It’s been a while since I’ve shared my favorite DIY tools. There are so many I love because they make DIYing so much easier. I’m not saying you need every tool on this list for DIY projects, but this list will help you know which ones are worth investing in!
My garage workshop has become my DIY spot and my tools storage space. It’s magical to see where I started and where I am now! If you are a beginner DIYer I am so excited for you to start your journey. If you’ve got a handful of DIY projects under your belt, get ready to learn about the tools that will make your creating process faster and more enjoyable!
My 7 Most Used DIY Tools
I get asked all the time what tools I’m using, and what my favorites are. I’ve slowly been upgrading my tool collection over the years, and I’ve landed on a few top tools I reach for repeatedly.
My favorite tool brands are DeWalt, Craftsman, and Kobalt. Now, these brands can run a little more costly than others, so if you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, I used Ryobi for years before I upgraded to these bigger brands, and those tools worked great for me as well.
So let’s chat more about my favorite DIY tools at the moment that I use with the majority of my projects!
1. Brad Nailer
This Craftsman Brad nailer is my absolute favorite nail gun. It’s battery-powered, making it easy to transport and not super heavy to hold. This helps a ton when you’re nailing hundreds of nails into a wall for your DIY project! Plus, this tool makes for a cleaner finish because the nail heads are so tiny.
This one is definitely worth the purchase, especially if you have a handful of wood DIY projects on the horizon.
2. Miter Saw
Your entire world is going to change once you learn how to use a miter saw! This tool is a mounted saw blade that can swivel so you can cut your material at an angle. I love this Dewalt miter saw because it’s a compound miter saw which means it can tilt and cut at a bevel.
A miter saw is a must-have for pretty much any DIY you have planned. Consider it an essential tool for any serious DIYer (and I can guarantee you’ll use it a lot as a beginner as well!)
3. Electric Sander
If you often find yourself sanding down furniture or walls for your DIY projects by hand, you definitely need this electric sander! It will make your surface super smooth in a matter of seconds.
This DeWalt orbital sander is super user-friendly, and it’s pretty high-quality because of how it’s made. This sander will save you a ton of time sanding, and it will last you a really long time too!
4. Oscillating Tool
An oscillating tool is a super versatile tool that helps you reach those hard-to-reach spots in your DIYs. Different attachments allow you to cut, polish, sand, scrape, and even remove grout. I love to use mine for cutting into drywalls or baseboards.
This DeWalt cordless oscillating tool comes with several different attachments so the possibilities are endless! It’s definitely a super handy tool to have in your collection (and a must-have in my opinion).
5. Drill Kit
This drill kit is probably one of the most used tools in my garage. If you’re working on a DIY, I can guarantee you will always find a need for drilling something.
I love this DeWalt cordless drill kit because it comes with a battery charger and two batteries. The drill is nice and compact so it can fit in tiny spaces. Plus, I love the two different speeds it features so you can easily switch between drilling and fastening screws into place.
6. Multi-Tool
Next up, believe me when I say you need to get yourself a multi-tool. This tool comes in so handy during DIYs, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it over and over again.
I love this Zibra Open-It! Multi-Tool because it can do several different things in one handy tool! Need to open a box? It’s got you covered. Need to screw something together? It can help you there. Need to cut something really quick? Grab your multi-tool. It’s so nice to have because you can get rid of all of those other one-use tools and just pull this one out when you need it!
7. Pre Plastic Painters Tape
If you’re painting a large area or lots of areas at once, this pre plastic painters tape is going to be your best friend!
This ScotchBlue Pre Plastic Painters Tape takes away the aggravating step of spreading out plastic and then trying to align your painters tape in the exact spot to cover up the parts you want to protect. This product puts the plastic and tape together so all you have to do is apply it and get to painting!
Other Great DIY Tools
Now that you know my 7 must-have DIY tools, let’s chat about some other great tools to have that aren’t complete necessities, but that are still totally useful.
1. Circular Saw
A circular saw is such a game-changer! It’s small, portable, and versatile. You’d most likely use a circular saw when you need a quick cut on some plywood or drywall, but it can even cut PVC pipe, pavers, and more.
This Kobalt cordless circular saw is lightweight and super easy to manage, so sometimes this one is more convenient for your DIY project rather than a table saw!
2. Paint Sprayer
There’s something about a fresh coat of paint that makes something old look new again, and having a paint sprayer on hand helps to streamline the painting process so much.
A good paint sprayer like this HomeRight Super Finish Max Paint Sprayer will give you a nice clean look and will make your painting process SO much faster. You can use spray paint for tons of DIY projects, but I recommend this paint sprayer when you need to paint lots of space at once!
3. Clamp Set
You never know when a clamp will come in handy until you’re in the thick of a DIY project. I’ve used these Irwin Quick Grip clamps to help hold pieces together when building furniture or shelves. They’re also great for holding up plastic covers to cover things I don’t want to get sawdust, paint, etc. on while I’m working.
If you do a lot of woodworking you will definitely want this clamp set!
4. Laser Level
A laser level will come in handy whenever you hang pictures, install cabinets, or hang wall treatments. It’s a must-have for any project that requires clean, straight lines.
I like this Bosch laser level because it beams green lines (that are much easier to see than other colors), and it is super lightweight. This makes it much easier to manage when you’re holding it up to find those straight lines you need to create.
5. Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Tool
Do you have a project that requires you to make pocket holes? If so, you definitely need to get a pocket hole jig!
This Kreg pocket hole jig tool comes with everything you need to create nice and seamless pocket holes for your projects. It makes creating pocket holes so much easier by allowing you to clamp your piece of wood to the docking station and then drill the hole you need. Whenever I need pocket holes for my DIY projects I get so excited to use this tool because it makes this part of the project a breeze!
6. Wood Organizer
This Bora wood organizer is just really nice to have to help keep your projects organized. If you’re working on multiple woodworking projects at once, this wood organizer will help divide your wood and keep it up and off the ground and/or garage floor. It’s not a necessity, but it sure makes my DIY wood projects much more organized!
DIY Tools
I can’t wait for you to try out these new DIY tools and have them change your renovating world! Luckily, I’ve made a how-to video for a handful of these DIY tools on my YouTube channel! You can scroll through my DIY101 series and find a quick video tutorial on using your new tool safely.
Plus, here are a few more posts that will give you a bit more info on DIY tools and projects:
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok to see all my latest DIY projects and building tips. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced DIYer, I’d love for you to follow along!
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.
