There are numerous tools available for carrying out DIY works. These works can range from simple ones like painting your room with a brush and roller to more complex ones like building kitchen cabinets or installing crown moldings in your room.
You can handle each of the works properly without the help of an expert by using the best tools for DIYers.
There are various types of tools like the saws for cutting wood, and the different types of painting tools for spraying your room.
The question is what are the must-have tools for carrying out minor tasks on your own? Should you buy every tool you come across for a project, or just the most important ones?
You probably shouldn’t get all of them. This is because some can perform multiple functions, therefore, making it unnecessary to purchase others. However, there are some important DIY tools you should get depending on the type of work you’re attempting to complete.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the 10 best tools for DIYers that everyone should have to fix minor issues around them. Read on!
Overview Of The Best Tools For DIYers
These DIY tools are the must-have tools that can make your daily activities quite fun. You will be excited to have them and you won’t have to borrow from your neighbors in case of unexpected events. Some of these best tools for DIYers that you can begin with include:
#1 Combination Square
#2 Clamp
#3 Torpedo
#4 Handsaw
#5 Electric Drill
#6 Kreg Jig
#7 Sander
#8 Tape Measure
#9 Hex Keys
#10 Putty Knife
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Why Use The Best Tools For DIYers
Having the right DIY tools helps you perform some tasks on your own at home or anywhere. You won’t have to borrow them every time you need them. Also, using these tools helps with:
Saving-Time
One of the benefits of DIY tools is that they save time. For example, you can use a screwdriver to tighten your socket when it becomes loose after a few minutes.
You will complete your DIY projects much faster if you have screwdrivers in various sizes ranging from small to medium to large.
Cost-Effective
DIY tools save you money on the costs of hiring a technician to help you out. When you’re tackling a small task in your home such as loose door hinges, you will only need your DIY toolkit and a few skills.
Improve Accuracy
Some DIY tools will help you perform tasks faster and more quickly at home. For instance, a tape measure will assist you in measuring material quantities rather than guessing them.
Also, you can use it to ensure that you have gathered all of the necessary information when purchasing certain stuff for your home.
A level is another accurate tool that ensures the alignment of the equipment in your project. You can avoid estimations and buy these tools for accuracy because a project completed with it is always appealing.
It may appear to be useless, but it’s necessary to avoid making mistakes when leveling objects.
Dealing with Emergencies at Home
Some home occurrences may need fast action using proper DIY tools just like a hammer will be required to repair or remove nails.
You can use pliers to bend metals and remove stuck nails and a ladder to get to high places that need to be fixed as soon as possible.
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10 Best Tools For DIYers
#1 Combination Square
The combination square is one of the best tools for DIYers that can be used for marking and double-checking. It is adjustable, with a rigid steel rule that is typically 12 inches long and a headpiece that slides along its length. The headpiece has a 90-degree edge as well as a 45-degree edge to the rule.
You can use it to mark and double-check 90-degree crosscuts and miter cuts. It also has a bubble level in its handle that allows the combination square to be used for leveling.
#2 Clamp
Any woodworker will tell you that there are never enough clamps. Clamps come in a variety of styles. There are pipe clamps made for large glue-ups like table tops and then there are clamps of all sizes and styles.
One of the best types of clamps is the twist and tighten clamp. They are more easily adjustable than the trigger style.
Clamps come in handy for lots of tasks. They can hold pieces together while the glue dries and while screws are attached.
They also hold a piece flat to the work surface so you can sand it without it moving. You can’t have a list of the best tools for DIYers without clamps being involved because of how useful they can be.
#3 Torpedo
This has a sealed vial level that contains water, alcohol, or another clear liquid, as well as an important air bubble. Each vial is slightly curved with two parallel lines drawn through the center.
When the torpedo’s bubble is aligned between the hairlines, it shows that the object being trued is perfectly vertical or horizontal. This depends on how the vials are oriented and how the level is positioned on the object.
Compared to other tools on our list of best tools for DIYers, the torpedo is one of the smallest tools that can fit in a pocket or tool belt.
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#4 Handsaw
A basic handsaw has a 2-foot-long blade that tapers from the heel at the handle to the toe. You can use it mostly for simple cutoff work, where a handsaw is more convenient than a power saw.
The teeth can be designed to cut across the grain (crosscut saws) or with it (cutting saws) (ripsaws).
Also, you can try out a basic 10- or 12-tooth crosscut saw that can rip a board. It will make a good choice too.
#5 Electric Drill
An electric drill can be used to drill holes, drive screws, stir the paint, grind metal, and more. It’s made up of a motor housed in a pistol-shaped body. Instead of using a gun barrel, it makes use of a chuck.
