If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know I love building things and have a garage filled with tools! With a father-in-law who has sold tools for 30+ years he gained quite the collection and now, lucky for us, he stores many of them in our garage and therefore I’ve adopted quite the arsenal of tools.
I’ve been asked many times what kind of tools I use, so today I’m excited to let you know the must-have power tools for DIYers. If you’re just starting with your tool collection, these are my top recommendations.
BEST MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR DIYERS
Click on a photo of any tool for more information.
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Miter Saw
If you’ve taken 7 days to nailing power tools than you know I use a compound miter saw. That thing is a beast and quite possibly one of my favorite tools. This is the exact one I have and I love being able to make angled cuts and it isn’t as terrifying as the table saw.
Band Saw
Jet band saws are straight up awesome. They’re professional grade and would never need to be replaced. You can see an example of how I used a band saw to create my custom state map wall art.
It’s a little scary to use a band saw the first time but once you get started it’s so fun!
Table Saw
This Bosch table saw is a full size table saw and perfectly portable. You can rip down plywood with ease and then fold up your saw and tuck it away until you need it again.
Circular Saw
This circular saw is super powerful, has an adjustable base, and feels solid in your hand. This is a great one to add to your must-have tools list.
Jigsaw
I love my Jigsaw! This Makita jigsaw has all the power you will ever need and its super easy to use and adjust.
Multimaster
This is the original multitool. Fein has been on the market years longer than everyone else and they have used that time to stay on top. With one simple tool, you can do so much! Plus, it’s strong enough to power through just about everything, including nails.
Router
This router is awesome. It’s strong enough to power through everything you put it up against but comfortable enough in your hand that you always feel like you’re in control. Plus, the height is so easy to adjust that you will have no trouble setting the perfect level for your project.
Random Orbit Sander
This is a great random orbit sander with a compact height that allows you to get into tighter spaces. I love my sander and always have it out on my workbench because I use it all the time.
Planer
You’re going to have a hard time getting a better planer for this price. This Delta planer provides a quality finish without breaking the bank.
Brad Nailer
This Senco brad nailer is reliable and not terribly expensive. It is a quality brand that has been in the nailer game for a long time and frequently tops the lists of best nailers.
This Senco micro pinner, also known as a finish nailer, is so handy. Although on the pricey side, this is a great tool to have around.
Air compressor
The Dewalt air compressor delivers a lot of power in a compact size. As long as you’re not planning on using it to power a couple of framing nailers, this compressor can handle anything you throw at it and will be with you for a very long time. Quincy compressors are pretty much the best but they are expensive so this is a great alternative.
Impact
This is a killer deal for a starter impact driver kit! This impact is especially awesome since the light on it is conveniently placed right below the driver so it is always pointing where you want it to. The placement of the light is patented so it is the only impact with the light in this location. Other impacts have their light inconveniently placed right above the battery.
Drill
There are a lot of great drills but it’s best to have a drill that matches your impact so that the batteries are interchangeable.
So there we have it! 14 must-have power tools every DIYer needs!
These are my favorites, but what do you think? What would you add to this list?
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Thanks Frank! Yes, the multimaster is a MUST. Love mine!
I wish I had even half of these :(
Thanks for the great list of must have tools Amanda. I am having some of these, but wish to have some more.
Hey Amanda,
Really a great post! Thanks for sharing. I wish I could have atleast half of this list.
Awesome list. I love fein multimaster oscillating tool. I am glad to see this tool here. Thank you very much.
Great list of tools. I also own the same Bosch miter and table saw. Like you, I love and am totally comfortable with the miter saw and find the table saw slightly terrifying, although I’m getting better with it.
Years ago I remember watching men and boys getting all excited about power tools and not understanding what the big deal was. Then I started using them… I can’t think of anything more empowering for a woman.
I grew up in a house where you hired someone if you had to put a picture on the wall or change out a light switch cover. The fact that I can now demo and install an entire bathroom or kitchen on my own is an amazing feeling.
I would add a decent wet tile saw to your list. Something in the $350-400 range. That’s another tool I bought for what I thought would be one project and wound up using constantly.
Great blog, btw.
im considering a tablesaw right now…have you ever used a SawStop and if so how would you compare the Bosch that you recommend?
Thx!
mama to one lovely boy!!