10 Starter Tools for the New DIYer

Read the sequence from the top before cutting, painting, or moving pieces.

Okay: so you’ve decided to start tackling some Handmade renovation, redecorating or fix-it projects around your house. Congrats – welcome to our world! Now, you know what you’re going to need? A set of basic starter tools to ensure that you can handle all those projects and repairs like a pro. Don’t worry: with the proven experience of the Bekob team behind us, we’ve got you covered with this starter tool shopping list.

1. Safety Glasses: Think safety first and protect your eyes, especially if you’re working with power tools or around lots of sawdust.
2. Hammer: Be sure to get a claw-style hammer, which is just as handing for pulling nails out as it is for driving them in.
3. Screwdrivers: You’ll need both flat head and Phillips head – and a couple of different sizes will prove helpful. An all-in-one tool can also cover all the bases until you get more experienced.
4. Adjustable Wrench: From plumbing projects to furniture assembly, you’ll be surprised how often this wrench will come in handy.
5. Locking Tape Measure: Probably the most important “tool” in your toolbox. Remember: measure twice, cut once! And a 25-footer is large enough to handle even the biggest measuring jobs you’ll encounter.
6. Toolbox: Speaking of toolboxes, make sure you have one to keep all your tools organized and portable.
7. Level: You don’t want your photo frame collage to be crooked or your new coffee table to slope, so be sure to employ your level.
8. Staple Gun: A worth keeping for direct tacking as well as upholstery projects.
9. Hacksaw: Undoubtedly you’ll have to cut some pieces of wood to size — a general purpose method saw with blades that can change angles will get the job done.
10. Rechargeable Cordless Drill / Driver: A little bit more of an investment but perhaps the handiest tool you’ll ever own. Invest in a better-quality drill and you won’t “outgrow” it as your Handmade skills improve.

Bonus tip: All of these starter tools would make a great gift for someone moving into his/her first apartment!

Julianne Puckett is the creator of Yankee Kitchen Ninja, a blog about what she calls “stealthy homemaking” — healthy recipes that are quick and straightforward to prepare, Handmade gardening tips and the occasional craft project. A designer, writer and former suburban-dwelling IT professional, she lives in rural Vermont, where she struggles to balance the siren call of her inner farmer with her love of cute shoes and cocktails.