So, I used to be seriously obsessed with clothes, purses and shoes…these days it’s ALL about the tools! I only recently became interested in tools and it seems like you can never have enough. Purchasing our first home has really motivated and inspired me to DIY anything and everything I can think of in our home.

Who wants their dream home, without having to pay an obscene price for it?? Umm…ME!! Don’t get me wrong, any project you do in your home is normally going to cost you something, obviously you still have to pay for all of your supplies and tools are an investment, but doing it yourself will definitely save you a TON of money. After so many projects, I have now come to realize that each and every project seems to need a new tool, but there are some really basic tools that I normally use for every single project. So, I thought I would share my favorite must have tools for DIY-ers.

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Nail Gun: This might be my all time favorite tool! Want to feel like a real bad ass, get yourself a Nail Gun. Mine is battery powered, which means no cord and it is so much quieter because it doesn’t use a compressor. Want to nail something during nap time? This is the tool for you. I use this tool for all of my trim, shiplap and building projects.

Power Drill/Driver: This is also one of my most used tools, I seriously feel like I use it every single day and I actually have both. I use this for hanging pictures/wall decor, building projects and so so so much more. I have gotten so many drill bits now for different DIY projects. Seriously must have!!!

Miter Saw: Now, I know this tool can be super intimating, but it seriously is a game changer. If you don’t feel comfortable with a Miter Saw you can always opt for a Miter Box. I have a 10″ Compound Sliding Miter Saw and I love it so much. I use it to cut most of my wood up to 12″ wide, so great for cutting molding with all of your angles and it is quick and easy straight smooth cuts.

Circular Saw: This was my first tool…I used it for everything! Now that I have my miter saw I don’t use it as much, but it is still a necessary tool to make all my big cuts and small cuts if you don’t have a Miter Saw.

Hand Sander: Ever sand something by hand??? Enough said…this is absolute must have! I use mine to sand all my wood projects down and it was a life saver when I redid my stairs. I always get a clean smooth finish with this guy in no time at all.

Here’s a few of NOT Must Haves, but amazing tools that really step up your game and make your life so much easier!

Kreg Jig: If you follow us on Instagram you would see this tool all over my stories right now. Serious game changer for sure! I use this mostly for building furniture and shelving. The tool is pretty amazing and definitely easy to use, it makes pocket holes in your wood allowing you to join boards making them super strong with a clean finish.

Laser Level: Okay, so not absolutely necessary, but life is way easier with this tool. I hang all of my pictures, wall decor and sometimes just use it to get a straight line for projects. Mine has a stud finder built-in so it’s a two for one! 😉 Being military and the amount of houses we have moved into is obscene. This would have been so amazing to have, if I only would have discovered it 15 years ago! You should see how easy and quickly I can hang anything. Gallery walls, curtains, large wall decor… you name it, what used to take me an hour gets done in 5 minutes…seriously!!!

Table Saw: This is my newest tool. It is so amazing for all my long cuts. It is also intimating and a big investment! Watch videos, learn from someone you know how to woodwork, I’m telling you it is a great tool to have. I just got a push block to go along with my Table Saw and it makes me so much more comfortable.

Corner Sander: This little guy is perfect for all your corners and hard to reach places for sanding. It’s also part of the ONE + FAMILY for Ryobi. I have so many Ryobi tools and I can use the same battery for all of my tools, way cheaper then buying each tool with the battery.

• This will work with Ryobi’s 18v One+ battery. Even the yellow Ryobi 18 Volt batteries will work

Clamps: Clamps are great for all wood projects. They are super helpful when I only have one set of hands, which is normally always. They also give me more confidence when I am cutting wood, they secure everything tight so I don’t have to worry about any extra movement and I can focus on cutting.

Paint Sprayer: This is one of my all time favorite things to use. If you want a super smooth finish this is the tool for you!

I don’t have this exact model, but I have heard great things about it. It’s a little cheaper if you don’t want to invest in the one I have above!

Oh … I have to add just one more!! A drill guide! I have actually used this for a few projects now and love it. It helps keep your drill into place will drilling so you have a straight hole. This was perfect when I built my DIY Pegboard Walls.

We’d love to hear what your favorite tool is. Just comment below and be sure to check out our Facebook page and Instagram as well.

 Happy DIY-ing!

Just a note, we are not professionals and do not claim to be experts. Please make sure to always read instructions for all tools and products. Safety is very important and should be the top priority. Wear necessary protection when using tools (eye, ear, etc.) and dust masks when sanding or cutting. Eye in the detail is not responsible for any injury or damage.

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