In an ever-changing world, two things are certain, and taxes are one of them. The price tags on everything are going up, and there’s nothing to do but adapt. Getting renovations done on your home will cost you an arm and a leg, as labor costs are also on the rise. Nowadays, people would rather DIY than hire professionals to get work done. But exactly what items would you need for your home improvement project? Do your research before you even think of pulling out that wallet! Here are 10 essential tools that every DIY renovator should have in a tariffed economy.
1. Oscillating Multi-Tool
Cutting, sanding, and scraping, this baby can nearly do it all. It goes through plastic, metal, and drywall with relative ease. You can use it to remove paint from surfaces or get rid of ancient chunks of adhesive. With interchangeable heads, this tool allows for precision work in tight spaces. Its portability also lets you bring it to wherever the job is. If you require a tool that isn’t a one-trick pony, this one is a good investment. Pro tip: get a model that accepts universal blades.
2. Cordless Power Drill/Driver
Aside from painting, there is, quite possibly, no renovation job that does not require drilling holes or driving screws. This makes a cordless power drill or driver an essential addition to your DIY arsenal. Be careful when choosing one, though. Pick models that have interchangeable batteries that are also compatible with other electric tools you have. Brushless motor types are also a better choice; they are more energy efficient and require less maintenance. This electric wonder replaces a lot of hand tools and will significantly speed up any project, saving you time and cash in the process.
3. Digital Laser Measure
You’ve heard the term “Cut once, measure twice.” Well, a digital laser measure will help you with measurements a hundred times over, with digital accuracy to boot. Measuring long spans by yourself will be easier, as will space planning, and determining material estimates. In a tariffed economy, every inch costs money. With this handy gadget, you can accurately plan every cut, making sure that you’re well within budget. Overspending due to excess waste materials will be a thing of the past if you have this in your tool bag.
4. Quality Manual Tool Set
Not every job requires an electric tool, sometimes doing things by hand is still the way to go. Any DIY enthusiast will do well to have a set of quality tools in their toolbox. This will usually consist of screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, a tape measure, a hammer, pliers, and a utility knife. From assembling furniture, installing shelves, dismantling appliances, even light demolition, these tools can virtually do anything. They also go well with the power tool set that you probably already have, and are capable of doing small jobs that require a more hands-on approach.
5. Bar & Spring Clamps
This tool acts as a third hand whenever you need one. For large projects such as cabinet assembly, a bar clamp will be essential in keeping things steady. A spring clamp is the ideal solution for small projects that require gluing things down or keeping corners aligned. Simple as they may seem, these clamps will help you in more ways than one.
6. Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall)
This item is the undisputed king of cutting. It can cut through a range of materials from wood, to metal pipes, drywall, or even thicker metals, so long as you have the proper blade. This reciprocating saw is a demolition crew in and of itself. There are even models that offer tool-free blade replacement and universal blade compatibility. The Sawzall helps with any project that requires major renovation without breaking the bank.
7. Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum
Unlike regular vacuums, a wet and dry shop vacuum takes care of virtually anything you point its business end at, from sawdust, drywall remnants, screws, and even liquids. In any DIY job, safety is paramount, so you have to make sure that your work environment is free from any hazardous materials. Imagine having to breathe in air saturated with sawdust or slipping on a puddle of paint thinner. That will not be a pleasant experience. A medium-sized vacuum will be an excellent choice for its size-to-power ratio. Also, choose the model that has multiple features, such as fine dust filters or blower ports.
8. Rechargeable LED Work Lights
Working in a poorly lit environment is a disaster waiting to happen. Thankfully, we live in a time when work lights are LED and cable-free. Sometimes, working on a project can go well into the night. Or maybe, you’re working in a basement with just a single light bulb for illumination. A rechargeable light source will undoubtedly be a lifesaver in these situations.
9. Safety Gear
This one speaks for itself. Renovations don’t always go as planned and accidents can, unfortunately, happen unexpectedly. With proper safety gear, you can minimize these accidents and finish your project safely and injury-free. The basic set includes a helmet, gloves, safety shoes and goggles. You could also opt for ear protection, dust masks, or respirators for even more protection. Equipment that meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards should be your priority, as these items are the real deal when it comes to safety. Remember, you went the DIY route to save money, so anything that will help avoid mishaps is a must-have.
10. Adjustable Multi-Position Ladder
Does your ceiling need work? Maybe your gutters need some cleaning? Or perhaps, you need a makeshift table to cut plywood down to size. An adjustable multi-position ladder could come in handy for all of these things. You could straighten the ladder out to reach high places, or configure it according to your needs. The multi-position ladder can adjust according to your work environment, helping you access those awkward places. There are also retractable models that can collapse down in size to fit into a gym bag, should you need a ladder that you can store in small spaces.
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