The 5 Power Tools Every Homeowner MUST Own (Even if You're New to DIY)
Hey there, future DIY rockstar! Whether you just bought your first house or are looking to up your home improvement game, having the right power tools is a total game-changer. I get it—power tools can seem a little intimidating if you're just starting out. But don't worry! I've got you covered. These five tools are super versatile, easy to use, and perfect for every homeowner—even if you’ve never used a power tool in your life.
Let’s dive into the 5 power tools you absolutely must own to make your life easier and your home even more awesome.
1. Power Drill/Driver
Why You Need It: A power drill/driver is the “water” of the tool world - you can’t live more than three days without it when doing projects around the house. Need to hang a picture? Drill a hole? Assemble some IKEA furniture (without getting those infamous blisters)? This tool does it all. Plus, once you use a driver to screw in a screw in seconds, you'll wonder why you ever used a regular screwdriver.
How to Use It:
Pop in your drill bit, place it on the mark, and gently press the trigger to drill your hole. To drive screws, switch to a screwdriver bit and let the drill do the hard work for you.
Cordless vs. Corded:
Cordless: These are super handy because they give you total freedom to move around without a pesky cord. Just keep an extra battery charged so you’re never caught mid-project with a dead one.
Corded: You never have to worry about running out of juice, but the cord can be a little annoying if you’re far from an outlet. Corded drills are often more powerful too.
My Pick: If you're just getting started, go cordless—trust me, the freedom is amazing!
The Drills/Drivers I Own
2. Circular Saw
Why You Need It: A circular saw is a total powerhouse when it comes to cutting through wood, plywood, or even some masonry (with the right blade). Whether you're building shelves, trimming a door, or making quick cuts for a DIY table, a circular saw is your new best friend.
How to Use It:
Set your blade depth to just below the material you’re cutting. Line up your mark, squeeze the trigger, and glide the saw along the line. Easy peasy!
Cordless vs. Corded:
Cordless: These are lightweight and portable—perfect if you're cutting stuff outside or in a garage. The downside? Batteries can drain fast if you're working with thick materials.
Corded: Unlimited power and more torque for tougher jobs, but you're tethered to an outlet. Great for heavy-duty tasks.
My Pick: If you’re going big and cutting lots of thick wood, go corded. For lighter projects and mobility, a cordless circular saw will do just fine (cordless is also a great option for us moms who load long boards in their minivans 😄).
The Circular Saws I Own
3. Orbital Sander
Why You Need It: Smooth surfaces are key to any great DIY project, and an orbital sander makes sure you get that perfect finish without breaking a sweat. From prepping wood for paint to smoothing out a rough surface, this tool is your go-to.
How to Use It:
Attach your sandpaper, set the sander on your surface, and turn it on. Gently move it in circles (hence, orbital) across the surface, and let it do the work. No need to press down!
Cordless vs. Corded:
Cordless: These are great for portability and smaller projects. Just be mindful of battery life.
Corded: For larger jobs or when you need to go full force on a big surface, a corded sander is perfect.
My Pick: If you’re doing bigger projects, go corded. For small, quick touch-ups, cordless is plenty.
The Orbital Sanders I Own
4. Jigsaw
Why You Need It: Want to cut curves or make more detailed cuts? The jigsaw is here for you! It’s perfect for things like cutting out shapes, trimming countertops, or even making creative cuts in plywood.
How to Use It:
Insert the appropriate blade, start the saw, and gently guide it along your cutting line. Jigsaws are awesome for cutting curves and funky shapes because you can move the blade in all directions.
Cordless vs. Corded:
Cordless: Great for mobility and flexibility, but battery life can be a limitation, especially with thicker materials.
Corded: Continuous power and great for long cutting sessions, but—you guessed it—you’re stuck near an outlet.
My Pick: A cordless jigsaw is great for maneuvering through those fun cuts, but for tougher, longer projects, corded might be the way to go.
