cheaper price.
DIYer Must Have Tool #4: Dremel Rotary Tool
A Dremel Rotary Tool is a wonderful tool to have around the house. It can do so many things! I’ve used it to cut baseboards, sand small things, and even route door mortises with the router attachment!
DIYer Must Have Tool #5: Kreg Jig
Anyone who wants to learn how to make furniture needs a Kreg Jig. This tool makes pocket holes to join 2 pieces of wood together for the strongest joints. It’s super easy to use and fun too!
DIYer Must Have Tool #6: Crown Molding Jig
Crown molding makes a huge difference in a room, but it’s really hard to cut. This Kreg Crown Molding Jig makes the cutting part easier! Seriously, if you’re going to hang crown molding, save yourself hours of time thinking and get this jig.
DIYer Must Have Tool #7: Air Compressor
I bought this air compressor when I got my first nail gun, and I’ve used it for all of my projects since. It is big and loud, so make sure you wear proper ear protection when using it.
Back when I first wrote this article, battery powered nail guns weren’t a thing. The air compressor is still very handy, but its not necessarily a must have anymore.
DIYer Must Have Tool #8: Nail Guns
The following nail guns make my projects go fast! They all use the same air compressor, hose and accessories. If I had to do this all over again now, I would skip these and the air compressor and get the battery powered versions. I will link a battery version I would have bought with each of the nail guns I have for you.
This brad nail gun has saved me so much time, it’s paid for itself. I was really scared of nail guns, but once I got this one, I make up projects just to have some nail gun fun. Don’t forget the nails! I like1″, 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″ nails. This is the battery version I would have purchased.
This finishing nail gun is what you use for molding and trim. The nails are angled and longer. I like 2 1/2″ nails on this one. I would have purchased this battery powered one.
We don’t use our framing nail gun much, but when we do, its saves a ton of time. I’ve used this gun to make corn hole board bases, bases for cabinets, and wall framing. These nails are big and sturdy. Note – the framing nailer DOES NOT come with a case. We hang ours on our pegboard. Here is the battery powered version I would have bought.
DIYer Must Have Tool #9: Paint Sprayer
I invested in this little paint sprayer to paint cabinet doors, and I love it. As an entry into the paint sprayer genre, this is a good. one. It’s easy to use and easy to clean. It’s really great for small projects. The Critter takes regular mason jars which you can use to store your left over paint when you’re done. Make sure to buy a replacement parts set so you have some extra cork rings.
Starter Power Tool Collection
Those are the power tools I use most often for my DIY projects, but I still have some tools on my wish list. These tools will get most of what you want done. We’ve remodeled an entire bathroom, built in shelves, installed the bar and more with just these tools.
In Part 2, I’ll talk more about the additional tools we’ve purchased to complete bigger jobs like the Kitchen Remodel. Stick around!
What tools can you not live without? I’m always looking to add tools to my shop.
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