My favorite beginner power tools that are perfect for any DIY projects.
Are you ready to unleash your inner DIY-er, but feeling overwhelmed by all of the hand tools to choose from? You are not alone. In fact, most people interested in DIY projects are hesitant to dive in due to lack of knowledge about choosing the right power tools.
In this article, we will demystify the world of power tools for the beginner and equip you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle any project. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or simply looking to save some money on home improvement, this guide will provide you with the essential information and tips to get started. So let's dive into the world of basic power tools for the DIY beginner!
Top 4 Beginner Power Tools
Power tools are my love language. I am always trying new ones out because there are so many different brands of power tools, as well as price points and capabilities. Today I'll talk about my 4 favorite that will get a DIY novice through just about any home project.
Miter Saw
The first essential tool is a miter saw. If you don't have the space for a table saw but still need to make simple cuts, a miter saw is a good option for house projects. This type of saw is similar to a chop saw, but while a chop saw can also be utilized for cutting metal, a miter saw is known for cutting wood. These are great tools to have on hand for several reasons:
- The 12 " blade is helpful for giving you a larger cutting length.
- Miter saws are great for making angled cuts like for trim and baseboards, but also straight cuts.
- A miter saw has a sliding option that also allows for even longer cuts.
- This saw has a bevel option which allows you to tilt the saw to a 45 degree angle. Handy for cutting large moldings.
- I love the stand for easier cuts and mobility!
This Ryobi that I use is even light enough that I can lift and move it if need be. Shop here. This is a great tool that was used for several of my home finishing projects when we moved into our new home.
Drills
Next up, let me share a few tidbits on drills. One of the best cordless power tools is a cordless drill. I have tried many. Ryobi came out with a compact brushless line and I LOVE them. They are much lighter than the older versions, which makes them so easy to use.
For DIY enthusiasts looking to get just one drill I would recommend an impact driver. Impact drivers utilize the same rotational motion that power drills use. But as you're driving in a screw, impact drivers also mix in a hammering action that not only hammers down, but sideways. This makes drilling much easier with better results, and I strip less screws. I like to have a cordless version because I move around so much. But if you are doing projects that require all day use, it may be better to find a corded one or at least a second battery charger. Shop here.
Easy Nailers for Beginner Power Tools
A battery-operated brad nailer is also a must-have on my list. Let me share why I am a huge advocate for this power tool.
- Ease of use for any skill level
- The equipment is light weight, making it very portable
- Because of compact size and cordless options, they are perfect for various tasks around the house.
I use a finish nailer on my MDF moldings and other minor jobs around the house. It's a great addition for any woodworking project, like my DIY master closet. I will mention that the finish nails do not penetrate as deep as an air compressor nail gun, but they get the job done. Shop here.
Electric Sander
And last, but not certainly not least, invest in a power sander. A sanding block or sanding pad can get old really fast when you are refinishing larger projects. It's time consuming and can be really rough on your hands. An electric type of sander is a good idea to fix all of that. This Ryobi sander is my favorite! Shop here.
- No need for hauling extension cords around the house - portable!
- It has impressive power for a basic tool that runs on battery.
- Easy to use.
- Lessens the time it take to sand by hand with paper or a block.
Top Favorite Beginner Power Tools
If you are looking for a few tools to complete your upcoming projects, a miter saw, drill, brad nailer and electric sander are great options for beginners. These are the 4 tools that I used for most of my projects. If you want to invest in a few more items, I also really love my table saw and paint sprayer that I use all the time.
Looking for your next project? Here are a few I know you will love.
- 10 furniture refinishing projects
- DIY mudroom lockers
- Fireplace accent wall
- Picture frame molding accent wall
- Build a nightstand
Happy DIYing!
Brooke
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