What are the tools that every Do-it-Yourselfer must own?

Question

What are the tools that every DIY'er should have? This is a community wiki as there is no one right answer.

Instructions:

One item per answer (so they can be voted on - answers with multiple items will be voted down)
Clear formatting like this:
[ITEM NAME]
[Reason why item is essential/useful/good]
[Photo / other info]

Doresoom · Answer 1 · 2011-07-06T16:19:17.507

93

A cordless drill
No doubt about it. I bought a DeWalt 14.4V three years ago, and it's been invaluable to me. alt text http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/34/34c4b1f5-f4c7-465c-b9bb-f0a9ba2cd2ef_300.jpg

edited Jul 06 '11 at 16:19

answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:42

Doresoom

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score 67 · Answer 2 · edited Jul 22 '10 at 21:25

67

A good weight crowbar
Use it for lifting, prying, removing, bashing, demolishing and most importantly, against zombies and headcrabs.

Crowbar vs Headcrab http://db.tt/F4NCQj

edited Jul 22 '10 at 21:25

x3ja

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answered Jul 22 '10 at 08:00

Ateş Göral

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score 60 · Answer 3 · edited Jul 22 '10 at 21:22

60

A good, stiff measuring tape

edited Jul 22 '10 at 21:22

x3ja

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:53

Adam Robinson

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Wayne Werner · Answer 4 · 2010-07-23T20:37:08.937

48

Utility Knife

For about $10-15 USD you can get 100 utility knife blades, so you don't have to worry about sharpening your knife/breaking the blade (except your eyes of course!).

I use mine for all sorts of stuff.

edited Jul 23 '10 at 20:37

answered Jul 23 '10 at 03:31

Wayne Werner

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score 47 · Answer 5 · edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:12

47

A first aid kit

...that is easy to find!

edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:12

x3ja

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answered Jul 22 '10 at 08:37

Walker

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score 46 · Answer 6 · edited Dec 14 '12 at 10:24

46

A multimeter

a multimeter (licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license)

(Image licensed under the Creative Commons)

edited Dec 14 '12 at 10:24

alecail

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 22:49

Brad

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score 45 · Answer 7 · edited Nov 16 '11 at 13:50

45

Needle-nose pliers

enter image description here

These are the most often used tool in my toolbox, not that they ever make it back into the toolbox.

edited Nov 16 '11 at 13:50

Tester101

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 20:01

jacobsee

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score 42 · Answer 8 · edited Jun 16 '20 at 10:07

42

Hammers and screwdrivers.

You aren't going to get much done without them...

A good jigsaw can be very helpful for many tasks as well.

edited Jun 16 '20 at 10:07

Community

1

answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:49

Josh Goldshlag

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score 42 · Answer 9 · edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

42

Speed square

alt text

edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

Community

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:58

spoulson

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score 38 · Answer 10 · edited Apr 08 '14 at 03:42

38

Locking pliers
Commonly known by the genericised trademark "Vise-Grip"

enter image description here

I find that I use it one way or another on every project I do.

edited Apr 08 '14 at 03:42

Pops

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answered Jul 22 '10 at 18:56

bengineerd

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score 36 · Answer 11 · edited Aug 12 '10 at 15:10

A power miter saw (compound if possible).

It will cut anything you'd cut with a circular saw (other than large sheets), and you'll also be able to cut any trim pieces you'll ever need. Adding and replacing trim is a relatively easy thing to do and can quickly add value and better the appearance of a house. Few things come as close the a bang-for-the-buck arena.

alt text http://www.besthometoolsale.com/images/dewalt-miter-saw-dw717.jpg

score 33 · Answer 12 · answered Jul 23 '10 at 18:46

Non-Contact Voltage Tester.
This comes in very handy to make sure you turned off the correct circuit breaker before doing any electrical work. And really helps if you have some funky wiring in your house and not everything in a single box is on the same circuit.

