Must-Have (mostly power) Tools for DIY
If you are new to DIY or interested in expanding your tool collection, I’ve put together a short list of where to start and in my opinion, what tools take priority. Below are the top six tools I recommend for anyone jumping into DIY and/or woodworking. Plus, I’ve included a few additional tools if you want to know what to add next.
Now, you shouldn’t go broke buying tools. I do want to note that a lot of my tools were handed down to me from my grandpa, who picked up most of them from garage sales. Now, with Facebook Marketplace, there are a lot of great deals on gently used tools. If you are wanting to buy new, I’ve listed some budget friendly options, as well as top choice options—a.k.a. the tools on my wishlist.
There are some affiliate links in this post, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no cost to you. Read my full disclosure here
1. Cordless Power Drill/Driver
A drill is one of the—if not the most—used tools. Even if you’re not into DIY, every household should have one. I have used a variety of drills, including corded and cordless, but our Dewalt Drill/Driver has been outstanding! Dewalt is known as one of the most reputable tool brands (you’ll see Dewalt a lot on this list). With that, you get a high quality product, but also sometimes a bigger price tag. But in my opinion, it’s well worth it. For a tool you use frequently, you need something that not only has torque power, but longevity in battery power!
BEst Value: Ryobi Drill/Driver
What I have + Top Choice: Dewalt Drill/Driver
2. Pockethole Jig
Besides my drill, this is probably my most used tool and a fairly inexpensive investment for everything you can do with it. If you’re interested in dabbling in DIY and possibly woodworking, get a pocket hole jig. Kreg is the name when it comes to jigs, especially pocket hole jigs. And, they have everything pocket hole jig model—within any budget—you could dream up.
Best Value: Kreg Jig 310
What I have: Kreg Jig 520 PRO
Best Overall: Kreg Jig 720 PRO
3. Compound/Sliding Miter Saw
Based on the projects I knew I’d be taking on, a miter saw was the best first investment. Because of how much use I knew it would get, I went for the top of the line. You guess it, Dewalt! This saw makes mitered cuts, as well as beveled cuts, which makes project options limitless. And because I don’t have a stationery work bench, I also opted for the Dewalt Collapsable and Portable Miter Saw Stand.
Best Value: Ryobi Sliding Miter Saw
What I have + Top Choice: Dewalt 12-INCH Sliding Miter Saw
4. Nail Gun
Before I started the Board & Batten project in our primary bedroom, I knew I needed a nail gun. But with the different options—pin, brad, and finish nailer—it was hard to know which one to invest in.
Nails come in a variety of lengths, but the difference between a pin, brad and finish nail is the thickness or diameter of the nail. The larger the nail, the better hold it will have—but also the bigger hole it will leave behind. And, for all of these different nailers you can chose between battery or air powered (pneumatic). Your choice may depend on the types of projects you’re taking on, so let’s break them down.
Pin Nailer
A Pin Nailer leaves—you guessed it—pin sized holes. It is the smallest power nailer available at 23 gauge size. A pin nailer is great for holding pieces in place while wood glue dries.
Brad Nailer
This is my top choice and my first investment. I felt that the Brad Nailer is the most useful for the biggest variety of projects. It’s 18 gauge nail isn’t too big and fairly easy to fill. I’ve used mine for everything from door and window trim, to board and batten installation, crown moulding and much more.
Best Value: Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18V Brad Nailer
What I have: Craftsman 20V Brad Nailer
Top Choice: Dewalt 20V Brad Nailer
Finish Nailer
A Finish Nailer (15 and 16 gauge) is used with thicker, heavier and denser materials like hardwoods and 1x’s. Perfect for installing window and door trim, that will hold well without using glue.
5. Orbital Sander
There are a lot of different power sanders out there, but an orbital sander (or random orbit sander) is a great sander to have if you can only chose one. It works by oscillating a sandpaper pad in small irregular (random) orbits that prevent the sander from leaving distinguishable patterns in the wood surface. Popular Mechanics has a list of the best sanders of 2023, and here are my recommendations:
Best Value: Ryobi P411 Orbital Sander
What I have: Rigid R2601 5-INCH Orbital Sander
Top Choice: Dewalt Cordless Sander
Other sanders include: belt sander, rotary sander, drum sander and spindle/disk sander.
6. Circular Saw
A circular saw was the second saw I invested in and was essential for making long straight cuts of plywood. For some, a circular saw is their first investment because of its versatility. It can chop and rip wood, and because it isn’t fixed to a stand or table, it also makes it very easy to bring with you throughout a work site or project.
Best Value: Skil Circular Saw
What I have: Skilsaw
Top Choice: Dewalt Circular Saw (Corded)
TOOL SAFETY
As long as I’m talking about tools, I think it’s also really important to share some of my favorite things that keep me safe while operating them. Safety glasses or goggles are very important for eye protection, ear muffs for ear protection, gloves for hand protection and mask for lung protection.
Tools to help expand your collection:
7. Jig Saw
Not used in every project, and for some not often at all, but a Jig Saw is a great tool to have around. With budget friendly options, it also makes this tool a fairly inexpensive investment.
Best Value: Black & Decker JigSAW
What I have: Craftsman Jigsaw
Top Choice: Dewalt Top Handle Jigsaw
8. Table Saw
A table saw can come in handy for more advanced projects. When I began making my cabinet doors for the built-ins, the table saw was essential to cut the mortise and tenon joints. It is also nice to have on hand for simple tasks, like ripping down plywood.
Best Value: Ryobi Table Saw
What I have: Hand-me-down craftsman
Top Choice: Dewalt Table Saw
9. Oscillating Multi-Tool
You probably won’t use a multi-tool often, but it is great to have on hand! Mine came with different attachments with the ability to cut through different materials, as well as a sanding attachment.
Best Value: Ryobi Multi-Tool
What I have: Dremel Oscillating Multi-Tool
Top Choice: Dewalt Oscillating Multi-Tool
How many of these must-have tools do you have? Whether you’re new to tools or a seasoned DIYer, I’d love to know what your best tool investment has been or what tool you’re most excited to get. Let me know in the comments below, or connect with me on Instagram!
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