Let’s be honest here. Any homeowner knows what it’s like to be forced (or tricked) into doing some work around the house. There’s no escaping it. For that reason, it’s in our best interest to learn a thing or two.
Some people love it and have a real knack for it. Some are terrified, but with the right attitude, responsible approach and quality tools, everyone can do the bare minimum required to keep the household afloat. Today, we’d like to focus on that last part – the tools. Here are some true hidden gems that can be great additions to any experienced or aspiring DIYer’s collection. Some of them you can find online, some in your local tool store or paint shop.
Magnetic Pickup Tool
If your project involves dealing with a never-ending sea of screws, nuts, bolts and other tiny parts, the magnetic pickup tool is a real lifesaver. Say goodbye to spending half an hour with a magnifying glass trying to find that one missing piece on the floor. Most models feature a telescopic design and, of course, the magnetic tip, which basically does all the work. You could also consider getting a magnetic bowl to keep all the tiny, but necessary parts safely in place.
Paint Can Opener
This simple tool should be in any DIY enthusiast’s collection. It’s basic but essential. Any painting project around the house is obviously going to require opening some cans of paint. With a paint can opener, you can do it effortlessly without damaging the lid. Some models often feature a small hammer-like handle to make closing the lid much easier.
Digital Protractor
It’s also known as an angle finder tool and it’s absolutely essential for most painting projects, especially if you have to cut in edges and corners. It provides accurate and precise measurements and it’s much more convenient than its traditional counterpart. Straight lines are a non-negotiable part of a successful paint job and with a quality protractor – that’s what you get.
Tape Measure
Source: thisoldhouse.com
Another basic tool, but a necessary one for so many reasons. The most important one? Versatility. Think about how many projects you can use it for. Especially if you factor in the price. And it’s not even about DIY anymore – just imagine you need to buy a new bed, but you’re not sure it fits through the door or into your room. It just makes sense to have one.
Headlamp
This is a great choice for everyone – from professionals to aspiring DIY enthusiasts. You don’t have to bother anybody with the whole “hold your flashlight” kind of thing and make sure the visibility is at least adequate. There are quite a few different models available with various beams and light intensity settings.
A lot of DIY work happens indoors, and the lighting isn’t always the best. And whatever you’re doing – precision is always a big part of any project. But when you can’t see what you’re doing…
Hex Keys
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Have you ever had a chance to buy one of those marvellous yet affordable pieces of furniture from the quaint little woodworking shop called IKEA? If so, you know hex keys, also known as Allen wrenches, all too well. They are incredibly versatile and simply put – essential.
We do recommend buying a quality set instead of those disposable ones that come with a furniture set. We guarantee you’re not going to regret this and get plenty of use out of it. Plus, you’ll be ready for whatever. That’s not a corner you should cut.
Putty Knife
Simple, reliable and useful. Is there anything else we should look for in a tool? Putty knives, sometimes called paint spatulas or paint scrapers, are a perfect choice for some simple drywall repairs and more. The main part is the flexible blade, which gives the user more control and comfort.
They come in a wide variety of different sizes, but 3-inch models are considered most fitting for most projects. One last tip, it’s best to find one with a good ergonomic handle – material is not that important, it should simply feel good in your hand.
Power Tools
This is a whole group of different kinds of tools you can use for various projects. Let’s start with a mouse sander, the perfect tool for refinishing furniture around the house. A power drill is another example, and honestly – apart from painting maybe – you’re going to get a ton of use out of it. Go for a cordless version for more convenience.
This next item on our short list is a bit more heavy-duty, but there’s no reason to be intimidated. Circular saw can be an incredibly useful tool – both powerful and precise. With most models, it’s possible to adjust the height and depth of the cut.
Check out our article on new or secondhand woodworking machines and decide what option is best for you.
Manual Tools
We can’t talk about DIY projects without showing manual tools some well-deserved love. It’s fairly simple – you’ve got your hammers, mullets, nails, screwdrivers, wrenches, utility knives and pliers. A caulk gun is probably a good idea too – it’s an interesting addition that has a lot to offer.
If you do decide to get one, make sure you’ll also add a caulk smoother, which can make things much easier and help you keep the mess to the absolute minimum. Of course, a quality pair of protective eyewear is a non-negotiable staple of any DIYer. Whether you’re painting, sanding, gluing, or woodworking, your eyes need to be safe and sound.
Spirit of DIY
Obviously, that short list doesn’t include all of the things your toolbox could or should include. It’s just a combination of the most basic tools and some interesting novelties. DIY can mean so many different things that it’s virtually impossible to predict the specific requirements of a given project.
But the most important thing is this – don’t get all caught up in buying new gadgets. Try your best to stick to the basics. At the end of the day, your willingness to work on your DIY skills is going to determine how successful your projects are going to turn out.
