When Andy and I were first married and living in a TEENSY little rental house with a burnt-orange kitchen and a burnt-orange fireplace and a burnt-orange bathroom – yes it was as beautiful as it sounds! – Andy started teaching himself woodworking. That’s where this little table came from.
It was his first-ever attempt at woodworking. We had so few real grown-up tools that Andy basically cobbled that together with scotch tape, twine and a swiss army knife.
Over time, we’ve added to our tools and upgraded some of them, and there have been a few tools that have changed everything to the point where Andy tears his clothes and weeps over all the hours he spent building without them. I’ve gotten a few questions about our favorite tools or what tools we’d most recommend for DIYers, so I pulled together this list of our must-have power tools. (Obviously there are some manual tools we use a ton, but that’s another list for another day!)
But you know what my personal favorite would be, right?
- You need one because: This is your Tool Number One. You’ll use for just about every single project. We’re actually having a hard time thinking of a project where we haven’t used our handy-dandy drill.
- What to buy: This is the one we use. You can get by with a cheapo one from a yard sale, but we think it’s worth investing in a good drill because you’ll use it SO much. We’re all about the cordless when it comes to drills and will probably never use a corded drill again. (…Unless we found ourselves in an absurd hypothetical deserted island situation, in which there was still a power source for the corded drill, somehow, and we needed to… build… a raft? I told you this was weird and hypothetical. Cordless, guys.)
- A few places we’ve used it:
- You need one because: THIS is the tool that makes Andy mourn all the years he tried to do woodworking without it. It’s the easiest, simplest way to join two pieces of wood together. (Note: You can’t use it without a drill! Make sure you grab that first.)
- What to buy: We use this one. But here’s a cheaper version that’ll totally work for you if you’re just getting started.
- A few places we’ve used it:
- You need one because: This is our go-to power saw. It’s transportable and makes it super quick and easy to cut down a board or two on a quick project. You can own and use it as an apartment dweller and store it in your closet; no garage necessary. Probably the best kind of saw to start with when you’re building your tool collection.
- What to buy: We use this one, and the battery pack is interchangeable with our drill, so that rocks pretty hard. But if you’re just getting started and are okay with a corded version, this cheaper one will totally get the job done. (You can also grab a decent one at a yard sale or craigslist.)
- A few places we’ve used it:
Okay, quick time-out. Or rather, TOOL TIME out. Har har.
You can totally stop with those three tools. If you’re going to get any three power tools, start there. You can build a lot of cool junk with a drill, a kreg jig and a circular saw. Prioritize those three… but don’t stop there! We still can’t do without our…
- You need one because: While the circular saw is great for grab-and-go quick cuts, the miter saw is stellar when you need precision. This saw lets you cut wood at an angle, which is super handy. The only downside is it’s a little bulky and you really need a garage or outdoor workspace to use it.
- What to buy: We use this one, but this cheaper one will get the job done. You can go even cheaper than that and it’ll still work, but you have less flexibility in what you can cut and it may be a little less accurate.
- A few places we’ve used it:
- You need one because: When you use one, you’ll feel like THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON IN THE WORLD! (It’s also very functional.) And it’s a heckuva lot easier than hammer and nails.
- What to buy: This is a great set to get started. As a bonus, you can use the compressor with a pneumatic staple gun (which will make an appearance on this list momentarily).
- A few places we’ve used it:
- You need one because: There’s nothing worse than that nails-on-chalkboard feeling of hand sanding something! I can’t handle it. An electric sander is easy, small, doesn’t take up much storage space and will save you hours of time and sanity on anything from furniture refinishing to woodworking projects.
- What to buy: We use this one. It’s only $30 and totally worth it.
- A few places we’ve used it:
- You need one because: You can totally do without a router, but it’s SUPER-FUN-AND-LIFECHANGING! Use a router for any kind of wood joining, or to create decorative or rounded edges, stuff like that.
- What to buy: We use this one. It comes with both a plunge base and a fixed base, so it’s flexible and versatile and I think Andy loves it almost as much as me.
- A few places we’ve used it:
- You need one because: This makes evvvverything easier, from hanging a grid of photo frames to painting stripes or even installing shelves. It saves hours of torture and it saves marriages. Trust.
- What to buy: This is the one we have. I really like the suction feature that lets you stick it to the wall at any height.
- A few places we’ve used it:
- You need one because: Okay, you don’t *need* a paint sprayer. But it’s a pretty nifty time-saver that’ll quickly spoil you from hand-painting. If you have a major reno and will be painting lots of rooms at once, or if you’re painting your kitchen cabinets or have any painting projects bigger than just one room’s walls, it’s a worthy expense.
- What to buy: This looks like a good option. We haven’t personally used it but my bud Gretchen just wrote a review of it right here. I think this might be the one we have, and it’s just “meh.”
- A few places we’ve used it:
- You need one because: If you’ll be doing any sort of upholstering project, a pnuematic staple gun will give you a nice, sturdy finish and a more professional result.
- What to buy: If you have an air compressor, don’t even consider buying a staple gun that’s not pneumatic. We used one that wasn’t when we built our upholstered bed the first time, then we upgraded. It was SUCH a waste of time to use the other one! This is the one we have and it’s pretty major and powerful.