Non-Contact Voltage Tester http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/2149063ZRQL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Steve Armstrong · Answer 13 · 2010-07-26T21:02:30.207

Screwdriver set

screwdrivers http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7803/31032044.jpg

Your exact types will differ by country, but you likely want:

Slot-head (2 or 3 sizes)
Phillips (atleast size #3, maybe #2 and #4)
Robertson (atleast red, green, and black)

Rubber handles will save your hands after a bit of use. Also, try to find black tipped drivers, as this means they're hardened and shouldn't wear down as quickly.

score 28 · Answer 14 · edited Aug 05 '10 at 17:40

28

A reciprocating saw (a.ka. sawzall) -

Makes short work of any tearout job.
Gets into places that other saws can't.
Great stand-in for a chainsaw outside (for small stuff)

edited Aug 05 '10 at 17:40

Scott W

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 22:23

Eric Petroelje

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score 28 · Answer 15 · edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

28

Quick clamps.

alt text http://www.diyskate.com/img/ramps/tools/quick_clamp.jpg

about a million times better than these:

alt text

edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

Community

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answered Jul 29 '10 at 05:37

MGOwen

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score 28 · Answer 16 · answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:57

28

Set of standard and metric allen keys.

alt text http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DD9ETKNZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:57

spoulson

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score 27 · Answer 17 · edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:08

27

A circular saw of course.

And don't skimp - you'll use it enough that it's worthwhile to spend the money and get a decent (and light) one.

edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:08

x3ja

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:45

Eric Petroelje

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score 27 · Answer 18 · edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:08

27

Good levels of different sizes

edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:08

x3ja

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:47

score 25 · Answer 19 · edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:09

25

A good set of channel lock pliers (multiple sizes).

Use them on almost every job, especially plumbing.

alt text http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6085/39540403.jpg

edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:09

x3ja

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 22:15

JohnFx

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score 22 · Answer 20 · answered Jul 23 '10 at 13:15

22

5-in-1 Tool:

5-in-1 Tool http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31p1ZesJSlL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Great for scraping, pealing, poking. I use it all the time (and it is stronger than a putty knife).

answered Jul 23 '10 at 13:15

Jeff Widmer

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score 22 · Answer 21 · edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

22

A dremel with various bits: cut-off wheel, stone, sandpaper, polisher, etc.

alt text

edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

Community

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 20:01

spoulson

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score 21 · Answer 22 · answered Jul 21 '10 at 20:37

21

Rubber mallet - good for things where a hammer will just dent things - also good for adjusting things with taps.

answered Jul 21 '10 at 20:37

Cade Roux

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score 21 · Answer 23 · edited Jun 16 '20 at 10:07

Fire extingusher

http://a.imageshack.us/img291/47/firekz.jpg

I have something similar to this Kiddie Single-use from Home Depot because of its ABC rating:

Suitable for use on Class A (trash, wood, & paper), Class B (liquids & gases) and Class C fires (energized electrical equipment). The Full Home unit is fitted with a pressure gauge that provides at-a-glance status, is manufactured from lightwieght aluminum and a tough nylon valve assembly.

Mult-Purpose Dry Chemical

UL Listed / Rated 1-A, 10-B:C

Suitable for use on most common fires

Better to have it and not need it!

score 21 · Answer 24 · edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

21

Complete socket wrench set for 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives and box/closed end wrenches. Should include shallow and deep sockets. Places like Sears will carry an affordable portable fitted toolbox with all the sockets and wrenches.

alt text

edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

Community

1

answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:54

spoulson

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score 18 · Answer 25 · edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

18

A Block Plane

Fits in a toolbelt or toolbox. Comes out every time something almost fits. Saves eight million trips back to the table saw. Handles simple rounding and shaping.

alt text

edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

Community

1

answered Jul 28 '10 at 14:27

Rod Fitzsimmons Frey

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score 18 · Answer 26 · edited Jul 29 '10 at 18:17

18

I'm surprised no one has mentioned them but I think a good set of chisels are invaluable. Any time you're working with wood, a sharp set of chisels can be the key to getting a good fit and finish.

alt text http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/bb/bbd57c9f-731a-4157-a906-88f6437204b9_400.jpg

edited Jul 29 '10 at 18:17

Doresoom

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answered Jul 29 '10 at 12:15

Cody C

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score 17 · Answer 27 · answered Jan 04 '11 at 12:39

Safety Glasses

alt text

Not really a "tool" per se, but one thing I ALWAYS and is stress ALWAYS make sure I have in my tool box and wear all the time.

