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Any man or woman who prizes their handy work also prizes their tools. Just because you’re not a mechanic, professional contractor, or carpenter, it doesn’t mean you don’t need your own collection of essential tools.
However, you probably need fewer tools than professionals, who can easily spend thousands of dollars getting their necessary collection built up.
Therefore, as a DIY enthusiast, what tools do you need, and how much will it cost you?
Follow along to find out!
In This Post:
Essential Tools for DIY Enthusiasts
These 7 tools/toolsets are what we have deemed to be absolutely vital for any serious DIYer. From making minor repairs and updates to building new furniture, DIYing takes some admirable skill. Check out the tools you need to perform your craft!
For bigger jobs, however, like restoring windows and doors, the tools for that may get expensive and require expertise you probably don’t have. In that case, you would want to leave the job to professionals, like those at Renewal by Andersen! The last thing you want to do is butcher your home biting off more than you can chew!
1. Electric Drill and Screwdrivers
Sometimes you need more than a screwdriver, but sometimes you need less than a drill. That’s why you need both.
Drills are needed for placing new screws, drilling holes, and taking the tediousness out of a job involving a lot of screws. However, a drill can not only be overkill for some projects but also not even feasible. There are a lot of tight places a drill won’t fit. You must have some drill bits set e.g. steel drill bits, wood drill bits etc.
You can find a whole pack of screwdrivers for under $10. Drills, however, can cost anywhere from $30 to $500.
2. Ratchet Set
Next, you definitely need a ratchet set as part of your essential tools. Nuts and bolts can be found all over your house. Without a ratchet set, you could probably get by with pliers, but it will be incredibly annoying.
You can pick up a ratchet set for $20.
3. Hammer
A hammer is another essential tool for any DIYer. Anytime you need to nail something down or pry something up, a hammer will be your best friend. You can pick up a hammer from the dollar store (not recommended) or spend as much as $1,000 (also not recommended).
4. Measuring Tape
A measuring tape is absolutely part of your essential tools. Nearly every project requires precise measurements to be done right. The last thing you want is a lopsided table or a bookshelf with shelves that are too short.
Expect to pay about $5 to $10 for a decent measuring tape.
5. Level
Along with making the right measurements, you also need to make sure your projects are level. In order to do that you need a level (yes, not a very creative name).
While it’s true that most smartphones come with a level app, they aren’t the most trustworthy. Your phone also won’t appreciate being dropped, either, which will likely happen if you’re using it for DIY purposes.
You could pick up a nice level for an easy $10.
6. Pliers
While pliers can’t adequately replace your ratchet set, they are a good backup. Additionally, pliers can do things ratchet sets never can. You should actually get a plier set with channel locks, regular pliers, and needlenose pliers.
A decent plier set will run you $20 to $30.
7. Allen Wrench Set
Finally, some of the most essential tools you’ll need around the house are Allen wrenches, also known as hex keys. These are used for the majority of furniture items such as tables, couches, chairs, etc.
Fortunately, a robust Allen wrench set will be less than $10.
Get to Work
Now that you know the essential tools for any serious DIYer, it’s time to go shopping! Remember, you can spend as much or as little as you want. Keep in mind, however, that you often get what you pay for, especially in the world of tools.
Be practical about what you’re using your tools for and how much you’ll be using them, to decide how much you want to pay.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog for more DIY tips and tricks!
