Part of learning DIY is having the right tools to get the job done and I believe that with these 6 tools, you can tackle almost ANY DIY project on your list! No matter if you’re just getting started, or if you’ve been doing project’s for years, these will be the most commonly used tools! These are also the 6 tools that I teach in depth in my online course, DIY Beginner Basics.

Tool # 1 – Drill & Driver

Yes, you need both a drill and a driver! Luckily, you can usually find them in a pack together for around $120-150. I personally use the brushless 18V by Ryobi and they are lightweight & powerful.

Projects: Hanging, building everything!
Differences: Driver has more torque and is meant for long screws. Overall it has more power & is also more lightweight. Drills are more versatile & can attach to drill bits or screw bits.

Budget Friendly Option
Middle Level Option
Splurge Option

Tool # 2 – Orbital Sander

Projects: Refinishing furniture, removing old stain, or prepping to paint or stain a new piece. I recommend a CORDED orbital sander so you don’t blow through all of your batteries.

Budget Friendly Option
Middle Level Option
Splurge Option

Tool # 3 – Jig Saw

Uses: Cutting around electrical outlets or need a curved cut, a jig saw will be your best friend.

Budget Friendly Option
Middle Level Option
Splurge Option

Tool #4 – Brad Nailer

Uses: 18 gauge brad nailer is my 2nd most used tool. Battery powered allows you to be free to cords and loud bulky air compressors. Differences between brad nailer and finish nailer and do you need both? Finish nailers are bigger thicker nails. No you don’t need both, just get a brad nailer.

Budget Friendly Option – (Need an air compressor with the BUDGET FRIENDLY option)
Middle Level Option
Splurge Option

Tool #5 – Miter Saw

My most used saw. I would highly recommend investing in a 10 inch SLIDING miter saw from the beginning. It’s worth the extra cost to be able to cut wider boards. A 7 inch that doesn’t slide can’t even cut a 5” piece of trim. It can turn and cut angles, but it’s stationary so safer than a moving hand saw or table saw.

Projects: Picture frames, board and batten, baseboards, build furniture, shiplap, basically all the cuts under 15″ you can do on a miter saw.

Budget Friendly Option
Middle Level Option
Splurge Option

Tool #6 – Kreg Jig

Uses: Build furniture & attach your wood without visible screws. You NEED a pocket hole jig.
 
Budget Friendly Option – (Need an extra clamp with the BUDGET FRIENDLY option)
Middle Level Option
Splurge Option

Want to learn how to use all 6 of these tools? In my online course, DIY Beginner Basics, I teach in-depth about all 6 of these tools. Learn the how, why and what to use each of these for. Use code: BEGINNER15 for 15% off the course today!

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