The Best Power Tools for Your DIY Home Improvement Projects

When it comes to home improvement and tools, a little planning goes a long way. There’s nothing worse than starting a project only to find that you don’t have everything you need to finish it. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DIY pro, having the right gear for the right job is essential. To help you get started, let’s break down the most popular types of DIY projects and the power tools you’ll need to complete them.

DIY Wood Projects

Wood is relatively simple and forgiving to work with, but it can be used to build beautiful and complex creations. As a result, it’s no surprise that DIY wood projects are among the most popular uses for power tools. In fact, tackling simple wood projects is a fantastic way to hone your skills and learn to use new tools. As you gain confidence and experience, you can start taking on bigger and more challenging builds.

Project Ideas

Because wood is so versatile, common and affordable, the list of things you can create is almost endless. From simple objects to elaborate full-scale structures, the possibilities are limited only by your skills, equipment and ambition. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend trying a few different projects to see what captures your interest. Some of the most popular types of builds include:

• Wine racks
• Cutting boards
• Storage shelves
• Benches and chairs
• Stands, desks and tables
• Signs and decor pieces
• Planters and hangers
• Bird feeders
• Lazy Susans

What You’ll Need

The great thing about working with wood is that many tasks can be done in a variety of ways. You don’t need a whole workshop full of expensive equipment to create something you’d be proud to show off. Just a few key wood working power tools can cover the basics, giving you everything you’ll need to complete most projects.

Cordless Drill

The cordless drill may just be the most versatile and frequently used power tool ever devised. That’s why we’re firm believers that a good drill is the foundation of any DIY tool kit. Drill drivers make short work of inserting and removing all sorts of fasteners, so you can kick clunky screwdrivers to the curb. Add a set of bits, and you can even make your own pilot holes in a matter of moments. Although corded models offer slightly more power, the convenience of cordless drills makes them the preferred choice for most jobs.

Orbital Sander

Unless you’re going for a rustic, all-natural aesthetic, most DIY wood projects require at least a bit of sanding. If you’ve ever sanded a build by hand, the thought alone is probably enough to make your muscles ache. Fortunately, an orbital sander is an affordable way to save yourself a ton of time and effort. Specifically, a random orbital sander is an excellent addition to your power tool collection. These all-purpose sanders are suitable for a wide range of applications, producing a silky-smooth finish without leaving marks and blemishes.

Jig Saw

No matter your interests or experience level, one thing every DIY enthusiast needs is a reliable cutting tool. Unfortunately, there are so many types of saws out there that it can almost be overwhelming. If you’re putting together a set of tools for DIY projects, we recommend starting with a jig saw. These handheld saws feature an array of interchangeable blades, making them remarkably adaptable and easy to use. Whether you’re working with lumber, plywood or anything in between, jig saws can make clean, precise, intricate cuts with ease.

Basic Home Repairs

As a homeowner, there’s nothing more satisfying than being able to fix things when they break around the house. Even completing simple repairs can provide a real sense of accomplishment and give you the confidence to tackle more ambitious projects. Of course, it can also save you a whole bunch of money. Instead of paying professionals for simple jobs, why not invest in the tools you can use to become your own handyman?

Project Ideas

If you’re like most people, it probably seems like there’s always something in your house that needs fixing. When you’re reliant on the pros, it can be tempting to keep putting things off until they become impossible to ignore. Luckily, while serious problems are best left to the experts, many common household issues are surprisingly easy to fix. If you’re eager to roll up your sleeves and get to work, some DIY home repairs to consider include:

• Loose deck boards and porch railings
• Broken and wobbly furniture
• Damaged paint and wallpaper
• Creaky stairs and floorboards
• Roof damage and leaks
• Minor water damage

What You’ll Need

Home repairs come in many forms, so it’s always helpful to have a variety of different tools at your disposal. Still, a little resourcefulness can help you accomplish a lot even with a limited tool kit. That’s why we recommend focusing on power tools that can be used in a wide range of tasks. With just a few pieces of equipment, you’ll be prepared to fix problems whenever and wherever they occur.

Nail Gun

A hammer is perfectly fine for driving a few nails into an ordinary piece of wood. When you’re dealing with dozens or even hundreds of nails, however, it’s time to bring in the big guns. More specifically, it’s time to get yourself a nail gun. These handy power tools drive nails with amazing speed and precision, delivering clean, professional results and a rock-solid hold. They’re useful in practically any situation, but they’re especially handy when repairing things like cabinets, moulding, roofing and decks.

Circular Saw

On almost any project, the ability to make quick, clean cuts on the spot is incredibly helpful. Whether you’re cutting trim for furniture or boards for your porch, a circular saw is a great tool for the job. Circular saws are portable and easy to use, allowing you to swiftly make nearly any kind of cut your repairs require. They also cut through a range of materials, from plywood and dimensional lumber to acrylic, aluminum and more.

