Whether you’re just starting out with DIY projects or an advanced handywoman around the house, here’s 15 Tools Every DIY Girl Should Own someday.
1. Tape Measurer
You’ll need to keep one of these on hand for various projects, including measuring walls for painting projects, dimensions for wood cuts, or hanging pictures. Opt for a longer metal one, at least 25ft.
2. Plier Set
Great tool to remove stripped screws, but it can also assist with all types of pulling, pinching, stripping wire or even bending metal.
3. Screwdriver Set
You can fix almost anything with this basic tool. It’s a good idea to buy a set with multiple Philips and flathead sizes so you can handle most DIY home maintenance jobs. Also get a set that has smaller screwdrivers for those special jobs!
4. Hammer and Mallet Set
I’m sure most of you have a hammer at home, but invest in a nice claw hammer. This will help you drive nails but also remove the bent ones (or to remove nails if you make a mistake… which I’m sure never happens). Hammers on hand are great for hanging pictures, putting together some ready-to-assemble furniture or small woodworking projects. Mallets are great for a softened strike, like when working with shimming wood boards into place.
5. Levels (varying options)
I actually have 3 different levels I use often. First is my small level, great for hanging pictures and small stuff. Second one is a 24 inch level. This is great for big projects and is also great for drawing long, straight lines. And third is the laser level. Great for corners and hard to reach places!
6. Staple Gun
I use my staple gun all the time for reupholstering chairs, making wood box valances, and other DIY projects around the house.
7. Tool Bag and Tool Box
You’ll need a place to store all of these handy tools. A larger one on rollers is great to move around your basement, garage, or workshop. I also have a tool bag that I keep in the house for those tools that I use most often. Easy to cart around from room to room!
8. Power Drill
A rechargable drill is nice for your DIY projects that don’t require mega power. They’re light to carry and very affordable. Great to creating holes, and switch to a screwhead bit to quickly finish your projects. My favorite is the Ryobi since I can easily switch my battery from tool to tool.
9. Drill Bit Set
You need to have options with your drill bits for varying projects, and I love the sets that keep all of your drill bits organized. Make sure your bits are perfect for wood, metal and plastic drilling applications.
10. Orbital Palm Sander
If you need to remove a finish or old paint on a piece of furniture, invest in an orbital sander. Great for getting a smooth finish on large surfaces, and the palm sander version gives you great control.
11. Stud Finder
When trying to install shelving or larger pictures, it’s best to nail straight into the wall stud. This tool is great to see behind the walls for you, unless you’re a pro and know how to properly knock on your drywall. And this might sound crazy, but this is my go-to stud finder. Works like a charm plus it’s light weight and easy to use. Just run it along the wall and the magnet will find the screws or nails in your studs. Look closely and you can probably see this bad boy in a lot of my projects.
12. Brad Nailer
Great power tool for the intermediate DIYer. Nail together window trim, chair rail, crown molding, picture frames and more with this handy tool that you’ll love to have in the home. We also used this for our shiplap projects around the home. Again, this Ryobi one is my favorite because you can easily swap out the batteries with all your Ryobi tools.
13. Jigsaw
I like to do a lot of free hand cuts to create cool shapes and this tool is the perfect addition to any DIYer’s workshop. Also, if you need to do minor somewhat straight cuts, this will do just fine. It’s small and easy to store, plus very affordable.
14. Compound Miter Saw
Get a nice neat finish with this amazing power tool. You’ll get accurate cuts, especially if yours comes with a laser. Also creates 45 degree angles for moldings, trim and other decorative projects. Also useful for making short, quick cuts on basic projects.
15. Circular Saw
This is a lifesaver for larger projects with multiple cuts. They’re light weight and portable, plus give a great finished edge. Don’t be intimated; you’ll get used to the power and blade quickly and then find dozens of uses for this power tool.
OH, and one more bonus item!
I think everyone should own a carpenter L square!
Definitely helpful for measuring/drawing those straight lines, especially for wood projects.
If you don’t have one… GET ONE!
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SO, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MUST-HAVE TOOL?
Please leave a comment below!
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Cheryl @ Artzzle says
Okay, Lady, you are WAY above my skill levels here, but does it count if my Hubs has all of these available to me? I’m a newbie to your blog. Now I’m really going to explore your previous posts if you work with all of this stuff! 🙂
howtonestforless says
Haha, yes it does count if you get some help! Nothing better than learning by seeing it done firsthand by someone else 😉
Leona says
I guard my tape measurer! And my hammer. And the rest of my tools. I borrow my husbands power tools, but sometimes he refuses to share and cuts my stuff and takes over. I also have scissors no one is allowed to touch unless they swear to only cut fabric. My collection of straight edges is enviable. I loved your suggestions. Makes me want to start another project!
howtonestforless says
Thanks Leona! I have a special pair of scissors too that no one else is allowed to touch 😉
breadoven says
Great site. I have gone down many of your rabbit holes and found a number of gems. Thanks for sharing.
My favourite tool is my 4.5″ grinder. I use it to carve wood, stone and build metal projects. Changing the blade every project, of course. For wood carving, the Lancelot blade is the greatest for removing stock quickly. This tool is not for the faint of heart. Wear all the safety stuff and as well a leather apron is a must.
