The Must-Have DIY Tools: For the Novice DIYer
You have a home and a list of improvement projects that need to get done but don’t know how to get started. Sound familiar? You already own the typical household tools such as a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, etc. yet those alone will not achieve your DIY dreams. This article will provide the TOP 10 Must-Have DIY Tools to begin your home improvement projects and more. Let’s get started!
#1
Tape Measure
Without a doubt the retractable tape measure is the pinnacle of every DIY home improvement project.
The retractable tape measure is the tool you will use most often. It’s essential from planning out your projects and making your cuts for any potential woodworking. There is a well-known phrase among DIYers and for good reason. Those words of wisdom are “measure twice and cut once.” Unfortunately, it is the most misplaced tool and you’d be wise to pick up more than one.
Learn how to correctly use the #1 Must Have DIY Tool here.
Good measurements are essential to make sure you’re getting the right fit and look for any trim work.
#2
Multi-Oscillating Tool
When you're first starting out in your DIY Home Improvement this power tool will serve many needs.
The multi-oscillating tool is by far the tool that will give you the biggest bang for your buck! The multi-oscillating tool is the quintessential tool to carry the novice DIYer through several projects.
The flexibility of this tool and the variety of attachments open up an array of possibilities. The DIYer can remove grout or tile, sand, cut wood or metal, and use it as a grinder. The cost savings in power tool purchases alone make it worth it.
Once you obtain this must-have DIY tool, you will see why it has become a favorite go-to tool of most novice DIYers.
The cost savings in power tool purchases alone make owning one worth it.
Pro-Tip: The multi-oscillating tool was used heavily for sanding throughout the DIY Entryway Drop Zone tutorial found here.
Learn about the many amazing uses of the multi-oscillating tool here.
The versatility of multi-oscillating tools allows the DIYer to cut, sand, scrape, polish, and grind.
One can truly understand why this must-have DIY tool ranks at #2.
#3
Compact Drill
The Compact Drill/Driver is another central tool for the novice DIYer. This tool is light and relatively easy to use in tight spaced.
The compact drill/driver is vital to the novice DIYer. You will find the compact drill essential to basic construction and building needs. Compact drills make holes or drive bolts and screws in at a quicker pace and tighter fit than can be achieved with a screwdriver or hand wrench.
The added benefit of a compact drill is the range of attachments that go beyond the typical DIY project. For example, one can find a sampling of available drill attachments listed below:
- Impact Garden attachment
- Cleaning Drill attachment
- Drill Grill cleaning attachment
- Drill attachment-Clean and Dry Paint Tools
The Compact Drill and range of available bits make DIY projects possible.
#4
Miter Saw
The Miter Saw is the tool that lets others know you are ready for the DIY big leagues.
The Miter Saw is the must-have tool to purchase when you are ready to delve into more fanciful home renovation projects.
There are generally three types of miter saws; Compound, Sliding, and dual-beveled miter saw.
A novice DIYer should begin with a Compound miter saw. As their comfort level and skills progress, they may consider upgrading to a sliding or dual-beveled miter saw.
The miter saw allows the DIYer to quickly and precisely deliver angled and beveled cuts favored in crown and decorative moldings, wainscotting, and trim work.
Learn how to operate a Miter Saw here.
The Miter saw is a favorite tool of many home renovation DIYers.
#5
Stud Finder
Stud finders help you identify the best places to anchor your projects securely.
A good quality stud finder is imperative for any project that involves attaching or mounting boards or other items to a wall.
The last thing you want to do is drill, nail, or screw useless holes in your wall. You’ll want to avoid inadvertently hitting pipes, metal, or live electrical wiring.
The good news is there’s a wide range of quality stud finders on the market with valuable built-in features like laser levels.
Learn more about how to effectively use a stud-finder here.
In order to have a good solid support structure for your DIY projects. You need to find a stud behind the wall to anchor it.
#6
Level
The level tool assists the DIYer in ensuring their projects are level to the preferred surface.
The level tool is essential as it not only assists in ensuring everything is flush and even.
A level is a convenient tool for the DIYer. It is advantageous when planning or marking straight lines for moldings or wainscotting.
It is not only handy for hanging pictures, but it’s also practical for taping in preparation for painting a bold abstract design.
Levels come in various lengths and are suitable for indoor and outdoor DIY projects.
Learn more about Level tools here.
Levels are crucial to trim work. One off centered board can throw off a whole design.
#7
Brad Nailer
A Brad Nailer is a type of nail gun that uses 18 gauge nails.
The Brad Nailer is one of the more popular tools among DIYers. It is a vital tool in most decorative DIY projects.
There are two main types of 18 gauge Brad Nailers the Cordless and the Pneumatic.
The first is the Pneumatic Nailer. The pneumatic nailer is preferred by DIYers working on projects in tight spaces such as crown moldings and trim work. This type requires an Air Compressor and an electrical outlet to power this must-have tool. It can also be noisy and a hassle to carry around. However, despite this many Pros agree it tends to be superior in speed, power, and overall maintenance.
The Cordless Nailer allows the DIYer the freedom of movement and is quieter than a pneumatic nailer. Although they tend to be slightly bulkier than a pneumatic nailer, they are powered by batteries. This makes it much easier to move from project to project. The cordless nailer is preferred by those doing small DIY projects around the house as well as outdoor projects.
The Brad Nailer is used to attach thin wood panels, decorative or crown moldings, baseboards, and trim in home renovation projects.
#8
Nail Puller
A good quality nail puller is essential in righting DIY wrongs.
Whether your brad nailer has misfired or made an unsightly hole while doing demo work, having a good nail puller close is imperative.
A good nail puller is essential as it can provide cost savings to the DIYer. The ability to remove nails with little or no damage to the DIY project is crucial to a novice DIYer.
Having an easy-to-use nail puller that can pull nails of various sizes is something you must have in your DIY tool chest. There are several types of nail pullers on the market.
I recommend a Bates nail puller and a Crescent nail puller for the novice DIYer.
Admittedly, I am a big fan of the Crescent nail puller due to its functionality and row bar. This must-have tool allows the DIYer to remove a nail from the front or back with relative ease.
Watch how to easily operate a Bates nail puller here.
See why the Crescent nail puller is a must-have here.
A good nail puller can preserve the integrity of your working medium making it possible to be reused.
#9
Pocket Hole Jig kit
The Pocket Hole Jig
The Pocket Hole Jig is one of the most critical tools a DIYer must have in their tool chest.
Pocket hole jigs allow novice DIYers to quickly and easily join two pieces of wood. The Pocket hole jig creates a strong bond and conceals the joints so that they won’t easily come apart.
Whether your interest involves assembling frames, cabinets, or benches a Pocket Hole Jig, is the must-have tool to have.
Learn how to use a Pocket Hole Jig here
#10
Trim Puller
The Trim Puller is a must-have for all DIY'ers as let's face it-mistakes happen.
First, let me start by saying, not all Trim Pullers are the same. There are trim pullers and then there are great trim pullers.
As a novice DIYer, you need a great one. One that easily removes trim, baseboards, and moldings without damaging the wall or the medium.
Possessing a good trim puller is essential, as mistakes happen. However, a good trim puller will allow you to reuse or repurpose the medium you are working with.
See why this Must Have Trim puller belongs in your tool chest here.
A good trim puller will make the demo work simple. Leaving you with less mess and wall damage free