Had a friend that got metal in his eye and had to have the metal drilled out, creeped me out so much that I now wear safety glasses anytime I do any kind of work around the house.

score 17 · Answer 28 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:22

17

A good-quality stud finder

alt text http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/41/418f6e5c-a1ec-451a-8fc1-b3047f2a7559_300.jpg

See also: What should I look for when choosing a stud finder?

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:22

Community

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answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:49

Adam Robinson

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score 15 · Answer 29 · edited Jul 29 '10 at 17:23

15

A small pancake compressor. You can easily borrow / rent the tools, but having the compressor for so many jobs comes in handy. Can also be used without a tool to blow stuff off, fill tires, etc.

edited Jul 29 '10 at 17:23

Greg Bray

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answered Jul 22 '10 at 13:10

mohlsen

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score 14 · Answer 30 · edited Nov 16 '11 at 13:54

A Good Multi-tool

enter image description here

My personal favourite tool was my Gerber - though I know some people also like/prefer Leathermans. This is one thing where going cheap is not worth it. Anything Gerber, -Leatherman, -SOG, or any other quality tool brand really shines when compared with a cheap $10 variety. Seriously - save up for a few months and buy a good one. You'll be very glad you did.

I used mine almost daily until I lost it :'(

I'm saving up for a new one :D

JohnFx · Answer 31 · 2010-07-21T22:07:51.463

11

A ratchet with a gator-grip head. That is, unless unlike myself, you really like digging through a toolbox full of sockets for every job and can't identify the sizes on sight.

BTW: I have no interest in the company that makes Gator-grip, I just didn't know the generic name for this type of tool (if there is one).

alt text http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/4903/gatorgripwrench.jpg

edited Jul 21 '10 at 22:07

answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:50

JohnFx

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score 11 · Answer 32 · edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

11

A hack saw.

alt text

edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

Community

1

answered Jul 29 '10 at 22:17

Umber Ferrule

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score 10 · Answer 33 · answered Jul 28 '10 at 22:48

10

A Good Flashlight

Regular and Small versions are good to have - I'm constantly looking for one when trying to fix something.

answered Jul 28 '10 at 22:48

Steve T

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score 9 · Answer 34 · answered Aug 05 '10 at 19:58

9

My outlet tester; beats sticking a paperclip in the outlet to see if it's live...

alt text http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/homemaintenance/electrical/images/no/outlettester.jpg

answered Aug 05 '10 at 19:58

gnome

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score 9 · Answer 35 · answered Sep 25 '10 at 20:25

alt text

I love Japanese saws. They cut on the pull stroke and leaves a very narrow kerf (the channel that it cuts). I find that it cuts through wood a lot easier. Cutting on the pull stroke means that the blade won't bend. For saws that cut on the push stroke (most western saws), the blade might bend as you push.

I have this all purpose one, Japanese Modern Ryoba Saw, at home. One side is for ripping (cutting to a certain width) the other is for cross cutting (cutting to a certain length)

score 9 · Answer 36 · answered Sep 25 '10 at 20:35

9

alt text

A straight edge is really important. I actually have a 48" long aluminum ruler/straight edge that has a significant depth. It's great for drawing long lines and I sometimes use it as a guide for a circular saw or router.

answered Sep 25 '10 at 20:35

milesmeow

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score 9 · Answer 37 · edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:10

9

A decent table saw

After getting a cordless drill and a power miter saw.

edited Jul 25 '10 at 21:10

x3ja

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answered Jul 22 '10 at 04:41

BrianK

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score 8 · Answer 38 · answered Jul 22 '10 at 19:18

8

A collection of good-quality clamps of different sizes, including some that can be tightened with one hand.

answered Jul 22 '10 at 19:18

Vebjorn Ljosa

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score 8 · Answer 39 · edited Nov 15 '11 at 16:39

8

Adjustable Spanner (Wrench)

enter image description here

Can be used on a wide variety of nut sizes.

edited Nov 15 '11 at 16:39

Tester101

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answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:39

Mike Perry

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score 7 · Answer 40 · answered Nov 21 '10 at 21:45

