You know that feeling when you add a new tool to your collection and suddenly feel like you can take on anything? (say it isn’t just me?!) There’s just something about having the right tools that makes everything click—like, “Yes, I can totally build that coffee table or re-tile my bathroom!”
These are my go-to tools, tried and tested, worthy of the investment and the shelf-space they occupy. Whether you’re deep into DIY or just testing the waters, these tools will have you ready to tackle any project with confidence.
From $8 manual tools to investment power tools, here are my must have tools that every DIY’er should own. Let’s dive into exactly why you are going to want to add these tools to your repertoire!
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1. Table Saw
A table saw is the workhorse of any DIY workshop. Its precision and versatility make it perfect for cutting lumber, plywood, and other materials with clean, straight lines. Use it for ripping wood down into smaller pieces, creating beveled edges, kerning (a technique that uses small cuts to bend wood), or creating tenon and mortise joints for furniture construction.
This one is awesome thanks to its rolling stand (for bringing outside), plus a blade, fence, and a few extra safety accessories too.
2. Paint Sprayer
Why settle for brush streaks when you can achieve a flawless finish? A paint sprayer gives an unparrelled finished product. I was SO intimidated the first time I used a paint sprayer, but that was totally unwarranted. Not only is it simple to operate, its fun! And so satisfying.
I have used this Graco X5 paint sprayer for painting walls, ceilings, furniture, and even the exterior of our house! I love that you do not need to thin paint nor decant paint into a “handheld” sprayer (FYI those are super heavy!), it just pulls paint right from the can.
It’s an absolute game-changer for any painting project!
3. Brad Nailer and Air Compressor
An air compressors powers a variety of tools, though I use it with a brad nailer the vast majority of the time. Installing millwork like feature walls, board and batten, or casings and baseboards? This tool is your new bestie! You do not want to tackle those jobs without it.
4. Jigsaw
For tackling curved shapes in wood – think arches, tables, or even charcuterie boards a jigsaw is the tool to get the job done. There are cordless versions, but I think the corded version has significantly superior power.
5. Cordless Drill
The tool every diy’er needs (may I say even every home needs), this cordless drill kit comes with 2 batteries to ensure you have enough juice to get through any project.
I use Dewalt for all my cordless tools – the battery packs are interchangeable between all the tools – be it a drill, leaf blower, impact driver, you name it. An additional bonus to having the same brand for your cordless drills is once you have enough batteries (for me, that’s 3), for subsequent tools you can purchase the tool-only version (no battery included), which is usually significantly cheaper.
6. 6-in-1 Painter’s Multi-Tool
This small but mighty 6-in-1 multi-tool is a painter’s best friend. Scraping paint, cleaning rollers, opening cans, or even pulling out nails—the 6-in-1 tool handles it all, streamlining prep and cleanup.
7. Laser Level
For everything from hanging art to planning wall mouldings, this laser level makes life so much easier. Sure, you could measure it all my hand & level, but do yourself a favour use a laser level instead. An adjustable tripod makes using it really easy and portable.
8. Parallel Clamps
For joining boards lengthwise to build furniture or countertops, these are your tool. These Bessey parallel clamps are the Cadillac of clamps, heavyweight, easy to slide, fully adjustable from 0-50″. I used them on my coffee table build and they were a dream to work with.
9. Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig
A Kreg Jig is used for pocket hole joinery – which creates a stable, hidden joint. Not only are the joints stable, the fact that they are invisible from the outside of the piece makes your project look super professional! An essential tool for almost all woodworking projects such as furniture, cabinetry, and even small projects like picture frames. There are many pocket hole jigs, but I think the Kreg K4 jig is the best bang for your buck.
10. Drill Bit Set
This is all the drill bits a beginner or intermediate diy’er would need, and makes a great add-on to a cordless drill. From drilling holes in wood, metal, or masonry to specialty bits for countersinking, this set ensures you’re prepared for any task.
11. Oscillating Multi-Tool
An oscillating tool is the do-it-all workhorse you didn’t know you needed. There are really endless uses for this Dremel Oscillating multitool – I’ve used it for countless jobs, such cutting pipes, holes in drywall (the perfect outlet hole! hallelujah), trimming door casing, and much more. It accepts with interchangeable heads, this kit includes a triangular sanding head for hard to reach sanding in corners.
12. Orbital Sander
An orbital sander is absolute must-have for any DIY’er. Achieve a smooth, professional finish on wood, drywall, or furniture with an orbital sander. Whether you’re refinishing a table, preparing walls for paint, or smoothing out rough edges, this tool saves time and effort. I’ve had my dewalt sander for years (I think 10? – I’ve lost track) and it’s still going strong.
13. Sliding Compound Miter Saw
For precise angled cuts, a compound miter saw is a must. Whether you’re cutting crown molding, building picture frames, or tackling framing projects, this tool ensures accuracy and clean cuts every time.
This is the exact model I own – there are fancy versions (aka big bucks), but this is a solid, reliable version that accomplishes 99% of all cuts a DIY’er would do. It cuts wood up to 12″ wide (that’s huge!), has a laser to show where the cut will go, and cuts mitres up to 60 degrees. I love this tool and it is essential for nearly every diy project I tackle.
Having these must-have tools around isn’t just about getting stuff done—it’s about making your DIY adventures smoother and way more fun. There’s something so satisfying about seeing your projects come together with a little help from the right tools.
So, grab what you need, set up your workspace, and dive into your next project with excitement and a whole lot of creativity. You’ve got this!
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