My Favorite DIY Tools

Essentials

Basic tools for DIYers.

Drill

We've had a few over the years and this is my favorite.

Bit Holder

This attaches to your drill and holds your most used bits, so they're right there when you need them. Love this!

Multi-Tool Cutter

This is so versatile! It's easy to control and can be used for a lot of different applications. I've also linked (below) the blades I suggest pairing with this.

Multi-tool blades

These pair with the above multi-tool cutting tool. These blades can handle cutting a variety of materials.

Cordless Hot Glue Gun

I love not having to mess with a cord! **Note this one is compatible with Milwaukee batteries. If you have Dewalt or Makita tools/batteries, you can find compatible versions linked below.

Cordless Pin Nailer

We use this cordless pin nailer a lot! No more lugging around an air compressor!

Combination Pliers

These are my go to pliers. Where other pliers/cutters may struggle, these are high leverage and can make the job much easier.

Nice to have

These can come in handy.

Sanding Block

Great for sanding flat surfaces or for hitting those high spots and distressing pieces.

Attach to above sanding block and/or orbital sander (linked below). These are hook and loop so they attach like velcro. We've tried various brands over the years and these have held up better and lasted longer than others we've tried.

Orbital Sander

We've owned several sanders over the years. After struggling with others clogging, being hard to hold, and dying we switched to this one when we were refinishing furniture/renovating our home. This is a premium orbital sander that offers dust extraction, variable speeds, and you can easily switch abrasives with a velcro like attachment.

Vacuum

This can pair with any tool that's plugged into it and automatically turns on and off when using the tool (sander/saw/etc) for easy dust extraction, minimal mess. It has multiple setting and we've fund it to be very durable. If you're looking for quality/reliability/functionality, this is worth considering.

Cordless Stapler

As someone whose hands/wrists can tire easily, I love this battery powered stapler. I don't use it often, but it's great for certain projects.

Track saw

This one is an investment. Great if you're doing a renovation or tackling bigger projects. This can take place of a table saw and is much more versatile.

Cordless Jigsaw

Another tool we've owned several of over the years. This has been our favorite. I wouldn't consider this an essential tool, but it's common and can be very helpful for example when cutting something curved.

Spray can handle

This is wonderful to have on hand to attach to your spray paint can when your wrist/hand gets tired or weak. I use it occasionally when I'm spraying a large piece. Just be mindful to occasionally check for and wipe off any build up near nozzle so you don't get drips.

Luxuries

These aren't necessary, but can really improve quality and ease of work.

Sliding Miter Saw

It's expensive, you get what you pay for with this. It's easy to use with duel lasers to outline exactly where the blade will cut, and it includes a hold down clamp (which I pretty much always use), and it offers dust extraction when attached to a shop vac.