Lineman's Pliers

Lineman's pliers are a sort of heavy duty combination of wire-cutter and pliers. A pair of lineman's pliers accompanied by a pair of wire strippers is about all you need to do just about any home wiring project. I've also used it to pull out staples and nails, bend sheetmetal, cut open tubes of silicon, and even as a light-duty makeshift hammer when I didn't want to walk all the way back to the garage.

alt text

score 7 · Answer 41 · edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

7

A hammer drill

Something you'll definitely want if you're doing any kind of drilling into masonry or stone. A bonus is that these can typically be used as just a regular drill by turning off the hammering action, so it's basically a 2-in-1 tool. Some even let you turn off the drilling action so you can use it like a small jackhammer.

alt text

edited Mar 09 '17 at 14:46

Community

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answered Jul 22 '10 at 19:21

gnovice

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myron-semack · Answer 42 · 2010-08-04T23:12:10.917

Workbench with a Vice

This may not count as a "tool", but not having one can make DIY projects difficult. I don't have one, and trying to sharpen a mower blade on your kitchen table is sub-optimal. Then there was the metal bracket I needed to drill a hole into... holding it with my hand...

I've had my eye on this bench from Home Depot. I like the steel work surface. I will need to drill holes to bolt the vice to the top, though.

alt text http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/82/82549c7e-6099-4381-84be-7b72a7c3afd4_300.jpg

Update: Last weekend, I bought this bench along with a 6" vice. My dad and I assembled it as a weekend project. We drilled holes for the vice and secured it with 1/2" bolts. Overall I am pleased with it. It did require a drill for assembly, which was a little unexpected. Here are the photos. (Sorry for the poor lighting, a good workshop light is next on my list!)

score 7 · Answer 43 · answered Apr 03 '11 at 23:52

7

Gloves. A good pair will save you several trips to the first aid kit.

enter image description here

answered Apr 03 '11 at 23:52

BMitch

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score 7 · Answer 44 · edited Nov 20 '12 at 23:01

Cordless Impact Driver

alt text http://www.lcdpayless.com/images/ryobi/RyobiOnePlusImpactDriver1.jpg

The ultimate compliment to your cordless drill - it does everything my cordless drill sucked at doing!

Drives in screws without mangling the fastener head (phillips head screws anyone?)
Removes rusted/stuck items like you wouldn't believe (Read: no rounded out screws or rounded off nuts/bolts)
Cordless Drill will not drive a 3" screw into a stud - Impact Driver doesn't break a sweat.
Compared with cordless drill, much less torque transferred to your wrist makes it more comfortable to operate

score 5 · Answer 45 · answered Aug 08 '10 at 20:47

5

A portable workbench: I use my Workmate all the time:

alt text http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/BDK/POWER_TOOLS/TOOLS/SMALL/4/WM425%25_5.gif

answered Aug 08 '10 at 20:47

Jeremy McGee

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score 5 · Answer 46 · edited Jul 29 '10 at 16:50

5

Oscillating tool

Those cheapo harbor freight version of the Fein Multi-master et al. are nearly as good but much lighter on the pocketbook:

alt text http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_5662.jpg

edited Jul 29 '10 at 16:50

Doresoom

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answered Jul 22 '10 at 03:23

Wayne Werner

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milesmeow · Answer 47 · 2010-09-26T18:14:55.547

5

You'll definitely need a torpedo level. I don't have a lot of storage space, so I just have one of these torpedo levels. alt text

edited Sep 26 '10 at 18:14

answered Sep 25 '10 at 20:29

milesmeow

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score 5 · Answer 48 · edited Nov 28 '11 at 18:14

5

Aviation shears (tin snips)

enter image description here

These are like giant wire cutters. They are designed to give you a massive amount of leverage from a squeeze of the hand. They're great for cutting anything that will fit in the jaws : wire, nails, sheet metal, conduit, doweling, and corner beads.

edited Nov 28 '11 at 18:14

Tester101

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answered Apr 03 '11 at 22:40

Moyersy

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BMitch · Answer 49 · 2014-01-03T03:21:22.717

5

Head lamp

Much easier than having someone else hold a flashlight, or trying to balance the light against the tool box.

head lamp

edited Jan 03 '14 at 03:21

answered Apr 03 '11 at 23:57

BMitch

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cori · Answer 50 · 2010-08-04T19:59:59.850

5

A decent quarter-sheet, general purpose palm sander. Especially one with decent fastening capabilities.

