Most important home improvement/remodeling tools

[shampoop]

Getting ready to buy my 1st house. And I'm very interested in getting one that needs some work. Mainly things like painting, trim, cabinets, basic remodeling stuff. Ideally the kinds of things where the primary cost is labor rather than materials.

I have a LOT of mostly mechanic hand tools and a basic set of mechanics air tools with a 20 gallon 110 compressor and A nice makita 18v lithium drill and impact driver set. A big metal vise, a hydraulic press, a bench grinder and a 4.5" angle grinder.

My biggest concern is with power tools and woodworking tools, there are so many, they can cost a lot, and I'm sure some aren't necessary when you're not worried about completing work super fast.

I already have the 18v drill/driver set, and have access to a compound miter saw that I could borrow for shorter periods of time (if it's used a lot I might want my own). A table saw and drill press that I could borrow for very long periods of time. I definitely plan on buying stuff used off of craigslist. Things that come to mind that I figure would be good are (corded) circular saw, reciprocating saw, and a jig saw. A wood vice as well.

What types of tools do you find are needed most and what kind of work are they needed for? What do you wish you invested in after doing many home improvement projects? And what types of tools are better to spend big money or little money on?

 

[Holt]

Get a occilating tool, best most used tool I have ever bought,

scratch awl
tape measure
chalk link
torpedo level
2 ft level
4 ft level
8 ft level
rafter square
get a good miter saw and good blade
jig saw
pancake compressor with finish and brad nailer
nail set
buy a Vaughan or Estwing hammers, claw hammer and mallet
drywall saw
impact driver ,,, cordless.

 

[Thumper68]

I good selection of screws and nails (estate sales are good for this) there is nothing worse than nor being able to finish a job or make a repair due to not having 1 or 2 nails or screws.

When we bought this house I stopped at menards and picked up a bunch of boxes (1 pound) of 1", 1.5", 2", 2.5" and 3" screws and 2 of their nail assortments, nice to just have them sitting on a shelf ready to use.

As far as tools.

Finish hammer
Framing hammer
Circ saw
saw horses (I like the folding metal ones with a 2x6 on top)
9" 2' 4' levels
framing square
speed square
pencils and sharpener
spade bit set
wire strippers
live wire tester
outlet checker
6 in 1 screwdrivers
nail sets
hack saw
10" and 18" pipe wrenches
slip joint pliers
vice grips
tape measure ( I like the Stanley lever lock)
c-clamps
1/4" thru 1" wood chisels
twist drill bits
impact driver bits
dry line (string line)
plumb bob

There is a lot more that you will need over time.

My first remodel project I started with a tape measure, hammer, square and 3 or 4 screw drivers.

 

[jakemac]

Don't forget to pick up Plumbing tools as well.
I keep a separate carry box for them

Torch
solder
flux
teflon tape
Channellocks
faucet wrench
strap wrench
pipe cutters (large and small)
toilet plunger (you'll need it)

 

[PECVD2]

plus a sawzall if you are remodeling and just because....Every tool you can get your hands on.

 

[Nick Danger]

Just be aware: If it's your first house, you'll need to get the outdoor tools as well. Shovels, rakes, loppers, clippers, saws, hoses, lawn mower, and so forth. I was surprised how much I needed.

 

[EJM02]

The most wonderful thing about buying a home is the ultimate excuse to buy tools. My wife and I bought our first home (the one I'm sitting in) 2 years ago and I'm still buying tools I need to complete the fixer projects. I could inundate you with a huge list, but I'll narrow it down to a short few that you MUST have..

1. - good news, you already have this - a quality coordless drill

2. Miter saw - not just for crown and base but also for "holy ****!! I need to prop open this (variable) for (variable) otherwise (variable)!!! I need a 18.75" 2x4 right friggn now!!

Also, if you flip a finish mitre saw blade around backwards so that the teeth are facing the opposite way from normal, you can cut PVC and vinyl absolutely flawlessly with no burrs.

3. Tape measures - and I mean PLURAL. I have 3. One in the garage, one on the house, one in the truck. You'll see what I mean.

4. It may sound basic, but a quality screwdriver set is absolutely essential. Right up there with hammers and nails.

I could go on but if I were to give you one piece of advice, I'd say to build a work bench before you do anything. It's such a pain trying to fix things without a proper workspace. The second you are done building your bench, mount that vise. After that, the world is your oyster. Good luck!!!!!!