The chuck is a gripping device into which one of a wide range of drill bits is inserted. Older models used a key to tighten the chuck, but most new drills use a keyless chuck that only requires the grip of your hand to tighten.
#6 Kreg Jig
The Kreg Jig made its way to the list of our best tools for DIYers because of its accuracy and effectiveness in making holes. Kreg jigs are incredible little things. They range from $40 to a couple of hundred dollars depending on the type of project you will be working on.
You can perform DIY building projects more effectively thanks to pocket hole joinery. The Kreg Jig is used to drill “pocket holes” into pieces of wood so that you can screw them together.
It’s a very simple method of joining boards that don’t require any special tools. You only need the jig and a drill.
#7 Sander
Another one of the best tools for DIYers is the Sander. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Sanders like the belt sanders, orbital sanders, and finishing sanders are available for aggressive sanding.
The orbital sander is a good DIY tool to work with. You can use it on most projects. It’s a fantastic, multi-purpose power sander.
You can use it to remove saw marks and smooth out rough edges on your cuts. Also, you can use it to sand your completed project before painting or staining it. I guess this is why most people say nothing beats hand sanding.
#8 Tape measure
A good tape measure is a must-have DIY tool for completing minor projects and general housekeeping. It helps you answer questions about measurements like; will your new refrigerator fit between your kitchen cabinets? How many square feet of wood flooring do you require for the living room?
You won’t get very far without adding a retractable tape measure to your toolkit. It’s one of the best tools for DIYers that can hardly be replaced by other tools.
#9 Hex Keys
Hex keys are also known as Allen wrenches. It’s always a good idea to have a quality set of this tool in your toolbox even if you have a few discarded ones.
These keys are useful for mounting towel bars and other bathroom accessories. You can use them to repair bicycles and other projects that require the adjustment of hexagonal bolts or recessed-head screws. Some hex key sets have a comfortable grip and keep the hex keys in 11 sizes while being organized rather than lost in a junk drawer.
#10 Putty Knife
Another useful tool that is on this list of the best tools for DIYers is the putty knife. This is the most preferred tool among the best DIY tools when it comes to simple drywall repairs.
With a putty knife, you can scoop some joint compound, apply it to the damaged area, and smooth it with the knife’s edge.
This simple tool can also be used to apply thin-set when making minor tile repairs, fill nail holes, and scrape old wallpaper out of tight spaces.
If you’ve painted a window shut, you can loosen the dried paint by running the putty knife’s blade between the window frame and its sash.
Putty knives come in a variety of sizes, but we find that the 2- and 3-inch models are the most versatile.
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How You Can Learn To Use The Best Tools For DIYers.
There are many ways you can learn to use the best tools for DIYers in doing your minor projects. If you’re new to some of these DIY tools and you have little or no idea how to use them, make use of these methods below to get started.
Learn from YouTube
You can learn a lot about how to use DIY tools by watching video demonstrations on Youtube. To find the exact information you need, use simple phrases like “How to Use a Putty knife”
Ask for help from an experienced person.
You can ask for help on how to use some of these tools from your friends, family members, or a worker at the store where you bought the tool.
Make safety your top priority.
Always wear protective equipment, keep your hands away from nailers/blades, and familiarize yourself with the safety features of your DIY tools before using them.
You can begin small.
Choose a beginner-level, low-intensity DIY project that you believe you can handle and get started.
Ways To Spend Less When Buying The Best Tools For DIYers
Purchase Combo Kits
If you need to stock or replace your DIY toolbox then go for package deals. Deals like that allow you to buy several tools at once and at the same time save you a lot of money when compared to purchasing each tool separately. Combos can be especially appealing in the age of cordless tools.
Maintain a Brand
Once you’re in a manufacturer’s ecosystem, it’s easier and less expensive to stay there than to have multiple products from different manufacturers. This is especially true in the age of cordless tools. You save money by purchasing a single battery and charger and inserting that battery into the tool you’re using.
When you join a platform, you can buy bare tools from them without the battery and charger. This helps to save a lot of money.
If you already have several tool brands, choose your favorite and stick with it. You’ll save money and have fewer batteries and chargers cluttering up your workbench.
Use Loyalty Programs
Some manufacturers have loyalty programs that reward customers who purchase from them regularly. The programs are typically retail-agnostic and buyers can earn points whether they buy a product online or at Home Depot.
Shop Mostly At Good Times
It’s no surprise that tools are high on sale in the run-up to Father’s Day and Christmas. You may not be aware of how aggressively the tools are discounted due to these special days. Though, they can be on sale at other times of the year too.
