55
votes

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]
1
  • Can you ever have enough?
    – Richard Tasker
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 12:08

77 Answers 77

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93
votes

A cordless drill
No doubt about it. I bought a DeWalt 14.4V three years ago, and it's been invaluable to me. alt text http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/34/34c4b1f5-f4c7-465c-b9bb-f0a9ba2cd2ef_300.jpg

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  • 5
    Why cordless? I'm assuming your home has outlets?
    – Joe Phillips
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 19:45
  • 11
    @Joe - everything is easier with a cordless drill. I have a very nice corded drill and I probably use it twice a year. The cordless one I use all the time.
    – Eric Petroelje
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 19:46
  • 6
    Cordless is nice, but I never get much use out of them. Since I work only intermittently on DIY projects I find the batteries brick out on me after only getting to use them 2-3 times.
    – JohnFx
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 19:47
  • 3
    My Dewalt 14v cordless sits around for months at a time and still holds a charge. It's a beast.
    – Adam Robinson
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 19:48
  • 1
    I have a cheapo 14v cordless ($40) and a cheaper corded hammer ($15). The corded one gets used for hole-sawing, wood-spading, and big holes in hard stuff that would drain the battery of the cordless. Otherwise the cordless is easier (I end up using it mostly for quick screwdriving)
    – MGOwen
    Commented Jul 29, 2010 at 5:30
67
votes

A good weight crowbar
Use it for lifting, prying, removing, bashing, demolishing and most importantly, against zombies and headcrabs.

Crowbar vs Headcrab http://db.tt/F4NCQj

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  • 26
    +1 just for the Halflife reference, though it's headcrabs.
    – Adam Robinson
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 12:06
  • Ah! My sleepy head made a headcrab/facehugger hybrid. Fixed.
    – Ates Goral
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 12:43
  • 1
    I prefer a Fubar, purely for the name :) homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgg/R-100488979/h_d2/…
    – ManiacZX
    Commented Jul 28, 2010 at 14:42
  • 7
    I can't help but wonder if this is so high in vote counts just because of the Half-Life reference.
    – Doresoom
    Commented Nov 18, 2010 at 13:29
  • We all Gordon Freeman.
    – Soner Gönül
    Commented Aug 7, 2011 at 14:45
60
votes

A good, stiff measuring tape

5
  • 12
    Measure once, cut twice!
    – Joe Phillips
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 20:28
  • 3
    @Joe, something's off about that... :-)
    – Mike Sherov
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 20:39
  • 6
    Measure twice, cut once, swear thrice!
    – Ates Goral
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 7:36
  • For distances less than two meters, I prefer to use a measuring stick (paintbrushesandrollers.com/images/products/630200.jpg).
    – Vebjorn Ljosa
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 19:23
  • Just don't cut the measuring tape. That really doesn't make the day any better.
    – BLAKE
    Commented Feb 21, 2011 at 3:15
48
votes

Utility Knife

For about $10-15 USD you can get 100 utility knife blades, so you don't have to worry about sharpening your knife/breaking the blade (except your eyes of course!).

I use mine for all sorts of stuff.

2
  • My favorite utility knife: stanleytools.com/…
    – myron-semack
    Commented Aug 4, 2010 at 20:41
  • I prefer this one: milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/utility-knives/48-22-1901. Beefy in the hand unlike the Kobalt folder, but because it does fold it's more compact. The gut hook, wire cutters and the one-handed flick open/close mechanism all make it a great general utility knife (though check your jurisdiction; the mechanism may make it illegal as a "switchblade" or "gravity knife".
    – KeithS
    Commented May 3, 2013 at 19:15
47
votes

A first aid kit

...that is easy to find!

