10 Essential Tools for DIY Projects

DIY projects are pretty exciting, right? You can simultaneously unleash your creativity and save money on repairs and improvements! When you buy the correct tools for DIY projects, your DIY efforts can turn out better and much less frustrating than if you bought the wrong tools or had none. Most people who enjoy DIY projects are self-taught, so they don’t always know what tools to get and where. Having a reference guide for must-have tools for DIY projects is very convenient. So here’s a list for you!

1. Wheelbarrow

A wheelbarrow is an absolute necessity for any DIY enthusiast. It’s versatile and handy when working on garden projects, landscaping, home renovations, and mulching for easily transporting heavy materials. No more struggling with back-breaking loads of soil, rocks, or debris. Just load up your wheelbarrow and roll it to wherever you want. You never even have to call a junk removal service to haul things off your compound.

Don’t know where to buy one? Don’t worry! Finding a wheelbarrow in the US is so easy. The only challenge would be picking one from the many types you will find available. Start your purchase by in-person shopping around popular home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware to see what kinds of wheelbarrows they have. Such stores normally carry various wheelbarrow models and brands that vary in several ways. We’re sure you’ll find something you like in one of those places.

If you mostly shop online, check on Amazon and Walmart for an extensive range of wheelbarrows. Online shopping allows you to review hundreds of reviews from previous verified buyers before deciding which one you should buy. Explore your local garden centers and specialty tool stores near you as well. They always have various tools for DIY projects that work for beginners and oldies. Because there are so many choices, be sure you’ll have your new wheelbarrow within no time.

2. Ratcheting Wrench

Dealing with conventional wrenches is a hassle compared to using a high-quality ratcheting wrench. Using a manual wrench is a disservice to DIY enthusiasts who love mechanical work like furniture assembly, tinkering with cars, and performing auto repair tasks. According to Shop Tools Reviews, unlike traditional wrenches, the ratcheting mechanism allows you to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts without removing the tool from the fastener. The secret lies in its ratcheting mechanism, which enables continuous motion in one direction while engaging only on the return stroke. This means no more tedious repositioning of the wrench, making your DIY projects faster and smoother.

To get the most use out of a ratcheting wrench, buy a size that matches the nut or bolts you want to tighten or loosen and then follow the instructions on the pack carefully. Most wrenches have two different-sized ends that you can use. Just pick the one that fits well over the fastener. Without lifting the tool off the fastener, switch between fastening and loosening. It’s not very complex. You’ll figure it out.

The staff in home improvement stores are usually quite knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect wrench for your DIY needs, even if you don’t necessarily know what you want. Drive to Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Walmart, or search on eBay and Amazon. You may favor online stores because they have a wider selection, with customer reviews and ratings. That’s okay if you find what you are looking for.

3. Screwdriver Set

Screwdrivers are so common that you can find them in homes, car repair shops, pawn shops, schools, and practically everywhere! They are just that handy! No toolbox is complete without a screwdriver set. You must care for the tools you bought for DIY projects to get the most use out of them.

Screwdrivers can easily break or get misplaced if you don’t care for them. After using one of your screwdrivers, wipe it and store it on a clean surface or inside a toolbox. Applying a few drops of lubricating oil will help to keep the metal bits of your screwdrivers from beginning to rust. Don’t give into the temptation of using your screwdrivers to pry things open or chiseling away at wood and concrete. Using them for tasks outside their designation is the fastest way to damage the tips, and you don’t want that.

You don’t have to go far to buy screwdriver sets. They are readily available online and offline at different prices, depending on the set’s brand, quality, and number of pieces inside. Look for budget-friendly options in convenience stores and local hardware. You don’t have to splurge on a high-end brand if you don’t have the cash right now. Buy regular screwdrivers; they also get the job done. If you have around $8 to $10, you can easily get yourself a 10-piece set.

4. Power Tools

When you use power tools in any DIY project, you are assured of speed, precision, and efficiency. Power tools are so popular because they consistently produce professional results when you use them in cutting, drilling, sanding, and shaping materials. Their commercial versions are heavily depended on in places like auto junk yards to do heavy-duty tasks like dismantling cars.

Power tools are costly, so don’t put undue pressure on yourself, thinking you must purchase everything at once. Start with a few basic power tools if you’re beginning your DIY journey, and build up your collection slowly. For example, your first purchase could be a simple cordless drill that helps you drill holes and drive screws, an electric jigsaw to help you cut curved and straight lines in various materials, or even an orbital sander to help you achieve smooth finishes on all wood and plastic surfaces. As you shop around, look for affordable brands like Black+Decker, Ryobi, and Bosch, known and loved for producing excellent entry-level power tools for DIY projects.

5. Hammers

A hammer is an obvious staple in any DIY toolbox, in fact, in every household, and with good reason! It helps people with all sorts of things like driving nails into surfaces, hanging picture frames, performing small demolition tasks, building things, ejecting nails, etc. Several hammers are available for you to consider, depending on your needs. You can even own more than one type just to be safe. The most common type is the claw hammer for driving nails in and pulling them out. Others include ball peen hammers for metalworking and shaping materials, sledgehammers for heavy demolition work, hatchets for commercial flat roofing services, and rubber mallets for a softer impact.

