Must Have Basic Tools For Your Home Tool Kit

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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!