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What are the tools that every DIY'er should have? This is a community wiki as there is no one right answer.

Instructions:

  • One item per answer (so they can be voted on - answers with multiple items will be voted down)
  • Clear formatting like this:
    [ITEM NAME]
    [Reason why item is essential/useful/good]
    [Photo / other info]
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A laser level (a cheap one will do just fine).

alt text http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5220/straitlinelaserlevel150.jpg

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  • definitely not a must own. I've got one and I've never used it.
    – cori
    Jul 29, 2010 at 12:24
  • 2
    I've used mine a handful of times. They're really handy if you want to keep multiple items in a straight line, especially over a long distance. I found it really handy to do the line of wall anchors for a whiteboard, for example.
    – myron-semack
    Aug 4, 2010 at 15:16
  • One follow-up question: Sticking it against a wall. The one I have has a little thumb tack "base" that you stick in the wall. Are there any with better mounting options?
    – myron-semack
    Aug 4, 2010 at 15:17
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Chalk Line

enter image description here

Snapping, setting out straight lines.

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(A high quality) Combination Square

enter image description here

Transferring measurements, marking out 90° & 45° angles, scribing parallel lines...

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Toolbucket. Love mine. It's amazing what all you can get into one of these.

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(Sharp) Pencils

You need something to layout, set-out, all those cool DIY projects you are going to do.

Don't forget a pencil sharper, if you can't get a good sharp point via a knife.

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Shrinking tube and hot glue - use them all the time.

The combination of shrinking tube and hot glue makes smooth, sealed and water-proof solids of any basic shape. Ideal to create custom-shaped plugs or jacks.

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  • Something I discovered about hot glue - if you drill holes in both surfaces prior to gluing the strength increase is tremendous. I haven't done any scientific tests, but you probably get at least 3-4x the holding power (shear and normal)
    – Wayne Werner
    Aug 5, 2010 at 15:34
  • The combination of shrinking tube and hot glue makes smooth, sealed and water-proof solids of any basic shape. Ideal to create custom-shaped plugs or jacks.
    – Martin
    Aug 6, 2010 at 8:24
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Cordless (circular) trim saw. Fits into tighter quarters, better for making short cuts than the full-size circular saw.

alt text http://www.blackanddecker.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/3/DC390B_1NB.jpg

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  • 1
    I've wondered about power issues for the cordless versions. Anyone know about this?
    – Doresoom
    Aug 5, 2010 at 18:00
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    A battery-driven saw with a smaller blade just won't have the torque and cutting power of a full-sized saw with a full-powered motor -- that's physics for you. That's why I have both saws. But the smaller one gets used 10 times more often than the larger saw...
    – Craig Trader
    Aug 30, 2010 at 19:10
  • So much easier to slice up plywood sheets with a cordless circular saw. That said, the cordless one should be your second circular saw.
    – mwolfe02
    May 6, 2011 at 21:02
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vote

Cordless 18v lithium ion impact driver. Drives screws and bolts so smoothly, quickly, and without torquing your wrist. Also relatively light, small, hangs on a belt, and battery lasts a long time.

Makita BTD144 is one good example.

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  • May want to merge your answer with kkeilman's.
    – myron-semack
    Aug 13, 2010 at 12:41
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vote

A good Do-it-yourself book.

Reader's Digest "New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual"

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  • My favorite is the Home Depot 1-2-3 books; one for general repair, another for plumbing.
    – geerlingguy
    Nov 29, 2012 at 13:22
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vote

(A good quality) Handsaw

Don't underestimate the usefulness of this old school hand-tool.

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Stud finder.

In case you need to hang something that requires more support than a drywall has.

alt text http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/41/418f6e5c-a1ec-451a-8fc1-b3047f2a7559_300.jpg

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    Duplicate. Adam already beat you to this one.
    – Doresoom
    Jul 28, 2010 at 14:41
  • maybe merge your answer into his? (You have a picture with yours, so you answer is a bit cooler.)
    – myron-semack
    Jul 28, 2010 at 17:29
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Toolbox

You need somewhere to store, organise and keep safe all those essential DIY tools.

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Plumb-bob

Sure you can use a Spirit Level to check if something is plumb, but there are occasions when a Plumb-Bob just makes more sense...

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Palm Router

Cheap enough for most DIYers, you can pick up a good quality one for around $100.

Has enough power (normally about 1HP) for most DIY jobs.

Can be used to make a variety of DIY projects around the home that much easier.

0
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A Diamond Sharpening Stone

For honing and keeping those plane blades, wood chisels, knives, etc good n' sharp.

0
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Nail Pincers & Nail Bars

enter image description here

Makes pulling out nails a breeze.

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