 

[CNGsaves]

Good lists by prior GJ posts.

One of first things you'll need to do is line up internet/CATV/phone wiring throughout the entire house immediately upon moving in.

You will need to RESEARCH which all providers even offer service for the house (ie just cable company, telco, or only DISH/DirectTV). This will determine what kind of wiring (at minimum) you'll need in various locations in the house.

For this internet/CATV work, you will need spade bits, drill bits, cordless drill, hole saw, and FISH TAPE (ie the metal wire in spool that electricians use to pull wire up through walls). Also nice to have the compression tool to install RG6 connectors on end of COAX wire. Wire stripper is nice, but you can get by with utility knife and sidecutters.

With low cost telco landline abiltiy with Magic Jack plus, you will also want extra CAT 5e/6 ethernet runs in virtually every room. Wire is cheap so plan out your home runs to a distribution area (ie like unfinished basement, hall closet, or similar).

 

[Danglerb]

Things a cheap needs renovation house might need;

Roofing
Structural repair/water or termite damage.
Plumbing, both water going in and out.
Electrical.
Drywall, paint, flooring.

Get a pro to go over the inspection with you, and I would not necessarily plan on doing everything, but if you start out as a "helper" you are basically replacing the $12/hr guy standing in front of Home Depot. OTOH I F'ed up so much stuff during my first couple of years working on houses it wasn't funny or pretty.

What some friends used to do is buy a house, gut it, and redo the plumbing and electrical, drywall and paint, then move in and do all the rest while living it and selling previous house. They did one about every two years. Some parts of renovation are not things you want to live with.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Coming from someone that's custom built houses, I always laugh at how many damn tools one needs to do finish carpentry. I can frame all day with a sledgehammer and a chainsaw. But when it comes to finish I fill the truck up!

Squares, shims, levels, lines, lasers, chisels, punches, clamps of all kinds, different pencils, different hammers- steel, wood, and rubber, screw gun, impact, miter saw and stand, roller stands, finish nail guns, staple guns, chalk line, radius, compass, door jigs, door buck, routers, table saw, band saw, glue, the list goes on and on...

But, do yourself a favor and get a Stiletto Titanium Hammer. 14oz framing is the ticket!

 

[ajchien]

Not a power tool, but don't forget the ladder!

 

[skruft]

Those are all good answers. Also I find it is good to have the chopsaw (whatever kind) on a mobile stand so that you can roll it around easily and have it at the proper height.

If you will do drywall, get proper drywall tools, including a corded drywall screwdriver that will set the screws at exactly the right depth every time. Forget about using a cordless drill. Use the right combination of materials. Read carefully about the proper ways to do drywall. Doing "just anything" won't hold up, especially if you have hot and cold weather. The mistakes are unbelievable.

In addition to tools, think of the right fasteners. Too many people try to standardize too much, such as trying to do a complex job with just common nails, finish nails and drywall screws.

 

[the gypsy]

I am sorry to hijack this thread BUT wasn't it said on this forum before IT IS BORING WITHOUT PICTURES !

 

[jd_1138]

I could go on but if I were to give you one piece of advice, I'd say to build a work bench before you do anything. It's such a pain trying to fix things without a proper workspace. The second you are done building your bench, mount that vise. After that, the world is your oyster. Good luck!!!!!!

Yep, I even have a small one in the backyard shed. My father came to visit us about 10 years ago. He was bored sitting around watching TV while we were at work, so he went to the local hardware store and bought lumber and materials and built a nice little workbench and shelving in the shed. It got all the yard tools, equipment and other stuff off the floor and organized.

I went to HF right after and bought a $20 vise and mounted it to the workbench. Comes in handy on all sorts of things. And I keep a set of tools in the shed.

Good thing about homeowner DIY tools is that you don't absolutely need the best tools out there like pros do (who bang on their tools all day for a living). I bought a $10 pair of HF bolt cutters 10 years ago. I still have 2 or 3 neighbors who ask to borrow them. Fine by me, I use them so rarely.

But if you see a bargain for a quality tool, grab it, because it will make the jobs that much easier to do.

 

[Monte]

Fein Multimaster

 

[theoldwizard1]

A fat wallet !