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  • 25
    ...and can be used with one hand
    – Adam Robinson
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 12:07
  • I love how Adam's comment has more upvotes than the answer ;)
    – Wayne Werner
    Commented Jul 23, 2010 at 3:41
  • 1
    Nah, masking tape is all you need.
    – Vebjorn Ljosa
    Commented Jul 28, 2010 at 18:44
  • 2
    Super glue will hold way better than masking tape!
    – Doresoom
    Commented Jul 29, 2010 at 21:10
  • Super glue is amazing liquid skin.
    – Wayne Werner
    Commented Aug 2, 2010 at 2:41
46
votes

A multimeter

a multimeter (licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license)

(Image licensed under the Creative Commons)

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  • 13
    Typically referred to as a Multi-meter.
    – Brad Gilbert
    Commented Jul 24, 2010 at 3:27
  • I've had mine for a number of years, and lost one of the lead wires. However, I had a wire with clips on both ends. Clip a 16P nail into each clip; one in the socket, the other as your tip. Don't use for anything over 12V, of course!
    – GalacticCowboy
    Commented Aug 12, 2010 at 16:37
  • I've got one of these and never really learned to use it. Mostly I just stick to a voltage tester with an LED.
    – JohnFx
    Commented Sep 27, 2010 at 1:11
  • Yes, the picture is of a multimeter, not any tester.
    – XTL
    Commented Nov 28, 2010 at 11:38
  • 1
    I'm giving this a downvote. I don't think every DIYer needs one of these. I have no idea what one of these even does.
    – samthebrand
    Commented Mar 27, 2012 at 17:26
45
votes

Needle-nose pliers

enter image description here

These are the most often used tool in my toolbox, not that they ever make it back into the toolbox.

3
  • I think I saw mine migrating through the bathroom yesterday...can't remember how they got there.
    – Doresoom
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 13:23
  • 4
    My wife has requisitioned a few pairs over the years as weed pullers for the yard. Nothing like finding my pliers caked with dirt... thanks, dear!
    – Jared Harley
    Commented Jul 28, 2010 at 22:06
  • 4
    I'm sure she says the same thing about her good fabric scissors when she finds you've been using them for home improvement tasks, Jared ;)
    – Wayne Werner
    Commented Aug 5, 2010 at 15:31
42
votes

Speed square

alt text

5
  • You can get them for about $3 ($1 if you wait for a sale) at harbor freight. The measurement markers aren't as nice as the more expensive variety, but they're just as square.
    – Wayne Werner
    Commented Jul 23, 2010 at 3:36
  • Pardon the ignorance, but what do you use this for?
    – Portman
    Commented Jul 29, 2010 at 19:22
  • 3
    @Portman: It's like a protractor for DIY projects/construction in general.
    – Doresoom
    Commented Aug 3, 2010 at 19:21
  • You can use it quickly cut a straight cut on a 2x4 with a circular saw. Any other uses?
    – Greg
    Commented Nov 22, 2010 at 21:53
  • These come in different sizes, but I like a small (7") one in my back pocket.
    – Jay Bazuzi
    Commented Nov 4, 2012 at 22:54
42
votes

Hammers and screwdrivers.

You aren't going to get much done without them...

A good jigsaw can be very helpful for many tasks as well.

3
  • What type of hammers? What type of screw drivers?
    – Joe Phillips
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 19:53
  • 2
    @Joe Phillips - given your name, I assume you were fishing for a specific kind of screwdriver.... I have made do with one simple claw hammer for years now. Screwdrivers really should be bought in bulk, I seem to lose/break them a lot.
    – Josh Goldshlag
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 19:56
  • Wasn't actually fishing but you raise an interesting point. Phillips screwdrivers are the best! But seriously, I don't think it's necessary to have a sledge hammer which is why I asked.
    – Joe Phillips
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 20:28
38
votes

Locking pliers
Commonly known by the genericised trademark "Vise-Grip"

enter image description here

I find that I use it one way or another on every project I do.

