DIY Tools – Tools You Shouldn’t Be Caught Without

Those that know me might say that I have a bit of a tool addiction. And while I don’t fully dispute that, hear me out because I think that having and understanding tools is an essential part of being creative, productive, and generally widening your perspective. As you add new tools to your arsenal you will begin to see new solutions to problems that you wouldn’t have otherwise noticed. As the old mantra goes

If all you have is a hammer then everything begins to look like a nail

In order to get started in DIY or any discipline for that matter you will need the appropriate tools. Every project you tackle will be different and will require different tools to complete it safely and correctly but this list should prepare you for the vast majority of DIY projects and tasks. For specialty tools I suggest that you should only purchase them when you know that you need them, but this list is meant to be a basic toolkit that anyone interested in DIY should own to unlock their creativity and begin to find solutions to problems around you.

Basic homeowner tools

The following tools are things that I recommend any and all people should own. Whether you own a house or rent an apartment, regardless of age. These are the essential tools that all people shouldn’t be caught without. For those simply wanting my top recommendations, the table below offers a summary of my top recommended tools. For further explanation and options at different price ranges, please consider reading my explanations for each tool.

1. Hammers

Many of these tools you will already have in some form, but if you have outgrown the IKEA toolkit then here are my recommendations for basic homeowner tools. The first thing you need is a decent quality hammer. From hanging pictures to “convincing” pieces to fit together on projects, a hammer is an important part of anyones toolbox. Like any tool, prices vary widely, but for most applications up to and including framing a new wall, the Estwing Ultra Series will get the job done. This hammer features the newer modern style compared to the hammers of yesteryear and a rip claw which makes removing nails and prying far easier than you could believe if you’ve only ever used a standard claw. If you want the ultimate in hammer design then undoubtedly go for the Martinez M1, but once you’re scared away by the price-tag than you will realize the value that the Estwing Ultra brings.

2. Screwdrivers

As with a hammer, screwdrivers are an essential tool than everyone should own whether you are into DIY or not. Screwdrivers come in all shapes and sizes, but my favorite are the Ideal 7-in-1Multi-Bit and the Ideal 21-in-1Multi-Bit Ratcheting screwdriver. Both of these screwdrivers have top notch build quality, rubberized handles and a special wire nut wrench at the base of the screwdriver. While these tools are targeted at the electrician market, they are by far the most comfortable screwdrivers I have used, and I couldn’t recommend them any more highly. The 7-in-1 has the standard phillips and flat head tips in two sizes making it ideal for everyday tasks, and the 21-in-1 features a handy ratcheting feature which can be extremely nice to have in some situations, and comes with different tips in the handle which means you will always have the right tip on you for almost any screw.

I also recommend for those wanting to progress beyond basic homeownership and into the world of electronics and DIY that you purchase an iFixit style kit of some kind. If you can afford it I highly recommend the iFixit Manta 112 bit set. iFixit are the pioneers of the multi-bit screwdriver set, and their quality is second to none. Every-time I have an obscure screw on some device that I need to open, I get excited because the iFixit set is such a joy to use. For a cheaper alternative consider the Oria 60-in-1 set. It doesn’t have the same build quality and feel as the iFixit, but it will get the job done.

3. Pliers

The next thing that should be on your tool wishlist is a good set of pliers. If you want to make one purchase that will last you the rest of your and your children’s lives then get the Knipex 7 piece insulated tool set. These tools are trusted by countless electricians and they are the gold standard in terms of quality. The 1000V insulated rating means that even if you accidentally used these tools with energized electrical circuits you would be protected. The diagonal cutters are my favorite of the bunch, and can cut through just about anything without breaking a sweat. Even if you don’t purchase the whole set I think the diagonal cutters are a must have. Another must have are needle-nose pliers. If you don’t purchase the set above then you should have needle-nose pliers at the top of your list. They will get you out of many situations and are often the only tool that will get the job done. For a cheaper alternative, this set by WorkPro should get the job done as well.

4. Wrenches

Next on your list to starting off in DIY or homeownership is a set of wrenches. I recommend this set by WorkPro. While some of the tools in this set are technically pliers, they will accomplish the task of holding a nut or a pipe while you tighten something. The WorkPro set is reasonably priced so I think it is a must have for anyone getting started.

