Wondering what exactly you need to start your DIY journey? Look no further.
These 5 Tools are essential for any beginner DIY project.
Tool #1: Miter Saw
What is a Miter Saw and why do you need one?
A miter saw is a tool that lets you make cuts at different angles. The saw has a blade mounted on a swing arm that pivots left or right to make angled cuts. You can use a miter saw to quickly make cuts for trim, picture frames, shelves, and more. You'll find three variations:
Compound miter saw - blades that pivot left and right for angled cuts and tilt in a single direction for beveled cuts.
Dual compound miter saws - function like compound miter saws but dual compound miter saws can tilt both left and right and can quickly create bevels at any angle.
Sliding compound miter saws - have all the versatility of compound miter saws and a sliding feature, allowing you to move the blade forward and backward. The major advantage of the sliding feature is the increased length of cut it provides.
Splurge Option: DEWALT 15 Amp Corded 12 in. Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Save Option: RYOBI 12 in. Sliding Compound Miter Saw with LED
My Opinion: The RYOBI will get the job done .. however, I used my dad's DEWALT and the cutting is so smooth and I feel that it is more precise. You definitely get your money's worth. Before I got serious into DIY I purchased the RYOBI which I have used for almost all of my projects thus far and is a great beginner option.
Tool #2: Brad Nailer
What is a Brad Nailer and why do you need one?
A brad nailer is a powered nail gun that shoots18-gauge brads (small nails). A brad nailer is necessary for accent wall projects, trim work, or really any detailed type of wood work.
What to look for in a brad nailer? Ability to use a variety of different length nails, cordless, light weight, and a clear sight line where the nails come out.
* Remember to check if the cordless options come with a battery pack and charger!
Splurge Option: Milwaukee M18 FUEL GEN II 18-Volt 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
Save Option: RYOBI 18V Cordless AirStrike 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
I personally use a hand-me-down brad nailer (Kimo) from my Dad. This saved me some money and it's great quality. My only qualm is how heavy it can get!
Tool #3: Power Drill
What is a Power Drill and why do you need one?
Power Drills are necessary if you are building any framing for built-ins or sturdy furniture, or even hanging picture frames and shelves. These drills are used for driving screws or drilling holes into different materials. A cordless drill typically comes with a battery and a charger.
Splurge Option: DEWALT 20-Volt MAX Cordless Brushless Compact 1/2 in. Drill/Driver
Save Option: RYOBI 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit
Tool #4: Electric Sander
What is an Electric Sander and why do you need one?
Once you get started with your DIY projects you'll realize sanding is a necessary evil. In order to make your projects have a professional finish and look to them you will need to sand, sand, sand. That can be pretty labor intensive if you are doing it by hand with a typical sanding block. One way to overcome this is to invest in an electric sander. This will save both you time and energy!
Of course there are many different types of electric sanders as well:
Belt sanders - more powerful and really strip down wood (useful in re-finishing furniture, flooring, etc.)
RYOBI 6 Amp Corded 3 in. x 18 in. Portable Belt Sander
Corner Sander - just what it sounds like, can get into corners or small areas better than an orbital or belt.
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Corner Cat Finish Sander
Orbital Sander - used for fine sanding and more finish work.
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 5 in. Random Orbit Sander
* Sometimes the most hard to reach areas are best tackled by some good old fashion sand paper and elbow grease
Tool #5: Multi-tool
What is a Multi Tool and why do you need one?
A multi tool is a saw, scraper, sander, and grinder all in one hand tool. It reaches inaccessible places and can be paired with a variety of attachments allowing even more versatility especially among different materials: steel, aluminum, carpet, hard tile, soft tile, hardwood, softwood, and various plastics.
I've used a multi tool most along baseboard and trim!
Splurge Option: Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool
Save Option: RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Multi-Tool