Must-Have Tools for DIYers: The Ultimate List

But first… Tool Kits and Bundles

One of the best things to get started if you’re a new homeowner or new DIYer is a toolkit.

Tool kits include so many of the must-have tools for DIYers all in one go without having to purchase individual tools. Plus, they’re conveniently all stored in one case for easy organization and storage.

Shop around on Amazon for the tool kit that best suits you, but I highly recommend the DEKOPRO brand as it’s the best bang for your buck. They have a lot of configurations, but this tool kit seemed to be the best all around.

The only downfall to tool kits is they don’t include everything you would need. But they’re pretty dang close and include the best tools to get you started!

Another great investment you can make upfront is a power tool bundle that includes almost all the power tools you’d ever need (it’s missing a nail gun). That’s exactly what we did when moving into our home!

The Essentials

The essentials section includes the most basic tools and items you should always have on hand as a DIYer, no matter your skill level. You’re bound to be grabbing for these must-have tools for DIYers at some point.

Don’t be intimidated by the number of items! Most of them are relatively cheap which makes this list easier to manage.

However, if you truly need everything on this list, you don’t have to buy it all at once! Think through all steps of your project and get exactly what you need.

Then over time, you can rack up the rest of the tools.

Everything in this section is labeled as the essentials because it’s all the tools you might need to buy immediately upon moving into your home or starting a new project!

1. Tape Measure

First on our list of must-have tools for DIYers is a tape measure! It doesn’t matter what project you are tackling, there’s a high chance you’re going to need one of these guys.

This is hands down one of the best tape measures out there. Craftsman makes quality products, seriously all of our tools are Craftsman. The best feature about this is that when you pull the tape out, it will stay out. It won’t snap back at you until you press the release button – and even then you won’t be flinching. 🙂

If I could deem a tool the most useful tool in the world, it’d be this tape measure!

2. Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are an essential tool for your home. You’ll need multiple sizes too depending on the project. You might be wondering why you would need those short, tiny little screwdrivers.

Believe me, one day you’re going to be in a position where you’ll need a tiny screwdriver and you’ll be happy you have one.

3. Drill

A drill is basically an automatic screwdriver, but it helps a tremendous amount when you’re completing DIY projects. It makes drilling pilot holes and screwing in screws an absolute breeze. There are very few DIY home projects that aren’t going to need a drill! 

4. Drill Bits

It’s basically like that book if you give a mouse a cookie…if you get a drill, you’re going to need drill bits.

I own these exact ones and they have never let me down! You don’t need a million drill bits – this DEWALT pack has all standard sizes. They’re great quality and SO strong – it’ll be a long time before you’ll need to replace them.

5. Level

When it comes to levels, it is best to have two sizes: 9-inch and 24-inch. The 9-inch level will come in handy for you’re smaller DIY projects. While the 24-inch level will be super useful for those bigger woodworking projects. You shouldn’t need anything bigger for your standard DIY home project!

6. Stud Finder

A stud finder with a screen that shows you where the center and edges are of the stud? Yes, please! You might think a screen is overkill with a stud finder, but it’s actually very handy when you’re trying to hit the dead center of a stud. It can also find deep studs, metal, and detect electricity.

I bought this one off Amazon and I’ve been using it ever since. You won’t regret this purchase!

7. Hand Saw + Miter Box

One of the first items I purchased when I worked on my board and batten accent wall, was this hand saw + miter box combo. You can seriously just sit this box on the ground and saw away (obviously being cognizant of the floor underneath).

That’s exactly how I cut all of my boards for the accent wall before I upgraded my DIY tool kit!

For an upgraded hand saw, give this one a try.

RELATED POST: Easy DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall (Step-By-Step Guide)

8. Hammer

The hammer is absolutely one of the must-have tools for DIYers. Whether you’re hammering in nails to connect wood pieces together, or you’re using one for prying boards apart, this is the classic tool that you’ll see on every workbench.

9. DAP Spackle

Every DIYer needs some DAP spackle. Why? Because every true DIYer needs to cover up a mistake, or someone else’s mistake that came before you. It’s pretty straightforward how to use it, but if not, check out my related post below to see how to patch a hole in the wall!

