All The Tools You Need to Get Started!

“You can fix just about anything, as long as you have a hammer, duct tape, and some WD-40!” – My Dad

If you are a new homebuyer or DIYer, chances are you don’t have much of a tool collection yet. With so many different tools available, it’s difficult to know which tools you should start with or which ones you actually need.

Don’t worry! In this post, I’m going to walk you through all the basic home tools that every DIYer should own. 

Tool Rentals

Tool rentals are a great resource for new homeowners and DIYers, especially if you’re doing a specialty project that requires a specific tool that you don’t want to buy for a one-time use.

Many hardware stores like Home Depot offer tool rentals by the hour or day at affordable rates. I’ve personally used Home Depot’s tool rentals on several occasions. It’s a great way to save money on a tool you only plan to use occasionally (like a jackhammer), or if you don’t have the space or financial resources to purchase and/or store several large tools. 

Tools Every Homeowner and DIYer Should Own

Like my dad always says, “You can fix just about anything, as long as you have a hammer, duct tape, and some WD-40!”

Now, that may be a bit of an exaggeration. However, it is true that if you have the right basic tools in your toolbox, you will be able to build and fix almost anything. So, as you start building out your tool set, always start with the basics and grow from there.

Invest in a nice toolbox and some standard tools such as: 

• Hammer/Rubber mallet
• Duct tape
• WD-40
• Flashlight(s)
• Screwdriver(s) (both Phillips and Flathead)
• Wrench/Socket wrench 
• Nails and screws of varying sizes
• Crowbar
• Putty Knife
• Box cutter/Utility knife
• Leveler
• Stud finder
• Measuring tape
• Electrical & Plumbing tape
• Pliers Set (such as wire cutting, slip joint and needle nose)
• Pencils
• Clamps
• Wood Glue
• Heavy duty tarps (inexpensive useful for a large variety of projects)
• Sand paper (or sanding blocks) of varying grits
• Protective gloves, eye, and ear protection
• Face mask for dust and fumes (A reusable respirator mask or a 3M Respirator N95 Mask is best)

You might already own several if not all of the tools listed above, and may only need to add a few supplemental tools to round out your toolbox. However, if you are starting from scratch, oftentimes you can purchase full starter toolkits at retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, ACE Hardware, and Amazon. 

Once you have put together your basic tool set, it’s time to start collecting more specialized tools.

The way I like to go about this, is by purchasing tools as needed for projects, especially if it’s a tool I know I will use again in the future. By spacing out larger tool purchases, you can save money while collecting the tools you need over an extended period of time. 

Specialized Tools to Consider Adding to Your Toolbox

-A power drill with both wood and metal drill bits

To tell you the truth, I would consider a power drill a standard tool. I recommend making this your first ‘specialty tool’ purchase if you don’t already own one. Depending on which brand you go with, they can get pricey. But rest assured, it will be well worth every penny you spend.

-Orbital power sander, with extra sanding pads of varying grits – course, medium, fine & ultra-fine

I personally like RYOBI because they’re affordable, cordless and use standard interchangeable batteries across their entire tool line

-Ladder(s)

-Strike bar and/or Sledge hammer (for demolition work)

-Bolt cutters

-Metal carpenter squares & triangles

-Nail Gun

-For landscaping projects, invest in:

• Wheelbarrow
• Shovels, Picks, Rakes and Hedge clippers
• Lawn mower and Edger
• Leaf Blower/Snow Blower
• Bucket(s)

-Saws:

There’s a large variety of saws available. The ones I find most useful are:

• Miter Saw (multi use saw that allows you to make cuts at a variety of angles)
• Jigsaw (Ideal for cutting curves and complex shapes. I recommend buying both wood and diamond blades)
• Hand saw or Panel saw (standard non-powered saw for cutting wood)
• Table Saw (the workhorse of the workshop, the most versatile saw that will do it all)
• Circular Saw (basically a handheld table saw. Easy to maneuver, and can be used to cut a variety of materials)
• Chainsaw (especially useful for landscaping)

*Make sure you purchase the correct blades for your saw(s,) and replacement blades as necessary

-For paint projects invest in:

• Variety of brushes
• Rollers and replacement cartridges
• Paint gun (if you’re feelin’ fancy, or plan to do a ton of painting)
• Drip/roller tray(s)
• Stir sticks
• Paint scraper
• Painter’s tape
• Tacky cloth (especially critical for anything you need to sand to prep, such as furniture or cabinets)
• Primer, Paint, and Sealant as needed

Take Your Time

Take your time building up your toolset, and invest in quality tools that you enjoy using that will last. Just like a good stamp or coin collection, a great tool set isn’t bought all at once, they’re slowly collected over time as needs arise. There’s no need to buy everything all at once, after all slow and steady wins the race!

Only purchase specialized tools if you plan on using them regularly, otherwise you’ll just end up wasting money on a tool that takes up space, and collects dust in your garage. Instead, ask a handy friend if they’ll let you borrow a tool (or two), or rent one from your local hardware store.

Remember, it’s not enough to have just a nice tool set. What’s more important is knowing how to safely, and effectively use your tools. As you build out your toolset, build your skillsets as well by taking classes, watching tutorials, researching methods, and practicing!

For more useful tips on how to get started on your first DIY or home improvement project, read my post How to Start a New DIY Project with Confidence!

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If you have any questions, or would like to share some helpful tips of your own, leave a comment below or email me directly at melanie@pillartoposthomes.com