Take it from someone with experience: getting halfway through a project and then realizing you're one tool short is no fun. Being prepared for your project from the very beginning is key to a smooth and easy DIY. Over the past month we've been collecting tool and supply lists to help you get started on the right foot.
TOOLS
- Project Essentials: Tool Boxes & Bags
Even if you're not much of a DIYer, you still need a tool box. - Tool Box Essentials: Cordless Screwdrivers
For those projects that involve a lot of screws, you'll save yourself some pain with a cordless screwdriver. - Tool Box Essentials: A Brief Guide to Saws
From basic hand saw to the more industrial circular saw, this guide will help you decide which one is best for your project. - Tool Box Essentials: Measuring Tools
Measure twice, cut once. That's what my dad always said. - Project Essentials: Shopping for a Basic Beginner Sewing Machine
An inexpensive sewing machine is a small investment for years of DIY curtain and pillow fun.
SUPPLIES
- Home Library Essentials: Best Craft Books
These books will help provide inspiration and serve as project guides. - Get Organized: Stylish Binders
Keep all your DIY projects and plans neatly stashed in a binder. - 15 Online Sources for Washi Tape
We're gaga for washi tape and its myriad uses. There are so many patterns out there you could cover an entire house in it! - Store Profile: Real Sliding Hardware
Shut the barn door! Or leave it open. You can do either with sliding door hardware. - 10 Sources for High Quality Tile
Tile can transform a kitchen or bath. Or use it for transforming a table top!
RESOURCES
- Renovation Resource: 9 Sources for Antique & Reproduction Hardware
Want to keep the art deco charm in your vintage kitchen? You'll want to look at these hardware sources! - Secondhand Rehab: 10 Architectural Salvage Stores
Supply your DIY and stay green with salvaged goods. - Be Your Own Pattern Designer: Custom Wallpaper & Fabric
When you've looked all over and still can't find that perfect pattern, create your own. - Best Online Sources for Fabric 2013
Ordering fabric for your project while wearing your pajamas. This may be why the internet was invented. - Put Some Pattern On It: Stencil Resources
Jazz up walls, floors, fabric and just about anything else with some pattern.
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Commercial Flour Sa...
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It helps being married to a carpenter . . . . For those who aren't, thrift stores are an excellent source. I bought a plastic cleaning tote, complete with a paper towel dispenser, which I use for furniture refinishing supplies: stain pens, wax pencils, steel wool, etc . . . A small filing cabinet on wheels is excellent for organizing sandpapers and other small hand tools, safety items, glasses, respirator masks, and a metal toolbox for other small hand tools.
I guess I'm used to the feeling of projects coming to a screeching halt (sometimes for weeks) because I can't afford one of the supplies at the moment, or have to find time to load up the car and drive it all to a more suitable location (when some steps are too messy or noisy for my apartment). I look forward to this not being an issue someday.
I hate coming up one tool short.
I have been doing DIY for decades, and I think missing a tool or a material still occurs more often that I would hope. I am pretty organized and have a lot of tools and supplies, but a project frequently gets hung up a very minor -- but critical -- missing piece. Maybe because during the process I realize a better way to do it than what I had planned, but it happens.
I am always on the look out for a tool that will make any project easier and get a better finish, but there are some things that should always be on the top of everyone's list and that is SAFETY GEAR, it is frightening to watch DIY videos/tutorials where someone isn't protecting their eyes and ears, don't get me started on bad practices with saws !
@patrick (the other one) - Yes.
I replaced a faucet once. ONCE. The tool I ended up needing (a hole saw) was by surprise. It shouldn't have been needed if the original faucet had been installed properly and the water lines not bent through a misshapen "hole" because someone didn't have a hole saw the first time.
It was a character building experience. In retrospect, the most important "tool" I think needed that day was patience. I went from being shamelessly optimistic and excited (read: delusional) to saying a lot of naughty words.
We live in a nearly 100 year old home and refinish furniture and it is crazy how often we use the dremel. They're not terribly expensive and we use it all the time. Next to the palm sander, it's our most beloved tool.
I can't wait to have a sewing machine one day, but stitch witchery worked fantastic on my draperies!
I was starting to organize my tools, supplies and such and really didnt know where to start.... Thank you for putting this list together :)
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great tool list.....maybe add to it a laminator and projector for those decorative touches!!
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