5 Tools you need to tackle DIY projects
There is no shortage of articles like this floating around on the internet, I am very aware of this. But for me, this is a helpful way to document where I started. And if it gives someone else the inspiration to tackle DIY-ing then AWESOME! So here it goes:
#1. Confidence
This is really the most important piece of advice. DIY requires confidence and a can do attitude. I was texting my mom about a project I was brainstorming and she was like "you think you can do that?" and I responded "why not?!" This is the mindset a DIYer needs because if you don't think you can do it then you will never try. But once you try, then there is no stopping! So believe you can do it, invest in some of the basic tools below, and you can create nearly anything!
#2. Drill
This is a tool most homeowners have regardless if you do DIY or not. You need a drill for basics around the house, which is how I used mine for the previous 7 years as a homeowner. Literally the only reason why I stuck with Ryobi for the other tools I purchased is because I had 2 batteries for the drill. Most Ryobi tools have cordless options which is a huge perk so having spare batteries is a must. This is not sponsored in any way, just my opinion, but so far I have been impressed with the Ryobi line up.
#3. Brad Nailer
This is the tool that really got me started as a DIY-er. I put some pole wrap up in our drop zone and added some trim pieces. A very basic DIY project for many, but a little intimidating as a novice. Once you figure out how the tools work, you can literally build anything! TIP: Go for a cordless brad nailer option so you don't need to figure out how to use an air compressor and deal with all the cords.
#4. Miter Saw
This requires math skills. And safety goggles. But a miter saw is a great addition to tackling any more custom DIY projects. You can cut angles and lengths with ease. Again, this can be intimidating to use at first but now that I have a few projects under my belt I can maneuver it with ease. My DIY board and batten accent wall in our bedroom was made by using this miter saw. And it is cordless as well which just makes things 100000x easier.
#5. Kreg Jig
This is a tool I had ZERO knowledge of, I honestly never heard of it. But after doing my research on DIY floating shelves for our laundry room, I purchased a kreg jig kit and got to work. This is how you make pocket holes for custom furniture to give it a seamless and high end look. And it is so neat! Again, thank you to Youtube University for providing me with the education on how to use this handy tool. Excited to use it to build more things in the future!
Honorable Mention:
Don't you hate when articles do this? I said it was 5 tools you needed to DIY then I threw in a 6th as an honorable mention. Please forgive me LOL. But my honorable mention goes to an orbital sander. Not a necessity because you could always do it by hand with regular sand paper but this does the job a lot faster and gives you a professional smooth result. Again, I would go for a cordless version so you don't need to bother with electrical cords.
Thanks for reading, hope this helps give you some insight on what you might need to start your DIY projects!
-Kristen
