Tools for Novice Do-It-Yourselfers

As I write this, a handyman is downstairs installing a new faucet in my kitchen. The old, ugly builder-grade faucet was leaking, so I decided to have a new faucet installed instead of paying to have the old one fixed. And while the repairman is here, I decided to have him tackle some other projects around the house, too.

I am sure I will be happy with the results when he’s done, but not with the cost. It would have been much cheaper if I could have tackled these projects on my own. (Even though I am sure it'll be much cheaper than the price the plumber quoted for the job.) My husband is handy, but has brutal hours at his job, often working weekends. Meanwhile, my schedule is flexible, but I have little to no handyman skills. I hope to pick some up, however, so maybe I can tackle some projects at home on my own.

I have completed small projects here and there around the house (I’ve assembled furniture, painted a bathroom, started painting the laundry room and installed hardware in the bathrooms), so I’ve acquired a few tools of my own. (I tend to break things, so I didn’t want to risk ruining my husband’s tools.)

Per my experience so far (as a very novice do-it-yourselfer) and some reading I’ve done on the subject, I’ve found that these are among the basic tools that I very beginner DIY-er (who will tackle limited projects) should have:

16 ounce Claw Hammer: Even if all you’ll use it for is to hang pictures on the wall, this will come in handy. A claw hammer is helpful, since you can also use it to pry nails out when you mess up.

Cordless Drill: You can use one to install hardware (knobs, towel rods, etc.) in the bathroom and to hang shelves.

Level: A level is great for making sure you install shelves, pictures, etc., straight, instead of at an angle.

Cordless screwdriver: Small and lightweight, a cordless screwdriver can be a lifesaver. I once spent way too much time putting together a bookshelf, and then my husband handed me his cordless screwdriver, and I got the second one done in no time!

16- or 25-foot tape measure: Use these before ordering drapes or buying blinds, and you’ll purchase the correct size the first time!

Paint roller, painter’s tape and paint brushes: Painting is one of the easiest DIY projects, so you’ll likely want to get your own painting supplies. I’ve been able to get by with a paint roller (and cover), painter’s tape (e.g., to put on the edge where the wall meets the ceiling, so I don’t get paint on the ceiling), a 3-inch synthetic brush and an angled sash brush for painting trim and window moldings. You might also want to pick up a cheap painter’s cap to avoid getting paint in your hair when painting the ceiling.

Electronic Stud finder: You can use this to easily find studs behind walls to anchor your shelves, etc., to.

Drop cloth: If you are a messy painter like I am, a drop cloth is a good investment. But, I tend to use cheap dollar store plastic tablecloths (the kind you buy for a birthday party) as my drop cloths! They work perfectly well and are disposable.

Allen wrench set: You’ll need these wrenches, which fit into recessed screw heads that you can find on everything from furniture, to bathroom towel bars and door knobs. I still need to disassemble my daughters’ old toddler beds, and haven’t done it yet, since I need an Allen wrench!

Of course, everyone has their own list of what they think are essential do-it-yourselfer tools. If I’ve missed anything, please feel free to let me know what I should add to my tool kit!