9 Essential Tools for DIY Projects

If you have the proper tools and gear, you can tackle home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you’re building a dresser from reclaimed pieces of wood or fixing a window treatment, it’s easier to complete a DIY project when you have all the necessary hand tools at your disposal.

To complete a home renovation project, you need the right set of DIY tools to get the job done.

1. 1. Hammer: A hammer is a multipurpose tool that you can use for many DIY jobs in your home, like repurposing furniture, hanging art, or installing a headboard. Select a hammer with a smooth face, a claw for removing nails, and a vibration-dampening grip to minimize strain on your hands, wrists, and elbows.
2. 2. Drill: A cordless drill is an essential power tool for DIYers. A drill is useful for making holes, and you can attach a screwdriver bit to drive screws quickly (placing less strain on your wrist than you would if you used a screwdriver). Having multiple drill bit sets on hand will ensure you’re ready to take on any small or large project.
3. 3. Screwdriver: Jobs like assembling cabinetry or installing lighting in your home will require a screwdriver. Add a few screwdrivers of different sizes, both Phillips and flat-head, your toolbox.
4. 4. Tape measure: Invest in a soft ribbon tape measure and a retractable tape measure to ensure you can accurately measure the size of any area or surface in your home.
5. 5. Level: A level is a handy tool for ensuring that a surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical. It can be difficult to gauge whether a plane is flat with the naked eye, but a level allows you to correctly align floating shelves, a mounted television, a tapestry, or a picture frame.
6. 6. Tape: Duct tape, masking tape, painter’s tape, electrical tape, and double-sided tape are all useful adhesives for different types of DIY projects. You can use painter’s tape for jobs like painting trim and duct tape for repairing holes.
7. 7. Wrench: An adjustable wrench is one of the best tools for adjusting nuts and bolts. Wrenches are handy for fixing and installing appliances or replacing a plumbing fixture.
8. 8. Pliers: Locking pliers and needle-nose pliers are two must-have tools for DIY enthusiasts. Pliers can grip onto nuts, bolts, or other fixtures when you can’t reach them with your fingers or a wrench. You can use pliers to tighten and loosen hardware or remove rusted screws from your furniture. Pliers are useful for reupholstering couches or splicing wires.
9. 9. Safety gear: Most DIY projects require safety gear. Gloves, safety goggles, and masks can protect your hands and face from harmful chemicals or sharp objects. Keep your gear clean, and have an extra set available in case of emergencies.

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