The Only 5 Tools You Need For DIY Projects

If you’re like me, you feel like you have to have every tool before taking on this DIY venture. But really, there’s not much to it. There are only 5 tools you really need. And, good chance, you already have a couple of them. Although, my dream is to have a big workshop with stationary tools throughout–reality is: my workshop is my garage and most nights we’re having to park our vehicles out in the driveway because my garage has been overtaken by my latest project. #workshop goals, but for now this works. 🙂

So, what are the only 5 tools you need for DIY projects?

1.) Drill

This is my most used tool. Definitely, a must-have! From DIY renovation projects to hanging pictures, I use my drill almost daily. My favorite tools are Ridgid products. So my favorite drill is this Ridgid 18-volt, cordless compact drill/driver (Amazon Affiliate Link). You’ll need to purchase a battery with this; two or three batteries is even better. (Amazon Affiliate Link)

2.) Miter Saw (also called a Chop Saw)

Although places like Home Depot can usually rip your boards for you, you will need to make individual cuts and a miter saw is the easiest, most precise way to get the job done. Great for straight cuts and bevel cuts a miter saw is my second most used tool. Once again, I love Ridgid products primarily for their lifetime guarantee. If anything goes wrong with your tool, you simply take it to your nearest Home Depot and they will mail it to Ridgid for you. If Ridgid is unable to fix it, they will replace it for free! That being said, be sure to register your Ridgid products to take advantage of the lifetime warranty.

My current Miter Saw is this 12 inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw with Laser. Although it works great, if I were in the market to buy a new one, I would definitely purchase a Sliding Miter Saw, like this one from Ridgid. The sliding feature gives you the capability to cut wider boards, which would really come in handy sometimes. I also highly recommend this portable stand to attach your miter saw to. So simple: wheel it in place, press the foot release and voila, your miter saw is ready to use…

3.) Sander

Not my favorite tool. Haha! Sanding is not my happy place. But, like it or not, it IS a must have! I have two different sanders: one for smaller surfaces…(Amazon Affiliate Link)

And one for larger surfaces...(Amazon Affiliate Link)…

But, to be honest, you can definitely get by with the smaller sander. I use that one more than my larger one. My larger one, I primarily use on table tops. So, if choosing between the two, get the smaller one. 🙂

4.) Nail Gun

Why not just use a hammer? Well, a nail gun is so much faster and easier to use, especially on larger projects; you avoid hammer indentations; you can sink your nails; you’ll feel like a boss with your nail gun and the list goes on….Here’s my favorite nail gun and yep, you guessed it-Ridgid. (By the way, this is not a sponsored post, I just love this brand! 🙂 )

5.) Kreg Jig

Saving the best for last! This is by far my favorite tool! I can’t imagine my life without this tool. Too much? But seriously, my projects would take so much longer and would be so difficult without my Kreg Jig. Now, before the name scares you away, let me tell you what it is. It’s used for drilling pocket holes, which create a strong joint between two boards. I use this tool for every furniture piece that I build. Without it, I would have to pre-drill a hole and countersink my screws. The Kreg Jig gives me a very strong joint and hides the screws. If you don’t have one, you need one! If I had to give up all but two of my tools, I would keep my Kreg Jig and drill. (Amazon Affiliate Links)