4
  • Also called "the wrong tool for every job".
    – XTL
    Commented Nov 28, 2010 at 11:39
  • I deliberately bought a small vice-grip to stop me over-using it.
    – staticsan
    Commented Jan 4, 2011 at 23:46
  • Aka mole grips - superb name.
    – Umber Ferrule
    Commented Dec 13, 2011 at 13:13
  • This tool can do everything...but usually it breaks something in the process.
    – Malfist
    Commented Jun 26, 2012 at 12:09
36
votes

A power miter saw (compound if possible).

It will cut anything you'd cut with a circular saw (other than large sheets), and you'll also be able to cut any trim pieces you'll ever need. Adding and replacing trim is a relatively easy thing to do and can quickly add value and better the appearance of a house. Few things come as close the a bang-for-the-buck arena.

alt text http://www.besthometoolsale.com/images/dewalt-miter-saw-dw717.jpg

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  • 4
    This is next on my wish list...
    – Doresoom
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 21:15
  • Next to my cordless drill, this is probably my most used power tool. The disadvantage of course is that they are big and expensive. Can't beat them for framing or trim work though.
    – Eric Petroelje
    Commented Aug 4, 2010 at 15:28
  • 2
    Sure it's on the must-have-list, but as a replacement for a circular saw? That's just crazytalk. The two saws have totally different uses.
    – Commander Keen
    Commented Oct 6, 2010 at 12:33
  • @Commander Keen: I'm not so sure that they're totally different. Yes, you can do things with each that you can't do with the other, but a miter saw can do just about anything that a circular saw can (save for, as noted above, cutting large sheets like plywood). Is there something I'm forgetting?
    – Adam Robinson
    Commented Nov 1, 2010 at 18:35
  • @Adam: What else do you use a circular saw for? I prefer a plunge saw, and have sold my circular saw though.
    – Commander Keen
    Commented Nov 3, 2010 at 13:32
33
votes

Non-Contact Voltage Tester.
This comes in very handy to make sure you turned off the correct circuit breaker before doing any electrical work. And really helps if you have some funky wiring in your house and not everything in a single box is on the same circuit.

Non-Contact Voltage Tester http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/2149063ZRQL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

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  • 2
    Or even just checking to see if there's an electrical cable inside the wall where you're getting ready to drill...
    – Jared Harley
    Commented Jul 28, 2010 at 22:08
  • Actually most aren't that sensitive, unfortunately. I have one of the ones in the picture, and you have to pretty much stick it into the plug to get it to light.
    – KeithS
    Commented May 3, 2013 at 18:39
30
votes

Screwdriver set

screwdrivers http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7803/31032044.jpg

Your exact types will differ by country, but you likely want:

  • Slot-head (2 or 3 sizes)
  • Phillips (atleast size #3, maybe #2 and #4)
  • Robertson (atleast red, green, and black)

Rubber handles will save your hands after a bit of use. Also, try to find black tipped drivers, as this means they're hardened and shouldn't wear down as quickly.

6
  • What is a Robertson screw driver?
    – Joe Phillips
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 20:41
  • @Joe : Robertson heads have square sockets en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives
    – Doresoom
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 21:59
  • Add a flexible shaft, and ratcheting screwdriver that takes different heads, and you sold me.
    – JohnFx
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 22:11
  • And perhaps a flat-head that doesn't slip out of the screw.
    – Adam Robinson
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 12:05
  • Screw Driver Tips: Look for ones with a softer rubber handle. Your hands will thank you when you are trying to drive in several screws in quick succession. Also, look for ones with the black tips, as these are hardened and less likely to get chewed up from regular use.
    – myron-semack
    Commented Jul 26, 2010 at 13:06
28
votes

Set of standard and metric allen keys.

alt text http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DD9ETKNZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

