So, you’ve finally done it. You gave in to the bug. You may have “nerd-out” on wood-burning ovens, and garden beds, or watched countless YouTube videos. Who knows? People decide to become fully-pledged DIYers for different reasons.
That said, we think this particular decision just might be among the best you’ve ever made. It’s an excellent idea – and a commitment that’s well worth your precious time and effort.
Essetnial Tools for DIYers
Before you start, you’ll need some basic equipment. Whether you’re a rookie handyman or a seasoned DIYer, you’ll need a variety of basic tools and gear.
By basic equipment, we mean two things. First, we mean equipment beyond what you already have in your home toolkit. (We assume you have a hammer, a hand saw, and a good tape measure, among sundry others.) Second, we also mean gear we’ve used frequently for our own DIY projects.
We’ve rounded up six such tools and gear below to help you get started.
1. A Reciprocating Saw
Cutting things by hand takes forever. Often, too, the result isn’t nearly as accurate as cutting with a power tool.
We actually know of a DIYer who built a complicated vertical planter with only a handsaw. He was sore for days afterward. Sure, it works, but we’re sure you have better things to do with your time.
The reciprocating saw is a “gateway tool.” It’s the tool you’ll need when you graduate to be a serious DIYer, taking on a repair or major remodeling.
This versatile machine-powered saw performs a cutting action through a push-and-pull motion of a blade. DIYers will use it for making both straight and curved cuts. You can also use it to prune young trees, among sundry other cutting tasks.
For novice DIYers, we recommend the DeWalt 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw. This saw is compact, lightweight, and quite easy to handle. But it will chew and cut through material better than most.
This power saw is 14.5 inches long and weighs just five pounds without the battery. Its features include a four-position toolless blade clamp and a bright LED light.
Why this power saw, in particular? Most saws won’t allow you to get in-between studs or joists, let alone around plumbing or electrical lines. The DeWalt’s 20 Volt Max XR compact saw will get you into those places and then make the cut you want.
This is hardly the most inexpensive reciprocating saw in the market. But it’s an excellent option for novice DIYers who want to start with small projects and basic home repairs.
2. A Cordless Power Drill
Whether you’re driving bolts to mount a picture frame or tightening hinges, a battery-powered drill means less hassle. You’ll never need to find a nearby outlet or snake a cord under and around furniture.
The DeWalt DCD771C2 is a 20-volt cordless, lithium-ion compact drill kit that offers excellent torque and speed. You’ll know this drill is made of durable and sturdy materials right from the start. It’s one of the lightest drills you’ll find at 3.6 lbs. Yet it feels good and solid in your hands.
The variable speed levels and powerful transmission on this DeWalt drill are excellent for most DIY drilling jobs. The built-in work light above the trigger offers decent illumination, too.
The battery will last an entire deck-building project, including the railing work. When completely charged, the unused battery should hold power for weeks, even more than a month!
Of course, you’ll need a set of good drill bits to go with your power drill. Dewalt’s 21-Piece Drill Bit Set will drill through galvanized metal without a scratch.
If you cock the bit wrong by accident, they have more flex than cheaper bits. They are less likely to snap. When they do snap, they have good steel in the middle rather than carbon!
You’ll also need Dewalt’s Screw Driver Bit Set. This set of 40-piece set boasts screwdriver bits in a wide variety of sizes. The set should meet all the demands and requirements of all your home DIY projects.
The bits are specifically engineered for impact driving. Each is designed to minimize the risk of breakage while you work. The result is reduced wobbles and drops, which means you spend less time picking up screws and more work.
3. A Jigsaw
Like the power drill and the reciprocating saw, the jigsaw is usually among the first tools a DIYer acquires. These tools are extremely versatile and are suitable for both novice and expert DIYers.
Jigsaws won’t cut perfectly straight lines unless you have a straight edge. But it’ll be useful for making small wood signs, wood trays, and other small projects. You’ll need it for cutting precise notches in DIY furniture, too.
We like the Black & Decker 4.5 amp Jig Saw for the job. Why? Well, for one, this corded jigsaw features impressive Curve Control technology.
This special cutting feature allows you to adjust the saw’s orbit to one of four customised settings. The manufacturers designed each to help you complete a specific cutting job. We think any DIYer would find this quite useful.
The tool is powered by a 4.5-Amp variable-speed motor, which delivers up to 3,000 spm of cutting force. It comes in a sturdy plastic casing, which minimizes weight and protects components from falls.
This power tool has a wire guard for a smooth and precise cutting experience, as well. The adjustable shoe meanwhile ensures stability regardless of the material you’re cutting. The shoe can bevel up to 45 degrees. This allows you to make bevel and miter cuts with its impressive 3/4″ stroke length.
The BDEJS600C is an excellent woodworking tool from a reputable company. Yet it’s not nearly as expensive as most of its rivals in the market. The durable design and powerful motor should get any jigsaw’s job done fast with nary a hiccup or hitch.
4. A Sander
The SKIL 5” Random Orbital Sander belongs on any essential tools list because finish quality makes or breaks a build. SKIL’s SR211601 smooths surfaces with a swirl-free pattern, so stain lines don’t telegraph through.
