What’s in my Tool Bag?

So you wanna be a handy(wo)man but don’t know where to start?  Ready to tackle some DIY projects around the house but don’t know what tools you need?  I’ve put together my Top 10 list of “must have tools” for any aspiring handy(wo)man out there!

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#1 – Mitre Saw

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This is a biggie.  And I know it’s costly, but I truly don’t know what my life would be like without it.  I used this on my very first DIY project ($14 Faux Headboard) and there hasn’t been a project I’ve done to date without it.  It may look intimidating to use, but I promise it’s simple.  Plug in, and pull down on the wheel.  It’s that simple.  If you’re not ready to take the plunge on this quite yet, you can always start out with a mitre box.  It’s the same principle, but with a hand saw.  Be prepared to use those muscles.

Mine is old, but I’ve linked one similar here.  I’ve used this on nearly every project, including my Column Upgrade, Ryan’s office DIY Panel wall, the Easiest Crown Molding Ever, and of course my Closet Reno.

#2 & #3 – Nail Gun and Compressor

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I’m combining these two because they go hand in hand.  The nail gun won’t work without a compressor.  I’ve used these two for almost every project I do and they make life SO easy.  Like the mitre saw, these two can be a little pricey, but I promise it’s worth the investment.  Unless you like hammering hundreds of tiny nails into wood by hand…

My compressor & My nail gun.  All the projects mentioned above wouldn’t be possible without these tools either.

#4 – Handheld Multitool

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I actually lived without this guy for a few years and now I ask myself how.  As the name implies, this thing does a number of tricks, but most importantly it’s a handheld saw, and electric sander.  I use the saw attachment to remove baseboards when doing molding projects, and the sanding attachment for sanding all the molding to create smooth edges.  Seriously a must have y’all.

My multitool.

#5 – Basic Tool Set

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This is one of the first gifts we I got when we bought our first home 5 years ago.  It’s probably a little overkill for most, but I can honestly say I’ve used 90% of what’s in here.  The most essential gadgets are the hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and razor blade knife.

Basic Household Tool Set (my exact one is discontinued)

 

#6 – Cordless Power Drill

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Without it I would only be Frills.  Pretty self explanatory why this guy is practically my BFF.

My cordless power drill.  I also have this accessory kit.

#7 – Paint Touchup Tools

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Most importantly is the red gadget on the right.  This edging tool is seriously a life saver and I don’t know how people paint without it.  For tight corner touchups, and something to appease the perfectionist in me, I use a kids artist brush.

Paint edger and plenty of refill kits.

#8 – Tape Measure

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Preferably one with a clip on the back!  I keep this baby attached to my hip (literally) and always have a pencil and scrap paper nearby as well.  Measure 3 times and cut once is NO JOKE friends.

#9 – Caulk gun

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This is a cheap one, coming in under $3 typically.  Caulk is the finishing touch to all molding projects and absolutely a necessity to have.

Caulk gun and this is the caulk I use.

#10 – Stud Finder & Level

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I’m combining another “2 for 1” here but these are essential for any hanging you are going to do.  Picture hanging, molding hanging, curtain hanging, etc.  There’s nothing worse than a crooked picture on the wall.

Studfinder and level.

BONUS #11 – Table Saw

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I’m throwing this one in as a bonus because it’s definitely not essential, but OH SO nice to have.  I’ve only had mine for just over 6 months and I’ve already used it so much.  (Hence all the dust on the floor.)  I know Lowe’s and Home Depot do free cuts, which is why this isn’t a necessity, but I can’t tell you how many trips it has saved me!

My Ryobi table saw.

So that concludes my list of “must have” tools.  Are there any other on your list that I left out?  Comment and let me know what tools you already have,  what ones you plan on buying, and if you have any questions!

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