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  • 10
    Frankly, I've never had a job where I needed an allan wrench that didn't come with one. I have a drawer full of these from buying cheap furniture.
    – JohnFx
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 22:12
  • True. There are those edge cases where you need to disassemble/reassemble something and having an organized (and sturdy) set of allen keys can save the day.
    – spoulson
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 19:03
  • 1
    The cheap ones that come with Ikea furniture slip and get rounded too easily. They are also too short to be comfortable. I am glad I have one that is longer and of better-quality steel.
    – Vebjorn Ljosa
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 19:15
  • 1
    These seem to be useful for grinding down into other, more useful, tools
    – Joe Phillips
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 21:41
  • The Ikea ones are cheap, but then I have 500 of them so they are pretty much disposable.
    – JohnFx
    Commented Jul 23, 2010 at 4:01
28
votes

Quick clamps.

alt text http://www.diyskate.com/img/ramps/tools/quick_clamp.jpg

about a million times better than these:

alt text

28
votes

A reciprocating saw (a.ka. sawzall) -

  1. Makes short work of any tearout job.
  2. Gets into places that other saws can't.
  3. Great stand-in for a chainsaw outside (for small stuff)
4
  • 2
    A poor man's version would be a jab saw - I picked one up for $10 or so when I needed to put a junction box in my ceiling.
    – Doresoom
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 15:05
  • best. tool. evar.
    – dave thieben
    Commented Aug 5, 2010 at 17:48
  • The more HP the better, and get good, appropriate blades (wood for wood, metal for metal, etc).
    – BryanH
    Commented Jul 14, 2012 at 2:15
  • This, and a good drill, are the two must-own power tools for any homeowner. The last point on the list is critical; a nice long wood or demo blade will make mincemeat of that dead branch in your backyard, and the "trash tree" saplings that have gotten beyond the ability of your bypass loppers.
    – KeithS
    Commented May 3, 2013 at 19:21
27
votes

A circular saw of course.

And don't skimp - you'll use it enough that it's worthwhile to spend the money and get a decent (and light) one.

2
  • How would you respond to the "power miter saw" answer that suggests it can do the job of a circular saw for many projects?
    – myron-semack
    Commented Aug 4, 2010 at 15:00
  • 2
    @msemack - I would agree. I have a 10" sliding compound miter saw that I use FAR more than my circular saw. But a good miter saw is big and expensive. A circular saw has more utility than a miter saw, and is much cheaper and smaller (easier to store). The disadvantage of the circular saw is speed and accuracy. Much easier and faster to make nice cuts with a miter saw.
    – Eric Petroelje
    Commented Aug 4, 2010 at 15:25
27
votes

Good levels of different sizes

2
  • +1 I just put in shelving in my pantry that's exactly 47" in width. Too bad all I had was my 48" level and a 12" level. :/
    – Doresoom
    Commented Jul 26, 2010 at 14:41
  • I have a 4' level, 2 different 2' levels and a couple of bullet levels (4", 9"). And they all get used pretty regularly.
    – GalacticCowboy
    Commented Aug 12, 2010 at 16:50
25
votes

A good set of channel lock pliers (multiple sizes).

Use them on almost every job, especially plumbing.

alt text http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6085/39540403.jpg

1
  • 6
    And never buy just one - especially for plumbing. Seems like if you need one you always need two (one to turn something and the other to keep the opposite side from turning)
    – Eric Petroelje
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 22:20
22
votes

5-in-1 Tool:

5-in-1 Tool http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31p1ZesJSlL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Great for scraping, pealing, poking. I use it all the time (and it is stronger than a putty knife).