A 2.8-amp motor drives steady material removal. That solves the “why is this taking forever” problem on paint, filler, and hardwood.
A variable-speed dial ranges roughly 7,000–13,000 OPM. You can slow down to protect veneer and crank up to strip flats faster, which fixes burning and gouging on delicate edges.
An X-Flow cyclonic dust box captures debris in a clear canister. Lines stay visible and cleanup drops to a quick dump and tap. It’s designed for the box, not a vac hose, which avoids adapter hassles. Built-in vibration control with a soft, rubberized grip cuts tingling fingers. Longer sessions feel calmer and more accurate.
5. A Headlamp
A headlamp belongs on any essential tools list because hands-free light makes tight fixes safer and faster. GearLight’s S500 keeps your line of sight bright so small parts and wire colors stay visible.
USB rechargeable power ends the “dead AAA at 11 pm” problem. Plug into any USB port and top up with the included Micro-USB cable.
Seven lighting modes give you control for every task. White low to high for close work and a red beam with SOS for night vision and signals.
A 45° pivoting head lets you aim light without craning your neck. Point at the junction box or under-sink trap and keep both hands working. Lightweight build reduces fatigue on long repairs. The compact housing disappears on your forehead so you can focus on the cut or connector.
6. A Pair of Flexible Work Gloves
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a DIY project that ends exactly the way you planned. Building a vertical planter or a smoker with your own hands leaves you with a fulfilling sense of accomplishment.
What’s not so pleasant are splinters, scrapes, and blisters on your triumphant hands. The lesson? If you work with your hands, you need to protect them.
Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves are designed to help you do that. We took a close look at four of their most popular models.
The major selling point of these gloves is their overall utility. By that, we mean that they work for almost any trade or general application.
On your hands, these gloves will feel a bit light. That’s because Ironclad designed them to breathe and offer all-day comfort.
The general gloves have thermoplastic knuckle protection and a reinforced thumb and saddle. The hook and loop closure on the backside ensures that, once you put them on, they stay put.
Ironclad’s general utility work gloves are suited for a range of tasks. They’ll allow you to safely handle packages, work on vehicles, home repairs, and – of course – your DIY projects.
Common Mistakes With Essential Tools And Smart Fixes
Small mistakes with essential tools cause wasted materials, slow progress, and safety risks. Learn the errors new DIYers make most. Apply these fixes to build cleaner, faster, and safer projects.
Using Dull Blades And Bits
Dull teeth burn wood, tear fibers, and kick more dust. You push harder and lose control. Swap in sharp blades and bits before precision cuts. Match tooth count and speed to the material. Store edges protected to keep them sharp longer.
Using The Wrong Driver Or Bit
Stripped screws happen when the bit profile does not match. Phillips in a Pozidriv head chews metal fast. Check the head type and size. Seat the bit fully. Use impact-rated bits for impact drivers to reduce cam-out and breakage.
Over-Torquing Fasteners
Over-tightening crushes fibers and weakens joints. Metal threads can snap. Set clutch settings on a drill or use a torque wrench for critical hardware. Stop once the fastener seats and the joint closes. Add pilot holes to prevent splitting and reduce required torque.
Skipping Clamps And Workholding
Holding stock by hand invites slips and crooked cuts. Projects wander and fingers get close to danger. Use clamps, a vise, or a bench dog setup. Add cauls to spread pressure. Dry fit first. Mark reference faces so parts return to alignment.
Poor Measuring And Layout
Inaccurate layout wastes lumber and time. Bouncing between metric and imperial introduces errors. Pick one system for a project. Use a sharp pencil or knife for lines. Mark cut, waste, and orientation. Re-measure critical spans with a reliable tape and square.
Ignoring Dust Control
Fine dust harms lungs and hides lines. Sanding without extraction covers bearings and motors. Connect a shop vac with a HEPA filter. Use dust ports and bags. Wear a respirator during grinding and sanding. Clean filters often to maintain airflow.
Unsafe Cutting Stance And Support
Boards that pinch blades cause kickback. A wobbly sawhorse multiplies risk. Support work on stable stands. Keep the off-cut free. Stand balanced. Start cuts at full speed and let the tool work.
Bad Power And Battery Habits
Undersized extension cords starve motors. Mixed-age batteries in a kit fail early. Use heavy-gauge cords for long runs. Charge packs at room temperature. Rotate batteries. Store packs at 40–60% if idle. Inspect cords and replace cracked insulation.
Neglecting PPE And Lighting
Skipping eye protection turns small chips into injuries. Dim lighting hides hazards and layout marks. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Add task lighting at the bench and saw. Keep hands visible and shadows off the cut line.
Conclusion
Of course, these tools and gear are hardly all that a novice DIYer will need. You’ll need every piece of equipment in your home toolkit – and then some.
You’ll need safety goggles. You’ll likely need a miter saw at one point. You’ll also need a nail gun, a Kreg jig for pocket holes, clamps, a plumb bob, and a square, among many others.
The full range of tools you’ll need will be determined by your skills and the projects you choose. But the six tools and gear we’ve listed above are an excellent place to start.