- A few places we’ve used it:
Another option if you’re on a budget…
If you’re just getting started, you can opt for a combo tool kit like this one. Then see which tools you use the most and slowly upgrade them as budget and space allow.
Which tools are you missing? What would you add to the list?
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Hi, I'm Kelly. Glad you're here! This little blog is where I chronicle our efforts to fix up our beaten-down home on a tiny budget. We're not there yet, but here's a peek at the view along the way...
There’s so much I want but I would probably the circular saw, or maybe the jig. We seriously need some tools in our house.
I would buy the circular saw. I have always been interested in building my own furniture but haven’t had access to the tools to do it. 🙂
During x-mas the porter cable combo hoes on sell. I have used mine a lot. Drill, circular saw and recip saw. I also bought the small vacuum which works great. For the price under $150 that 18volt package is great compared to the price of others.
So you might think that I am your stalker or something, since I am now going to comment on every. last. one. of your posts! Longtime reader, only recent commenter. // You are just so awesome and full of bubbly inspiration!! Thank you for this lovely list; it was a perfect summary of what I have and what I still want… oddly enough we have an air compressor already so I’m looking to get pneumatic *everything!* to work with it LOL. I think my husband also loves his router as much as he loves me.
hmmm thinking it over, if I win I think I’d get the pneumatic stapler first! I have many upholstery ideas that would just kill my hand with our regular staple gun. omg
Thank you SO much for the encouragement, Shanti! 🙂 You totally need pneumatic everything. Staple gun, nail gun, hair dryer, toaster… 🙂
TOASTER! LOL
Need. All. The. Tools! Or should I say want? Nope need!
Thanks Kelly! We are just starting out and this is insanely helpful!
First I have a plan to go raid my grandfather’s garage. He used to have all kinds of fancy woodworking tools. Then I’ll chose what to buy. But I’m pretty sure he didn’t have a router, so that’s my choice, for now!
Good call! Grandfathers always have the best tools that last forever!
Oh, I love this list. Some of these I have and some of these I wish I had!! Speaking of paint sprayers I would urge you to check out the Home Right Finish Max Pro. It is a game changer. It is a step up from the Finish Max and it gives the best finish. Seriously, I just used it to paint our front door and it looks like a million bucks now. That’s my two cents 😉 xo Kristin
Ooh, thanks for the tip! I didn’t know much about the different levels of Home Right paint sprayers!
The paint sprayer might be useful, since we’ll soon (hopefully) buy our home. At the very least, we’ll have to repaint it.
I’d probably get the saw…or the kreg jig…really, both!
We soooo need the paint sprayer. Painting kitchen cabinets for Father’s Day is not what my husband wants….but what we need. 🙂
It’s not on his fathers-day wishlist to paint your cabinets?! 🙂
A kreg jig for sure
The electric sander!! My hands have never been so happy with me. It works wonders!!
My hubby has most of these–but there’s ALWAYS some tool that he’d like to own!
Great list. I needs me a router. And I wouldn’t mind upgrading my kreg jig from the Jr. to the big boy. And about 4,000 other tools I plan to buy like the Ryobi battery powered brad nailer.
Kreg Jig Changed. My. Life.
But serisouly looking forward to adding to my collection with a circular saw/ table saw/ nail gun and paint sprayer.
Seriously, ours too!
I’ve been eyeing the Kreg Jig for months!
A miter saw has been on my hubby’s wishlist for a long time!
I would either get a miter saw or a power drill!
if anything — the sander has been so handy for me in terms of all my furniture refinishing projects…..i’m actually on my second sander (in 3 years). but i opted to go with ryobi instead of black and decker this time.
I did buy a kreg jig (but it wasn’t that specific kind) – yeah that went back to the store. Now i know my husband will be needing a kreg jig for building his workstation. so that may come in handy for us!
Perfect timing for this post! I was literally just talking about how I want to focus attention on my tool collection. I’ve got a few random pieces on here but still no saws! Circular saw, here I come!
Awesome! You’ll love having one!
The Kreg Jig FOR SURE! Thanks for the opportunity – my fingers are crossed!
Ooh I’ve been wanting a paint sprayer for awhile. We already have a couple of the things on this list. The kreg jig really is the best. I also would like to get the laser level.
Great list!
I need a paint sprayer.
Sorry, I’d go for a garbage disposal. Mine broke yesterday and until payday…….
Oh no!!
We have been living overseas for half a decade and are just moving back Stateside… bring on the power tools!
We could use the jig and the router! We are just starting to build up our supply of tools!
If I won, I think I would invest in a air cartridge nailer. It would be so handy for my projects in the house.
I need a new drill – I’ve been waiting for the Father’s Day sales to get one
Brawn still has the Black & Decker sander from our wedding year. 32 years later he won’t get rid of it cuz it still works, although just this weekend I commented that it looks like helll. Sort of like me after 32 years of marriage.
