Must-Have Tools for Beginning DIYers

If you've realized how incredibly expensive home improvement projects and furniture can cost, you have probably also realized just how much you can save by becoming a "do-it-yourselfer."  If you want to start DIYing your home and furniture projects, Remodelaholic is a great place to start!  The good news is that to become a DIYer, you don't have to have a fully functioning shop like you see on popular TV shows. You need a few basic tools to get you started.  

Bear in mind that every home should have good tools, but you do not need to buy a ton of expensive tools all at once. It is best to acquire quality tools as you need and can afford them. As a general rule, it is best to invest in well-made items that will last a lifetime.

With that in mind, here are the 10 tools we recommend to get you started on your DIY path:


 

1. A toolbox
A toolbox.  You will need a toolbox or tool bucket to keep your tools organized.  The more organized you are when tackling a DIY project, the more successful you will be.  Nothing will slow you down more than poorly organized tools!  Toolboxes range from large to small and portable. 

2. Basic hand tools
You need basic hand tools, such as a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers and a utility knife!  There are some fabulous basic toolkits that you can buy to get you started quickly and easily.

 




 3. A cordless drill
The first power tool any DIYer should invest in is a cordless drill.   Cordless drills are convenient for working anywhere.  They not only drill holes and drive screws, but, with different bits, can stir paint and materials like thinset and concrete. 


 

4. An electric random orbital sander.
All DIYers find themselves sanding...a lot.  To avoid doing it all by hand, you will need an orbital sander.  They are not very expensive, and are worth every penny.


 

5. A circular saw
As a DIYer, you will find that there is no saw that is more versatile than a circular saw.  It can take the place of a table saw, if you use it in a conjunction with a straight edge. 




 

6. A level
From hanging pictures to building furniture, you have to make sure your work is level.  So, to start with, we would recommend a 9 inch level.  As you continue down your DIY path, you will eventually want a 24 inch level as well.


 

7. A 6-inch combination square
A 6-inch combination square is so versatile.  In addition to using it to check for square, you can use it as a straight edge when you are cutting 2 x 4s or 2 x 6s.  It is also an excellent marking tool--you can use it to mark things like angles and the position of hinges.


 

8. A stud finder
A stud finder.  Hanging something heavy?  You will need to secure it to a stud in the wall in order to avoid disaster.  A stud finder will help you find your studs so that you can safely secure shelves, cabinets, expensive TVs, etc. to your wall. 


 

9. A staple gun
Staple guns are inexpensive but are incredibly versatile.  You can use a staple gun for everything from upholstery to making a simple greenhouse with a wood frame with plastic sheeting stapled to it. 


 

10. A putty knife
A putty knife.  Last on the list, but certainly not least, is a putty knife.  The putty knife, of course, is routinely used for spreading putty when patching holes in walls.  But it can also be used to scrape off old paint or glue residue, pry up nails and remove wallpaper.  You may want to start with a set of three putty knives for the most versatility.

With these tools in your arsenal, you will be an unstoppable DIYer in no time!  Looking for more power tools, hand tools, measuring tools at www.eastmachinery.com.