When choosing a hammer, consider the weight and handle material. Opt for a weight that feels comfortable for your needs, as it affects your power and control while using the tool. Handles made from wood, fiberglass, or steel have grip, shock absorption, and durability benefits. Always research before buying any tools for DIY projects; read reviews and ask around. Even though a hammer may seem trivial, you might end up with the wrong one if you aren’t careful.

6. Trowel

Buying a trowel for your DIY projects is an excellent idea. Especially if you work on concrete repairs, plastering, or mortar tasks. Trowels help spread, smooth, and shape these materials for a neat, professional finish.

The best model or brand of trowel depends on the specific project and personal preferences. For general DIY use, a flat or pointed trowel with a comfortable handle and a durable, rust-resistant blade is a good choice. Go for reputable brands like Marshalltown, Kraft Tool Co., and Bon Tool.

Trowels suitable for DIY projects are affordable. They typically range between $10 and $30. How long will your trowel last you before needing a replacement? That depends on the type of materials you work with, how frequently you use them, and how well you maintain them. If you notice any signs of wear, such as a bent or worn blade, replace it.

7. Hand Saw

Unlike power saws, handsaws are manual and don’t require plugging into electricity or using batteries. If they are so manual, why did they make it to this must-have list of tools for DIY projects? Well, handsaws are conveniently portable and suitable for use in any location. They are perfect for tasks like trimming lumber, cutting PVC pipes, building patio covers, or creating precise cuts in various materials.

You should consider buying one because of its easy use and straightforward operation. They don’t have complicated settings or safety features. So they are ideal for beginners and casual DIYers. They are also quiet, don’t produce lots of dust or debris, and are safer to use in certain situations, like when working in a tiny space.

Hand saws’ cost is generally lower than power saws, making them budget-friendly options for DIY enthusiasts. Higher-end hand saws with specialized features cost more but are still more affordable than most power saws. The estimated price range between the cheapest and most expensive hand saws is $10 and $40. Quite affordable.

8. Fixed Blade

You might know fixed blades from hunting lodges, hiking, or camping, but their use goes far beyond outdoor adventures. DIY projects can use a fixed blade in various cutting tasks, like trimming materials, cutting ropes, opening packages, or even light carving. Their sturdy design and full-tang construction will give you excellent control and stability during use. Fixed blades are not all the same. They vary in shape and size to cater to their users’ needs. For general DIY use, buy a medium-sized fixed blade with a straight edge.

Fixed blades are available in physical stores and online retailers. You’ll find them in popular outdoor gear shops, sporting goods stores, and specialty knife retailers. Online platforms like Amazon, BladeHQ, and KnifeCenter also have a wide selection for you to check out. Brands like Benchmade, Gerber Gear, Buck Knives, and ESEE Knives have been around for a long time. Check them out and add a fixed blade to your collection of tools for DIY projects.

9. Shovel

Are your DIY projects outside? Well, get a shovel if you haven’t already! It will make some tasks involving landscaping and gardening less tasking. A shovel can help you dig holes, move dirt, and plant trees or flower delivery. A good shovel has a comfortable handle, a strong blade, and the right length and size.

Shovels come in various types, each designed for specific tasks and terrain. Most include digging shovels, spade shovels, trenching shovels, scoop shovels, snow shovels, garden shovels, edging shovels, and drain spades. So don’t mindlessly buy a shovel without ensuring it is your project’s needs.

10. Nail Gun

A nail gun wins the trophy for a time-saving tool for DIYers working on larger projects or constructing a building, colossal furniture piece, wedding space, roof, or fence. In place of a manual hammer, get yourself a nail gun. It will help you drive nails quickly and accurately. You’ll find plenty of videos on YouTube of people doing DIY projects using nail guns. So it’s safe to say that it’s worth purchasing.

You’ll need to pick from either a pneumatic, cordless, or electric nail gun. Pneumatic nail guns need an air compressor and are often more affordable than cordless or electric models. To afford one, you need to be able to spend between $100 and $500 comfortably.

Unless you buy a used nail gun, they may seem expensive upfront. Still, they offer significant time savings and efficiency in completing projects, especially those involving repetitive nailing tasks. So, if you love convenience, prioritize a nail gun in purchasing these must-have tools for DIY projects.

Getting the correct tools for DIY projects makes all the difference. Doing the rounds of shopping and trying different tools is a valuable learning experience for any DIYer. Enjoy the process, and be patient with yourself as you figure things out.

Save for good quality tool brands so you can use them for a long time and recoup a significant percentage of your money when it’s time to resell. Read reviews, ask around, and find opportunities to rent out tools so you can decide if they are a good fit for you. If you must buy a tool, research before clicking ‘buy.’