But everyone knows when you buy a sander, it’s for richer or poorer til death do you part, sooooo. I admire his commitment. I hope Andy keeps me around at least as long as his sander. 🙂
I would buy my husband a new sander so he can finish a few of the projects on his honey do list. Maybe I would even help him. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to see a tutorial on how you use your router. I have one – actually, I have 2! But I really don’t know how to use it or my router table….
Okay, great idea!
We seriously need a kreg jig. We built a buffet table last year and it just didn’t work out because the screw heads were getting in the way…
Love the list!
It would totally change your life then, just you wait!
I neeeed that Kreg jig!
I have no idea what I would buy, as I would give it to my husband and say “go forth!” Our new rental has a yard (!!!) and shed (!!!) so grown-up tolls would be helpful as we test our marriage by diving into DIY 🙂
Oh yay! Totally jealous of the shed! Now you’re obligated to fill it. 😉
Thanks for the list and how to use them. Great info for beginners like me. I’d get the laser level for my husband. He has a thing about making sure everything is exactly level!
Oh he would love it then. Andy is the same way. I’m happy as long as things are “level-ish.” (Which is why I don’t do much of the building! ha!
Thank you for taking the time to put together this helpful list! I am definitely interested in the Kreg jig and the circular saw!
I really enjoy reading your blog. This was a great post. Thanks! My husband is great about tackling the projects I come up with for him 🙂 We recently got the Kreg jig and he loves it.
Now we need the paint sprayer!
I would totally get the Kreg jig…it looks so useful! We have most of the rest and that would finish out our “collection”.
Thank you for this post – it’s definitely something I needed!
I’d get the circular saw or the router. I want both!
Drooling reading this list…
The kreg jig looks awesome – I see it used in projects SO much although I have no clue how to use it…but would love to learn!!!
Definitely think we need a laser level! How did I not know this existed?!?
Love Your Blog! I started repainting the rocking chairs for my front porch yesterday-not good, not good! All the spindles are killing me. I’m headed put to get the paint sprayer!
this weekend i discovered the joys of little miniature magnetic levels..awesome. and i would love to win and buy myself something i totally don’t need. thanks!
I need a jig. We have all the rest that we have collected and upgraded over the years. Looks like a trip to the store over the weekend. Hmmm fathers day gift, maybe?
you’ve convinced me on the kreg jig!
Oh the paint gun…we have to paint all the trim, all the walls, all the cabinets and right now we have no flooring in place…it would be amazing!
Oh you have to get one! That’s what we did in our house. We removed the carpet and painted all the trim, ceilings and walls at once with the paint sprayer. It’s the only way to do it!
Our cordless drill no longer holds a charge. It’s definitely time for an upgrade!
I have been wanting a miter saw FOREVER!
My husband has a lot of tools, but he doesn’t have the Kreg jig, so I’d get him that and maybe use the rest on something else.
We were JUST saying that we need a cordless drill, so that would be our obvious choice. Although I really would love to have any of the tools you mentioned–we don’t own a single one! But we do live next door to a contractor, so that helps us out. 🙂
This list is pretty much dead on! My husband has about half of these, and even living in an apartment, it makes the small projects much easier!
I’ve been dying for a Kreg pocket hole jig for quite some time. I envy you greatly!
I think I’ll go out on a limb and say I really want a table saw. We have most of the other tools but I would love a table saw to get a nice even cut on a big board.
I would get the sander for sure! I use it on all of my redesign projects. Thank you so much for a list like this, I’ve honestly always wondered what tools seasoned DIY’ers would say they couldn’t live without!
I have had the Kreg jig on my list for a long time so that is what I would get. Thanks for the list!
I would leave it up to the Hubs as to which tool he would want to get. But he’s been talking about getting a better more powerful drill so perhaps that!
I want a Kreg so bad! I think this entertainment center project will finally push me over the edge. So many tools, so much money.
I would get the circular saw! We are currently laying a laminate floor in our basement and we had to borrow one. It has been a dream to use!
thanks for the giveaway! I just used my new-to-me miter saw this past weekend and it was LIFE CHANGING. The kreg jig is next on my list!!
Electric sander. My hubby loves to restore old furniture.
Thank you for the tips! My husband’s tool box/spot in the garage is growing and I was asking him last night “What do you have? What do you think you need?” just to know and for future gift ideas. His complaint was his drill loses the charge too fast, so your recommended drill has been added to the “Gift Idea” list. Along with the Kreg jig and the sander–for me since I get stuck with the sanding jobs it feels. I have lots of ideas of things I want him to build, just saving up for the money for wood. 😀
Kelly, I LOVE your blog!! My husband and I have most of these tools, but not the Kreg jig! I keep trying to convince him… but I think he’s pretty sure the moment we get it, I’ll pull out a mile long list of projects I want him to tackle… and he’s right. 🙂 Thanks for the great content, creativity and posts!
Thank you so much, Laura! Your husband is a smart man. 😉
Great list! We have most of these and they definitely make life easier! If I won I’d get a paint sprayer and maybe the staple gun since I’d like to paint our cabinets at some point and would love to experiment more with upholstering!
I would get the pricier Kreg Jig! I’ve wanted one for a while.
