Time to Gear Up for DIY Projects
Building Confidence with the Right Tools
Before you can launch yourself into your DIY projects, you will need to acquire a basic tool kit and also learn a little about the materials you can expect to have to buy and use in the course of doing the projects.
Think of these items as “empowerment” tools. Suspect (dodgy) old blunt tools, discarded by others, will not instill confidence, so take yourself seriously and gather a basic box of tools to which you can add later. Most tools cost less than you might think, and some cost as much as a pair of shoes but could last a lifetime and save a fortune.
Without tools, you will find it difficult to carry out the simplest tasks. If you are camping, you can cook food with a stick and an open fire, but we all know how much easier it is to cook with a range of utensils, and it’s the same with DIY. If you know what tools you have and where they are, you can plan the job and do it whenever you find the time.
Choosing the Right Tools for You
When setting up a basic tool kit, buy the best you can afford, but also acquire the ones you like. More expensive tools tend to give better performance than cheaper tools and may last longer, but if you only need a tool for one job and you know you won’t use it again, then it can’t hurt to buy a cheaper version. Learn what each one does by practicing with it before a big project if possible, and read its instructions. Trying each one out and really getting familiar with them will give you more confidence when you use them for real. Every tool is designed to do a specific job, so use a tool in the way it was designed, and it will make the job run more smoothly. A sure way to damage a tool is to use it for a job it’s not designed to do.
DIY Hack: Smart Storage Solutions
Where to Buy? Choosing a Supplier That Works for You
Think of choosing tools as you would choose a teakettle—there’s a lot of choice with regard to color, material, and design, but ultimately it just boils water! Good places to browse are catalogs from online tool supply companies or Yourcal mid-sized hardware store.
The advantage of buying from a hardware store or DIY outlet is that you can ask a lot of questions...
Where to Put Your Tools
Tool Storage Ideas
A place for everything and everything in its place...
Good tool storage places include under the stairs, in the bottom of a cupboard, in a special box, or in a trunk doubling as a coffee table...
The Jobsite
Workbenches and Portable Alternatives
A foldable workbench is the right height for working at...
If you can’t find room for a bench, then don’t despair...
Measuring and Marking Tools
Measure Twice, Cut Once
• Sixteen foot (5 m) retractable tape measure
• Combination (combi) square
• Level (spirit level)
• Pencil
• Scratch awl (bradawl)
• Miter box
Cutting Tools
Blades for Every Task
• Utility knife/all-purpose cutting knife
• Junior hacksaw
• Hacksaw
• Jigsaw
• A set of pliers
Fastening Implements
From Hammers to Cordless Screwdrivers
• Claw hammer
• Smaller ball/pein hammer
• Nail sets/punches
• Pincers
• Ratchet screwdriver
• Cordless electric screwdriver
• Set of assorted screwdriver bits
Drilling Tools
Power Tools for Precision
• Cordless drill with a “keyless” chuck
• Set of drill bits
• Countersink bit
Smoothing and Shaping Tools
Sand, File, and Shape
• Sanding block
• Sandpaper
• Power sander
• Files
• Cold chisel
• Screws and nails
• Masking tape
Glues and Solvents
Bonding Materials and Cleaning Agents
• Caulk/cartridge gun
• Wood glue (PVA)
• Other glues (epoxy, superglue, impact adhesive)
• Construction (grab) adhesive
• Can of WD-40
• Adhesive remover
• Turpentine (white spirit)
• Dish soap (washing-up liquid)
• Baby oil
HEY, I’M AUTHOR…
Y.M. Dey
Hello, I’m Y.M. Dey, the founder and voice behind Gear For DIYers. I created this platform out of a simple need — the desire to stop relying on professionals for every minor household repair. From leaky faucets to loose door hinges and minor home upgrades, I wanted to learn how to handle it all myself.
But as I explored the world of DIY, I realized most online resources were either too advanced or too expensive or assumed the reader had years of experience and a fully equipped workshop. That gap inspired the launch of Gear For DIYers — a practical, beginner-friendly resource tailored to everyday homeowners and renters looking to build skills and confidence, one project at a time. Click here for more info
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