Here it is: the long-requested roundup of our favorite DIY tools. If you’re planning to ask Santa for something tool-related this year, or shopping for a handy friend or family member, this list covers the everyday essentials and a few heavier hitters we use most often. None of the items below paid or perked us for mentions — they’re simply the tools we rely on regularly. Let’s dive into the gear that helps get projects done.
We previously shared a shorter essentials list, and it’s worth repeating those basic must-haves since they make great starter gifts or stocking stuffers:
- Hammer
- Crowbar
- Flat head screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Plumber’s putty
- Hacksaw
- Drywall saw
- Clamps
- Construction adhesive (liquid nails)
- Plumber’s tape
- Box cutter
Other small tools and supplies that prove useful again and again include:
- Exacto knife
- Straight razors
- Channel-lock pliers (these are true DIY MVPs for everything from stubborn fittings to stripped screws)
- Wrenches of various sizes
- Needle-nose pliers
- Level
- Sandpaper (a range of grits is helpful)
- Caulk and a caulk gun
- Spackle and a putty knife
- Painter’s tape
- High-quality rollers for walls, plus mini foam rollers for furniture and cabinets
- Paint trays and drop cloths
- High-quality angled brushes
- An assortment of nails and screws
If you’re building a gift bundle, group tools by project: a framing and hanging kit might include a level, hammer, picture nails, anchors, and spackle with a putty knife. A painting kit could contain rollers, brushes, painter’s tape, paint trays, and a drop cloth — practical and attractive when wrapped together.
Now for the heavier, power tool recommendations. These are the tools that speed work up and expand the range of projects you can tackle:
- Miter saw — ideal for cutting crown molding and baseboards, and for making fast, accurate crosscuts on boards under about 8 inches.
- Wet saw — perfect for backsplash and bathroom tile work, and useful for cutting pavers for outdoor projects.
- Table saw — essential when you need long, straight rip cuts or to break down large sheets of wood.
- Reciprocating saw — versatile demolition tool useful for trimming roots, cutting through old framing, and other demolition tasks.
- Jigsaw — great for curved or irregular cuts and for removing built-ins or trimming openings.
- Electric sander — a time-saver for refinishing furniture or smoothing boards before finishing.
- Cordless drill and drill bit set — one of the most frequently used power tools for drilling holes and driving screws.
- Kreg Jig — excellent for pocket-hole joinery when building furniture or shelves and for strong hidden joints.
- Demolition hammer — useful for removing tile and mortar during major remodels; renting one is a smart, economical option for one-off jobs.
Any of the tools above makes a meaningful gift for a DIY enthusiast. New tools enable bigger projects — new cabinets, a bathroom refresh, custom shelving, or a feature wall — and those completed projects can feel like gifts themselves.
Storage and organization matter too. We keep small tools and paint supplies in kitchen drawers when possible and store larger tools like the miter saw in the basement or a dedicated workshop area. If you don’t have space, consider renting or borrowing larger items for occasional use.
Regarding brands and products, there are many reliable options. Some of the tools and supplies we use regularly include quality screwdrivers and tape measures, dependable cordless drills and sanders, trusted painter’s tapes and brushes, and a selection of saws and power tools that suit our needs. We also rely on a range of fasteners, 3M sandpaper grits for different sanding stages, and reliable caulks and spackle for finishing work.
You absolutely don’t need a garage full of top-tier professional tools to start improving your home. We began with a hammer, a screwdriver, and a paintbrush. Build your toolkit over time based on the projects you plan to tackle. Buy or borrow one or two items at a time so you can grow your abilities without overspending.
We hope you find something useful on this list, and that Santa — or someone kind — delivers the perfect tool for your next project. We’d love to hear which tools you find indispensable and which brands or models have worked best in your home workshops.
Note: None of the brands or products mentioned were paid endorsements. These are tools we use and recommend based on our own experience.