4
  • 1
    So that's what that half round is for! I rather like mine, and I found it on the road so that was an even better deal ;)
    – Wayne Werner
    Commented Jul 23, 2010 at 20:38
  • 1
    Is the half round for cleaning off a paint roller?
    – dotjoe
    Commented Aug 5, 2010 at 13:48
  • 1
    That is what I have used the half round for... cleaning paint off a roller... but I bet there are other uses too!
    – Jeff Widmer
    Commented Aug 5, 2010 at 13:58
  • Husky has a 14-in-1. homedepot.com/Paint-Paint-Tools/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg1ZbobdZ1z11adg/…
    – Tester101
    Commented Oct 5, 2010 at 16:55
22
votes

A dremel with various bits: cut-off wheel, stone, sandpaper, polisher, etc.

alt text

6
  • +1 Love the dremel. When I first bought it I walked around the house LOOKING for projects to use it on.
    – JohnFx
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 22:09
  • I have two... well three Dremels. I got my first one when I was 16, and it's still going strong. One tip - buy the $13 Harbor Freight rotary accessory kits when they go on sale - it comes with more cutting wheels and they're almost as good as the Dremel ones. Plus it comes with a ton of other accessories.
    – Wayne Werner
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 3:08
  • What are some things you use it for?
    – Vebjorn Ljosa
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 19:10
  • After cutting something metal, such as carpet threshold trim, you can use it to deburr and polish up the edges.
    – spoulson
    Commented Jul 23, 2010 at 11:59
  • 1
    Just heed the warning sticker about "...not for home dental use." Unfortunately, I have a friend who actually used one to buff a chipped tooth D-8
    – Jay
    Commented Sep 6, 2010 at 20:59
21
votes

Complete socket wrench set for 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives and box/closed end wrenches. Should include shallow and deep sockets. Places like Sears will carry an affordable portable fitted toolbox with all the sockets and wrenches.

alt text

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  • 3
    more for fixing cars then normal DIY
    – Walker
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 8:36
  • 2
    There are plenty of hex bolts around the house that need sockets and wrenches: Decks use lag bolts and carriage bolts. Some water and gas line fittings need box end wrenches (sometimes an adjustible wrench won't cut it). etc.
    – spoulson
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 14:21
  • 2
    Use case: Toilet base bolts diy.stackexchange.com/questions/279/…
    – spoulson
    Commented Jul 22, 2010 at 15:51
  • 7
    Image is overkill - a couple of adjustable ones have done all I need around the house so far...
    – MGOwen
    Commented Jul 29, 2010 at 5:40
  • 2
    Yes, 12 point sockets are typically for engine building and specialty. Emphasis is on obtaining 6 point sockets.
    – spoulson
    Commented Sep 29, 2010 at 11:56
21
votes

Rubber mallet - good for things where a hammer will just dent things - also good for adjusting things with taps.

4
  • I use mine far more than I use my hammer...
    – mwolfe02
    Commented May 6, 2011 at 20:55
  • @mwolfe02 See this answer, maybe you won't need the mallet so much.
    – Tester101
    Commented Nov 16, 2011 at 17:11
  • Usually called a "deadblow".
    – lecrank
    Commented Jan 10, 2012 at 22:27
  • The deadblow and rubber mallet are slightly different; they do mostly the same jobs, but a rubber mallet is solid rubber and can bounce back when you're really pounding on something. Hence the deadblow, filled loosely with lead shot and thus it has all the bounce of a sandbag. Because the deadblow has a hard shell, though, it can be more damaging to the surface being struck than a solid rubber mallet.
    – KeithS
    Commented May 3, 2013 at 18:47
21
votes

Fire extingusher

http://a.imageshack.us/img291/47/firekz.jpg

I have something similar to this Kiddie Single-use from Home Depot because of its ABC rating:

Suitable for use on Class A (trash, wood, & paper), Class B (liquids & gases) and Class C fires (energized electrical equipment). The Full Home unit is fitted with a pressure gauge that provides at-a-glance status, is manufactured from lightwieght aluminum and a tough nylon valve assembly.

  • Mult-Purpose Dry Chemical
  • UL Listed / Rated 1-A, 10-B:C
  • Suitable for use on most common fires

Better to have it and not need it!

