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Embarking on a home improvement project is an exciting endeavor that promises to transform your living space into a reflection of your style and functionality needs. Whether you’re diving into a DIY renovation or hanging a picture, having the right tools at your disposal is paramount to ensuring efficiency, precision, and safety throughout the process. From basic hand tools like hammers and screwdrivers to power tools such as drills and saws, each item plays a crucial role in bringing your vision to life and turning your house into a dream home. Read on to find out which tools are most needed for projects around the home.
HAND TOOLS
For a complete list of all recommended tools in this article, click this link.
Tape Measure
Accurate measurements are critical in most projects, so a reliable tape measure is a must. Look for a tape measure at least 25 feet long with metric and imperial measurements. A FatMax tape measure is ideal because the metal will not bend or twist when pulled out in longer lengths.
Screwdrivers
A good set of screwdrivers is essential for any DIY project. You can either purchase multiple individual screwdrivers or an entire set of bits to be used with a cordless drill. In either case, they should be different-sized Philips, Flat, Square, and Star-shaped heads. Don’t forget to pick up a set of magnetic precision screwdrivers for those tiny screws used for hanging picture frames, fixing small hinges, or used in electronics. For the more advanced do-it-yourselfer, a screw extractor set is ideal for removing screws that have been stripped out.
Hammer
A sturdy hammer is essential for a variety of uses around the home. Choose a hammer with a comfortable grip and a claw for removing nails. While there are many types of hammers for specific uses, the best overall hammer for multiple types of projects is a medium-weight (16 oz) Claw Hammer with a rubber grip.
Adjustable Wrenches
An adjustable wrench allows you to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts of various sizes. While a larger pipe wrench may be needed for removing or installing sink and bathtub drains, these adjustable wrenches will accommodate most sizes of nuts and bolts.
Utility Knife
A utility knife is perfect for cutting through materials like cardboard, carpet, or plastic. Choose one with a retractable blade that can easily be changed and a comfortable grip like this one from Craftsman.
Level
A level is required to ensure your DIY projects are straight and balanced. Hanging a new door, a picture frame, shelving, or even tile flooring will require a level of some type. To know which type of level is best to use for your needs, read this article and learn more. Meanwhile, look for a durable level with both horizontal and vertical bubbles that can be used in most projects like this one from Milwaukee.A laser level is another option to get the benefits of a level without having to hold one. By projecting a light beam in a number of different ways, a laser level can not only help you hang items on the wall, but can do so in various angles and positions and completely hands-free. This laser level can be mounted on a tripod, has an adjustable brightness level of green light so that it can also be used outdoors, is self-leveling, and is magnetic.
Electrical Wire Stripper
If you’ve ever installed a light fixture or ceiling fan, you know how difficult it can be to strip away the plastic coating on new and existing wires. This Electrical Wire Stripper strips, cuts, and crimps wire in one handy tool.
Pliers
A set of pliers can come in handy for various tasks, such as gripping, bending, or cutting. There are at least 30 different types of pliers for multiple uses, so it can get a little bit complicated, but look for a set that includes Needle-nose, Slip-Joint, Diagonal, Groove Joint pliers to tackle most tasks.
Socket Set
Simply put, sockets are used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. A ratchet is the handle that the socket is attached to, and with a flip, it can move clockwise or counter-clockwise without lifting or repositioning the tool from the nut or bolt. Sockets are measured in both standard (SAE) and metric values, so having a set with both sizes may be advantageous. Read this article from Lowe’s to learn about different sockets, ratchets, and their uses. Otherwise, consider this set to help you with most home improvement, automobile, and other projects.
Allen Wrenches
An Allen wrench is a piece of metal, usually bent at a 90° angle, with a hexagonal-shaped end that fits into a screw head. It is often needed in furniture and other self-assembly projects to tighten or loosen screws. Like most tools, they come in a variety of sizes for a number of different screw sizes. This Allen wrench tool keeps them all connected in a convenient way so that the handle is built in and none gets lost in your toolbox!
Clamps
When properly prepared, glued, and clamped, a wood joint can actually be stronger than the wood itself! A good set of clamps is needed to keep pieces together while glue can set, nails or screws can be placed, or other work can be completed. They can even be used to keep an item secure while you sand or saw. Quick Release bar clamps allow you to squeeze a trigger to tighten along a bar, while spring clamps are squeezed to open and release and are meant for smaller jobs. A corner clamp will keep two items at a 90° angle and is useful for picture frames.
Stapler
Staplers are a must-have tool for re-upholstering chairs, ottomans, and headboards, but they are a versatile tool with many other uses. This stapler allows for multiple staple types and sizes and can be used for arts and crafts, stapling carpets, or even nailing small brad nails into wood.
Toolbox
A sturdy toolbox is essential for keeping all your tools organized and easily accessible. Look for a toolbox with multiple compartments, a secure latch, and one that won’t rust. This toolbox from DeWalt is stackable and has a removable tray.
POWER TOOLS
Nothing is more convenient than a power tool, and these are the basic ones needed for many home improvement projects. Always remember to read the manuals and use these safely.
Cordless Drill
A cordless drill is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks, from drilling holes to driving screws. Look for one with adjustable speed settings and a variety of drill bits.
Miter Saw
A miter saw will make shorter work of cross-cutting smaller width boards at various angles. They are great for cutting trim at 45 angles and quickly cutting narrower boards to length. The width of straight cuts across a board will vary based on the size of the saw blade unless you get one that slides along a rail system like this one from DeWalt.
Jig Saw
A jig saw will allow you to make cuts that a standard circular or miter saw won’t. Typically, a jig saw is used to cut curves and shapes as well as intricate shapes and make plunge cuts into wood and other materials. Depending on the type of blade used, a jig saw can cut wood, metal, or even ceramic tile!
Circular Saw
Like a miter saw, a circular saw can make straight cuts and cut at an angle. The differences between a miter and a circular saw, however, are that the circular saw is handheld, the depth of the cut can be changed with a circular saw, and the circular saw can cut long lengths of board. Lastly, a decent circular saw is far less expensive than a miter saw.
Sander
A power sander will save hours of using sandpaper manually. An orbital sander is a small handheld device that moves in an elliptical or orbital motion and leaves wood smooth regardless of the direction of the wood grain. For more information about when and how to use an orbital sander, read this article. A belt sander, however, removes wood in a linear pattern only and can be used with rough grit sandpaper to rapidly level the surface area. For most home improvement projects, an orbital sander will suffice, but you won’t find many experienced DIYers without a belt sander.
Air Compressor
If you plan on installing wood floors, nailing a lot of trim, or doingany of these tasks, an air compressor is a great investment. When connected to the proper tool, such as a nail gun or paint sprayer, an air compressor will deliver a powerful burst of air to help complete the job much more quickly.
Miscellaneous Tools & Supplies
| SAFETY ITEMS Safety Glasses Work Gloves Respirator or Dust Mask 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 Extension Cord Plumb Line Chalk Marking Line |
| FLOORING Trowel Tile Spacers | CLEAN-UP Lint-free Rags Mineral Spirits | Variety of Nuts, Bolts, Washers, Screws, Hangers, & Nails |
For a complete list of all recommended tools available on Amazon, click this link.
These lists are quite comprehensive, and you may not need every item for every task, but they should give you a great starting point for any home improvement project. Always remember to take proper safety precautions when working with tools and materials, and consult a professional if any chore seems too complicated or dangerous.