Tips & Advice Crafts & DIY · Home & Garden

Must-Have Tools for DIYers

For Whom/What:

First time home buyer

Budget:

Willing to invest for quality tools

Requirements:

general purpose

not too complicated to use

easily overlooked essentials

Extra Details:

What are some essential tools every homeowner should own? I'm moving into a fully furnished home (all the appliances and electrical stuff) but no furniture. I foresee that I'll need to install some furniture, and wall decor (clocks, paintings and such). The house doesn't need any major renovations, so nothing too heavy-duty or specific.

When it comes to DIY projects around the house, there are a couple of must-have tools that make tasks so much easier and more accurate:

1. Digital Vernier Caliper Measuring Tool: This tool is perfect for precision measurements, whether you're working on a home improvement project, crafting, or even assembling furniture. Unlike traditional rulers, digital vernier calipers provide highly accurate readings down to millimeters or even thousandths of an inch, which can be crucial for tasks like cutting materials to exact sizes or checking the thickness of materials. They’re easy to read, making them more accessible than their manual counterparts, and they often come with features like zero-setting to measure inside, outside, and depth measurements. They’re compact, durable, and can tackle everything from woodworking to small mechanical fixes, making them a valuable addition to any toolbox.

2. Cordless Rotary Tool Kit: This is another game-changer for DIY enthusiasts. A cordless rotary tool kit, such as those from brands like Dremel, is incredibly versatile, offering a wide range of attachments for sanding, grinding, polishing, cutting, and engraving. It’s especially helpful when working in tight spaces or on detailed projects, like small craft work or home repairs where precision matters. The portability of a cordless model allows you to take it anywhere, whether you're working indoors or outdoors. It's an indispensable tool for everything from home repairs (like fixing tiles or cutting through tough materials) to hobbies like jewelry making or restoring furniture.

Both of these tools are excellent investments that will save time, improve the quality of your work, and help with a wide range of tasks around the house!

Mini Cordless Rotary Tool Kit
Brand: HARDELL
Digital Vernier Calier
Brand: Jiavarry
Helen Reid
1 year ago

If you're completely new DIY, maybe consider a tape measure. 

You'll be measuring everything when you're building anything by yourself, and I like Stanley's Fatmax Tape Measure. 

It measures up to 30' and lives up to the Stanley name. 

Stanley tools are of high quality, and a lot of professionals use them as well. 

FATMAX Tape Measure 33-730
Brand: Stanley
happymommie
3 weeks ago

I suggest the following as your very basic set and build on to it as you start a new project or repair. 

1. Socket set: It lets you tackle different types of bolts and nuts. It lets you work so much faster. 

2. Stud finder: For any secure needs, save yourself the hassle and use a stud finder. 

3. Level

4. Hex key set: Surprisingly many installations require hex keys. 

5. Drill: Get the best one your budget allows. This will last for years. 

Socket Set
Brand: Stanley
Hex Key Set
Brand: Husky
ProSensor Stud Finder
Brand: Franklin Sensors
Level
Brand: Craftsman
20V Max Cordless Drill
Brand: Dewalt
Hazel Murray
3 weeks ago

A drywall repair kit (spackling, putty, and sanding block) and wall paint. If you have rented before, you are probably familiar with patching up walls, and I find myself constantly filling nail holes. I like the DAP DryDex as it comes with a time indicator. The paste goes on pink and dries white, indicating that the surface is ready to be sanded and painted. I recommend a sanding block with a handle. 

Always have an extra pint of wall paint ready. You don't want to run out and go through the process of matching the paint. If you bought a new house, the builder probably left you some paint used for the house. Bring the fresh pint to a paint store and get an extra. With it, they can match the color easily. 

And since you mentioned you'd be installing wall decor, an oversized level will come in handy.