Every DIY'er needs to have a toolbox stocked full of all the things one needs when inspiration hits. There's nothing worse than when you get really excited to do something, and you don't have the basic things you need to get it going.
Not having supplies on hand can make that exciting project slip right into the 'someday' category. So here is a list of basic tools and supplies you should have on hand whether you find yourself making a banner and table setting for a party, re-upholstering a chair, stenciling a rug or just wanting to slowly fill out your supplies:
Basic Tool Set: Hammer, Screwdrivers (philips head and flat), Cordless Drill, Adjustable Crescent Wrench, Scissors, Staple Gun, Pliers, Jigsaw, Miter Saw, Crosscut Saw, Level, Putty Knife, Tape Measure, Safety Glasses, Rubber Gloves, Mask, Heat Gun, Work Bench
Adhesives: Glue, Glue Stick, Glue Gun, Tape, Masking Tape(s), Duct Tape, Electrical Tape, Epoxy, Spray Glue
Upholstery and Sewing Items: Assortment of Fabric, Pillow Forms, Needles and Thread, Bobbins, Pins, Tack Hammer, Heavy Duty Scissors, Seam Ripper, Safety Pins, Measuring Tape, Marking Tools, Staple Remover, Ripping Chisel, Rotary Cutter, Sewing Machine, Curved Needles, Fabric Glue, Carving Knife for Foam, Poly Fiber Fill, Buttons, Zippers, Trims, Pins and Cushion, Fabric Paint Pens, Fabric Glue
Art & Craft Supplies: Assortments of Paper and Carstocks, Stencils, Paints, Ruler, Circle Cutter, Brushes, Sponges, Assortment of Ribbons, String and Yarn, Markers, Pencils, Switch Blade, X-acto Knife, Stamps and Ink, Washi Tape, Pencils, Bone Folder, Paper Scorer, Framing Supplies, Self-Healing Cutting Mat, A Good Printer, Inspirational Books, Sketch Book, Fabric Paint
Fasteners: Assortment of Nails and Screws, Finishing Nails, Nuts, Bolts and Washers
Paint Supplies: White, Black, Spray Paint, Chalk Paint, Paint Rollers, Plastic, Pan, Brushes, Stain, Polyurethane, Paint Stripper, Work Clothes
What special DIY essentials can you not live without?
(Image: Printable Paper Carpenter Kit by Etsy seller Neskita)
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Do NOT forget Modge Podge and a ruler.
Does anyone have a good reco for a cordless drill?
The ones that my parents have are crappy that the batteries don't last long and broke in less than a year.
I have a Makita cordless drill that I've been very happy with.
My DIY Toolbox consists of my hot neighbor on speed dial!
I would add a pair of groove-lock pliers. I'm not sure whether anyone besides Irwin makes them. They have a wider gripping area than traditional adjustable wrenches, and can really get a grip on. Span adjusts with a button, and there are different sizes available.
Makita makes great stuff, and I have a Hitachi cordless drill that I've been happy with. Nice weight and balance, not too heavy.
Ryobi all the way. My husband uses their 18V drill at work and liked it so much he bought one for our house as well. I love that thing!
Can't live without my levels!Ｉhave a large aluminum level for marking straight level lines and a smaller torpedo level.
I don't have half of that stuff and I do fine. Hangers, a bread knife that I don't care about, tube socks, a platform shoe... you'd be surprised.
Must have a sewing machine for both sewing fabric and for paper crafts!!! A clear quilters ruler is also fabulous for measuring lots of things. E6000 is my favorite adhesive right now.
Ruler/straight-edge, drafting angles or Tsquare, compass, calculator, erasers (white, kneaded, gum), eraser shield. Drill does not have to be cordless, but s/b reversible, variable speed, built to last, accessorized w/orange heavy-duty extension cord, assortments of drill bits, masonry bits, phillips & flat screwdriver bits & magnetic extension tube for easy change of latter.
I have the Ryobi One+ 18V, and it's awesome. Compact, lightweight (and I'm a female with no upper body strength) but powerful for everything I've put it through (dry wall, plywood, MDF, etc.) Whichever kind you get, don't go for the cheapest -- not worth it.
I second the Mod Podge! And double yes to the X-Acto. Strangely enough, I also use BBQ skewers quite often.
My cordless is a METABO BS 14,4Li ... unbelievable tool. Bosch and Metabo seems to be good as well as my friends says
I second the sewing machine. I lug mine everywhere. Also, Berol Prismacolor Pencils and, if you can get your hands on one, an overhead projector. Schools are getting rid of them in favor of smart boards, and they're great for murals and double as a light box.
Agree on the level for hanging pictures if nothing else.
I have a DeWalt drill and it's awesome. It was a Christmas present with all the bells and whistles and it's fantastic. Easy to use but powerful and not so heavy that I can't use it. I highly recommend it.
As for paint brushes, buy the best you can afford! Sad experience has taught me that cheap brushes do poor job and take a lot more time. For drills, I have a Makita 12v mini drill and impact driver kit. At $200 it's not cheap, but it does the job well.
For basic stuff, get a Ryobi Drill (18v). I have had several and they work great. If you are serious though, get a DeWalt (18v min). It really is better - but considerably more expensive. It just depends on if you are hanging picture frames vs. building fences.
Someone gave me a crowbar about 5 years ago when I was pulling up carpet tack strips, I've used that tool on so many things since. Another tool tip is to check out garage sales, you can find some seriously good deals on hand tools like hammers and different sizes of screwdrivers.
My Dewalt cordless drill has paid for itself many times over. And I'm still a pretty casual DIY-er. I've been able to repair so many pieces of furniture, hang so many nice things, and other general screws and drills.
Also my staple gun. Ka-chunk. It can do nailing to, but I have yet to do this. Mostly I find stapling everything down sufficient. When ever I reupholster that one chair I am going to go to town.