Best DIY Tools: Essential Hand and Power Tools for Home Projects

Here it is—the much-requested guide to our favorite DIY tools, perfect if you’re asking Santa for something tool-related this year or trying to choose a gift for a handy friend. None of the tools below paid us or provided perks; they’re simply the ones we use most often. This list covers small hand tools, painting supplies, and the power tools that make bigger jobs faster and cleaner. Read on for practical suggestions and gift-kit ideas.

Basic Hand Tools Everyone Should Own

Before diving into power tools, it’s smart to have a foundation of basic hand tools. These are inexpensive, versatile, and will get you through countless small repairs and projects:

• Hammer
• Crowbar
• Flat head screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Plumber’s putty
• Hacksaw
• Drywall saw
• Clamps
• Liquid Nails
• Plumber’s tape
• Box cutter
• Exacto knife
• Straight razors
• Channel lock pliers (our DIY MVPs—useful for stripped screws and rusted pipes)
• Wrenches of various sizes
• Needle-nose pliers
• Level
• Sandpaper
• Caulk and caulk gun
• Spackle and putty knife
• Painter’s tape
• An assortment of nails and screws

Painting Supplies That Make a Difference

Painting projects run smoother with the right supplies. Investing in a few quality items saves time and improves the final result:

• High-quality rollers (choose rollers labeled for smooth or textured surfaces)
• Mini foam rollers (ideal for furniture and cabinet doors)
• Paint trays and drop cloths
• High-quality angled brushes (great for trim and furniture)
• Painter’s tape (we prefer Frog Tape for crisp lines)

If you need gift ideas that don’t break the bank, group tools by project. For example, a picture-hanging kit could include a level, hammer, picture nails and anchors, spackle, and a putty knife. A painting kit could include rollers, brushes, painter’s tape, paint trays, and a drop cloth—wrapped in the drop cloth and tied with twine for a neat presentation.

Power Tools Worth Adding to Your Workshop

When you’re ready to step up to heavier projects, a handful of power tools will expand what you can build and renovate. We’ve used all of these, and they’ve handled everything from trim work to tile demo:

• Miter saw — Great for clean angled and straight cuts on crown molding, baseboard, and boards up to about 8″ wide.
• Wet saw — Ideal for backsplash and bathroom tile, and useful for cutting patio pavers.
• Table saw — Best for long, straight cuts on larger boards or planks.
• Reciprocating saw — Like a mini chainsaw; great for demo work, including cutting through old bushes or framing.
• Jigsaw — Handy for curved or irregular cuts and detailed demo work.
• Electric sander — Speeds furniture refinishing and smoothing wood surfaces.
• Cordless drill and drill bit set — Essential for drilling and driving screws.
• Kreg Jig — Makes pocket holes for strong, concealed joints in furniture and shelving.
• Demolition hammer — Useful for tearing out stubborn tile and mortar; renting one is a good money-saving option for infrequent use.

Storage and Practical Tips

We store small tools and painting supplies in large kitchen drawers and keep bulkier equipment like the miter saw in the basement. You don’t need every tool at once—start with basics and add tools as projects require. Renting specialty tools for occasional tasks is an efficient way to save money and avoid clutter.

Brands and Products We Use Regularly

There are many good brands; here are the ones that have worked well for us:

• Stanley — screwdrivers, tape measures, crowbars, box cutters, mini sledgehammers.
• Craftsman — reliable hammers and our miter saw.
• Black & Decker — cordless drills and sanders we’ve used often.
• Frog Tape — our go-to painter’s tape for sharp paint lines.
• Purdy — brushes and rollers that perform well on trim and walls.
• Skilsaw — our table saw and reciprocating saw are from this brand.
• Grip Rite — screws, nails, and anchors in bulk.
• 3M — sandpaper in a wide range of grits for different sanding needs.
• Dap — caulks and spackle we use for most indoor jobs.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a top-of-the-line, expensive tool collection to make big improvements. We started renovating with just a hammer, a screwdriver, and a paintbrush. Prioritize what projects you’ll tackle and acquire one or two tools at a time. Rent or borrow specialty equipment when needed. Above all, enjoy the process—there’s nothing like the satisfaction of fixing or creating something with your own hands.

We’d love to hear which tools you rely on most. Do you have any life-changing favorites or brands you swear by? Share your must-have items and tips so other DIYers can benefit.

P.S. None of the companies mentioned paid us or perked us—these are products we genuinely use and recommend.