Not a jigsaw? I’m impressed. We still lack a sprayer (outside AND inside of kitchen cabinets), a laser level, a second cordless drill (how do you both work at once without two?), and I bet chicken coops would come together with less grumbling with a Kreg jig.
Jigsaw ALMOST made the cut. We debated it for a while. And having only one cordless drill means I get to take a break and watch while Andy uses it, so you won’t see me buying a second any time soon. HA!
I have been dying for a Kreg jog so I can make some stuff on Ana White’s website!
I’ve been wanting to get a Kreg jig for a while but had no idea how affordable they are! Thanks!
Luckily, my husband’s a contractor so we have all the tools. Now I just need him to actually want to build things in his free time!
I hear ya, Shondra! If only the power tools worked themselves!
I have a few of these. And yes, my husband also, is a huge help to me around the house. He has so much patience which I am THANKFUL for.
I would totally get the Kreg Jig!
I just got the paint sprayer you mentioned for my birthday it’s already changed my DIY life. LOVE it. Of this list, I’m still missing the Kreg. WANT. 🙂
OMG! I’ve wanted a Kreg Jig forever!!!! What a great giveaway
I would total get the miter saw, this way we can finish our bedroom with shoe molding.
Considering that I have a whole house to paint, I would probably have to get the paint sprayer. As long as I can manage to only paint what I want to paint, then this would be a life saver.
I would get the router.
Didn’t even know here was a Kreg jig! Would’ve made so many jobs way easier!
We have a couple of those babies. Next we would like to get a staple gun. Great round up of tools!
I’m sure my husband would love to buy any of these tools if we won!
The circular saw would top my list of tools to get next. Got the cordless drill and am looking to expand my tool box.
I’d probably start with the Jig, but I’d need to get all of these things so we can get started updating our new house!
I love this post! My husband and I are recently married (just over 5 months) and I’ve been wanting to try DIY stuff for our little abode, but your blog is what gave me the courage! (We just finished our first project — upholstered headboard!) I love the idea of power tools, but I usually have no idea what they’re for, so this has been a great post to help me get started! Thanks! 🙂
Aww, congratulations on the wedding!! (And the upholstered headboard!) If your marriage can survive an upholstered headboard, he’s totally the one.
a miter saw is next on my list!
I have been wanting a Kreg Jig for so long! I want to customize my closet – I love yours!!!
The router looks like it would be lots of fun. That’s why I read your blog, it has great ideas and makes me smile and sometimes laugh! Thanks for all you do.
Never had any of these in over 30 years of marriage. Finally got desperate and last year bought a circular saw and chain saw, figuring that those would be the most necessary tools. (We have a corded drill, and a zillion mature trees that keep falling across our paths-literally. Do you know how long it takes to saw through a fallen tree that is 12″ in diameter?)
Then my teenager said I need to buy a cordless drill (probably really means that he wants one). I dutifully went to Menard’s and bought one that was on sale, not really knowing if that was the best one or not.
I would most want the kreg jig or miter saw. At least, in my reading, it seems that those are used frequently for what I would like to do but do not have the time, money, or daring to accomplish. If I had the tool(s), that would take one obstacle out of the way. Now, do you know where I could buy some time?
If you figure out where to buy time, I want to be the first to know! 🙂
I really need a miter saw!
We are missing the circular & miter saw, the jig, & the nail & staple guns. I really want to build a work bench for our garage to fit perfectly in there so a saw would be good & I’d like to learn how to reupholster so a staple gun would also be awesome!
Pneumatic nail gun! We just did wainscoting without one…NEVER AGAIN!
Oh no! I’m cringing for you. That sounds SO painful.
I’d probably get that kreg jig first, since it’s the only one of the top 3 we don’t have. A miter saw or router would be pretty neat, too!
We are slowly but surely building our tool collection. I am really needing a sander and a paint sprayer. We are getting ready to paint our kitchen cabinets and I know those will be priceless for that particular project.
I’m just starting out, so I would prob use it to get the wireless drill, that’s first on my list of many 😉
I’d get a new drill or put it towards a miter saw.
Oh Kreg Jig…please be mine!!
I would totally get the Dewalt Miter Saw! I keep asking the hairy man I live with to make me bookcases, fancy benches, and all sorts of stuff, but he keeps telling me he needs one before he can make anything super awesome. I just think he likes to collect power tools like I collect lipstick. 😉
“The hairy man I live with” <--- hahaha. Also, I think our hairy men both have this situation figured out. It seems like every time I ask Andy to do a project, he magically "needs" a special new tool in order to complete it. Hmmm.
I cracked up about Andy tearing his clothes and weeping. 🙂 Good mental image there. I have to slightly disagree about the cordless vs. corded drill. Here’s why… We don’t DIY that often — maybe once or twice a year — and we’ve had two cordless drill batteries die and go bad. As in, they are no longer rechargeable. My dad gave us a corded he had buried in his garage, and it has worked great. We’ve never run into an issue with not being close enough to an outlet, and the drill is always “charged” and ready as soon as we plug it in. 😉
That totally makes sense. We’ve never been able to let ours sit unused that long, so I hadn’t even thought about the batteries potentially crapping out.
