DIYing can feel overwhelming when you’re first getting started. How many tools do you need? A whole collection? Just one or two? Will I run into all kinds of issues and be constantly running back to the store to buy more expensive tools? How hard is it all really?
I get it. I’ve been there! And here’s what I knew when I was first getting started.
You don’t need to go buy all the tools all at once!
Here are the top 5 tools I recommend for beginners wanting to get started on their own home projects!
The First 5 Tools You Need To DIY Home Projects
1. A DRILL & DRIVER SET
You will use these all the time from projects as simple as hanging up a photo or mirror, to projects as intense as building custom builtins.
This was the first tool set I purchased, and I made sure to buy a battery operated brand for ease, and one that I knew would have other tools I could use with the same batteries.
Go ahead and grab a drill bet set as well. While many packs of screws come with bits, it’s likely you’ll need some basic bits to predrill holes, spade bits to create larger holes, and simple Phillips and Flat head bits for typical install projects.
You’ll be happy you have them on hand when you need them, trust me!
2. A MITER SAW
This will be a slightly more expensive tool that does take up some garage realestate. But it will get you far when it comes to projects like building furniture, adding wood feature walls, upgrading baseboards and crown moulding, and adding trim in your home.
This is one of my most used tools across all the projects I tackle on a daily basis!
There are some smaller miter saws that are battery powered, which are great for smaller projects. This can get you far as you’re learning!
But if you want to go ahead and invest in a miter saw that will grow with you as your projects grow, this is the one I have and would buy again and again.
3. A FINISH NAILER
But why not a brad nailer? Why not a pin nailer? Well, you can buy all three if you want! But for years I only had a finish nailer, and I was able to do just about any project I could dream of.
You can use a finish nailer for delicate projects like trimwork and larger projects like feature walls, builds, and cabinets. So if you’re just starting and you need ONE nailer, let it be the finish nailer.
Now I mentioned wanting to stay in the same brand so your batteries can be used across tools, but I have to tell you — my Craftsman finish nailer is the one I’d buy outside of my tool range over and over again if I needed to. Of all the nailers I’ve purchased over the years, it’s the only one that doesn’t consistantly jam or give me issues.
This is the best of the best in my opinion!
4. A JIGSAW
Miter saws are great for straight, beveled, and angled cuts, but they can’t get you around a curve. They also can’t scribe a board or help you cut scalloped trim (okay, that last one is a me problem).
A jigsaw can cut all the things a miter saw can’t (before you’re ready to invest in a table or circular saw).
5. A TILE SAW
Listen. This might not be for you. If you don’t plan on doing any tile or stone projects in your future, then replace this with a circular saw, okay?
But if you’re really wanting to tackle home projects that also include your kitchen and bathroom, you can’t go far without cutting some tile.
And if you want those projects to look professional, you need the right tools, right?
Enter. TILE SAW.
I’ve honestly used mine so much; and I know it’s a strange thing to add to a beginner tool list, but this is me telling you to get the tool and do the projects! Don’t use not having one as an excuse to not try tiling. You get it.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Other tools you should have on hand of course include items like a good level, stud finder, tape measure, trim puller, hammer, mallet, screw driver, and utility knife. You can do a lot with these!
Then, as you move from project to project, you can slowly build up your tool set by purchasing the tools you need. I basically did this one tool at a time to build the entire collection I have now.
And remember — all you need to do is START. That’s the hardest part. You’ll learn as you go, project by project, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can really do yourself!
You got this! And if you need help — I’ll just be hanging out over on Instagram!
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