Advertisement
Whether you’re a long-time do-it-yourselfer or just starting to dip your toes into home improvement, the right tools and supplies can help ensure you get the best, professional results. We help improve our homes with DIY home projects like hanging pictures or putting together furniture or shelves or even building furniture. Whatever project you may be attempting, having the DIY home center must haves will make your work easier, quicker, and more fun.
In this guide, we will go over the tools and supplies you need to create an organized DIY home center. Rewindwriting on everything from hand tools to safety equipment and storage solutions that should be in your DIY toolkit.
. It’s perfect for big sanding jobs and once you’re done, it delivers a smooth, even finish. Choose a sander with variable speed settings so you can adjust it for different jobs.
Why You Should Have a DIY Home Center
An organized DIY home center means you have everything you need at the ready, so you’re ready for home projects in no time. It saves you the time and cost of last-minute runs to the hardware store for forgotten tools or parts. Having the right tools on hand isn’t just a perk, it can also help improve the quality of your work, so your projects not only run well but look polished and professional. Let’s walk through the basic tools and supplies that every DIY home center needs.Hand Tools are Musts for DIY Projects
Hand tools are the foundation of any do-it-yourself project. They’re versatile and easy to use, and you can probably find them at your home center.Hammer
A hammer is one of the most essential tools a DIYer can have. It usually is between 16-20 ounces for house hold use. The hammer can be used not only for driving nails (and removing them), but also light demolition work.Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are by far the most versatile tools on the planet and are a must-have for anyone tasked with building that IKEA furniture or repairing their appliances at home. There are two types of screwdrivers, flat-head and Phillips-head, and you should have them in various sizes. If you could do with a more comfortable, less strenuous way to get your task done, then it might be worth buying a set with well-designed handles. A power screwdriver or a drill that can take screwdriver attachments would also be fantastic for saving some time.Tape Measure
Tape Measure Since we are making cuts. For general home use, a 25-foot retractable tape measure will work best. It’s perfect for taking measurements for furniture, walls and spaces for any project, from picture hanging to shelving installation.Utility Knife
Utility knives, also known as box cutters, are probably one of the most useful tools you can have. Employ them for cutting drywall, carpeting, box-slicing and other household work. A blade utility knife that retractable is safe and easy to use.Pliers
Pliers can be used for gripping, bending or cutting wire and plastic. A pair of needle-nose pliers, lineman’s pliers and slip-joint pliers will handle most tasks. They’re especially handy for electrical jobs, plumbing repairs and automotive work.Level
Making sure your work is straight and in line is essential, and a level is just the tool for that. For hanging artwork and installing shelves, and for building furniture, a level ensures your projects are precise. Most jobs benefit from having a spirit level, particularly a 24-inch or 48-inch model.Power Tools — For Speed and Accuracy
(Hey, we know hand tools are important, but unless you’re doing a super small or simple project, power tools will help to make your life way easier.) Investing in a good set of power tools opens up a much wider world of DIY work you can attempt.Cordless Drill
A cordless drill is probably the most useful power tool you can own, if you’re a DIYer. It can drill holes, drive screws, and can host attachments for anything from sanding to cutting. Choose a model with multiple speed settings, torque adjustment, and lasting battery life.Circular Saw
Essential for cutting wood, plywood, and other materials, a circular saw is a must-have. It’s perfect for projects like cutting wood planks, trimming down plywood or making quick cuts for building furniture or cabinetry. You want a cordless or corded that has adjustable depth and bevel settings, so that you have the flexibility to make really accurate cuts.Jigsaw
A jigsaw is ideal for cutting intricate shapes in wood, metal, plastic and even ceramic tiles. The tool is great for making curved or detailed cuts that are impossible using a circular saw. It’s a valuable tool in your toolkit for projects that are simple and complex.Random Orbital Sander
A random orbital sander is ideal for evening out rough surfaces and prepping wood for paint or stainImpact Driver
Such as an impact driverSimilar to a drill, it’s a more powerful, efficient option for driving screws and fasteners. This is especially helpful when working with dense materials such as hardwood or masonry. An impact driver can make quick work of tasks such as assembling furniture or installing decking.Nuts and Bolts for Your Home Projects
After you get your core tools ready, it’s time to consider the supplies you’ll need to finish your projects. These include fasteners, adhesives, and finishes, which are critical to numerous functions.Nails, Screws, and Fasteners
A good selection of nails, screws, and fasteners can guarantee that you will be prepared to deal with everything from simple furniture assembly to complicated construction projects. Make sure to have them all in order to spend seconds on your work without any interruption.Wood Glue
Wood glue is an essential on every woodworking project. It’s perfect for reinforcing joints in furniture and cabinetry. If you end up going with wood glue please get one that is high strength and will dry clear.Painter’s Tape
Painter’s tape is your friend for achieving clean, crisp lines when painting. It’s also handy for keeping materials in place during construction or installation. Use painter’s tape that is high quality to avoid peeling, which is especially important for clean lines.Caulk and Sealants
It is useful for sealing joints or seams that involve different types of material including around windows, doors, and bathtubs. It’s also good for repairing leaky faucets and sinks. Make sure to have silicone and acrylic-based types, for different projects you will need a different one.Paint and Stains
A range of paints and stains will find you finishing a woodwork, walls or furniture project to perfection. Select high-quality paints formulated for the surface you are painting. Test a number of oil-based and water-based finishes on all materials.Safety Gear
When tackling the project yourself, safety should be your number one priority. When operating power tools and working with materials that create debris or dust, it’s critical to wear protective equipment such as safety glasses, ear protection, and dust masks. Also, wear gloves to keep your hands safe from sharp and rough things.Storage and Organization: Store Your Tools in a Reach
A clean workspace starts with a well-organized DIY home center. If you tackle a lot of DIY projects, you know the importance of having everything organized and easy to access; storage solutions like toolboxes, tool chests, and shelving will go a long way in creating a more efficient working environment.Toolbox or Tool Chest
Purchase a sturdy toolbox or tool chest with many compartments to hold your hand tools, screws, nails, and other small items. It is also a mobile option for tool storage, whereas a wall-mounted tool organizer saves space in smaller garages.Shelving and Pegboards
Pegboards are perfect for organizing tools and keeping them on hand. Mounting a couple of shelving units in your garage, basement, or workshop will allow you to store larger items, such as power tools, paint cans, and building materials.Labeling System
Labeling drawers, containers, and shelves will help you find the tools and supplies you need. Laboratory work needs to move quickly, so make sure to use adhesive labels and/or marker pens to label everything clearly, so there is no confusion.Specialty Project Essentials: DIY Supplies You Need
When you start working on more detailed projects, you might need more specialized supplies for your different lines of work. Here are some bonuses to keep in mind:- Tile Cutter or Wet Saw: If you plan to install tile, you can do so with precision using a tile cutter or wet saw.
- Drywall Tools: These are vital tools for drywall installation that include a drywall saw, taping knives, and joint compound.
- Electrical Tools: If you’re undertaking electrical projects, a voltage tester, wire strippers, and electrical tape are important for safety and efficiency.
