The Must-Have Tools For Any Would-Be DIYer
Whether you’re looking to tackle a major project like a home remodel or you simply want to become a lot more competent at handling the maintenance and repair needs of your home, any good DIYer knows that their choice of tools plays a major role in their success. For that reason, we’re going to take a look at some of the essentials that, together, will take care of most of your DIY needs. There are specialist tools that we might not cover here that can come in handy, of course, but these tools can keep you working efficiently, accurately, and safely under most circumstances.
Measuring Tools
Measure twice, cut once is one of the fundamental laws of good DIY. If you want to do something well, you have to ensure that you’re working with accurate measurements. Otherwise, misalignments and ill-fitting materials are to be expected. A tape measure is the most basic must-have for general measurements around the home, with the standard 25-foot retractable kind being plenty in most cases. Combination squares can be good for any constructive DIY, helping you mark off straight edges and 90-degree angles with ease. A level, whether the traditional spirit level or a digital version, can help you keep furniture, shelves, and picture frames straight, too.
A Hammer
When you have a nail in need of fixing in place, then there’s nothing like the right hammer to do the job. From hanging pictures to assembling furniture, or even working on light demolition projects, a good claw hammer can provide a great multi-purpose tool, driving nails on one end and removing them with the other. For those working with delicate materials or upholstery, a rubber mallet is a useful addition, providing a softer impact that won’t damage surfaces. If you're planning on tackling heavier-duty projects, a framing hammer with a longer handle and heavier head can provide the extra force needed for construction work.
Drills And Bits
While hand tools can be very helpful, when it comes to making matters much more efficient, the right power tools make a huge difference. A good power drill is one of the most versatile tools you can own, especially when combined with a versatile set of bits. This can allow you to easily drill holes in various materials. Wood, metal, and masonry can all require different bits and levels of power to achieve results, so a good power drill can be versatile. It can also save you from having to buy more tools, as there are many options that can be used as electronic screwdrivers, as well, taking care of assembly and repair work, as well.
A Reliable Saw
Your ability to quickly and accurately cut through materials can be core to many a DIY project, and the more you need to cut through, the more powerful the saw that you’re likely to need. Hand saws tend to be the safest option for quick and precise work, but for any extensive projects, you may need to take a closer look at some powered Worx saws instead. Circular saws tend to be bet for cutting straight lines in wood, while jigsaws can be great for making curved or intricate cuts with more control. Whatever the case is, these are powerful tools that require practice to handle them safely, so they should be treated with respect and care.
A Sander
A good sander can be the difference between a DIY project looking complete or incomplete. If you want a smooth and professional finish on wood (and other materials), then the sander is vital. It’s used in all kinds of furniture work, preparing wood so you can paint on it, or simply smoothing out some rough edges. An orbital sander is a great all-purpose option for most DIYers, providing a fast and efficient way to sand down surfaces without leaving deep scratches. It works well for everything from furniture restoration to drywall repair and can be used with different grits of sandpaper for varying levels of smoothness.
Safety Gear
Regardless of what kind of DIY job you’re doing, you’re going to need some personal protection equipment to ensure that you’re being mindful of the right of injury and accident. Ensure you have a reliable supply of safety glasses or goggles, dust masks or respirators, hearing protection, and work gloves. Having a first aid kit at your disposal is vital, too.
There are wide varieties of each of the tools above that can better suit your needs depending on how you use them. Take the time to browse and look for recommendations online to get an idea of how big a difference certain features and changes can make before picking yours out.