I took a man’s suede jacket and cut the back out to make an apron.
Thanks again for sharing your ideas and knowledge.
howtonestforless says
Thanks so much for the tip!
Liz says
I couldn’t live without my compound miter saw!
howtonestforless says
Couldn’t agree more!
Claire @ Frontline Tools says
It looks like you’ve got all the basics covered. All of the above are in my tool collection minus the compound miter saw 🙂
Marie says
I got an oscillating multi-tool that I love! Great for sanding and making small wood cuts!
howtonestforless says
Very cool Marie! I have a Dremel but really need to practice with it a little more so I feel comfortable. I know it can do cool things… now I just have to experiment!
TBear says
Gotta have a reciprocating saw.
susie says
Don’t forget about the scroll saw. For making those intricate cuts and for very small objects.
howtonestforless says
Ahhh yes! Totally agree with you!
Chris says
Sawzall gets my vote.
natalie says
Couldn’t diy without my Bernina sewing machine! Its just as much a power tool as a brad nailer. Lol
Rae says
I love my table saw!
Shari says
I love my Rockwell Versa-cut. My husband says I am the only woman that wants power tools for Christmas ,Anniversary, birthdays and Mothers Day. Glad to know I am not the only one that has to have my own tools….lol
howtonestforless says
Haha, not the only one 🙂 I’ll have to check out the Versa-cut. Thanks!!
Susan says
You are not alone, sista!! I have purchases 99.9% of our tools. I love Home Depot. I have given screwdrivers to my grandkids after we took an afternoon to sand, polish and varnish these vintage tools. I find them at sales to refurbish and gift to the kids.
howtonestforless says
Very cool, Susan! And those memories they’ll treasure forever!
Elizabeth says
I have all of these, except for the brad nailer and compound miter saw .. (and now I know what to put on my Christmas list)!! 🙂 My sister laughs at me for putting tools on my Christmas list .. but as I told her, if I don’t get it for Christmas, I’m just going to go buy it myself anyway!! 😉 Recently I saw a tool that I didn’t know existed, and that I simply MUST have … The Kreg pocket screw … (sadly, it doesn’t fit in the Christmas list guidelines/budget … but I WILL get it nonetheless)!!
howtonestforless says
Those are the two tools I use the most! I put tools on my Christmas list too 😉
Carole says
Love my pneumatic staple gun.
Diane says
I finished a 10′ long farm table using miter saw, belt sander, and my trusty Kreg jig set, long with my power drill and screwdriver. Oh yeah, and my band saw on my shopsmith. Love building things!
howtonestforless says
Awesome Diane!
ODuchess says
Two more essentials for me: a set of precision screwdrivers–ever try to repair a pair of glasses without one?–and a decent set of Exacto knives. I have a kit with blades ranging from tiny to standard size plus two sizes of holders. They are AMAZING. My list isn’t complete without these, but I do need to add a couple off things from the list above.
howtonestforless says
Good call on the Exacto knives! I use mine for everything!!
Kim says
Add lots of different size clamps to the list if you like building things with wood.
howtonestforless says
Good tip!!
Vee says
Thanks for the wonderful tips on tools. When I was a newbie I purchased most of the tools mentioned here. Much to my horror, my husband gradually confiscated all my tools and combined them with his and put them where I could never find them again. Now this is years later and I am a lot stronger both mentally and physically. I am going to get more tools, but this time I will man my tool box and dare him to touch it. A note to all newbie handy gals watch those hubbies! LOL!
Triny Ledesma says
You miss one.. space for put all those stuff..
Kris N says
I own all 15 plus several more. My favorite is probably my orbital sander but my angle grinder is quickly taking over as most used. Especially now that I’ve learned to mig weld.
howtonestforless says
Mig weld? Completely jealous!
Nina says
Great, now I have some more ideas for tools. Clamps and Kreg tools help my solo building a lot. Dreaming of a professional overlook sewing machine these days 😉
Becky says
Don’t forget an air compressor or that brad nailer won’t do you any good! The commenters above covered all of my favorites that weren’t on the list. Sawsall, compound miter saw, oscillating tool, clamps, and mini screw drivers. Might I add a rolling work box to keep it all in, folding sawhorses, different sizes of pry bars and spare batteries for you power tools. It is easier to have all the same brand and voltage so you can switch out a battery if one dies.
Melissa says
You hit the nail on the head…pun intended! This is a great list of must have tools. I love that you included a brad nail gun. It’s my very favorite tool I own, other than my impact drill! Us girl DIY’ers need to stick together. I have a great list of my top ten must have tools as well.
Steven says
Really, it’s a great list. I’m not a girl but as a man, I wanna tell that these all of tools very important for every home owner. Just love your info
Ivy Baker says
This some really good information about tools people should have a nail hanger. That is a good thing to be aware of when you need to have repaired. Having a tool like that would be smart to have if you want to hang a lot of picture frames. It seems like this would help you do the job quickly.
Robert says
A hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, mask, first aid kit. Cell phone near by to call for help if needed. Try not to use power tools when no one knows where you are, what you are doing, and when you expect to be back, or check in.