Which Power Tools Should DIYers Have?

Sorry, but I think the article is a bit off.

Air compressor? Nice to have...but only if you're using air tools like impacts or nailers.

#1 tool? Shop vac. No matter what tool you are using, or what job you are doing, it's sure to make a mess. Keeping the work area clean is a matter of mental survival....and marital bliss.

#2 Cordless drill (I have 3...along with 2 corded drills)

#3 Sawzall

#4 Compound Miter

#5 Circular Saw. (I have two, corded and cordless)

After this point it becomes an issue of tools for a specific task....woodworking, framing, etc.

If you are a woodworker....then...
Router (I have 3)
DA Sander (I have 2)
Table Saw
Drill Press
Band Saw
Pocket Hole Cutter
Biscuit Cutter
Radial Arm Saw
LOTS of clamps

If you are into construction....
Compressor
Nailers...all 4 types...Framing, Finishing, Brad and Palm
Paint Sprayer

Then you need a big garage to keep it all in......


It's a vicious cycle....it never ends.

Computer (to look up how to do stuff)

Cell phone (to call a pro to fix your mess, or, worse yet, 911)

With those things in place, I recommend a decent set of cordless tools. I bought a set of Milwaukee M18 tools, with a circular saw, SawZall, drill, impact driver, and yes, the stupid flashlight. I just finished building an entire house, and used the cordless tools 95% of the time. Of the set, I used the SawZall the least; all of the others were used daily. I use my shop vac every day as well. If you get into air nailers, of course you need a compressor. Building the house, I have 6 different nailers. Framing, siding, strap shot (for metal connectors), flooring, 15 ga. finish, and 18 ga. nailer. Now that I'm done, I'll sell the flooring nailer, as I have no plans at age 62 to lay another floor!

Over the years, one of my favorite tools is a saber or jig saw. You can do a lot with one. My most recent tool was one of those oscillating tools that started out as corner sanders. They are incredibly handy, performing cuts that can't be done with other tools.

Looking back, my first power tools many years ago were a drill and a saber saw. I got along with those for many years before buying everything else in the catalog. If you're a homeowner, like fixing and building stuff, have the time and the aptitude, buy GOOD tools. My corded drill (Milwaukee) saber saw (Bosch), and belt sander (Makita) were all pro-grade tools, and I've been using them without trouble since the 1970's. I don't know if today's tools are built to last 40 years, though!

For the past few years, I have been building cabinets for our house, sis-n-laws house and my mom's house. Along with that, I have built all sorts of projects.

Some of my favorite tools are the 12 volt Lithium Ion version drill drivers/impact Dewalt carries. See pics below.

Recently I bought the 18 v XRP reciprocating saw and the matching jig saw. They work great!

Good luck.
Mike

I didn't know anything about home improvement until about 7 years ago. Now there is very little I don't tackle myself. YouTube videos and forums like this are a godsend.

The answer to this question really depends on what kinds of work you are doing and how much money you are willing to spend. In regards to money, you will see great returns. Like someone else already said, the cost of a pro to do even a simple job could be put towards tools that can be used over and over. Most of my savings came in the area of plumbing. For the cost of a Roto Rooter visit, you can buy a new toilet. $75 in plumbing tools and a little knowledge can literally save thousands over the years.

Aside from that, get good with drywall. Being able to demo and repair drywall will serve you well in so many projects and again the tools are cheap. Get a good box cutter, scorer, putty knives, joint compound tray and you're ready! Even if you pay someone to fix what's inside the wall, you save money on fixing the wall.

You don't need to rush out to buy an inventory. Buy what you need for each job, and the inventory will build itself. My two pieces of advice are: the right tool for the job saves frustration and money, and don't be cheap. Quality tools are a good investment.

I assume you're mostly concerned with power tools since they cost the most. Here's my prioritized list:

1) Cordless lithium ion drill: You want powerful and compact. 18-20 volts handles most jobs easily. Multiple batteries are a must so you always have one charging. Look for a brand that has a family of tools that use the same batteries.

2) Circular saw: Buy good blades, and buy the right blades for the material and cuts you are making. Table saws are wonderful for long cuts, but a circular saw with a straight edge guide and clamps will suffice in most applications.

3) Miter saw (chop saw): The only reason this ranks behind #2 is because it's more expensive. As far as larger tools go, I use this more than anything else. Blades for metal and stone makes the chop saw useful far beyond lumber.

4) Shop vac: I use this on just about every job. You can also connect shop vacs to woodworking tools like miter saws and routers to prevent the need for cleanup all together. The shop vac is also great for cleaning up pet stains and paint spills. $20 for one extra horsepower? Yes please!

5) Jigsaw: Imperative for making all those wacky cuts you run into. Use the right blade for the right material and you can cut all kinds of things.

6) Multi-tool: You will literally feel your hands and forearms weaken from lack of use after you buy one of these. From grout removal to paint scraping this tool cuts down on the need for elbow grease on countless jobs.

7) Air compressor: I saw there was a big debate on whether this should make the list. Hell yes it should! I bought one just to power a trim nailer and floor nailer and it paid for itself after 1 bedroom reno. Paint sprayers are great for doors, trim and intricate projects. Get a 50' hose and you can run power to tools to any room in your house without even moving it. It's also nice to be able to fill the car tires at home.