Be Honest With Yourself About Your Needs
It makes no sense to pay extra for DIY tools with features you’ll never use, especially when cheaper alternatives are available. The exception is if you need an upgrade to complete a specific task or if you’re a hobbyist who puts a lot of mileage on your tools.
Avoiding Skimping on Quality
While most people do not require professional DIY tools, they may experience buyer’s remorse if they choose the cheapest models.
Similarly, a low-cost version of even a brand-name tool will not have the same features, durability, or performance as higher-priced models from the same company.
Tips For Maintaining The Best Tools For DIYers
Always allow your DIY tools to cool
When you push your tools to their limits, they overheat. Consider drilling or cutting into extremely hard surfaces, or operating a power tool for an extended time. It means the motor is working overtime, which puts strain on the motor and its components.
If you notice a tool becoming hot, set it aside to cool. If this occurs frequently, double-check your user’s manual to ensure you’re not using the tool for an unintended purpose or with incorrect material. It will save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run!
Clean and lubricate your tools
When it comes to your DIY tools, cleanliness should be among your top priority. You should clean them after every use before storing them for the night. Wipe away dirt or dust from the outer casing with a clean, dry cloth. Then use a multi-purpose cleaner spray to flush out dirt.
Dull blades and bits not only produce subpar results. They also force your tools to work harder, which causes overheating. You can buy your sharpening tools or inquire about sharpening services at your local hardware store.
You can also calibrate your tools or see if the manufacturer provides this service. Your manual should specify how frequently a tool should be calibrated (For instance, after 100 hours of use).
Power tools, in particular, have many complex parts that must precisely work together to provide you with the best results. In this case, it pays to be specific!
Replace worn parts of your DIY tools
Although your DIY tools should not require frequent part replacement, you should keep an eye out for worn parts. Using a worn-out tool is not only inefficient but also dangerous.
Most times, it’s not always the intricate inner workings of the tools that need to be replaced! Cords will deteriorate much faster than the metal and plastic of the body, so always inspect for fraying.
If you’re working with a belt sander or power saw, keep an eye on the drive belt. It’s best to replace the belt before it snaps, but if you can hear the tool winding up but see no movement, the belt has most likely already snapped. However, always turn off and unplug before checking!
Properly store DIY tools and batteries
Keeping your DIY tools properly stored serves several purposes. Make sure your tools are out of reach of curious children who want to play Bob the Builder.
Again, proper storage in a clean, dry cabinet keeps dust and moisture at bay. Even a small amount of moisture can corrode components or cause electrical problems.
Don’t overlook the lithium batteries in your tools when it comes to extending their life. Because batteries are temperature sensitive, keeping them inside the house is preferable to an uninsulated shed.
If possible, avoid completely draining the battery and charge it fully before using it again.
Conclusion
Of course, many tools will come in handy in the woodshop and toolbox of an avid DIYer, but these are the top ten best tools for DIYers to start with. You’ll be surprised at what you can make with just a few simple tools at your home.
Hopefully, you found this list of the best tools for DIYers helpful and get to buy one or two tools mentioned above to start with.
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Tools For DIYers
Marking Tools are used to transfer notations or designs for use while quilting or sewing. They are used by quilters and sewists for lots of purposes, including marking where two pieces should meet, marking a quilt design on a quilt top, and tracing a pattern onto fabric, to name a few.
Pliers take on more projects than most tools and you’ll discover that they are one of the most useful hand tools. They’re adaptable, with options ranging from bent nose to wire stripper to locked more.
The standard 5-in-1 painter’s tool is a tool that performs five roles. It includes a stainless steel blade, scraper, gouger, paint roller cleaner, and paint can opener all in one device.
First, you should make it a habit to clean your tools after each use before storing them. Put them in their proper places and wipe them down with a rag or old towel to remove any dust, grease, or debris.
Regular tool inspections will help reduce the likelihood of someone using an unsafe tool. It does not take much time to properly inspect, clean, maintain, and store tools. It saves time because the correct tool will be available when you are ready to begin the task.
If you take care of your tools, they will help you efficiently while in use. They make any home improvement or repair project easier, safer, and more successful.
Reference
- Theweatheredfox.com – Top 10 Best Tools Every Beginning DIYer Needs
- Bobvila.com – Building the Essential Toolbox: 20 Tools You Can’t DIY Without
- Gt85.co.uk – 5 Essential Tips For Maintaining Your DIY Tools
- Finehomesandliving.com – The Importance of Tools for Every Homeowner
- Popularmechanics.com – 7 Ways To Save Money When You Buy Tools