Kreg jig for sure! Definitely need a laser level too though!
I have all of the above tools, but my nail gun crapped out and I could use a new one, but the tool I’m eyeing up most these days is a biscuit joiner.
Great post!!
The only tools my husband and I have are contained in a little toolbox my dad lovingly packed for me when I first moved out. It’s wonderful, but we need more firepower! Cordless drill, please!
I totally need a nail gun… I am putting off projects just because I don’t have one!
I need all of these to start my projects!
We need a router, for sure.
I love all your different projects and the detailed instructions are awesome. Dewalt just came out with a cordless (yep. No air hose needed!) nail gun. My husband has one and he is a contractor so it gets A LOT of use and he really likes it. I don’t know exactly what I’d buy if I won but I love amazon so I’m sure I could find something! 😉
Ooh, good to know! Any time you can get around using a compressor, that’s a win. I’ll have to tell Andy about it… or maybe I shouldn’t? 🙂
My daddy has one. It’s only a framing nailer though. It takes these little cans of air that you buy in the box with the nails. He loves it and uses it a lot as he is slowly taking the old siding off their house, fixing the problems he exposes (for instance, the chimney had nearly burnt the house down because it’d never been properly sealed. Since the guy who originally built the house built it for himself and his MONKEYS! Momma and Daddy like to say drunk monkeys built the house.) and then putting Hardie Board on. He’s been doing this since a few months after they bought the house…3 years ago. They knew it was a project house but it has turned into more than they thought! Not needing the compressor makes it easier for him to set up and put away as he slowly works on everything.
I really want a new drill, they don’t last forever!!
I so need a paint sprayer!!
I would probably go with a kreg jig! I’m always struggling to find ways to connect the wood I work with so a kreg jig would be a totally worthwhile investment for me 🙂
I so need a circular saw. I have no idea how I don’t have this tool yet!
Need a router & a paint sprayer to round out the collection.
I could never do without my cordless drill and sander. I use Ryobi tools, and I love that the batteries work for the entire line of products. I’d love to have a cordless nail gun- mine requires the bulky compressor (which I’m always secretly afraid is going to explode,) and is generally a pain to use. I’d also LOVE to have a chop/miter saw. Apartment living isn’t always awesome for larger tools, but I would so haul that baby out onto my fire escape to use it.
Ryobi has some awesome stuff. I think if you go with a cordless set, it totally makes sense to just keep buying the same brand so all the batteries match. That’s what happened to us with the Dewalt tools. BTW, you get like 12 extra hardcore-DIYer points for using power tools on your fire escape.
Exactly! It’s just so convenient. And thanks! The things I’ve dragged out onto that fire escape… I think I still have lumbar pain from contorting myself to sand/spray paint an unwieldy table or three 🙂
Laser leveler please! I need a picture wall like yours!
I can think of so many projects to use the paint sprayer or electric sander!
That is a hard one – paint sprayer or router. I definitely need both but I think it would be the paint sprayer. I need to finish painting the outside of the house and a paint sprayer would definitely help.
Oh yes! For the exterior of the house, it’s TOTALLY worth owning the paint sprayer. We painted the exterior of our house once when we lived somewhere else, and even with an industrial-strength paint sprayer and a very modest-sized house, it still took us SO FREAKIN LONG.
Laser tool – looks like so much fun!
I am missing 2, 7, 8, 9, & 10. I need the staple gun and the paint sprayer in my life.
Holy guacamole! My fav blogger doing a giveaway with my fav online shopping site to end my birthday month 🙂 ohhh let it be me!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONTH!! 🙂 Fingers crossed for you!
Great list! The only thing I’d add is a jigsaw – and replace the nail gun with Ryobi’s cordless nail gun (did you know Ryobi now makes a cordless jigsaw? Shut the front door!). Oh, and a belt sander (okay, so that’s two things and a replacement). Thanks for hosting this giveaway, Kelly! See ya at Haven!
Yayyy, haven! Can’t WAIT to see you there! Andy and I ALMOST added the jigsaw at the last minute, so I’m totally with you on that. (And last weekend he bought an impact drill, and was ready to completely redo the list to add that on too!) 🙂
I am SO happy you made this list. I have found a few others on pinterest that have their ideas of “must have” power tools, but many of them seem frivolous and ain’t nobody got time (money) fo’ that! I mean, there’s a few tools on this list that I absolutely NEED (want), but I think I’d have to say the circular saw or nail gun are my top two…or at least those are the two I would use the most.
I would start with the cordless drill. We are horribly power-tool deficient at our house and really need to start with the basics!
Well… we are missing pretty much all of those but my dad has them all so that counts, right?! =)
…it’s even better than owning them yourself, if you can get him to do the work too!
Ok, I just love you. I’m new to your blog, and as I’m reading, I’m constantly snorting and appreciating the funny. I heartily agree with your list, too. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sam Nelson
<3 <3 Thanks, Sam!
Love your list! I would also recommend the Kreg Rip-Cut, which I bought a few months ago, and my husband immediately took it away from me to use! I also really like our trim cut saw. It has come in handy for so many other things.
