35 Essential Beginner DIY Tools That You Actually Need
Have you always wanted to DIY your own home renovation projects but don’t know how to get started? If you are new to the world of home DIY projects I was in the same place a few years ago and I wish I had this no-fluff beginner DIYers tools list that I’m sharing with you today. This is a comprehensive list of basic tools that every homeowner and amateur DIY-er should have on hand for various tasks from woodworking to hanging up artwork. If you’re ever walked in home depot and felt overwhelmed with all the different materials and tools, you’re in for a treat.
One of the most frequently asked questions I get on my Instagram is what are the best stools for a DIY beginner. Having the right tools makes a huge difference when you’re starting out and saves additional cost. Through a lot of trial and error, I now know what my favorite tools are which take me from small projects to bigger jobs.
When I entered the world of DIY, I had no idea where to begin and the first tool I bought was a mitre saw! Not a good idea if you’re new to power tools! It was a basic model which sat in my garage for a month before I actually used it. That too without safety glasses! Do not recommend it, guys. Please make sure your first project is a small one. But I digress.
If you’d like to see an actual picture of me using my first Ryobi 7″ Miter saw, here you go, it does not disappoint.
Before we dive into my must-have tools list, if you are looking for some specific DIY projects to start for your own home here are some of my most popular tutorials:
DISCLAIMER – I am not an authority on tools, nor do I claim to be an expert. This list is based on my personal experience as a DIY-er and homeowner.
This list of essential tools, from hand tools to the best power tools, will get you through ALL the projects I have on my blog and Instagram. To make it easier, I’ll tell you why each tool is a great addition and what its basic purpose is. Don’t throw out any old tools because you might already have some of these but I’m still including all the great beginner DIY tools along with the slightly more advanced tools that will cover a variety of projects:
Essential Beginner Tools for the DIY Enthusiast
Tape Measure
A good tape measure will be your best friend. You don’t want something dinky that slaps your wrist when you let go of the tape. Trust me I’ve had bad experiences with tape measures 😀 They come in different lengths and having a 25′ tape is a good idea. Yay for accurate measurements!
Hammer
I carry two kinds of hammers in my tool bag one is a regular hammer and the other is a non-marring kind which helps avoid dents and marks on the surface you’re striking. You can get away with just a regular hammer too.
Screwdrivers
A good screwdriver set is the backbone of your tool kit and it’s good to have a variety of heads. My tip would be to get a set that’s magnetized because it’s so easy to keep dropping screws without that. This is separate from drill bits for electric drills.
Laser Level and Bubble Level
From hanging artwork to installing molding, you will need a level to make sure everything is straight and perfectly aligned. No one likes a crooked painting right? Why do I need both? If you plan on doing trim work, a laser level makes it super easy to project a straight line onto a surface and you don’t have to keep holding a level. I alternate between the two as needed. Additionally, a laser level makes hanging gallery walls or aligning wallpaper so much easier. A regular bubble level is more convenient to use and move around for smaller jobs such as making sure surfaces are plumb or frames aren’t wonky.
Box Cutter/Utility Knife
Slices through old caulk on baseboards you’re removing, opens all those boxes you’ll get for your projects, and beyond.
Painter’s Tape
The humblest little tool but so useful for every project. You will go through rolls of painter’s tape like nobody’s business. From painting walls to visualizing projects, painter’s tape is a must-have.
Caulking Gun
Any kind of decorative wood project like molding or trim work will need caulk to fill in the gaps and you definitely don’t want to do that without a caulking gun!
Putty Knife
From filling in nail holes to scraping off unwanted paint, a putty knife is a versatile tool to have.
Multi Tool
This little guy has all the tools you need in one cute little package. Works great in a pinch and I love having one inside the house for different things!
Pry Bar
A savior for yanking off nails or removing baseboard. I even used mine for removing old tiles.
Stud Finder
You probably have one already but if you don’t, get one immediately! It makes your life easier when putting up anything like a heavy mirror or wall sconces so you can easily detect where studs are in the wall. I love the magnetic ones like the Stud Buddy, so easy to use.
Ladder
If you’re 5’1” like me, you’ll need one for kitchen cabinets, too. I recommend getting a smaller step ladder and then a larger 8′ one.
Clamps
Clamps are very useful as an extra set of hands or just to hold pieces of wood together. I used them in my art ledge project just as an example.
