Monday, October 17, 2011

Must Have Basic Tools For Your Home Tool Kit

*this post contains affiliate links



Since I'm truly a "do it yourself" at heart(hence my blog name), I thought I'd  talk to everyone about some basic must haves for DIYer's, especially those of you who are new at this or have some hesitation to doing anything yourself.

If you've been doing some of your own DIY projects for awhile, I'm sure you'll agree with many on my must have list.


My list includes basic tools for doing projects from simple crafts to checking things off your honey do list. (This post doesn't include power tools that you would need to for building projects)

The first must have for the DIYer is an adventurous attitude and  willingness to try something new. 



I believe you can do more than you think you can...and there's either a neighbor, or someone at the hardware store or even someone in blogland, that can help you if you need it. I love seeing someone share their first attempt at a project and it comes out really fantastic. That is so exciting!


The first tangible must have for the DIYer is a cordless screwdriver. I carry mine in the trunk of my car.  A cordless drill is such a time saver when changing out cabinet hardware or putting outlet and light switch covers back on. My Skil cordless screwdriver is compact, lightweight and so convenient.(not that I'm partial to it or anything...lol!)

It's easy to carry anywhere in it's compact case. (the new version doesn't come with a case anymore)




The next must have on the list is your own DIY "toolbox". Mr. Fanatic gave me my own toolbox full of tools for Christmas many years ago. Don't worry, he gave me a girly gift  that year, as well, ~ I have no idea what that gift was, but I still have and use the tools he gave me. 

Here's a good basic kit from Stanley with great ratings.

In that toolbox he gave me was a hammer  that didn't weigh a ton, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, snips, a level, a six in one screwdriver, a box cutter and a fold out saw. You might not need the fold out saw, but definitely everything else. The best thing I like about having my own tools is that I keep the in my craft room and don't have to go searching in the garage to find them.



Of course you'll need a tape measure or two.  Uh, I have a thing about having tape measures in several places around the house or in the car. It's always really handy to have a small one in your purse, too, so you'll know if that fabulous bench you just found at the Goodwill or HomeGoods  is going to fit on the wall in your foyer.




 As a DIYer, you'll definitely be doing some painting and you will be needing a good paint brush and painting supplies. You can do a lot of great projects with spray paint, but some makeovers need a good brush or two. My favorite brushes are made by Purdy. A good paint brush is worth the money and will last years if you take care of it.




One of my most used diy tools is my hot glue gun. Does yours look this bad, or is it just me?


This one has 1000+ great reviews on Amazon.com 

And last, but not least, a sewing machine. 

I can't imagine not having one (or two) of these, but then I've been sewing since I was 12 years old. My mom didn't know how to sew, so she had me take a class.  As you can see, I've had this machine for quite awhile. Brother machines work great and are inexpensive. The sewing machine I had previously was a Singer. I think I bought it when I was a teenager and traded it in many, many years later.




 

I know some of you use that fusing tape and are quite proficient at it, but I would encourage you to be brave and take a class and learn how to sew.

Seriously ladies(and gentlemen), I've seen some of the great projects you've done and I'm 100% certain you can do this:

Imagine the possibilities of just being able to sew a straight line! You don't have to spend a lot of money on a machine...the current one I'm using was about $100 and it sews great.


Below are just some of the projects I used my basic tools for:


I hope you've enjoyed my list of must have DIY tools and have encouraged some of you to be brave and try something new. Any takers?

Pam


This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of these links, I'll make a small commission, so thanks!

9 comments:

  1. The collage of projects you completed really gets your point across. You're tools are organized so tidy too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow Pam you really a great DIY'er I love seeing the projects you have created and your super tips! Thank you!

    Oh I have a designer pillow Giveaway I hope you will join! (a great resource as well)

    Xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this list you made! My DIY MOST IMPORTANT tools would be primer, paintbrush, sander, paint, gluegun, and a mini toolbox. Every girl needs their own toolbox :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are quite organized. I have a few tools of my own but they are mostly mixed up with the Mr's. I am sure he would love for me to start my own collection and stop using his as well. LOL!

    I couldn't agree with you more about the sewing machine though. I have a friend who was going on and on about how if she could sew like me she would be sewing all the time and making all sorts of things. I got so tired of hearing it, I finally said; "What is stopping you, seriously?" She can afford the machine and has the time but doesn't think she can do it. I know she can! I've also helped one other lady get started sewing too and she just took off with it. All she needed was the encouragement and the reminder to look at her owners manuel for help and she started making all sorts of things I've never attempted. So often we need to be reminded it's never too late. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello! I have just dropped by and fell in love with your ideas and great projects and accordingly became a follower. By the way I'm Turkish, risiding in Ankara:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are so clever and organized. I love how you keep all your supplies. I do want to learn to sew. I have my mom's old machine but need to find a class for total newbies.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Roberta in IndianapolisFebruary 8, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    I love the list of the tools needed for every DIYer. And yes, I have all of the necessities.
    Your comments about the sewing machine is what really got me! I never sewed AT ALL until I was nearly 40. I had bought a sewing machine and it sat in it's original box for nearly 2 years.....I was scared to death of the thing. Until one day when my husband looked at me and said, "Think of it as just another power tool. You love your power tools, add this one to your arsenal." Light bulb shining over my head moment!
    What can I say? The guy has flashes of brilliance. So that evening I called my sister-in-law and asked her to come over and teach me to load the bobbin. (Seriously, I had never even done sewing in Home-Ec and I knew nothing.)
    Since then, I've grown to love making my own pillows, curtains, table runners....anything with straight edges. Someday I'll learn to do more intricate things but 'til then I'm thrilled to have the basic skills I've been able to pick up.
    Thanks so much for all of your great ideas and inspirations! You really do a fantastic job.

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow! great ideas. thank's for review. The tools you mentioned here are the most important, wich must be present in any property! thanks for the efforts.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is a very nice list to see especially when starting out with DIY woodworking! I had most of these for the longest time and then, decided to buy a jointer to add to my collection!

    ReplyDelete

Leave a comment and let me know you stopped by! If you are not on blogger, leave me your email or some other way of getting in touch with you in the comment. That way I can reply to your question or comment.