5 Small Tools That Will Make Your DIY Projects Much Easier

Do you like to tackle DIY projects around your home? You might have built a nice collection in your tool box, but there are certain small tools that many homeowners might not know about and will make your DIY projects much easier to complete.

1. Paint Can Pour Lid

Painting a room or a piece of furniture are two of the most common DIY projects and they are usually done with a can of paint. These cans can get messy, especially when you’re trying to pour the paint into a paint tray. The paint spreads all around the top, making it hard for you to hammer the lid back on. Over time, the paint can lid will start to rust and become distorted, dirtying up your paint and drying it up in the process. Ugh.

Try using these paint can pour lids, which cost only a little more than $2 each. They will seal the paint can completely with much less mess. And you can wash them and reuse them for more painting projects in the future!

2. 5-in-1 Tool

Multi-tasking tools are always better than several separate tools that only have one purpose each and take up more space in your toolbox. This 5-in-1 tool is so useful for many different DIY projects, from painting to repairing drywall.

It can scrape paint and wallpaper, spread drywall compound and wall putty, and open paint cans. Use this small tool to remove things from small spaces, such as old caulk from windows, old wood filler from furniture, and more. There’s also a half round cut-out on the tool that will remove paint off your paint roller.

Put it in your tool belt and you’ll be amazed at how often you’ll use it for all kinds of things!

3. Cabinet and Drawer Template

If you’ve ever installed hardware on brand new (or freshly painted) cabinet doors or drawers, you know how nerve-wracking it can be. You have to measure everything, make sure all of your holes line up so your hardware won’t look crooked, and actually drill into your precious cabinets.

These cabinet and drawer templates will give you a peace of mind and more confidence that you’re doing the job right. These handy small tools will do most of the measuring for you so that all of your pulls and knobs look perfect. See how Russet Street Reno added her beautiful new hardware to her cabinets and drawers using this small tool here!

4. Spray Paint Grip

Everybody loves how a can of spray paint can instantly make over anything, but it can make your trigger finger tired after long bouts of spraying. And when you get tired, your paint can start to come out in spurts, causing splatter and dripping. Not good. Give your finger a break and get a smoother finish with a spray paint grip.

5. Damaged Screw Extractor

Is there anything more annoying than a damaged and stripped screw that you can’t remove with your drill? The answer is no. A stripped screw can completely derail a project… unless you have a damaged screw extractor. This small tool makes it easy to remove damaged screws from your latest DIY project or from an older piece of furniture.

The best part about all these small tools is that they’re not expensive at all. Most of them cost under $20 (some way under that amount), but they will feel like they’re worth hundreds when they instantly solve a DIY problem you’re struggling with.

What other small tools do you think that every DIYer should have in their toolbox?

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.