 

[pauls_workshop]

I got my first extendable multi-ladder in 13' size at a BF sale just two years back for about $69 and it is now my go to ladder up to its max size. You need a ladder that can go taller with any house. How high depends, but if I were to do it again I would absolutely buy the extendable muti-position type but in a bigger size. 17' is better but I really would like to get a 22' one or so. These are just awesome type ladders to have. I also have a regular aluminum 24' extension ladder, but it gets used little compared to the multi-ladder. Not as safe to use or as strong a design with the thin profile on width. If you get a bigger one, you may not need a smaller one and can avoid buying two. Lowes or HD (can't recall) for BF has a 17" for $99 in Werner, a good deal. Wish someone had a bigger one but not on sale right now in this style. - Paul

 

[woody 73]

Start out slow the first tool that you want is a miter saw, one that you can move from room to room. They are great for cutting any crown moulding and lets say you need to cut plastic pipe they are very handy with the correct blade. If you need to lay a floor then you can use your miter saw.

Smaller tools would include a hand held power sander, small electric planer for doors along with a small electric circular saw.

Even smaller would be a good set of woodworking chisels, tape measure, hammer and a set of woodworking files.

Hope that helps you out.

 

[amit26]

Hi,
There are some tools which i know while remodeling:

• Solid-steel Framing Hammer With Ripping Claw. This indestructible tool will come in handy for demolition.
• Tool Pouch/Fastener Pouch.
• Hammer Loop and Work Belt.
• Safety Glasses.
• Extension Cords.
• Demolition Bars.
• Brooms.
• Shop Vacuum.

Thanks...

 

[lardy1]

You'll go broke trying to cover all the bases and never cover them all. Buy homeowner tools as needed/when needed. Buy the best you can afford at the time. Nobody can predict your needs without inspecting the house.

 

[thanksmyguy]

GET A SHOP VAC!

GET A SAWZALL!

Don't forget the landscape stuff (rake, shovel, lawnmower/weed whacker, gas can, etc). There are so many little things I bought in the first year, I'm lucky the house came with a bunch (P.O.s moved to spain and couldn't take brooms, mops, shovels, etc).

Also, don't forget little things like light bulbs, blinds, trash cans, etc that actually add up. I would even say to set aside some money just for the unknown small stuff you will need.

 

[seber]

I have every power saw listed in previous answers and in some cases like skillsaws and sawsalls I have multiples in both corded and cordless. That said, the ones that get used the most are crosscut and rip hand saws. They're just handy and accurate. In a lot of cases, it is faster to cut with a handsaw than pull out corded saw for one or two cuts. For all those other tools, wait until you have a project and determine what tools you need for it. Otherwise you will wind up with a lot of tools that are never used.

 

[Prospecter]

We've been rehabbing this house since 1985. More than half done!

Lots of good answers here. If money is tight, buy as you go. Best quality is not always the way to go. Buy once to learn on, possibly at a yard sale, and replace when you know what you want.

A circular saw will get lots of use for rehab. I have a good one, and a cheap one. The cheap one gets used on masonry.

An Omnitool is pretty useful in rehab, and has sanding attachments.

A Workmate and saw horses will get used over and over again. I like the horses I made the best, but the cheap, plastic ones fold well and are light to move around and store.

I use a recip saw a lot, but the jig saw mostly stays in the shop.

Tool belts, pouches, and hammer loops are really useful, and save a lot of steps. I load mine for the specific project to avoid carrying tools I am not using.

If you get a miter saw or tablesaw, get the portable benches to go with them.

I use a brush/roller spinner a LOT when I am painting. Makes clean-up a lot easier, especially if there is a trash can nearby to contain the spinout.

 

[Jimmyb]

I would suggest you get a nice cooler and some beer. Always helps to have friends come help you and they typically will work for beer.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

The lists are extensive and expensive. I'm a carpenter and a millwright, I've served apprenticeships in both. Ran crews in both, too. Now retired.

You will be taking things apart, so you will need:
Sawsall
Fien Multitool
Skilsaw, a sidewinder works better here.
wrecking bar, I have a hand forged Swedish Tove bar, pricey but I think they are worth every penny
Casing bar, you will see smaller ones called Wonder Bars. What you need is a real one, Vaughan makes a great one, not expensive either.
Nail claw, the Japanese made ones are common, also called cat's paw
Buy good hammers, they balance better, your thumb on your left hand will appreciate it.

Dust masks, if you can find them, old drywall has asbestos

I would quibble over many of the things on the lists, but I guess they will work well enough.