Looking through the January Jumpstart entries, we've seen a lot of cool tools: staple guns, saws, drills. Good ideas take good tools to become a reality, and we have a few we use a lot in our own home. Number one is our sewing machine, which we use to make curtains, throw pillows, and anything else we can manage with our very basic sewing skills. A close second is our drill, which has come in handy on about 25 different projects over the years.
We're wondering how many of you out there use tools like these in your own homes. Most importantly, we want to know:
What's the DIY tool you can't live without?
Let us know in the comments below.
Image of Bernina Sewing Machine via CraftZine.
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Definitely my drill. Lately, my laser level has been quite handy as well.
My drill is tops on my list too, though my mom's sewing machine (and accompanying sewing skills) are also quite useful ;-)
Good point - mom is probably more valuable than my drill!
Sewing machine: check. Electric drill: check.
But what about hot glue gun? Electric circular saw? And can one live well without a Dremel?
Speaking of sewing machines--I just chucked mine in a fit of justifiable rage. Too big, too heavy, too inscrutable. I want a small, essential one. Anyone have recommendations?
Xacto knife and a yard stick.
Staple gun. Tape measure. Sewing machine is up there too.
Google.
For planting seelings, for inspiration, for how to weather strip door, google is my go to tool.
i second the request for sewing machine recommendations....
Do check this out w/ Consumer Reports or whatever, but I hear that the economy Janome sewing machines are light & quite reliable. Avoid the Walmart Singers -- Singer has changed hands a number of times and is no longer what it was. If you want a small but very good machine everyone I know who has a Bernina raves about it -- Bernina makes several small machines. They are expensive.
In addition to all the various essential tools -- sewing machine, yardstick & tape measure, drill -- I have found my electric screwdriver to be one of the best things I ever bought. And, of course, scissors.
I would say my industrial sewing machine.
About small/domestic sewing machines- I had a janome that was great! Lots of stitches and worked like a charm. Really easy to use. I also hear good things about pfaff.
Cordless electric screwdriver.
Tape measure. Measure twice and cut once, as they say. Or, in my case, measure once, cut once, and desperately hope I'm doing it right.
Runner up: The drill.
Tape measure, drill, sewing machine, measuring tape, check...scissors and box cutter.
I don't use my rubber mallet often, but when I need it, there's no substitute.
My girlfriend who operates the drill... great combination.
Sewing machine! Aulaire, My 40 year Singer just bit the bullet before Christmas, so I bought a Husqvarna Emerald machine from Joann Fabrics. I am really happy with it. The Emeral series has 3 model levels I choose the middle one (sorry can't remember the model #...) It was around $300. It is very simple to use, no fancy computer or 1000 stitch selections. The middle model that I got is strong enough to regularly sew up heavier fabric weights like denim and thick wools without hesitation. It has a few extra features that make it super easy to use. I've heard from several people who bought $200 machines (white brand, brother) from Target that the machines are crap and they are sorry that they wasted their time & money!
Sewing machines! I suggest an older mechanical model because what you could buy for a low $$ at a big box store like Walmart or Target will be junk. These machines are Kleenex quality...use it once and throw it away.
If you can find a sewing machine dealer and ask about economical machines you will do better. Sometimes they have used machines or can recommend a sturdy new model. - I bought a used top of the line a couple years ago and am still happy - A good sewing machine dealer will be able to give you a couple lessons and provide technical support if necessary.
susie b., I bought a used Husqvarna on Ebay a few years ago, and it's wonderful. I wanted a machine that wasn't all plastic. That's what you get with the cheap Singers and other models you see at Target and its ilk these days. It's too bad about Singer; it used to be a very good brand.
For those looking for a machine, I would recommend a) staying away from plastic housing, and b) going to a sewing machine repair shop. They usually have some refurbished machines for sale. You can get expert advice, try out the machines, and a good deal.
I second the Janome/New Home machines. I have higher end one (more features, bigger footprint in general) and my daughter has a small, lightweight portable one that I got her to take off to college with her. Both sew equally well through all types of fabric. Mine was about $300 and hers was $99. I second, third... whatever the comments about the walmart machines. Not sure what the problem is there but mine previous one did not do well either. I think it was a Brother.
I LOVE my staple gun!
Sewing machine is the one thing I could NOT be without
(" ...a sewing machine, a sewing machine, is a girls best friend...")
I have two New Home/Janome machines and they are adequate but not a patch on the old metal one I threw away years ago - the modern plastic ones just don't have the weight to keep the sewing lines straight - if you see an old fashioned one at a yard sale buy it - it will be worth its weight in gold.
My needles, thread and good scissors. I'm old skool and still sew the majority of my things by hand.
Alex, that's pure masochism.
I third the Husqvarna... it is the best machine I have ever owned, and an absolute dream to work with.