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If you are an experienced doer or a novice doer, being well equipped with tools and supplies is the key to success with home improvement projects. A good home center goes a long way, providing you with the tools to tackle everything from minor repairs to serious renovations.
If you want to start doing simple projects around the home, this guide will tell you the essential tools and other supplies you should have in the DIY home center you’ll create so that every project makes sense. From hand tools to power tools and everything in between, these staples will save you time and allow you to approach projects with confidence.
The Importance of a DIY Home Center
When it comes time to take on that bathroom tile project or do a little shoveling, a DIY home center is your one-stop shop for home improvement and home maintenance. A designated place for tools and supplies means you can keep everything together and organized rather than aimlessly searching for that tricky screwdriver or tape measure. Investing in high-quality tools will range from a significant initial monetary investment, but in the long run, you will never need to pay any outside contractors for repairs or upgrades.
Whether you’re just fixing a leaky faucet, putting in a new light fixture, or doing a full-scale home renovation, having a stocked DIY home center means you’re always ready. The magic lies in knowing what tools and materials are really necessary to work on a variety of projects.
Must-Have Hand Tools
Hand tools are the backbone of almost any DIY project, and these tools offer the precision and control you need for a wide range of tasks. Here’s a list of all the hand tools that every DIYer should own:
Screwdrivers
The best screwdrivers are a staple of most home improvement projects. You’ll need a set that contains both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers of different sizes. Buy a multi-bit screwdriver that allows you to change bits instead of carrying multiple screwdrivers.
Hammer
A good hammer is essential for driving nails, hanging pictures, building furniture, and more. When searching, make sure the hammer has a comfortable grip and is a balanced head. A 16-ounce claw hammer is a suitable option for general-purpose use.
Pliers
Pliers are used for gripping, bending, and cutting wire. You’ll want a pair of needle-nose pliers for precise work, in addition to more standard slip-joint pliers for general-purpose gripping and cutting.
Utility Knife
Utility knives excel at slicing through cardboard, insulation, plastic, and carpet. It’s a more safety-oriented tool with a retractable blade that can execute a number of small, precision projects.
Tape Measure
Accurate measurements are the backbone of any DIY project, so a good tape measure is a must! A 25-foot tape measure will suit most general purposes, though there are longer iterations if you’re taking on larger scale jobs.
Level
Having a level guarantees your work is straight and aligned perfectly. It’s a crucial tool when hanging shelving, pictures, or installing cabinetry. Get a bigger, such as a 24-inch level, for larger jobs, and a smaller 6-inch level for more precision jobs.
Handsaw
A handsaw is handy for cutting wood, PVC pipe, and other things that need a nice straight cut. It’s an indispensable tool for anyone who expects to build or modify furniture or do repairs around the house.
Wrench Set
Wrenches are used to tighten and loosen bolts and nuts. Having a set with a wide range of sizes will let you tackle plumbing jobs, furniture assembly and general mechanical work. You might also consider adjustable wrenches, as well as a set of combination wrenches, for additional flexibility.
Essential Power Tools
Though hand tools are necessary for many tasks, power tools make larger projects more efficient and are often required for more intricate work. Here are the essential power tools for your DIY home center:
Cordless Drill
A cordless drill is one of the most adaptable tools you will require. It’s ideal for drilling holes, driving screws and even mixing paint, should you get the right attachments. For versatility in different materials and applications, make sure to find one with variable speed and adjustable torque settings. Of course, a rechargeable battery is optional for convenience.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is perfect for fast and accurate cuts on wood, plywood, and various other materials. It is also excellent at ripping through larger sheets of material, even though it is not the best at making straight cuts. Be sure to purchase a saw which is depth adjustable and has a strong base for accurate cuts.
Jigsaw
A jigsaw is ideal for making curved and irregular cuts in wood, metal, and other materials. It’s more of a multi-purpose tool compared to a circular saw, which is necessary for tasks like cutting out patterns or notches in materials.
Orbital Sander
Similar to with a hand sander, if you need to refinish a piece of furniture, remove rough surfaces, or prep wood for painting, an orbital sander is necessary. It helps you sand large surfaces before you replace the tool and leave marks you have to fix.
Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw (also called sawzall) is a powerful device intended for demolition work or cutting through tough materials such as wood, metal, and PVC pipes. It’s excellent for more heavy-duty cutting jobs, like trimming tree branches or its way through old pipes.
Impact Driver
A power tool that is specifically made to drive screws and bolts quickly and efficiently. It makes a great companion to your cordless drill and does heavy-duty work, such as installing large screws, and decking.
Required Materials and Supplies
And while tools matter a lot, having appropriate materials and supplies handy is equally crucial. Here are some must-have items to always have on hand in your DIY home center:
Nails, Screws, and Fasteners
You’ll need nails, screws, and other fasteners for almost every DIY project you take on, whether it’s assembling furniture or tackling home repairs. Keep a variety of screws (wood, drywall, and machine) and nails (finishing nails, common nails, and brads) on hand in different sizes. Also, stock up on washers, anchors and other fasteners for various materials.
Painter’s Tape
Painter’s tape is a must-have item if you want to create sharp, clean lines when painting walls, trim, or furniture. It’s also great for masking off things like electrical outlets and window frames that you don’t want paint to touch.
Wood Glue
Wood glue is an indispensable adhesive in the realm of woodworking projects. It claimes or Tjees proyecto WOOD pieces together enclosing them firmly while still allowing some play before the iron sets. Have a bottle of good wood glue to restore furniture / other woodwork in your hub.
Caulk and Sealants
So, caulk is for the gaps and cracks in the walls, windows, doors and what not. It works well on bathroom fixtures and helps block drafts around windows and doors. A nice caulk gun and silicone-based sealant will keep your house insulated and moisture-free.
Sandpaper
To achieve a smooth finish on wood, metal, and even drywall, you’ll need sandpaper in a range of grits. Get plenty of coarse, medium and fine-grit sandpaper for all of your sanding, from rough to final.
Electrical Tape and Wire Connectors
It is critical to connect electrical wires safely and securely to ensure the electrical system functions properly, and for that we need tape for the joint connections, as well as suitable wire connectors. Electric tape (i.e., electrical tape) helps to insulate wires, and wire connectors ensure correct joins between electrical components.
Safety Gear
When you take matters into your own hands, safety should always come first. Have the following PPE in your home center:
Eye protection (safety glasses to keep debris and dust from getting in your eyes)
1) Work gloves to protect your hands from cuts, splinters and chemicals.
Hearing protection (such as earplugs or earmuffs) for loud chores such as sawing power.
Dust masks or respirators that will protect your lungs while sanding, painting or working with insulation.
Organize Your DIY Home Center
And after you’ve assembled all the necessary tools and supplies, it’s important to keep your DIY home base organized. Organizing tools on pegboards, shelves, toolboxes, and storage bins allows you to keep your tools organized and easily accessible. Label your storage bins and drawers to spare you time mid-project.
Also, maintain your tools and materials well. Wipe down and oil tools after use to prevent them from rusting, and inspect them for any wear or damage that would indicate they need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Building a DIY home center stocked with the right tools and supplies is an investment in caring for and improving your home. With the basics above, you’ll have what you need to tackle a plethora of projects, from quick fixes to full-on renovations. Developing a strong base of tools and materials, not only saves you money, but also gives you the satisfaction of helping tackle home improvement tasks yourself. A well-kept and organized center will prepare you to handle any project that comes your way. Happy DIY-ing!