Bosch 1297 http://www.plumbersurplus.com/images/prod/5/Bosch-1297DK-rw-80730-148351.jpg

edited Aug 04 '10 at 19:59

answered Jul 29 '10 at 12:29

cori

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score 5 · Answer 51 · answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:19

5

Watchmakers Screwdriver Set

It seems like more and more things around the home use those pesky little screws. Also don't forget all those kids toys, electronics, etc that like to use those same little pesky screws.

answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:19

Mike Perry

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score 5 · Answer 52 · answered Aug 05 '10 at 11:09

5

Am surprised that no one has mentioned Duck Tape (Duct tape?) and 3 in 1 oil.... :)

answered Aug 05 '10 at 11:09

t0mm13b

101
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score 4 · Answer 53 · answered Aug 05 '10 at 15:53

4

Stanley Plastic Clamp Miter Box

alt text http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZF8W2D49L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

answered Aug 05 '10 at 15:53

score 4 · Answer 54 · edited Nov 16 '11 at 13:58

4

A slide gauge

enter image description here

If you want to know what size bolt you're supposed to use, how deep a hole you need to drill or whenever precise measurement is needed.

edited Nov 16 '11 at 13:58

Tester101

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answered Aug 05 '10 at 16:35

score 4 · Answer 55 · edited Jul 31 '12 at 09:47

4

A good solid 3-4 pound drilling hammer

...because regular hammers can chip when struck against hardened steel (i.e. chisels, star drills, hardened nails, etc.).

drilling hammer

edited Jul 31 '12 at 09:47

Vebjorn Ljosa

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answered Jul 22 '10 at 19:10

gnovice

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Vebjorn Ljosa · Answer 56 · 2012-07-31T09:45:29.743

4

A good knife.

Always in my pocket when working on something. (Knives like the one pictured seem impossible to find in hardware stores in the U.S. Where are they sold?)

knife

edited Jul 31 '12 at 09:45

answered Jul 22 '10 at 19:21

Vebjorn Ljosa

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Tester101 · Answer 57 · 2013-10-22T09:56:57.407

4

Circuit Breaker Finder Tracer / Receptacle tester.

enter image description here

edited Oct 22 '13 at 09:56

answered Jul 22 '10 at 20:47

Tester101

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score 4 · Answer 58 · edited Nov 22 '11 at 17:54

A Picquic.

enter image description here

[I would have left this as a comment on the screwdriver-set answer, but I don't have sufficient rep.]

If you're in Canada, the one tool I'd recommend above any other is the standard Picquic combination screwdriver. Canadian Tire's page is probably the best example -- judging by the reviews, I'm not the only one who loves it. :)

I've used mine for years, on almost every job I've done around the house. In a pinch, the bits also fit well into a cordless drill. There are probably good equivalents in other countries, though I've not run across any myself.

dotjoe · Answer 59 · 2010-07-29T13:44:56.347

4

Snake Light

alt text http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41n6iyi-55L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Stop holding a flashlight in your mouth.

edited Jul 29 '10 at 13:44

answered Jul 28 '10 at 21:40

dotjoe

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score 4 · Answer 60 · answered Jul 06 '11 at 04:01

4

(Medium to Heavy Duty) Extension Lead/Cord

Leads on corded power-tools aren't always long enough to reach from power-outlet to working area.

answered Jul 06 '11 at 04:01

Mike Perry

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score 3 · Answer 61 · edited Nov 16 '11 at 14:00

3

(A high quality) Combination Square

enter image description here

Transferring measurements, marking out 90° & 45° angles, scribing parallel lines...

edited Nov 16 '11 at 14:00

Tester101

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answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:28

Mike Perry

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score 3 · Answer 62 · edited Nov 16 '11 at 13:29

3

Chalk Line

enter image description here

Snapping, setting out straight lines.

edited Nov 16 '11 at 13:29

Tester101

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answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:41

Mike Perry

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score 3 · Answer 63 · answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:52

3

A laser level (a cheap one will do just fine).

alt text http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5220/straitlinelaserlevel150.jpg

answered Jul 21 '10 at 19:52

JohnFx

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score 2 · Answer 64 · edited Nov 13 '11 at 18:23

2

Shrinking tube and hot glue - use them all the time.