The Jigsaws I Own
5. Impact Driver
Why You Need It: Think of an impact driver as your drill’s big sibling—it has way more torque and can drive long screws into tough materials like wood and concrete without breaking a sweat. If you’re building a deck or doing anything heavy-duty, this tool is a game-changer.
How to Use It:
Pop in a screwdriver bit, place it into the screw, and press the trigger. It’ll power through the toughest materials like butter!
Cordless vs. Corded:
Cordless: Super convenient, especially for jobs where you need to move around. The downside? Battery life can be an issue for bigger jobs.
Corded: All the power, all the time—but that pesky cord can get in the way.
My Pick: If you’re doing basic homeowner projects, go cordless for the convenience. If you’re building a whole deck, maybe opt for corded.
The Impact Drivers I Own
A Few More of My Faves!
Okay, you’ve got the essentials, but if you’re ready to take things up a notch, here are a few more tools that I love and highly recommend adding to your collection.
Oscillating Multi-Tool
This bad boy is like the Swiss army knife of power tools. It can cut, sand, grind, and scrape—basically, it does it all. Use it to trim baseboards, cut into drywall, or scrape old paint. Trust me, once you get one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
The Oscillating Multi-Tools I Own
Miter Saw
If you’re planning to tackle trim, framing, or even build your own furniture, a miter saw is a must. Now, there are a few options here:
Sliding Miter Saw: The saw head slides back and forth, giving you the ability to cut wider boards. Great for big projects.
Compound Miter Saw: Can make angled cuts (miter) and bevel cuts (tilt). Perfect for cutting crown molding or trim.
Sliding Compound Miter Saw: The ultimate combo! It slides, it miters, and it bevels. If you want all the bells and whistles, this is your tool.
The Miter Saws I Own
This is the Miter Saw that I’ll be purchasing next. My birthday is this month….so…here’s hoping Tim reads this blog post all the way through and get’s the hint. HA.
Pin Nailer & Brad Nailer
Nailers are amazing for anyone looking to do projects like wall treatments, window and door trim, or “IKEA-hack” furniture builds. A pin nailer is great for delicate work like thin trims, while a brad nailer is a bit more heavy-duty, perfect for projects like installing baseboards or building shelves. Nailers are your secret weapon for getting professional-level finishes on any project without breaking a sweat.
Pro Tip: Updating baseboards or adding trim is one of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to give a room a whole new look, and it’s a perfect way to learn how to use a miter saw and nailer.
The Nailers I Own
One Note on Brushless Motors…
If you’re wondering why there is a price difference out there on tools from the same brand that look the same but have WAY different price points - it may be because of the motor the tool has. Brushless motors are a significant advancement in newer power tools because they offer more efficiency, power, and durability compared to traditional brushed motors. The key difference is that brushless motors don’t have physical brushes, which means less friction, longer battery life, and reduced wear and tear. This translates into a more reliable tool that delivers consistent performance and requires less maintenance.
While tools with brushless motors tend to cost more, they’re definitely worth the investment if you’re tackling frequent or heavy-duty projects. The extra power and longevity pay off in the long run. However, if you’re only using your tools occasionally for light projects, there’s no need to splurge—traditional brushed motor tools will still get the job done.
That said, I would definitely recommend splurging on a brushless drill if you’re going for anything with a brushless motor—it’s one of those tools you’ll use all the time, and the extra power and efficiency are worth it!
The Bottom Line
There you have it—five essential power tools that will make you a DIY powerhouse (plus a few fun extras for when you’re ready to level up). Whether you’re drilling, cutting, sanding, or driving screws, these tools have got your back.
Also remember, while you don’t have to go out and purchase all of these tools in one trip, the big box stores like Walmart and Lowes and Home Depot will often have sales on tool kits that will contain a lot (or sometimes even all) of these tools listed above. And you usually pay a fraction of the cost per tool that you would if you buy them all separately.
HERE is my favorite Hart Tools Kit that’s currently on sale.
But it’s always acceptable to start small and go slow - you may find a favorite brand.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab these tools, get to work, and let the home improvement adventures begin! 😄
