There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing up a DIY carpentry project or finally getting around to fixing that door that’s been squeaking for weeks. Handling your own minor repairs can save you thousands of dollars in handyman callouts over the years; plus, it’s just fun.
Every good DIY hobbyist needs a solid set of tools that will always get the job done, but it can be challenging to decide what really needs to go into your gear bag. You may drop $100 on a tool that you use maybe once every two years, or you’ll find yourself right in the middle of a project, only to find that what you have doesn’t make the cut.
Never fear, though! This article will give you a good idea of what you’ll really need to tackle anything around the house in style so that you can roll up to the tool supply store with the perfect shopping list.
WD-40
A good can of WD-40, available at any hardware store, can work wonders. Whether it’s easing out a stripped nail without splitting the wood or helping you change your all-season tires, this magical substance was designed to curb corrosion on Atlas missiles back in 1953 and has become a staple of every toolbox the world over. It was even used on the Friendship VII space shuttle, which saw John Glenn circling the Earth to better understand our beautiful planet. Rest assured, it can tackle anything you need with ease.
Knife Sharpener
There are few things more annoying than trying to cut some paracord, only to find that your knife is too dull to get the job done. You can use a box cutter and replace the blades, but they’re not sturdy enough for many projects you might find yourself working on, causing even more frustration.
This is why popping a knife sharpener in your toolbox can save you a great deal of hassle. Simply pull your knife through the coarse section, then finish it with the fine grit, and you’ll find your blade is razor-sharp and ready to handle even the toughest job. Many also come with diamond grit for those unusual specialty knives you might have lying around for specific jobs.
Be sure to grab an extra one for the kitchen so that you’re not destroying your meat while trying to cut it into finer slices: a sharp knife equals a happy life.
Cordless Drill
Lightweight and portable, a good cordless drill is your best friend in times of need. Interchangeable tips allow you to tighten screws or pre-drill holes to ensure that you don’t damage your walls when hammering in nails to hang a picture.
One of the best on the marketplace for hobbyists is the DeWalt cordless drill with a rechargeable battery. Many DeWalt rechargeable batteries can be interchanged between products, making it easier to get all your work done without waiting around to see the green light on the charger.
Laser Level
A bubble level is cheap and convenient for smaller projects, but when precision really matters, you need a laser level to get the job done. These project a straight line across a work surface so that you can be sure that you’re hitting the correct angle, whether you’re scoring plywood or making sure that your drill lines are even.
The best part is that they work over a much longer surface than a bubble level, which may only be a few inches in length. As you run the risk of messing up the more frequently you move the level, being able to project several feet will ensure that you’re level all across an entire wall if necessary.
Pry Bar
A pry bar can be used for a variety of purposes, including popping out baseboards when you’re repainting a room, opening cans of paint, or pulling out nails. They’re long and sturdy so you can be assured that you get great leverage no matter what you’re working with, and their slim head ensures that you won’t be scratching up the surface.
These are much easier to use than simply jamming the back of a hammer between the surfaces and hoping it works; plus, they can also be used to scrape surfaces, such as helping to clear away the last of paint from a project.
We all know that wrenches, hammers, and pliers are an important part of a DIY enthusiast toolbox, but there are many other products that can make your projects easier without spending a lot of money. Versatility, affordability, and ease of use are critical factors when deciding what should take up space in your kit, and these products deliver on all fronts. Be sure to pick up these essential items at a reputable tool shop so that you’re ready for your next home repair adventure.