The combination of shrinking tube and hot glue makes smooth, sealed and water-proof solids of any basic shape. Ideal to create custom-shaped plugs or jacks.

edited Nov 13 '11 at 18:23

Kevin Reid

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answered Aug 05 '10 at 15:20

score 2 · Answer 65 · answered Aug 06 '10 at 17:58

2

Toolbucket. Love mine. It's amazing what all you can get into one of these.

answered Aug 06 '10 at 17:58

score 2 · Answer 66 · answered Jul 29 '10 at 16:21

Sledge Hammer

When a normal hammer just won't do.

Sledge Hammer http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1kMRXaEP906_qt53X9TsH8ejmMvDYAi_hlI4mLwIDcZK-FisYjX2TGiZYs6SPM12UNxQTqK2PWEmtLGXngLSngUDY6X6Lv4zyXVaN775n7wzVcHWahiB_A3JW4O1SYhGC0JHFlurrMueAfPg9-ScdhHqS8sWHokDupcKK7knh984gufHT0H5gyvALEpnbCy7issJ0vT5

score 2 · Answer 67 · answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:57

2

(Sharp) Pencils

You need something to layout, set-out, all those cool DIY projects you are going to do.

Don't forget a pencil sharper, if you can't get a good sharp point via a knife.

answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:57

Mike Perry

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score 1 · Answer 68 · answered Aug 05 '10 at 15:34

1

Cordless (circular) trim saw. Fits into tighter quarters, better for making short cuts than the full-size circular saw.

alt text http://www.blackanddecker.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/3/DC390B_1NB.jpg

answered Aug 05 '10 at 15:34

Craig Trader

101
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score 1 · Answer 69 · answered Aug 13 '10 at 02:37

1

Cordless 18v lithium ion impact driver. Drives screws and bolts so smoothly, quickly, and without torquing your wrist. Also relatively light, small, hangs on a belt, and battery lasts a long time.

Makita BTD144 is one good example.

answered Aug 13 '10 at 02:37

jlpp

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Tester101 · Answer 70 · 2010-10-05T17:05:52.430

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A good Do-it-yourself book.

Reader's Digest "New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual"

edited Oct 05 '10 at 17:05

answered Oct 05 '10 at 17:00

Tester101

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score 1 · Answer 71 · answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:48

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(A good quality) Handsaw

Don't underestimate the usefulness of this old school hand-tool.

answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:48

Mike Perry

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score 0 · Answer 72 · edited Jul 28 '10 at 14:02

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Stud finder.

In case you need to hang something that requires more support than a drywall has.

alt text http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/41/418f6e5c-a1ec-451a-8fc1-b3047f2a7559_300.jpg

edited Jul 28 '10 at 14:02

Doresoom

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answered Jul 26 '10 at 19:48

Zepplock

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score 0 · Answer 73 · answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:11

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Toolbox

You need somewhere to store, organise and keep safe all those essential DIY tools.

answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:11

Mike Perry

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score 0 · Answer 74 · answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:15

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Plumb-bob

Sure you can use a Spirit Level to check if something is plumb, but there are occasions when a Plumb-Bob just makes more sense...

answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:15

Mike Perry

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score 0 · Answer 75 · edited Nov 16 '11 at 14:02

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Nail Pincers & Nail Bars

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Makes pulling out nails a breeze.

edited Nov 16 '11 at 14:02

Tester101

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answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:34

Mike Perry

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score 0 · Answer 76 · answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:46

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Palm Router

Cheap enough for most DIYers, you can pick up a good quality one for around $100.

Has enough power (normally about 1HP) for most DIY jobs.

Can be used to make a variety of DIY projects around the home that much easier.

answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:46

Mike Perry

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score 0 · Answer 77 · answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:53

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A Diamond Sharpening Stone

For honing and keeping those plane blades, wood chisels, knives, etc good n' sharp.

answered Jul 06 '11 at 03:53

Mike Perry

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What are the tools that every Do-it-Yourselfer must own?

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