Assortment of Nails
I like having picture hanging nails at hand because I’m always adding artwork to my walls!
Set of Pliers
You need a good set of pliers to yank out a nail or to grip something or cut wires etc.
Socket Wrench Set
I don’t use a socket wrench set often but Hassaan swears by it and thinks every homeowner should have it around for various functions. Any bolts or sockets will require this set.
Woodworking Speed Square
This is something I wish I had bought a long time ago. It comes in handy when you want to make straight lines or 90 degree lines on wood.
Cordless Drill
A good drill driver is the most versatile power tool that will get you through installing artwork to drilling into studs. It does the job of a screwdriver but much faster and can drill holes for installing screws.
Impact Drill
Big brother to the cordless power drill, this guy has a lot of power and making screwing into wood a lot easier. Great tool to have in your kit.
Drill Bits
You need a variety of drill bits for your power drill to make different sized holes.
Driver Bits
Same as above, these are for driving screws using your impact drill or regular cordless drill.
Staple Gun
From upholstery to art projects, you should have a manual or electric one in your kit. I prefer an electric one because it’s easier to staple into harder material like wood.
Glue Gun
Not just a crafting tool! Can also be used for household necessary repairs.
Brad Nailer/Nail Gun
The cordless brad nailer is probably my most favorite tool from my best DIY tools list. You’ll need a nail gun for most woodworking projects, decorative or otherwise. It comes in handy for wall paneling as an example. Grab a bunch of brad nails too while you’re at it. Start with 1 and 2″ nails.
Compound Miter Saw
We’re getting into the slightly more advanced tool category now. My miter saw is a power horse and oh my god it opened the door to so many new projects when I bought it. If you think you’re going to do a lot of DIY projects around the house I highly recommend getting the 10″ Sliding Miter Saw so you can cut larger pieces of wood. I wish I had bought that instead of my regular Miter Saw. Even though it cuts wood like butter I wish I had gone up a size to be able to cut wider pieces of wood. Believe it or not, a Miter Saw is not as intimidating as it looks. Definitely a good choice for a beginners essential toolkit.
Circular Saw
Let me preface this by saying that I do not own a circular saw BUT that’s only because I have a table saw and find it easier to use. They’re both great for making straight cuts on larger boards. It’s a personal preference whichever one you find easier to use. I like having a table saw because I can make more precise cuts with it for larger projects.
Oscillating Multi Tool
Looks scary but it’s just a cutting tool on steroids. Makes cutting into drywall or baseboard so much easier!
Jigsaw
From craft projects to beadboard, a jigsaw will make projects so much easier. I mostly use it to make cut outs for sockets when I’m doing wall paneling or shiplap or to create jagged edges on my distressed wood projects! You can find one at a great price, no need to get the best one on the market.
Random Orbital Sander
You will need a power sander for any woodworking project. No need to get a fancy belt sander, a regular orbital sander or even a mouse sander works great. A mouse sander is good for getting into corners.
Assortment of Screws and Anchors
A DIYer should always have a variety of screws and anchors in your toolkit to be able to hang anything in a jiffy!
Safety Goggles
If you’re working with a saw you need to be wearing one of these! You don’t want a splinter in your eye 😐
Dust Mask
Other than virus protection you need a dust mask for woodworking or spray painting.
Ear Protection
Wear while hammering or while using the impact drill or any power tools for that matter. Repeat after me: Tinnitus is not fun.
Tool Belt
I went years without using one and it was such a game changer when I got a tool belt! Having various materials like screws and nails handy in a tool belt is awesome.
Tool Bag
You need a place to store all your new tools and keep everything organized.
You might have noticed I don’t have any paint brushes or rollers on here. That my friends, might be an entirely different post some day with painting essentials on a beginners guide to painting! I hope you found this beginners tool kit essentials list helpful! These guys will be your ride or die buddies whether you need them for hanging artwork, filling holes from hanging artwork gone wrong (happens to the best of us), simple home repair tasks or even reupholstering dining chairs.
Tools can be expensive and not knowing which ones you actually need is frustrating, but I’ve got you. The list I created for you is long, and no, you don’t need it all immediately, but once you’re able to acquire it all, you’ll be fully suited up to take on anything your house throws at you (or you throw at it). Promise me you’re going to read all safety features before you begin? Excellent!
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