Best Tools For DIY -Great Tool Guide For Starters

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I have been building a lot lately, more than I have in long time! It feels so good :) But, it also made me realize how many tools I really do use and how much I love them! I get asked a lot about what tools are great tools to start out with. My very first tool, besides a drill, was a miter saw. And my arsenal has just grown from there. I decided that it would be a great time to share which tools I love with you and which ones I could not live without!

Ryobi Compact Drill/Driver Kit

 I love this drill! If possible, get two! One for drilling holes, the other ready to go for screwing in screws! Plus, this kit gives you two batteries and a charger, which is a must. It's the worst being in the middle of a project and having the battery die on you, and then having to wait. With this one, I just always have one of the batteries charging, so when that happens, I just easily switch it out.

Black & Decker Drill Bit Set, 18-Piece

I have a similar set to this, and it has lasted for years! I have had to get a few bits here and there, but these, for the most part, take care of what I need.

Ryobi Compound Miter Saw


This is definitely one tool I could never live without and is quite possibly as important as owning a drill. I use this for every single project!

PORTER-CABLE  Combo Kit

I couldn't live without my nail gun either! I use this thing on most of my projects, big and little. I couldn't image hammering nails the old fashioned way! It's a must, especially for adding molding, shiplap/planks, board and batten...everything! Of course, with a nail gun, you'll need an air compressor. This is the exact combo I have. Truthfully, I have used the staple gun like once...and I'm not even sure if I used it for it's intention...I think I was just out of brad nails or something :) But, this combo is a great deal!

Dremel Ultra-Saw Tool Kit with 5 Accessories and 1 Attachment

This Dremel Ultra Saw is my new love. Serious. I hate using huge hand saws...they are just so dang heavy and scary. I own a table saw...and well, I have used it twice in the 7 years I have owned it. Scares me too. I realized that I just needed something to do my longer cuts that wasn't so heavy duty...and this is it! I can hold it with one hand, yet it cuts most plywood and wood under an inch thick, which is usually what I would need anyways. This does a lot more things than just that :) You can do masonry, metal...just read about it. It's great!

Dremel Ultimate 3-Tool Combo Kit with 15 Accessories and Storage Bag

I have had this kit for at least 6 years now. It is a great kit, not just for building projects, but also for every day household things. I use it more on random things than anything else. I use it the most for cutting metal...like on my sliding barn door hardware on my entertainment center.

Dremel All-Purpose Rotary Accessory Kit, 160-Piece

I also bought this attachment kit for the Dremel tools...You own a Dremel, you'll need this :)

BLACK+DECKER  Jig Saw

After my drill and miter saw, the jigsaw was the next tool purchase. It's great for free hand cuts, like making round things like these farmhouse serving trays, or adding curves to headboards...among many other things :)

Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System

My husband bought this for me about 3 years ago, and I don't know why, but it just sat in my basement all that time until this year! I know, I'm crazy! It's a great tool to secure wood together, tightly, securely, and hidden! Pocket holes are the best! But, be sure to use the pocket hole screws...not normal screws. It just doesn't work the same :)




Countersink Drill Bits
Also, another great thing that I love...and have like three off...is a counter sink drill bit. This is great for pre-drilling screws and hiding the heads. A must!




A few tools that I own, but don't really use or recommend as a starter:
A sliding miter saw


My husband bought me a sliding miter saw probably about 4 years ago...it's still in the box. I have thought about getting it out a few times for longer cuts, but just never did. I'm sure when I get it out, I will love it though!

Table saw


As I mentioned before, the table saw scares me :) I had a few pieces shoot back at me, and I would rather leave those types of cuts to the professionals at Home Depot or Lowes :)  haha. That's why the Ultra Saw I mentioned earlier is amazing!

Router with table



I used my router for smaller projects...far and few between. I wish I used it more, it's a great tool! It's just not something I have need of too much with my current projects.

Drill Press


Another one of those presents from my husband :) I think I used it once, and I can't even recall what for! I actually forgot I even owned it.

Disclaimer: As with all tools, follow all manufacturer instructions and wear safety equipment. Thrifty and Chic and it's owners are not liable for any injury or malfunction that can be caused by the user or the machine/tool. Buy at your own risk and do your due diligence before purchase.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”