All of my favorite tools in one place for easy access! This list includes basic DIY tools, power tools for DIYers, and tools for beginners! I’m constantly learning, so I’ll update these lists as needed!
DIY Power Tools
These power tools are all used frequently at my house, and are definitely worth the money depending on how much you DIY! Quick Tip: Before you start to build your tool collection, decide what brand of tools you’re going to use for your cordless power tools, so you can interchange your batteries and chargers!
Cordless Brad Nailer
I use a brad nailer for most projects. You can get brad nails in various lengths, and this tool is a workhorse!
Cordless Drill
A drill is one of the best and most used tools that you can have! I used this specific one for years, and have no complaints, but you really don’t need to be super picky as a beginner. Go ahead and grab a set of drill bits and driver bits as well!
Circular Saw
I bought a mini cordless circular saw, and I must say – I love it! It’s very easy to maneuver, and I like that it doesn’t require me to stay beside an outlet, or deal with a flopping cord beside a fast blade!
Router
You don’t need a router for all DIY projects – this is a more project-specific tool. You’ll want this if you are building cabinet doors, etc. It allows you to elevate your work by creating various grooves in wood and adding special detailing to trim pieces. You won’t necessarily need this as a beginner, but it’s fun to add as you grow in skills!
If you decide to get a router, get a set of router bits as well.
Router Table
If you get a router, definitely get a router table. This allows you to do more precise and safe work instead of free-handing everything.
Sanders
A mouse sander is great for sanding something when you need to get into inner corners (like this cabinet door).
An orbital sander is the MVP of lots of projects where you need to either remove a finish or smooth a surface. This is one where I highly recommend a corded tool, because they burn through batteries way too quickly.
Miter Saw
Also referred to as a chop saw, a miter saw is the easiest way to cut boards either straight across, or at angles and bevels. Some miter saws are extendable so that you can cut wider boards.
Last for the power tools list are a multitool, table saw, and jigsaw. I use my multi-tool constantly! It’s great for notching doorjamb and making small cuts and trims. A table saw is always a tricky recommendation for me. It’s handy for specific jobs, but is universally known to be dangerous – for very real reasons. Use with lots of knowledge and care! If you need to cut something with a curve or specific pattern, a jigsaw is your friend!
Basic DIY Tools
You likely already have most of these, but if you don’t, you can click the photos for links to these basic tools that I use often. Brands don’t really matter here, so whatever you find will likely work as well as the next thing!
Honestly, I have duplicates of all of these – they tend to “walk off” during a project, and I won’t find them all until I clean everything up at the end! I especially like to have a tape measure in my project space as well as by my saw, so I don’t have to traipse across the house with all of my supplies while making cuts.
Miscellaneous DIY Tools
These tools and supplies aren’t necessary for every project but are so helpful. I use my laser level more often than I ever thought I would. A wet/dry shop vac will save your sanity, and this Little Giant ladder is somehow better than any ladder I’ve ever owned.
Clamps and right-angle clamps aren’t needed for all projects, but if you’re building things from scratch, there’s no substitute. If you’re using a nail gun, you need a set of nail punches to help when your nail doesn’t go in all the way.
More DIY Tools to Come!
I’ll update this favorite DIY tools list, as I undoubtedly will come upon more tools that I use regularly. For more project-specific tools, you can find those listed on project pages.
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