10 Things a DIYer Should Have In Their Toolbelt
Are you a DIYer looking to ramp up your tool collection and make sure you’re prepared for anything? You’re in luck because this post outlines the 10 essential tools that should be in every DIYer’s toolbelt. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional or a DIYer, having the right tools in your toolbelt makes all the difference. When it comes to projects around the house, having the right tools not only helps you get the job done faster and easier but also gives you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly and safely.
From basic hand tools to power tools to must-have gadgets, this post has it all. So whether you’re just getting started with do-it-yourself projects or want to upgrade your toolkit, this post has everything you’ll need to make sure you’re ready for any task that comes your way. We’ll provide a comprehensive overview of each tool and review its uses.
Hammer
The first tool is a hammer. The two main types of hammers are basic hammers and claw hammers. A basic hammer is made of a heavy head connected to a handle, while a claw hammer has one end divided into two claws for pulling out nails. A ball peen hammer is also useful for heavier-duty applications like striking cold chisels and punches.
Screwdriver
After a hammer, you need screwdrivers. Slotted screwdrivers are designed for flathead screws, and Phillips-head screwdrivers are for Phillips-head screws. Torx screwdrivers are used for security screws, and precision screwdrivers are ideal for smaller repairs.
Pliers
Next, you should have pliers in your toolbox. Needle-nose pliers come in handy for small projects, while locking pliers are great for heavy-duty applications, and slip joint pliers can be adjusted to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts.
Wrench
Wrenches should be the next set of tools included in your tool belt. An adjustable wrench can be used on multiple sizes of nuts and bolts, while socket wrenches allow you to switch between various sizes of sockets quickly, and box wrenches have fixed sizes and are great for precision work.
Level
Levels are also important tools to have in your toolbox. Standard levels are for leveling floors and walls, bubble levels show if something is perfectly level, and digital levels can measure angles quickly. These come in handy when hanging artwork or installing shelves.
Tape Measure
Tape measures are also essential tools for DIYers. They come in all shapes and sizes depending on what type of project you’re working on. Standard tape measures are great for measuring distances around the house, while measuring wheels let you measure longer distances, particularly outside surfaces. Laser measures make measuring distances even easier as they provide distance readings with greater accuracy.
Saw
Saws are another critical tool that DIYers need in their collection. Hand saws can cut through wood with precision or complete rough cuts quickly, circular saws can cut through material at any angle quickly, while reciprocating saws can make even more detailed cuts.
Drill
Drills come next. Cordless drills allow more flexibility when working away from an electrical socket and can get into tight spaces better than power cords allow. Hammer drills let you drill into hard materials like concrete or brick walls with less effort than a cordless drill would require. Right-angle drills allow for drilling even in tighter spaces where regular drills just won’t reach.
Nail Gun
Nail guns are also great additions to any DIYer’s toolbelt. Air-powered nail guns require an air compressor to operate but give you more control over how much power each nail is driven into a surface. Cordless nail guns offer convenience for projects or indoor work where an air compressor cannot be used. Pneumatic nail guns run on compressed air but have more power than cordless models.
Utility Knife
Finally, utility knives should be included in your toolbox as well. Metal blades are best suited for cutting thick materials like sheet metal, while plastic blades will break when they encounter similar pressures. Retractable utility knives let you adjust blade length depending on what project you’re working on and, at times, even utilize a scribing tool to make marks or incisions on softer materials like wood or leather.
Conclusion
Having the right tools will make any DIYer’s life easier when taking on any project around the house. While not every tool mentioned above may be needed for every project, having them at hand when needed most certainly helps streamline processes that otherwise may be arduous without them available.