Heat Gun

It’s not the most well-known of power tools, but a heat gun is an excellent low-cost addition to your arsenal. As the name suggests, this straightforward tool is designed to deliver focused, controlled heat wherever you may need it. Heat guns are frequently used to aid in removing paint and wallpaper, but that’s not all they can do. They can also help break loose stubborn bolts and screws, activate and soften adhesives and drive moisture out of wood.

Home Remodeling and Renovations

No matter how much you love your house, you’ve likely envisioned making at least a few changes or renovations. There’s a good chance you’ve also abandoned those plans once you discovered how much they would cost. Luckily, you don’t have to give up on creating the home of your dreams. Much of the cost of remodeling is due to labor, but you can save a bundle by doing the work yourself.

Project Ideas

If the thought of tearing up your house fills you with dread, there’s no need to fear. In reality, a lot of exciting remodeling and renovation jobs require only basic skills and equipment. Of course, we always recommend keeping your ability level in mind and staying within your comfort zone. That said, if you’re ready to start building a better home for yourself and your family, some high-impact renovation ideas include:

• Remodeled kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• New and expanded accent walls
• Faux fireplace mantels
• Removal of interior walls
• Kitchen island additions
• Moulding, stair brackets and other accents

What You’ll Need

Proper planning is critical when you’re getting ready to remodel or renovate your home. Before you begin, take time to consider what tools you’ll need and make sure you have them available. Each renovation is unique, so the list of required equipment is likely to change from one project to the next. As a general rule, we always suggest starting with a few of our top tools for DIY projects.

Impact Driver

In many ways, an impact driver is like an upgraded version of our favorite power tool: the cordless drill. Although they perform many of the same functions, impact drivers are designed to generate significantly more torque. This makes them ideal for tasks that involve long screws, lag bolts and other heavy-duty fasteners. It’s worth noting, however, that the added torque comes at the cost of speed. Keep this trade-off in mind when deciding whether to use an impact driver or a conventional cordless drill.

Reciprocating Saw

If you’re doing extensive work in or around your home, a reciprocating saw just might be your very best friend. With the right blade, you can quickly and effortlessly cut through all kinds of construction materials. Even fasteners like nails and screws are no obstacle for a quality reciprocating saw, making demolition and remodeling jobs a breeze. Most importantly, the forward-facing design of these saws makes them safe and secure even in non-professional hands.

Miter Saw

When you’ve got serious cutting to do, there may be no better power tool to have than a miter saw. Though they’re a lot less portable than circular saws, miter saws offer unparalleled accuracy and precision. With the ability to repeatedly produce cuts at exacting angles, they’re perfect for working with moulding, trim and other accent pieces. With a miter saw, you’ll never have to worry about ill-fitting joints and other irritating issues again.

DIY Masonry Projects

The prospect of doing masonry work can give even experienced DIY hobbyists pause, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, many masonry projects are quite manageable as long as you’re properly equipped. With a bit of know-how, you can create striking results that add beauty, utility and value to your home.

Project Ideas

Masonry is a broad category of construction that encompasses many materials, ranging from stone and clay to brick and concrete. Each of these materials presents some unique challenges, but nothing that can’t be overcome. What makes masonry especially exciting is that the possibilities aren’t limited to the inside of your house. With the right tools and techniques, you can also make your outdoor surroundings more functional and attractive. There are plenty of ways to jump in and get started, including:

• Fire pits
• Patios and walkways
• Retaining walls
• Planter boxes
• Benches
• Tile floors
• Indoor accent walls
• Kitchen backsplashes
• Brick and stone veneers

What You’ll Need

Because masonry projects feature a variety of unique materials, they also sometimes require more specialized tools. In particular, the biggest challenges you’re likely to encounter are cutting and controlling dust. Fortunately, there are power tools available to help you solve both of these issues.

Angle Grinder

An angle grinder can help with virtually all DIY home decorating projects, but it’s a must-have when working with masonry. Fit it with a diamond blade, and you’ll be able to zip through tiles, bricks, pavers and other materials with ease. Swap in a grinding wheel attachment and you’re all set to smooth out even the roughest of surfaces. You can also use an angle grinder to cut away hardened mortar when you need to make repairs.

Masonry Saw

While it’s not strictly necessary for all types of masonry, a dedicated masonry saw is still a worthwhile investment. Not surprisingly, it’s the best tool available for cutting brick and stone veneer, floor and backsplash tiles and more. It produces smooth, consistent and uniform cuts across materials, ensuring your installation is as swift and seamless as possible.

Shop Vacuum

Cutting and grinding masonry materials is, to put it lightly, a rather messy affair. No matter what you’re building, you can expect to generate a tremendous amount of potentially harmful dust. It’s essential that you wear proper protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area, but you can also do more. Shop vacuums, also called wet/dry vacuums, are very effective at sucking dust particles right out of the air. In addition to protecting your health, this also improves visibility and keeps your work area cleaner.

While it’s nice to have the perfect tool for every job, that simply isn’t realistic or necessary for most DIY-inclined homeowners. By focusing on the best power tools for your needs and interests, you can ensure you’re ready to successfully complete any project you begin.