1
  • A lot of insurance companies give discounts if you've got one of these in your home.
    – Doresoom
    Commented Jul 29, 2010 at 16:48
18
votes

A Block Plane

Fits in a toolbelt or toolbox. Comes out every time something almost fits. Saves eight million trips back to the table saw. Handles simple rounding and shaping.

alt text

18
votes

I'm surprised no one has mentioned them but I think a good set of chisels are invaluable. Any time you're working with wood, a sharp set of chisels can be the key to getting a good fit and finish.

alt text http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/bb/bbd57c9f-731a-4157-a906-88f6437204b9_400.jpg

1
  • a good set of chisels is worth its weight in gold. I use mine all the time
    – Wayne Werner
    Commented Aug 1, 2010 at 4:18
17
votes

Safety Glasses

alt text

Not really a "tool" per se, but one thing I ALWAYS and is stress ALWAYS make sure I have in my tool box and wear all the time.

Had a friend that got metal in his eye and had to have the metal drilled out, creeped me out so much that I now wear safety glasses anytime I do any kind of work around the house.

1
  • 1
    It took a trip to the emergency room (brake cleaner blowback) to cure me of "I don't need no stinkin' sissy eyewear"-syndrome forever. I'm so very lucky I didn't blind myself, and I'm never taking chances. Also, hearing protection, gloves and appropriate shoes :)
    – BryanH
    Commented Jul 14, 2012 at 2:17
17
votes

A good-quality stud finder

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

See also: What should I look for when choosing a stud finder?

6
  • 5
    how does one identify a good stud finder? I have two and neither are that great at finding studs. tapping on the walls is usually more effective.
    – mmccoo
    Commented Jul 21, 2010 at 20:00
  • 1
    Yeah, can someone recommend a specific model of stud find that performs well? I have tried a few and they are pretty in-exact.
    – myron-semack
    Commented Jul 23, 2010 at 15:06
  • 8
    i've bought about a dozen stud finders in my lifetime. in my experience, zircon stud finders are the most reliable, consistent and accurate. the big home improvement places usually carry 2-4 different kinds. make sure to buy one that has an LCD display to show you the strength of the reflected signal.
    – longneck
    Commented Jul 28, 2010 at 14:19
  • never had luck with the "tapping" method. I usually end up with 3-4 holes instead of 1.
    – dave thieben
    Commented Aug 5, 2010 at 17:49
  • 1
    xkcd.com/952
    – Doresoom
    Commented Sep 16, 2011 at 16:38
15
votes

A small pancake compressor. You can easily borrow / rent the tools, but having the compressor for so many jobs comes in handy. Can also be used without a tool to blow stuff off, fill tires, etc.

1
  • 2
    I have a cheap $40-60 Harbor Freight 3 gallon oil-free compressor. I think I've probably used that more than any other single tool I've purchased - I fill tires, exercise balls, drive my nail/staple guns, airbrush... it's quite excellent!
    – Wayne Werner
    Commented Jul 23, 2010 at 3:44
14
votes

A Good Multi-tool

enter image description here

My personal favourite tool was my Gerber - though I know some people also like/prefer Leathermans. This is one thing where going cheap is not worth it. Anything Gerber, -Leatherman, -SOG, or any other quality tool brand really shines when compared with a cheap $10 variety. Seriously - save up for a few months and buy a good one. You'll be very glad you did.

I used mine almost daily until I lost it :'(

I'm saving up for a new one :D

3
  • 3
    Multitools are useful because once you're up the ladder/stuck in the crawlspace, there's always that one extra tool you didn't bring with you. Sure, the screwdriver might suck, but at least it's there.
    – Alex Feinman
    Commented Jul 28, 2010 at 21:09
  • That or a swiss army knife. I can't live without it anymore.
    – Toon Krijthe
    Commented Oct 4, 2010 at 11:00
  • 1
    I routinely cut down 1-3 inch thick trees/weeds with the mini-saw on my leatherman.
    – Yitzchak
    Commented Jun 10, 2012 at 15:31
1
2 3

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