Here it is: the long-requested list of our favorite DIY tools for anyone asking Santa for something tool-related this year—or for those hunting for the perfect gift for a handy friend or family member. None of these items paid us or provided perks; they’re simply the tools we use regularly and genuinely recommend. So let’s dive into the things that help us get the job done.
We previously covered a handful of small essentials in another post, so here’s a concise summary of those basics that are worth keeping on hand (and that also make great stocking stuffers):
- hammer
- crowbar
- flat head screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- tape measure
- plumber’s putty
- hacksaw
- drywall saw
- clamps
- liquid nails
- plumber’s tape
- box cutter
- X-Acto knife
- straight razors
- channel lock pliers (our DIY MVPs—useful for everything from stripped screws to rusted pipes)
- wrenches in various sizes
- needle-nose pliers
- level
- sandpaper
- caulk
- caulk gun
- spackle
- putty knife
- painter’s tape
- high-quality rollers (choose the nap for smooth or textured surfaces)
- mini foam rollers (perfect for furniture and cabinet doors)
- paint trays and drop cloths
- high-quality angled brushes
- an assortment of nails and screws
If you want more details on any of the small tools above, there’s a full breakdown in our earlier post. If buying everything at once feels overwhelming, consider grouping smaller items into themed gift sets. For example, a simple picture-hanging kit might include:
- level
- hammer
- picture nails, anchors, and screws
- spackle and a putty knife (for patching mistakes)
Or assemble a painting kit with:
- rollers
- brushes
- painter’s tape
- paint trays
- drop cloth (wrap the kit inside the drop cloth and tie it with twine for a neat presentation)
Now for the heavier-duty tools—those power tools that turn big jobs into much easier projects. Over the years we’ve added several to our collection and they’ve become indispensable:
- miter saw — excellent for crown molding, baseboard, and quick clean cuts on boards up to about 8″ wide, straight or angled
- wet saw — ideal for backsplash and bathroom tile, also useful for cutting patio pavers
- table saw — great for ripping long straight cuts and handling large boards or planks
- reciprocating saw — useful for demo and rough cutting, like removing old bushes or demoing framing
- jigsaw — handy for smaller, curved or imperfect cuts (used when removing built-ins or cutting irregular shapes)
- electric sander — indispensable for refinishing furniture or smoothing wood for builds
- cordless drill and drill bit set — the workhorse for drilling holes and driving screws
- Kreg Jig — makes pocket holes for strong, hidden joints when building furniture or shelving
- demolition hammer — powerful for removing tile and mortar; renting one is a smart option if you won’t use it often
Any of those power tools makes a fantastic gift—the projects they enable (a new bathroom, desk, gallery wall or kitchen upgrade) can be more valuable than an off-the-shelf present. For storage, we keep small tools and paint supplies in large kitchen drawers (temporarily in our sunroom while we reorganize) and the larger tools, like the miter saw, are stored in the basement.
We don’t insist on the most expensive brands—there’s no need to own a $500 saw to get great results. We also believe in renting or borrowing specialty tools you won’t use often. Start small: our first house began with just a hammer, a screwdriver, and a paintbrush, and that’s all you need to begin tackling projects. Buy one or two items based on your priority projects and add tools as needed.
Here are some brands and products we use and trust in our home:
- Stanley — reliable screwdrivers, tape measures, crowbars, box cutters, and mini sledgehammers
- Craftsman — solid hammers and a Craftsman miter saw we use
- Black & Decker — dependable cordless drills and sanders
- Frog Tape — our favorite painter’s tape for clean lines
- Sherwin-Williams — short-handled brush we use for trim
- Purdy — brushes and rollers we prefer for cutting in, painting furniture, and wall/ceiling work
- Skilsaw — our table saw and reciprocating saw are from this brand
- The Tile Shop — where we purchased our wet saw
- Sears — long-lasting wrench sets
- Grip-Rite — bulk boxes of screws, nails, and anchors
- 3M sandpaper — a broad range of grits for rough sanding and final smoothing
- DAP Caulk — we use the Premium Indoor/Outdoor Sealant and the 3.0 Kitchen & Bath caulk for tubs and sinks
- DAP Fast ‘N Final Lightweight Spackle — our go-to spackle for filling holes and touch-ups
We purposely don’t rely on a single high-end brand because many reasonably priced tools do the job well. Renting specialty equipment when needed is a cost-effective alternative and saves storage space. Remember: you don’t need everything at once. Prioritize the projects you plan to tackle and acquire tools gradually.
Happy tool hunting—may Santa bring everything on your list! If you have favorite tools that changed the way you work, we’d love to hear which ones you can’t live without and which brands have impressed you the most.
Note: none of the brands or products mentioned here paid or perked us for inclusion. These are tools we use and recommend based on our own experience.