Make Your DIY Projects Easy With These Essential Tools
You don’t need a garage full of tools to handle projects around the house. A well-chosen collection of basic hand tools can take care of everything from hanging pictures and assembling furniture to making minor repairs. As your skills and projects grow, you can add power tools and more specialized equipment when you actually need them. Start with the essentials, learn how to use them safely, and build your toolbox one project at a time.
START WITH THE BASICS
You can find a complete list of the recommended tools in this article at this link. You certainly don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the tools you’re most likely to use and add to your collection as new projects give you a reason.
Tape Measure
Measure twice, cut once may be an old saying, but it has saved more than a few DIY projects. A reliable tape measure belongs in just about every toolbox. A 25-foot model is long enough for most household jobs, and markings for both standard and metric measurements can be useful. A sturdy tape such as this FatMax tape measure can also make longer measurements easier.
Screwdrivers
A basic screwdriver set will handle everything from tightening cabinet hardware to assembling furniture. Look for several sizes and common head types, including Phillips, slotted or flathead, square, and Torx or star-shaped drivers. Magnetic precision screwdrivers are helpful for smaller screws and delicate jobs, while a screw extractor set can be worth adding later if stripped screws become a recurring frustration.
Hammer
From hanging pictures to pulling nails and making basic repairs, a hammer earns its place in the toolbox quickly. There are specialized hammers for different jobs, but a comfortable medium-weight claw hammer is a practical all-around choice for most homeowners. A 16-ounce claw hammer with a comfortable grip is a good place to start.
Adjustable Wrenches
When something has a nut or bolt, an adjustable wrench is often the first tool you’ll reach for. A couple of adjustable wrenches in different sizes will handle many common household jobs. More specialized plumbing work may require different tools, so buy those when the project calls for them rather than trying to prepare for every possible repair in advance.
Utility Knife
A utility knife is one of those inexpensive tools you’ll find yourself using constantly—for opening boxes, trimming materials, cutting cardboard, scoring drywall, and plenty more. Choose one with a comfortable grip, a secure retractable or folding blade, and blades that are easy to replace, like this Craftsman model. Always cut away from your body and retract or cover the blade when you’re finished.
Level
A level helps make sure shelves, pictures, cabinets, tile, and other projects are actually straight rather than simply looking straight from where you’re standing. A traditional spirit level with horizontal and vertical vials works for many household projects. You can read more about the different types of levels here.
As your projects become more ambitious, a laser level can be a worthwhile upgrade. It projects a reference line across a larger area, which is especially helpful when hanging multiple items, installing cabinets or shelving, or laying out other projects where alignment matters. This laser level is one example.
Pliers
Pliers give you the grip and leverage your fingers can’t. Rather than collecting every specialized version, start with a basic set of pliers that includes needle-nose, slip-joint, diagonal-cutting, and groove-joint pliers. Together, they’ll handle a wide range of gripping, bending, turning, and cutting jobs.
Electrical Wire Stripper
A wire stripper can strip insulation, cut wire, and, depending on the tool, perform other electrical-related tasks. This combination tool strips, cuts, and crimps wire. Keep in mind that owning the tool doesn’t make every electrical project a DIY project. Electrical work should only be attempted when you understand how to perform it safely and when the work is appropriate for a homeowner to perform. Otherwise, call a qualified electrician.
ADD THESE AS YOUR PROJECTS GROW
Socket Set
A socket and ratchet set makes tightening and loosening nuts and bolts faster and easier than relying on an adjustable wrench for everything. Because you’ll encounter both SAE and metric fasteners, a set containing both can be useful. Lowe’s offers a helpful guide to sockets and ratchets, or consider this set for a range of household and automotive projects.
Allen Wrenches
If you’ve assembled much furniture, you’ve probably met the Allen wrench. Also called a hex key, it fits hexagonal fasteners commonly found in furniture, fixtures, bicycles, and other household items. Because they come in many sizes, a set is much more useful than trying to keep track of the mysterious little wrench that came with a bookcase three years ago. This folding set keeps several sizes together in one tool.
Clamps
Sometimes the most useful tool is simply one that holds the project still. Clamps can secure pieces while glue sets, hold material while you sand or cut, or keep parts aligned while they’re fastened. Quick-release bar clamps are versatile for general projects, spring clamps work well for smaller jobs, and a corner clamp helps hold two pieces at a 90-degree angle.