Included in the set are a pair of Locking Pliers or “Vise Grips”. These are a bit of a luxury item, and aren’t something you know you need until you own them. If you don’t need a whole set of wrenches then consider getting just the Locking Pliers. They are amazing for holding things much more securely than you ever could with a basic wrench or plier, and can even be used for extracting a screw that the head has broken off of.

5. Utility Knives

Another must have item is a utility knife, the knife I recommend is the Gerber EAB Utility Knife . A utility knife or “box cutter” is an absolute necessity for opening packaging, cutting plastic or drywall, and just about anything you might need a knife for. I also love the Maker Knife, and use it on a regular basis too, but the Gerber is smaller in size and a better value overall. What makes a utility knife so essential is the cost and abundance of replacement blades. This set of 100 blades is less than $10, which makes replacing a dull or broken blade a no brainer. The blades are incredibly sharp which actually increases your control and overall safety. No more struggling with a dull knife, and if you accidentally brought your knife with you to an airport then you can throw out the blade and not break a sweat.

The Geber EAB can easily be carried in a pocket so you always have it on you, and it doesn’t take up much of any space. If you don’t have a utility knife go buy one now and then come back to finish this article. Another option to consider is this model by WorkPro. It is larger which makes it more comfortable to hold, but its size makes it more suitable for a kitchen drawer than for everyday carry.

6. Tape Measure
Next up is a tape measure. Most people know the importance of a tape measure, and yet I seem person after person with these tiny flimsy things not knowing what they are missing. If you don’t have one already get yourself a good tape measure. I recommend a Stanley Fat Max 25′. You don’t need anything longer than 25′ and Stanley’s Fat Max line is the de facto tape measure for construction and industry professionals.

7. Level

Most people don’t own a good level, and struggle with a small torpedo level for their whole lives. This set by WorkPro has all the main sizes covered and is under $20, so it’s an awesome choice for any homeowner or DIY enthusiast. I find the 24″ level to be the most useful, but the smaller sizes can come in handy for lighter duty tasks.

8. Stud Finder

A stud finder is an essential tool when hanging anything on a wall, installing baseboards, fishing wires behind walls, or installing new electrical outlets and switches. Everyone that wants to do any sort of DIY project should own a stud finder. My favorite is the ProSensor 710, but i’ve seen similar looking models at Costco for less, so keep an eye out for those as well. A cheaper option that will still get the job done is this model from Tavool.

9. Putty Knife

A Putty Knife is another tool that most people think they have under control. They either don’t think they need one or they have a plastic one that was free with a container of spackle. I highly recommend getting yourself a 4 inch putty knife. I find 4 inch to be the most versatile size for DIY jobs. You can use it to patch most drywall repairs, and also is a great size to use as a scrapper for removing tape residue or dried paint. I also like this 7 piece putty knife set. For not much more money than the single 4 inch knife, you receive 5 different putty knife sizes for different sized jobs, and a razor blade scrapper which is a handy tool in its own right.

10. Drill/Impact Driver

Last up on our basic homeowner tools list is a cordless drill and impact driver. Most people that haven’t ventured in woodworking, construction or DIY before might not know what an impact driver is, but I promise you that it will become one of your most valued tools. If you will indulge me for a moment, an impact driver is purpose designed for driving screws and mechanical fasteners and unlike a drill, the impact driver applies a percussive lateral “impact” giving you much greater torque and control. Basically, it drives screws with more torque and greater control than can be achieved with a drill. These two tools might look similar, but they perform different tasks which is why they are typically sold in combo packs.

My personal favorite is the sub-compact brushless combo kit by Makita. It is on the expensive side but this tool, especially the impact driver is possibly my favorite tool I own. If there is anything I recommend splurging on, this is it.

For those that are more practical than myself, this kit by Ryobi is also highly recommended. I own many Ryobi tools, and their cordless tool system is my personal favorite. I will be covering those tools in future articles.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve followed my advice and acquired all of the tools on this list then you are better prepared then most, and well on your way to having a DIY mindset. I encourage you to try and find ways to use these tools in your life. Look for opportunities and get to know the tools you have. Once you become comfortable and familiar with them you will begin to see the world around you differently and will become comfortable fixing problems that you see in life. Also be sure to check out the next article in this series, DIY Tools- Broadening The Horizon.