RELATED POST: How to Fix a Dent in a Wall (Or Hole) – 3 Insanely Easy Steps!

10. Putty Knife

A putty knife goes hand-in-hand with the DAP spackle from above. This will help you apply the DAP spackle. But a putty knife is actually multi-purpose as it can help with scraping things like old wallpaper from the wall. Nice!

11. Sandpaper

Sandpaper is SO necessary to always have on hand if you’re a true DIYer. It’s extremely versatile as it can be used in so many scenarios. I recommend getting a variety pack of different grits so you have the right thing for every occasion!

You can sand down an old finish to get it ready for an upgrade. Or sand down that patch you just fixed on the wall with your DAP Spackle. 😉

12. Pliers

Pliers are another essential for the DIY tool kit. For example, if you ever change an outlet or switch, you’ll need a set of pliers to untwist the wires from the old outlet and tighten it around the new one.

You can also use them for prying nails out of baseboards or trim pieces when things don’t go the way you intended!

13. Groove Joint Pliers

Groove joint pliers are a different kind than the above long-nose pliers. My husband and I use these a lot when we’re doing basic plumbing work, in place of an adjustable wrench. They’re just so easy to grip and handle when you’re getting down and dirty.

You’ll love having the option of the larger and smaller one depending on what project you’re working on.

14. Painter’s Tape

One of the most basic DIY items you need in your home is some blue painter’s tape. Yes, painting is considered DIY! And any time you paint, you’re going to want some blue tape. Painting is probably the most common and most frequent DIY project you’ll take on.

Blue tape, specifically the Scotch Sharp Lines version, is perfect for getting those crisp lines. Your work will really be looking sharp!

15. Painting Supplies

I would have loved to find this pack of painting supplies when I first moved into my house. This is seriously everything you need for painting! It includes an angled paintbrush, paint roller, paint roller covers, a paint tray, and paint tray liners.

Plus, the Purdy brand is incredibly top-notch when it comes to paint essentials. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a high-quality paintbrush for a great-looking finished product. And if you take care of your paintbrushes, you can reuse them multiple times!

Paint Opener and Stir Stick

You’ll need a paint can opener and stir stick for any painting project, so it’s great to always have these at the ready in your DIY tool belt. Luckily, paint openers are typically less than a dollar at Home Depot and Lowe’s, and paint sticks are on the house! You can find both of these right at the paint counter.

16. Sponge Brushes

For any project where you plan to stain wood, which is bound to happen being the DIYer that you are, sponge brushes are going to be essential. You will need them to stain and seal your wood.

These are also known as foam brushes.

I have so many of them in my house for any staining project that might randomly pop up at any given moment! 😏 Don’t forget to check out the below-related post for how to stain butcher block to get a glimpse of how these are used in action!

RELATED POST: An Extremely Easy Guide On How to Stain Butcher Block

17. Utility Knife

A utility knife is a DIYer’s best friend when it comes to getting a precision cut with wallpaper or cutting fabric that you’re using to reupholster that piece of furniture.

It can be a huge help in scoring things like some LVT flooring upon installation, new drywall, or any other project where you might need some help in the cutting department.

18. Goggles

Safety first – add pair of goggles to your list of must-have tools for DIYers!

When you’re sawing or using any tools that could send tiny particles flying, this will protect your eyes from all of that bad stuff. My recommendation is to get a pair or two of goggles that have more of the sunglasses style with the arms, as opposed to the strap – I guess those are really considered safety glasses lol.

I’ve gone through multiple goggles with straps where the strap ends up breaking.

Looking for an extremely cute pair of safety glasses that will keep you in style while you’re in full DIY mode? Check this adorable pair out! They’re styled after the aviator and have a cute gold frame. I have them, and while they may be slightly big, I wear them every time! 

19. Masks

Another safety item that all DIYers should be required to have at home are safety masks. Just like your eyes, you need to protect your lungs. And no one does safety masks better than 3M.

They sell even heavier-duty masks than this, but I always go back for these when I run out.

If you’re staining, sealing, cutting materials, or using any other chemicals for your DIY project, you need to have these!

20. Microfiber Cloths

Any time you are sanding a surface that is about to be stained or sealed, you need to ensure you get every last particle off of it for a beautiful finish. I always have these microfiber cloths on my shelf.

