You often ask which tools we consider essential for DIY projects, and I’m still surprised to be the person people turn to for tool recommendations. Growing up, I never imagined I’d enjoy trips to the hardware store—I remember my first set of screwdrivers from my dad and wondering what I’d ever use them for. Fast forward to now: at 32 I own more tools than I can count (and always want more), including those original screwdrivers.
Becoming a homeowner is what changed everything. I discovered quickly that the right tool can make a job smoother, faster, and better. I’ve been cautious with powerful tools—my approach is more “sufficient power” than “more power”—and I still avoid anything that feels too dangerous. But over the years my comfort with power tools has grown as I tried them safely and realized they let me complete projects without injury. My partner is right there with me, ready to help or fire them up.
Some power tools have been absolute game changers for our projects—boosting our confidence, acting as gateway tools, and becoming things we can’t live without. Here are five tools that transformed how we DIY.
#1 – Power drill / driver – A modest cordless drill is often the first power tool people buy for good reason. Our small 12V drill/driver has been one of the best purchases we made early on. It’s perfect for driving screws and drilling small holes, and it makes routine tasks like hanging pictures or assembling furniture much faster. A hex screwdriver bit set will speed up the next Ikea build dramatically. We’ve since moved to an 18V model so the battery works with other cordless tools in our collection.
#2 – Miter saw – Power saws intimidated me at first, but borrowing a miter saw to install trim during a bathroom remodel changed my mind. Cutting accurate 45° angles was easy, fast, and satisfying—it felt great to conquer that fear. Learning to use saws opened up a wide range of projects, from cutting plywood with a circular saw to ripping boards on a table saw. Once you get comfortable with a miter saw, many projects that once felt out of reach become doable.
#3 – Kreg jig – Technically not a power tool, but the Kreg jig deserves a spot on this list because it was pivotal in my building journey. Using it with a drill simplified joining wood, which encouraged me to start building shelves, furniture, and even cabinets. It removes a lot of guesswork and makes strong, concealed pocket-hole joints easy to achieve. While we now use other fast methods at times, the Kreg jig remains a staple for many projects.
#4 – Nail gun – I was wary of nail guns for a long time, but after hours of sore arms from hand-nailing crown molding, we bought a nail gun and immediately saw the difference. It turned a multi-day task into something we could complete in a fraction of the time. For many projects, glue plus nails is faster than pocket holes and screws, so the nail gun replaced the Kreg for speed in certain builds. It’s made installing trim, attaching ceiling boards, and many finish tasks much easier and quicker.
#5 – Paint sprayer – Our paint sprayer is the newest tool to join the lineup and it’s proven invaluable for large painting tasks. Spraying trim, doors, and cabinet doors saved us days of work and produced smooth, professional-looking finishes when used carefully. That said, paint sprayers require careful prep to avoid overspray and thorough cleaning after use, so they’re not always the fastest choice for every job. We use ours strategically—removable cabinet doors and trim that can be sprayed outdoors or in a garage are great candidates—while still relying on brushes and rollers for detail work.
Those are the five tools that have had the biggest impact on how we DIY. They helped us build confidence, speed up projects, and expand the range of work we can tackle. What tools do you consider essential? Are there any we should add to our collection?
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