DIY Tools

DIY Jobs Need the Right DIY Tools

Along any DIYers journey they will acquire some tools. I love shopping for tools and the shed I put up was mainly for the purpose of storing those tools once my collection out grew the smaller shed. Still with all the tools I have, it's not uncommon to start a job and realize that there is a tool that would help along the way. Unless you are going to start a business niche I wouldn't advise purchasing some of the expensive specialty tools designed for singular functions. There are helpful tools and then there are tools you can't do without. Here are some of the tools that I think even the novice DIYer should be familiar with and perhaps add to their inventory of tools. Amazon is a great place to start when looking for tools. They have great prices, FREE SHIPPING and one of my favorite things when it comes to online shopping is the reviews of past purchases of the item sold. See what others think of the DIY tools they bought and remember to pass it on.

Cordless Drills are a DIY Definate

Every DIY job is in need of a good cordless drill. Make sure you buy at least an 18 volt drill with two batteries and a good charger. Nothing ruins a DIY project like being without power or not having a reliable cordless drill for those hard to access spaces. I would also recommend an extension for your bits, because often times screws will be finished in small openings. Batteries weaken over time, but good batteries last many years. There are endless bits and accessories that fit these drills for DIY success.

Sawzall Does It All

I didn't get my first sawzall (sawsall) until 7 years ago, but this is a valuable and versatile tool necessary to any job for removal and hard to reach places needing reliable power with guaranteed results. This powerful tool is also safer than many other power tools and is great for cutting metal and wood. A sawzall is the best tool to use when separating boards with screws or nails and saves valuable time. Sawsall are durable, lasting a long time without many problems .

DIY's Circular saw, Jigsaw, and Router

Circular saws are important for DIYers planning to do wood projects. DIY wood projects like decks, and cages require a circular saw for precise clean cuts within fractions of an inch. Fun to use, circular saws can be tricky at first and dangerous if your blades become dull. Kickbacks are common if not maintained or aware of what you're cutting with a circular saw.
Another great tool that is fairly inexpensive when working with wood is a jigsaw. A jigsaw will allow you to make small various cuts in angles and along edges without removing your blade. Tremendous help when making small, tedious cuts for cabinets handles, etc. Watch your fingers and power cord.
Routers aren't a must, but after using a dremel tool, I realized something bigger was needed to achieve what I wanted. I bought a router with different bits and within minutes loved this tool. Routers add distinctiveness to plain DIY wood projects. Routers require a strong steady hand and a guide. I clamped down 2x4's for my straight line. Wasn't perfect, but turned out nice overall. Also pay attention to the depth, because it will go through your DIY project. A router is a fun, fairly safe tool that's easy to learn. Best used outside or in a shop, because a router will have sawdust everywhere in a short time. Examples of router cuts are on the right.

DIY Levels, Tape Measures and Angles

Another DIY must is a quality tape measure which will need to be close by and while doing wood work a 4 foot level and speed square resulting in perfect 90 degree cuts everytime when making multiple cuts as in decks and fences. Post levels are also handy in fencing and decks because it takes forever to move a level from side to side making adjustments when you can line up both sides simultaniously. The tape measure, level and speed angle are valuable weapons for DIY warriors and several different selections can be made with these tools like laser levels and adjustable rafter speed squares for advanced cuts. I suggest a wide body, heavy duty tape measure, because this widely used tool needs to last and when measuring openings without help, standard tape measures will collapse. Wide bodied tape measures also bow less over distances. 4 foot levels are balanced and ensure that bigger projects are completely level whereas small levels, while great for small projects, give mixed results on long boards.

Work Lights for DIY

If you are like me and work until the job is done, then you might consider a work light. Many styles and sizes are available with varying cost to match. My work light is small, but provides ample illumination. If I were to buy another, I’ll consider one with a stand, because I find myself trying to balance this light in many awkward positions. The halogen lights get extremely hot fast, so you have to be careful of touching and where it’s placed. I bought it to work on a project with my porch, but have used it several times now. I hate to stop in the middle of a DIY project; this lets me work until I’m ready to stop especially on short winter days.

Rachets and Extensions for DIY

1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 Inch rachets are useful tools and having a complete set that is organized will save you time trying to find the right fit. Rachets have many extensions and sizes. If you work with automobiles alot or plan to you will also need a set of metric sockets as well as a jointed extension which is very helpful when working in tight spaces. There are many variations of racheting tools and these are great to have when you realize how long it takes to unscrew a screw turning it a half turn and readjusting your wrench everytime.

DIY Painter's Supply

Wood work and home DIY projects all come to point someday were you find yourself choosing paint colors. A few good brushes, roller, sandpaper, stripper, scraper, and paint thinner are the bare necessities in this line of DIY tools. When working with paint, it's important to clean up often and thoroughly after each use and sometimes in between. For best results, make sure you have plenty of time, take it slow and prepare the area you’re working in by completely clearing out obstacles, taping off edges, and protecting the floor. It's a good idea to have old clothes and towels. If you make a mistake clean it up immediately and you can always have good results in DIY painting. When using your brush save paint by not dipping more than half an inch into the paint. This will also save paint as it can be very expensive and will prevent unnecassary dripping.

Power Drill and DIY Work Gloves

Cordless tools are great and useful, but many times jobs require more power and time than the batteries of todays cordless power tools offer. For that reason DIYers should keep at least a power drill on hand, because when drilling large holes and/or in harder materials many of the batteries will burn out in a short time. Work gloves are nice to have on hand especially on colder days or when working in the yard and feilds. If there is poison ivy out there, you will almost always find it. I have many pairs of cheap gloves for everyday use and then a couple of better gloves that fit good and grip better than the others when the job requires it.

DIY Wrenches/ Plyers/ Cutters/ Razors

DIY hand tools is a list with no end, but lets get the basics. A DIYer must have needle nose plyers for grabbing and holding in hard to reach places. Vise grips to hold stripped or overtightened nuts. Basic plyers for tightening and loosening bolts and a few different size wrenches for those tough jobs and to add a little power. Also, it's handy to have an assortment of cutting tools required for the different materials that you will have to work with. Sheet metal sheers are nice for cutting many soft metals, heavy duty scissors for cutting hard plastics and fabrics, and a good utility knife with extra blades for almost anything you can imagine that requires clean cuts like roof shingle, vinyl, drywall, window film, carpet, rubber flooring, and cardboard to name few. I like to have wire cutters (inexpensive) for fencing and wire strippers for lights and all coated wires. You can strip wires without these special tools, but it is tricky with needle nose plyers and takes longer just to save on a $5- $10 item.

DIY Drivers, Wrenches, Scrapers and Chisels

Builders love to make screws that are special, which of course needs a special driver. A good set of screwdrivers and wrenches should be all you need, but don't be surprised when you realize nothing you have fits that one screw. Best thing to do if you don't have time or don't want to get a different driver; latch on with vise grips to remove and replace with the same size common screw. Chisels have many uses, but get metal and wood chisels, because you don't want to ruin good wood chisels doing something you should have used a metal one for. Allen wrenches are here to stay and used in tons of furniture and on tools, so pick up a set of standard and metric hex keys (allen wrenches) so you are prepared. Scrapers are another DIY tool that you don't realize you need until it's not there. Scrapers come in many materials and sizes and are used for everything from cooking to painting, so having a variety of scrapers on hand is a good idea if you plan to get the job done. Amazon offers a great variety of all these DIY tools and most with FREE SHIPPING!!