You don’t need anything fancy, and this pack I originally purchased has lasted me years. You’ll love them!

21. Screws/Nails

As you dive a little deeper into the world of DIY, you’ll find yourself in situations where you need a screw or two to finish off your project. When you have extra screws and nails on hand, you’ll be ready to avert any potential crisis you’re faced with!

The Nice-to-Haves

The nice-to-haves section is dedicated to those tools for DIYers and homeowners that aren’t necessarily essential, but they are really nice to have when you need them!

As you start making DIY a part of your personality, you’re going to find yourself racking up all of these tools very quickly.

While these are nice to have, depending on your project, you may need some of these DIY tools immediately in your household!

1. Electrical Tester

This isn’t essential, because not everyone is going to be changing out switches, outlets, and light fixtures, but it’s first on our list of nice-to-haves.

But if you are a DIYer looking to do those things, then I would say this is definitely a required essential.

Turning off the breaker is just the first step, but actually confirming the electricity is off with this electrical tester could be life-saving. You never take shortcuts with electricity. Doing simple electrical work around your house like replacing a light switch is pretty easy – but you need to have one of these in your DIY tool kit to ensure you’re being as safe as possible.

As always, if you feel uncomfortable, be sure to call a professional!

2. Kneeling Pad

The number of times you’ll find yourself in uncomfortable positions as a DIYer will surpass the number you’re thinking in your head – I promise you on that haha.

Whether it’s building IKEA furniture on the ground or painting cabinets, having a kneeling pad is definitely a nice-to-have for DIYers!

3. Hex Key Set

Typically items that require hex keys, aka Allen wrenches, for tightening will come with the exact size. I see a lot of bathroom hardware like towel rods, toilet paper holders, etc. using this today.

But sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you will randomly need one. So it’s great to have a whole set on hand!

4. Anchors

Anchors are a really nice item to have in your DIY tool kit. If you’re hanging shelves, pictures/art, or anything that’s really heavy to the wall without being able to attach to a stud, you will need an anchor.

I highly recommend getting these 3 different types of anchors.

I use the middle one that can hold 167 lbs most frequently because it’s very sturdy. However, each one comes with its own weight limit. The screw-in anchors can hold up to 75 lbs, so they’re best used with lighter items.

The 167 lb anchor is used for anything heavier than your average piece of artwork.

The last anchor is to be used when something really heavy is going up without a stud, for instance, heavy wooden shelves – as seen in the related post below.

Anchors are an important item to have on our must-have tools for DIYers ultimate list.

RELATED POST: Cheap DIY Laundry Room Shelves For a Cute and Functional Space (Step-By-Step Guide)

5. Step Ladder

When you’re painting, or doing any DIY project that requires a little bit of height, having a step ladder is going to be a lot better than always grabbing the kitchen chair!

If you have up to 9-foot ceilings, this step ladder will get you there! You will use yours for SO many projects.

6. Drop Cloths/Tarps

Drop cloths and tarps are perfect to have around to ensure paint, stain, and other DIY-type things don’t get on your floor and ruin it! The best part is that you can select from a variety of sizes to fit your needs for each of these products.

I recommend drop cloths when you’re working on the stairs, for instance when gel staining your banister, because they will form fit to your stairs and won’t slide around. Could you imagine if a can of stain came toppling down your stairs?? 😱

I use tarps for everything else – like painting a room.

RELATED POST: Java Gel Stain Banister Transformation (Step-by-Step Guide)

7. Knee Pads

Knee pads are an upgrade from the kneeling pad mentioned earlier. It just depends on how much you’ll be moving around on the floor. My husband loves these knee pads during DIY home projects because he doesn’t like dragging the kneeling pad with him everywhere he goes.

I must admit, they are pretty cozy and really support you. I also must admit, that I steal them from him sometimes. 😉

8. Extension Cords

I can only begin to tell you how useful extension cords are to have – especially when you’ve shut the electricity off for a project in one room but need to pull electricity from another room for a tool or a work light.

I recommend having at least two on deck – you never know when you’ll need them!