The only thing on your list I don’t use is the laser level, which I need to get.
I really want a Kreg jig. It would make my life so much easier on some of the projects I have coming up!
I’m in the market for a paint sprayer… plus I’d try to get ahead on some of my Christmas shopping!
Thanks Kelly! The staple gun is definitely on my list of tools to get, and that gift card would help!
Nail gun, all the way!
I just found your blog 2 days ago and have been soaking it all in! Totally in love with your style. Been pinning lots! Can’t wait to do some of this stuff when we (hopefully!) move this summer into a new house! An Amazon gift card would be awesome… 🙂
Thanks so much! Best wishes with the move, so exciting!!
We need all of the above! (Newlyweds)
Amazon gift card = the best giveaway 🙂 🙂
Yay! I know, amazon credit is like cash to us!
I neeeeed a miter saw AND a pneumatic stapler AND my very own cordless drill (because my husband keeps hiding his from me!).
Funny story…since my husband has a faulty memory and likes to steal my tools thinking they are his, I’ve bought a black and neon-green tool box, and named all of the tools inside. My hammer, aka Hit Me, has his name written in bright blue sharpie on his handle and his initials on his head. Same goes with my Screw It family, my Measure Up, Cut It Out and on and on. The boys think it’s hilarious. Especially when I find my tools hiding in their rooms. Mostly because I named my Maglite Search & Rescue. The Man? He’s not so amused, but he has stopped stealing my tools!
hahaha! Maybe you could spray paint them pink and purple and tie lacy ribbons on them too? Love your tool names, that’s hilarious.
I need almost everything you listed, but first I need Andy to come build me a garage to keep it all in!
First he needs to build his own garage to keep his own tools in!:)
I would probably get a kreg jig! Or painting supplies!!
Such GREAT advice!!
I love your blog! Your finished projects look amazing! I have always wanted to add built-in storage in my home, so I would choose the Router or the Kreg jig.
I need them all! But especially the nail gun… or maybe the router.
I’ve always thought routers were cool!
I have cabinets to repaint in two bathrooms and a laundry room and I’ve been wondering how useful a paint sprayer is. Would love to hear more of your thoughts about it sometime!
Sure! The quick-and-dirty is that it takes a lot of prep work and cleanup time to use a paint sprayer, so I only use it on larger projects or where it’s really important to get an even finish, when you wouldn’t want to be able to see brush strokes. I wouldn’t use the paint sprayer just to paint one room, for example. Hope that helps in the meantime!
Good to know. Thank you! 🙂
what tools aren’t i missing? i have a drill and that’s it!
I don’t have many of the tools above…. except a miter saw, kreg jig, and a drill….. I think that’s all…. so I’m not sure which of the basic tools I would buy next…..
But I’d sure appreciate winning so I could figure it out!! 🙂 Thanks!
Awesome list, Kelly! I’d have to go for a paint sprayer, i think but that nail gun is enticing!
xo Heidi
This list is sooooo helpful…especially the amazon links! I would love to do some woodworking but didn’t know what I needed. I would love it if you have video tutorials on how to actually use some of these products cause I am clueless lol
I love the idea of tutorials on the different tools, thanks!
I bought my honey an air compressor and nail gun for Christmas, and a nice drill the year before, and a tool box before that. So he needs a kreg jig, a paint sprayer and a miter saw. His birthday is next month so these recommendations are perfect timing! Also we’re buying a house so we NEED most all these tools!
We are currently in the process of starting to build our tool collection so this is perfect! Thanks for the great list. We have a cordless drill and are now looking to get a circular saw, so that is what I would use the gift card for.
what a cool list. the circular saw!
I so want the Kreg Jig. And the paint sprayer. And the nail gun. We’ve pretty much got the rest covered. Except for the circular saw…
It would be awesome to own a nail and staple gun!
I could use the paint sprayer as painting is the only nonhazardous task I’m willing to take on without fear of getting hurt with most other tools.
I really, really need a miter saw. And a pneumatic nailer. And someone to help me make use of them. 🙂
The sander! I want to refinish our dining room table.
I am dying to try building my own furniture…I need a good saw and a Kreg jig!
I have everything but the laser level so I guess that’s the winner!
Thanks for all the great info!!!
I would love to get some tools for my husband’s summer to-do list, so things would be more fun and a bit easier for him!
I would go with a power drill. I don’t know how we’ve made it this far without one! Our condo could use some sprucing up!
Oooohhh, I want a paint sprayer so badly!
My fiance and I would reeeeallly love a jig. They are too expensive for us right now. 🙁 But, we love DIY projects.
I’ve been wanting a miter saw for a while. I’d love to redo the baseboards in our bathrooms.
I’d definitely buy a sander. I have some furniture I want to refinish before I get married in July and move into my first terrible rental 🙂
I would get the sander or spray painter. I have built bookcases and refinished a dresser without either one (hand sanding takes a long time! although i did borrow my nephew’s sander for the dresser) Could sure use one of my own for the next project- dining table!