Stapler
A heavy-duty stapler is particularly useful for upholstery, crafts, carpeting, and other projects where ordinary office staples aren’t going to accomplish much. Some models, such as this stapler, accept multiple staple types and may also handle small brads.
Toolbox
Once you’ve collected the tools, you’ll want to be able to find them. A sturdy toolbox or modular storage system protects your tools and keeps smaller items from disappearing into the garage forever. Look for secure latches, useful compartments, and enough room to grow. This DeWalt toolbox is stackable and includes a removable tray.
YOUR FIRST POWER TOOL
Cordless Drill/Driver
If you’re going to buy one power tool, a cordless drill/driver is hard to beat. It can drill holes, drive and remove screws, assemble furniture, install hardware, and handle dozens of other jobs around the house. Look for adjustable speed and torque settings, a comfortable grip, and a useful selection of drill and driver bits. A cordless drill can quickly become one of the most frequently used tools you own.
PROTECT YOURSELF BEFORE THE PROJECT
Before moving into saws, sanders, and other power tools, add the safety equipment appropriate for the work you’re doing. Safety glasses or goggles should be standard equipment when tools can create chips, dust, or flying debris. Depending on the tool and material, hearing protection, work gloves, and appropriate dust or respiratory protection may also be needed.
Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use the correct blade, bit, or accessory for the job, keep guards and other safety features in place, and secure the material you’re working on when appropriate. Inspect tools, batteries, cords, and accessories before use. If you’re using an extension cord, make sure it is suitable for the tool, environment, and electrical load.
Most importantly, don’t let owning a tool convince you that you’re ready for a project beyond your experience. Knowing when to call a professional is a DIY skill too.
POWER TOOLS TO ADD WHEN YOU NEED THEM
Miter Saw
A miter saw is designed for accurate crosscuts and angled cuts, making it especially useful for trim, molding, framing pieces, and boards that need to be cut repeatedly to length. Cutting capacity depends on the saw and blade size; sliding models such as this DeWalt saw can handle wider material. It’s an excellent tool when your projects justify it, but not something every beginning DIYer needs on day one.
Jigsaw
A jigsaw is particularly useful when a straight cut won’t do. With the appropriate blade, it can cut curves and irregular shapes in a variety of materials. Blade selection matters, so always use one designed for both the material and the type of cut you’re making.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is a portable choice for making straight and angled cuts in lumber, sheet goods, and other suitable materials. Unlike a stationary miter saw, it travels across the material, making it useful for longer cuts and larger pieces. A circular saw is versatile and relatively affordable, but learn proper setup, support, blade selection, and safe cutting technique before using one.
Random Orbital Sander
If your projects involve refinishing furniture, smoothing wood, or preparing surfaces, a power sander can save considerable time and effort. For many homeowners, a random orbital sander is a versatile place to start. Different sandpaper grits remove material at different rates, so start with the grit appropriate for the job and work progressively toward a smoother finish.
Air Compressor
An air compressor is less of an essential and more of a project-driven purchase. If you’re installing significant amounts of trim or flooring, using pneumatic nailers, or working with other air-powered tools, an air compressor can make certain jobs much faster. If those projects aren’t on your horizon, there’s no reason it needs to occupy space in your garage just yet.
SUPPLIES YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU HAVE
| SAFETY ITEMS Safety Glasses Work Gloves Appropriate Dust or Respiratory Protection Hearing Protection Knee Pads | PAINTING SUPPLIES Brushes & Rollers Paint Tray & Liners Painter’s Tape Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheeting | WALL REPAIR & WORK Putty Knife Spackle or Joint Compound Stud Finder Wall Anchors |
| WOOD & WATER TOOLS Caulk and Caulking Gun Wood Filler or Putty Wood Glue Plumber’s Tape | ADDITIONAL HAND TOOLS Handsaw Pry Bar Nail Puller Rubber Mallet | JOB HELPERS Ladder or Step Stool Appropriate Extension Cord Plumb Line Chalk Marking Line |
| FLOORING Trowel Tile Spacers | CLEAN-UP Lint-free Rags Cleaners or Solvents Appropriate for the Material | HARDWARE Variety of Nuts, Bolts, Washers, Screws, Hangers & Nails |
For a complete list of the recommended tools available on Amazon, click this link.
You don’t need every tool on this list to be capable around the house. Start with the basics, buy specialized tools when a project gives you a reason, and learn how to use each one properly before moving on to the next.
A good tool collection isn’t built by buying everything at once. It’s built one project at a time—and every project teaches you a little more about what you’re capable of doing yourself.