I have compiled my top most frequently used beginner tools that are must haves for anyone starting in the do-it-yourself world. Some of the tools were gifted by Ryobi for review, but all opinions are, of course, 100% my own opinion. Be sure to check out some of the builds I’ve done with these tools such as this DIY Bathroom Vanity or how I built my round dining table, or built this herringbone accent wall in my daughters room.

Beginner Tools DIY-ers Must Have

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Power Drill & Driver

Power Drill: We have come to LOVE this two pack of drill and driver impact driver. We use them all of the time! We actually got the set for Christmas 6 years ago. It was embarrassing how excited the both of us were over a power tool, but we use it constantly!

Driver vs. Drill
A Driver is used when you need a lot of power or torque. It is mostly used for driving large screws (I would use star or square bit screws, a plus or Philips will get stripped with a driver). A drill is used to secure smaller screws or to drill a hole.

 

Miter Saw

Miter Saw | I have been using a very simple miter saw, but it just died on me a few months ago so I updated and upgraded to this sliding miter saw and I can’t even tell you how happy it makes me. This 10 inch miter saw with laser and sliding capabilities cuts like BUTTER. A miter saw is really all you need for most beginner tool wood working projects, installing trim around your home, ect. It gives you straight cuts as well as angle cuts and is VERY easy to use. If you are just wanting one that doesn’t break the bank here’s a basic model.

Jig Saw

Jig Saw – need to cut something that can’t be cut with a miter saw? A cheap jig saw will usually do the trick.

Multi Tool

Multi Tool | Need to cut an existing baseboard? Sand the crevices of a cabinet? Easy with the Ryobi multi tool. I am honestly in awe that I didn’t purchase this tool sooner. I feel like life is easier with the multitool, and I’m confident you’ll agree!

 

Angle Grinder

Angle Grinder | My dad used to always say, “oh well we can cut that with an angle grinder” and I thought he was crazy. Low and behold I found a tutorial online where a contractor tiled an entire shower with an angle grinder. I was shocked and didn’t think it was possible but it’s true! Now an angle grinder doesn’t completely replace a tile wet saw, but for the majority of cuts it was quicker and much less mess. Plus at $40 it has to make the list.

#truth. I tiled this entire shower cutting the subway tile with just an angle grinder! #mindblown?

Finishing Nailer

Brad/Finishing Nail Gun  |  Last, but certainly not least….I cannot say enough things about this cordless finishing nail gun. I have procrastinated a LOT of finishing projects because getting out the heavy bulk and loud air compressor and hauling it up and down stairs. NOT ANY MORE. I didn’t think I could commit to the price tag since a typical brad nailer is fairly inexpensive, but this is WORTH every penny!!!

 

Outdoor Tools

Snow Blower | In Utah with our wet heavy snow this Ryobi electric snowblower does the job with ease. It’s easy enough to turn on (insert the 2 40V Lithium batteries and touch the start button) and its up and running in no time. No more messing with pulling your shoulder trying to start a gas powered one and best of all, because its electric it is SUPER light weight making it that much easier for a woman to use (but also awesome for men). With one battery charge I was able to clean my entire 3 car driveway TWICE before the batteries were dead, and I call that a WIN!

Here are the specs:

• 2-in-1 vacuum and mulching functions
• Mulches 16-bags to 1
• Durable metal impeller
• Variable speed dial for more control
• Adjustable wheels
• Heavy-duty bag and zipper
• Includes a 40-Volt 4 Ah battery and charger
• 5-year limited warranty

PLUS it has a headlight which makes those early morning snow clearings that much easier. And having been a strict snow shoveler prior to owning this snow blower, the time you’ll have is TOTALLY worth the investment. 3 car driveway done in 15 minutes (see the video below), plus saved my back and arms from the aches and pains of shoveling.

Here are the specs:

• Brushless motor for increased power and efficiency
• 2 active dual discharge battery ports for optimal performance
• 21 in. clearing width
• 13 in. clearing depth
• Variable speed auger
• Discharges snow up to 35 ft. away
• 180° directional chute for controlled snow throwing
• Hassle-free push-button start
• LED headlight bar for increased visibility
• Includes two 40-Volt 5 Ah high-capacity lithium-ion batteries for extended run time
• Backed by a 5-year limited warranty

Leaf Mulcher

Leaf Mulcher Vac Attack | If you have a yard full of leaf shedding trees this is a no brainer tool to own. Remember those falls as a kid where your dad would blow all the leaves and you would spend hours on a Saturday raking them into a pile.. then bagging them… then raking the ones you dropped… and bagging them again? Oh yeah… and then do it all over again the next Saturday because more leaves had fallen? yeah.. say goodbye to that process! This leaf muncher can bag up 16 BAGS of leaves before you have to empty it.

Think vacuum for your lawn. You simply turn it on and suck up the leaves like magic (see the video below for the vac attack in action).

Cons: the one 4 Ah battery lasts about 30 minutes on the high setting, so I would invest in 2 batteries if you have a yard with a significant amount of leaves.

Inverter Power Source

Inverter 300 Watt Generator | I feel like a generator is never really on the forefront of our minds until we have an emergency and then we are all about them. We own a large gas powered generator that is meant to power big things like our refrigerator in the case of a power outage, but often I think we forget about generators or power sources when we are on the go.

 

 

I got this power inverter to put into my 72 hour emergency kit because of its smaller size and because it runs off the lithium battery packs that power my snow blower and leaf muncher. Now I will have power to use my phone in an emergency and with just one of my snow blower batteries I can charge my iPhone 18 times!!!!!!

It is also amazing for camping or hiking or any outdoor activity with its built in flash light, USB, USB-c. Want to watch a movie on your projector or laptop while you are outside? No problem! Because this is battery powered its SILENT as its working so you can hear the words with ease.

Here are the specs.

• Fits all RYOBI 40-Volt batteries
• Battery and charger not included
• 300-Watt of continuous output
• Outlet types: 1 USB-A outlet, 1 USB-C outlet and 1 120-Volt wall outlet
• External LED light
• 5-year warranty

What is your favorite tool in you own? Which of these beginner tools do you now HAVE to add to your collection?

Be sure to follow along on instagram @honeybuilthome for more insider tips and tricks for how to use these beginner tools.