Ooooh a circular saw would be SO useful, but my mom would be thrilled to pieces if I got her a sawzall…
hey–thanks for the shout out :). I’m glad to find that we have a decent start on this list….and to now have an official Father’s Day/birthday/Christmas shopping list for Dave 😉
We definitely need a saw next!
Look at all your awesome projects as examples for this very true list of tools. Such a great post.
Power tools scare me a bit but this post makes them look so fun! I really want to make some honeycomb style shelves for my boy’s rooms maybe I should expand our tool collection a bit. So far we are only at tool 1 on your list
i have some of these tools already, so maybe i would get myself something fun. 😉
I’ve never heard of a Kreg Jig but I think my husband needs one.
Miter saw for sure! Love your blog!!
I probably wouldn’t spend it on tools, but I really could use a fancy shmancy rug 🙂
Fun! And so timely as I work on Fathers Day shopping!
i love the paint sprayer!
Nothing like a giveaway to reel a girl who hasn’t read in a couple weeks back in! We still don’t have #4 or #8 even though my husband is pretty awesome and has made himself some jigs to do miters on his table saw. You know, we use the drill so much that we have an inside one (mine) and an outside one (his) plus he has an impact driver. Anything we have that’s cordless is Craftsmen so they all interchange. We have a paint sprayer, but we aren’t super happy with it. So basically, I really don’t know what tool we’d get.
I’m glad you’re back! Don’t leave me again Branalyn! 🙂
Ok, went back to read the ones I missed and I’m all caught up! I can’t promise the summer won’t take me away some but I promise I’ll never leave you for good! 🙂 (lol, autocorrect changed that to “food!”)
Haha! Oh bud. You totally didn’t have to do that, but I miss you when you’re gone! 🙂 Just happy to hear you’re okay, now go enjoy your summer!
Just missing the paint sprayer! Not bad 😉 I think the more we’ve done, the more we’ve realized the need for proper tools. An impact drill was a great investment for us.
We just got an impact drill this weekend and it ROCKS.
I would probably let my husband pick something out! He makes the most amazing furniture and already has a lot of these tools. Or maybe I’d get a wood lathe since I’m getting into wood turning! The one we have is getting kind of slow…
We’re planning on doing built-in bookshelves in our family room, so the tip about the Kreg jig is so handy!
My DH already has a commercial air compressor, so I could just hook up a couple of new tools and go!
I’d think about spending it on a tool for Father’s Day…….but most likely something else! Haha!
As long as you THINK about it… it’s the thought that counts!
How about a regular level. Yes, it’s not as awesome, but it is cheaper!
The power sprayer for painting Yhank you!
I would really like to buy a sewing machine – a different kind of tool 🙂 but I would also love an electric sander.
We actually have all of these thanks to my tool-addict husband. I’d use the card for closet organization tools for our next big project!
Oh how I would love a nail gun!
Paint sprayer…….. I say as drool is slowly dripping out of the corner of my mouth.
fun post – tool time! love it.
Hi Kelly! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Most definitely a pneumatic nail gun! I think that is the handiest tool in the shed!
I would use the gift card toward either a that pneumatic staple gun, because I keep seeing these fantastic DIY upholstery projects online and I am itching to try it myself!
Maybe I’d call it a father’s day present and let my husband pick? I will say the top tool in our house (surprised it wasn’t on your list) is the table saw. Because of the price tag I was not enthusiastic about the purchase until my husband said he needed it to build a crib for our firstborn. Awww–then I was all for it. 🙂 But seriously, since then it’s been invaluable. I think it’s the one we wouldn’t want to be without.
We LOVE our table saw. It didn’t make the list because you need LOTS of storage space to keep and use it, but we do use it all the time!
I want a cordless drill. And an air compressor! Then, there would be no stopping me… 🙂
I’ve had my eye on a jig for a while! Great post 🙂
I would definitely get the Kreg jig. My “favorite little tool” is getting ready to build a whole lot of furniture for our home and he’s too cheap, I mean frugal ;), to think we need one. I’m crossing my fingers! And thank you for the opportunity to win!
Oh my goodness, tell him Andy says don’t do it without the kreg! 🙂
i will have to look at this with my husband. i dont know what he has!
Definitely the paint sprayer! Painting is so not a fun process!
Paint sprayer or actually–power sanders are awesome too!
Maybe a paint sprayer!
A new drill for my man. He’s been doing a TON of odd jobs for family and friends lately, and the battery on his 5 or 6 year old Ridgid drill is totally dead.
I was surprised to find that my Top 10 list would look sort of different from yours. It’s always nice to see what other people do, though (not sure if it’s because I’m nosey, or, I can’t think of anything else. Oh my goodness, this means I read blogs because I’m nosey!) My number 1 would be the cordless drill, too, but my number 2 would be the miter saw. Kreg Jig would be 3, 4 would be electric sander, and 5 would be circular saw for me. The 6th item would be a jigsaw in my case, and that’s as far as I’ve come. The next 2 tools on my “DIY Tools” list are kind of heavy duty – benchtop planer and portable table saw. I use so much reclaimed wood, being able to plane and size them accurately and quickly would be a dream come true. 🙂 I’ve TRIED to buy a nail gun. I’ve stared at it in the aisles of a few stores and that Jiminy Cricket voice asks me, “Can you do the job with a less expensive option?” Well, yaaah, but…aw, fine – Hence, my lack. 🙂 Thanks for the conversation. It also seems that I like commenting because I love conversation, and I like being a blogger because I must love talking… to myself. =D
haha! It’s okay, we’re all a little (a lot!) nosey! 🙂 We need to get a planer! I think Andy would love that.