9. Portable Work Light

Speaking of work lights from the previous tool, this is EXTREMELY helpful when a room is not well-lit, when you need the power off, or are working at night. I have used a halogen light for so long but that thing gets as hot as the sun which always freaks me out.

LED work lights get warm to the touch, but it’s not even comparable to the melting heat of halogen lamps. This is a very nice-to-have! Get one with at least 2,000 lumens for a nice bright light.

10. Wood Glue

You’ve gotta love Gorilla Glue. This Gorilla Wood Glue is a DIYer’s dream when it comes to DIY wood projects. You will find a time and a place to use this product, I assure you! This stuff is STRONG!

11. Wood Filler

And speaking of Gorilla Glue, Gorilla Wood Filler is just as important to fill those unwanted holes, or accidental holes..oops!

An example of where you can use this is if you’re building an IKEA billy bookcase and don’t want all of the peg holes in between shelves showing.

Of course, you’ll need to sand and paint it, but it’s better than having a bunch of holes – plus it’ll make your piece look more finished!

I haven’t tried it, but apparently, this stuff is strong enough to hold a screw or nail if you originally drilled too big of a hole, filled it, but need the screw in the same spot. Now that’s impressive!

12. Caulk + Caulk Gun

When you’re going for that finished look without any creases or gaps between boards, walls, etc., you’ll need caulk and a caulk gun!

Alex FLEX caulk is hands down the best caulk out there for DIYers. I use this caulk for almost all of my projects. It dries quickly, and it’s paintable.

HUGE tip on the caulk gun – it’s tempting to buy the cheap ones, but they will break or mess up your tube of caulk. I let it happen too many times before I finally upgraded to this Husky caulk gun.

Just by holding it you can tell it’s heavy-duty. Love this thing!

13. Gorilla Construction Adhesive

Annnnd we’re back to Gorilla Glue! 😂 But this time it’s Gorilla Construction Adhesive, and it’s in the form of a caulk tube. This stuff is ridiculously strong whenever you need to hold something together, forever.

For example, we installed LVT flooring in my mother-in-law’s house and needed to hold down the transition piece between the hallway and her bathroom. We used this, and let me tell you, I feel bad for the next person who wants to remove that transition piece LOL. That thing is not budging!

14. Trim Square

The trim square is definitely not a must-have, but it is for sure a nice-to-have. You can use this tool any time you need a straight edge to draw a line in the middle of a board. Just line up the lipped edge with the edge of the board, and voila, you have a perfectly straight line across the board.

You can use it in a lot of other instances, but I mostly use it for its super straight edge!

15. Ladder

Next on our list of must-have tools for DIYers – introducing none other than the ladder.

If you like to do things yourself, then you’re probably going to find yourself in a situation where you need to get high up.

I went so long with a broken wooden ladder that cracked a little more with each use. Finally, I went and bought this Gorilla ladder (unrelated to the Gorilla glue we were just talking about).

The best thing about this ladder is its portability. It folds up and is sooo much easier to carry around than a tall wooden ladder. I recommend the 18-foot one – it has so many different features, you’ve gotta look it up on Youtube and see for yourself.

The Expert DIYer

The Expert DIYer section includes the more upgraded tools you’ll need as a DIYer for advanced projects.

I had to include these tools on the must-have tools for DIYers list because they will make your life easier as you get more acclimated to doing DIY projects.

You may even find yourself as a beginner DIYer needing some of these tools up front, and all I’ve gotta say is look at you go! If I was able to pick up these tools for the first time when I bought my house, I have all the faith in the world that you can figure it out too.

Confidence is key, and you’ve totally got this!

BTW I recommend a lot of Craftsman products because that’s what my husband and I have purchased throughout the years, and I can speak to their quality. I’ve had great experience with all of their tools and will continue to purchase them!

Just be sure that you stick with the same brand across all your power tools – from indoor tools to outdoor tools (like leaf blowers, etc.). Why? Because their batteries will be interchangeable which makes bouncing from tool to tool a heck of a lot easier! One battery controls them all.

1. Saw Horses

When you’ve found every way out there to cut a board without saw horses, it’s probably time to upgrade yourself to a set.

I used to only use my miter box + saw propped up on a patio table for almost a year before I decided it was time to upgrade. These really do make your DIY life so much simpler.

