Whether you’re a project newbie or a seasoned DIYer, there are some tools that are essential to your tool box! Think of this as your comprehensive guide to your must-have hand tools annnnnddd how to use them!
The Hammer: Your Classic Multi-Purpose Tool
The Claw Hammer ( though it’s almost always referred to as just “ a hammer” ) is THE CLASSIC HAND TOOL. Most people know that it’s what you use to put a nail in something, but the “claw” on the back of the head can also be used to remove nails just as easily.
Want even more nail driving power? Try using a heavier hammer ! You will find that when you use one that is (16-20 oz.) that it delivers more driving force with less effort, which means you won’t get tired as fast, and can finish that beautiful project you are working on!
Sledge Hammer: Power in Your Hands
A sledgehammer is great for heavy-duty tasks like breaking concrete, knocking down walls, and driving stakes into the ground to build that fence around your cutie little garden!.
And its cousin , the Rubber Mallet can give you a similar amount of power but without denting or damaging your project. For example; It’s perfect for tapping interlocking flooring into place without denting your floors.
Hand Screwdrivers: Precision Over Power
You can’t get easier or more beginner friendly than these. They are especially useful when installing cabinet handles or other hardware since they prevent over-tightening and stripping screws, which often happens when using power drills.
Utility Knife: A Cheap Yet Versatile Tool
You may find that you can often get away with simply using these instead of hauling out the big tools. These are great for things such as:
- Scoring caulk before removing trim.
- Cutting backer board for tiling.
- Opening packages or cutting drywall.
Pliers: A Multipurpose Must-Have
These are useful for SOOOOOOO many things. And to be honest , most of the time you will probably be using them to get yourself out of a bind. They are like an extra strong grip to help you grab ahold of objects that would normally be SO DIFFICULT to grab onto.
Most Common Uses:
- Removing finish nails from walls easily.
- Twisting wire or pipe fittings to the right shape.
- Holding small objects securely when working in tight spaces where you can’t quite fit your hands.
Tape Measure: Not All Are Made Equal
I know that you are probably familiar with a tape measure, but next time you get a chance , make sure that yours has these features;
- Stay extended without needing a lock. Trust me… gamechanger!
- Have easy-to-read fractional measurements. You will never second guess your measurements again!
Checked yours and need an upgrade? This one is my personal favorite!
Ensuring Accuracy With A Level
I know using one of these is an easy step to skip, but just trust me, you will be glad you used one once it’s over and your project is perfectly straight!
Here are some projects that may require a level:
- Hanging shelves or frames super straight.
- Installing cabinets so they line up perfectly .
- Checking door and window alignment before installing.
Speed Square: The Ultimate Measuring Tool
A buddy of the level , a speed square ensures precise 90-degree cuts and helps mark angles accurately and QUICKLY. Perfect for figuring out corners and also for making really straight cuts on projects that need to line up almost exactly with no wiggle room!
Stud Finder: Finding the Right Support
A stud finder helps locate studs behind walls for secure mounting. You know… so that you don’t run into that problem where you hang that super heavy art or shelf with thumbtacks because you got impatient waiting for your husband to help and it goes CRASH BANG BOOM a week later?
You can choose from two types of Stud Finders:
- Magnetic: Personally I think these are the most reliable, because they detect nails or screws in studs from when the house was built.
- Electronic: These are fancy and use sensors to detect density changes, personally, I don’t think they are quite as reliable.
Holding Your Project Together : Bar Clamps
Bar clamps are ESSENTIALS when working with wood, or when assembling any kind of wood DIY project. They are quite literally an extra set of hands to hold your project together tightly while you are assembling or gluing, ensuring a super strong , straight and durable outcome.
Crow Bar: Tearing Things Apart ( Carefully!)
A crow bar is excellent for tearing down walls, removing cabinets, and pulling stubborn nails. But you can also use it to create some leverage and pry off molding or slide things into tight spaces. A couple of examples of using a crow bar carefully are;
When installing flooring , a crow bar can help pull the last row of flooring into place against the wall, ensuring a snug fit.
When removing trim and molding details, you can place scrap wood behind it to create more leverage to remove trim without damaging either the trim or the drywall. Place a scrap piece of wood under the crow bar when prying against drywall to avoid puncturing it.
Allen Wrenches and Allen Ratchets: Essential for Assembly
These guys are a little more specific but when you need them, you REALLY need them!
Allen wrenches (or hex keys) are great for assembling flat-pack furniture and tightening pocket hole screws in a Kreg Jig. An Allen ratchet speeds up the process and reduces strain on your hands by fitting into tight spaces and letting you tighten a screw twice as quickly as you could by hand.
Nail Punch: Finishing Touches
A nail punch (or nail set) is used to countersink nails below the wood’s surface, which is ideal for finishing work.
Ideas for where you might want to use this are;
- When working on trim or cabinetry to conceal nail heads before filling with wood putty.
- When ensuring a smooth finish before painting or staining.
Trust me , this is super helpful for getting a smooth and clean finish on your projects.
Saw Basics:
Jab Saw: The Drywall Cutter
A jab saw (keyhole saw) is excellent for cutting drywall, especially when installing electrical boxes. It’s small and easy to move around making it much easier to navigate and control when cutting precise holes in the walls.
Flush Hand Saw: Perfect for Dowel Work
A flush-cut saw is ideal for trimming excess dowels used to cover screw holes, ensuring a seamless finish.
Measurement Blocks: Because Precision Matters
Measurement blocks help set the table saw blade height and ensure consistent measurements in woodworking projects. This will help you get the perfect cut on your table saw every time!
5-in-1 Paint Tool: More Than Just for Paint
A painter’s best friend, serving multiple purposes like;
- Scraping paint.
- Cleaning rollers.
- Opening cans.
- Applying putty.
- Removing caulk.
Yeah… this tool can do it all!
Carbide Scraper: Stripping Paint with Ease
A carbide scraper is a really helpful tool for removing paint or finish when refinishing furniture. It can help you quickly scrap the top thick layer of finish off a piece ( without chemicals!) so you don’t have to waste as much time or sandpaper when sanding.
It’s Time to “Brush” Up on Your Basics :
The Bristle Brush: Cleaning Up After Sanding
A soft bristle brush easily removes dust from grooves in cabinet doors after sanding. This means you can get a much smoother finish before painting and avoid painting over sawdust.
Steel Bristle Brush: Heavy-Duty Cleaning
A steel bristle brush is useful for removing rust, cleaning metal tools, or preparing surfaces for refinishing. Think of it as a super gentle sandpaper for metal surfaces to get you the best possible finish.
Extension Cords: Always Handy
Extension cords are invaluable for outdoor projects and when working far from power outlets. They essentially give you a longer leash to let you use your power tools wherever you may need them.
Trust me, you will always wish you had one of these handy. So make sure you have at least one in your tool kit and know exactly where it is.
And Finally … A Cheap Pack of Pens: Because You’ll Lose Them
Having a pack of cheap pens on hand ensures you always have one available when measuring and marking. And trust me, you will need them… and you will lose them. So just grab some extras and be safe rather than sorry.
Hopefully this helps you see exactly why hand tools are so valuable to a DIYer! And which of these are essential tools to have in your own personal tool box.
Whether you’re building cabinets, installing flooring, or refinishing furniture, having the right tool for the job makes all the difference. With these guys in your toolbox… you’ll be ready for any project that comes your way!
For more tips and info on building out your DIY toolkit, make sure to keep browsing the blog!
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