2. Nail Gun

This is my most recommended tool for DIYers who are planning to work with MDF boards and hang them on the wall – usually for board and batten.

Nail guns, or brad nailers, make things a lot easier so that you don’t have to nail boards together by hand. They’re perfect for attaching that finishing piece of trim.

If you plan to do that kind of work, then this definitely becomes one of the must-have tools for DIYers. If you don’t want to invest in a nail gun just yet, I highly recommend checking out Home Depot where you can rent tools for hours or days at a time.

RELATED POST: Easy DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall (Step-By-Step Guide)

3. Nail Punch Set

The nail popper, or nail punch set, goes hand-in-hand with the nail gun.

Sometimes the nail gun isn’t going to get the nail flush with the board or trim you are working with, and that’s totally okay and completely normal.

All you do is put the point of the nail punch on the head of the nail, take your hammer (listed at the beginning of our must-have tools for DIYers list 😉), and hit the back of the nail punch several times. This will hammer in the nail to make it flush with the surface, and easy to be covered up with wood filler.

4. Circular Saw

The circular saw is a massive upgrade from the hand saw. If you’re going to be doing a lot of woodworking projects, then it might make sense to get this tool up front.

For small trim pieces, I still use my hand saw, but for larger projects that involve a lot of cuts, I’ll break out the circular saw to give myself a break.

5. Orbital Sander

The orbital sander is to sandpaper, as the circular saw is to the hand saw. It’s essentially automatic sanding.

An orbital sander is perfect for DIY projects that require A LOT of sanding – like when you have to sand down entire surfaces or pieces of wood.

6. Oscillating Tool

It might not be apparent what this tool does just by looking at it – but it cuts things like baseboards or even drywall.

I honestly didn’t think I would use this tool when I first bought our tool bundle but boy was I wrong!

7. Jigsaw

When you need precisely shaped cuts in wood or trim, the jigsaw is your go-to tool! I don’t use this tool all too often, but let me tell you, when I’ve needed it, I’m glad I’ve had it.

For example, if you’re cutting a board that has to fit perfectly onto the baseboard like a puzzle piece, this would be your tool.

8. Miter Saw

When your DIY work calls for lots of baseboard work or trim work, this is one of the must-have tools for DIYers.

It accurately cuts angles so that when it comes to fitting pieces together in a corner, they fit perfectly as they should.

This is the only tool on this entire list that I actually do not own, but it is next on my list because recently I have been doing way too much work that this would have made easier!

9. Drywall Knife

You never know where your DIY project will take you, but if you need a hole in your drywall for any reason, a punch through the wall isn’t going to cut it.

A drywall knife is made so that it can cut through drywall like butter – or at least so they say. My experience has been somewhere between butter and cardboard.

10. Trigger Clamps

When you want to get a tight hold between boards while you wait for wood glue or adhesive to dry, it’s best practice to use trigger clamps.

These things can squeeze TIGHT. It’ll save you from stacking the heaviest items you can find on top of your project to hold it together haha.

11. Wire Cutters

Wire cutters are in the expert DIYer section because if you need to cut individual electrical wires, then chances are you’re running some new Romex wire from point A to point B – and that’s pretty pro of you.

These wire cutters have all of the standard American Wire Gauge (AWG) sizes so that you can easily strip your individual wires without too much extra thought.

12. Plumbing Supplies

Bonus – Storage!

13. Shelving Unit for Storing Tools

You now have a complete list of must-have tools for DIYers, I won’t leave you without a place to put all of those tools!

If you’re an average DIYer, you’re not going to need anything too fancy as long as you are good with your organization. Keep in mind that it’s best to get a shelving unit with a solid surface as opposed to wire-shelving because smaller items like screwdrivers might fall in between the wires.

14. Small Storage Organizer with Drawers

Along the way, you’re going to collect different little items from projects like extra screws, washers, brackets, etc. While I don’t recommend keeping every extra screw that’s super specific (trust me, you think you’ll use it but you never will), it’s nice to keep some of that smaller stuff organized.

This small storage organizer with drawers is perfect for the job. It’s really small and each drawer can only hold so much, but I have this and it’s great for organizing those small random items!