I would get my husband either the laser level or the pneumatic staple gun. We pretty much have everything else already.
I think I’d buy something besides tool 🙂 Sorry!
Oh I totally want that Kreg Jig!! Funny I was just showing my husband this on Amazon a few nights ago,trying to convince him that I really, really needed this.. I am the tool girl, not my husbands thing, I would so love to get my hands on one of these! Thanks for the chance!
The Kreg jig or a laser level – I have everything else. 😉
I’d get a drill and a bunch of diy supplies (paint, stencils, and so on).
Circular saw. I’ve been looking for a good one for a while now!
Yay for giveaways!
the kreg jig
I’ve wanted a circular saw and mitre saw for years!
Just need the router!
We have most of these things, but I’d definitely go for the paint sprayer–I think it would be close to life-changing. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
I have a large project in mind and an electric paint sprayer would be so helpful. Oh and the sander also…
I’d love to win this! 🙂
I’d get the miter saw. My drill isn’t cordless but it is functional. But wait, I need to paint so the spray painter might be my most pressing need. Can I get both? haha
I need some wood and supplies!
Love this roundup!
I love this list of tools! I am just starting to DIY now that I have my first house & I love hearing recommendations from bloggers who use tools to help guide me in my purchases! 🙂 First thing I want to get is the miter saw & the nail gun as my next big project is going to be picture molding on my walls. Thanks!
I’d get the laser level and nail gun. Especially since we just started building again and dad plans to work with the builder to cut labor costs. He has the others already.
I would get the miter saw.
The paint sprayer!!! We just built a fence and I volunteered to be the person to stain it, for some odd reason. This would make that so much easier!
I would be delighted with any of the tools. I am ashamed to admit that I gave up on trying to build my raised garden bed by myself. Friends came over and built it but I watched (and made lunch) and I did learn a few things. I’m going to keep trying for the DIY life!!
I want that cordless circular saw. Oh, then we’d be fancy 😉
What about a dremel? I can’t even count all the uses for mine.
We have one and love it! Just don’t use it as much as our other stuff.
I have all of these except the paint sprayer. But I hate painting, so maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Yes x 1000 on the Kreg. My hubby can do some amazing things with that thing. Wait, that sounded weird.
Also, why no love for the Dremmel? Also, also, a heat gun is a life saver for removing those pesky health and safety warning labels from furniture.
We do like our dremmel, but we don’t even own a heat gun. I do love the concept of holding up a heat gun to your furniture in order to remove a safety warning label. hahaha!
There are about 4 of these tools I don’t have yet and would love to get my hands on. I’m a female and my husband passed away about a year ago after a long illness and there was no money for upkeep on our home. So now there are many things needing to be done and not much money.
we were just talking about a kreg jig…so maybe one of those…orrrr maybe something just for me like makeup, since i did all the hard work of entering this contest! 😉
I like the way you think.
My husband and I have wanted a miter saw for sooo long, but there such an investment and we don’t have a garage to put one in. 🙁
I would totally use the $100 to buy my dad a circular saw and then let him choose on the rest.
spray painter…we neeeeeeeeed one.
i get whiny just thinking about painting another room without it.
Kelly,
Thanks for sharing this list, now if you could only teach us (me) how to use those tools it would be perfect!
Diana
We were just talking about doing a tutorial on how to use some of them, great idea!
this info couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks!
Not gunna lie I would probably not get a tool but this post was great information for my future house! I think I would get a case for my new phone. Not very exciting but very important for a klutz like myself!
i need a pneumatic stapler because i’ve been pushing off making a headboard for far too long!
As a new home owner there is sooooooooo much I could do with some good power tools!
The kreg jig is the best!
Kreg Jig all the way!!! Who says ladies can’t build?
My husband really wants to start woodworking in his “free” time and since we’re buying a house with a dedicated workspace, I think a kreg jig would be high on both of our lists! There’s a whole lot of furniture I’d love for him to make 🙂
I’d totally get the circular saw with the $100! It’s missing from our toolbox and considering the number of projects we have on our list, we could really use one! Love all your projects on this site – so innovative and the posts are always written in a mood lifting spirit. 🙂
Great advice! Thanks for the tips!!!
I’d buy a Kreg jig for my dad, then promptly borrow it to make myself a picnic table.
I have about half of these, now i need the other half 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
My husband is also my greatest tool. He got into word working about 3 years ago and has made me quite a bit a things so far. I love IT!!! The next thing on his wish list is a drill press!!!
That Kreg Jig is seriously amazing for when you’re building most anything. I recently got it too, and I love it! I would definitely use the gift card toward a new miter saw because I’ve used the hell out of mine!
We have basically all the tools on your list! Next I’m thinking a drill press!
Any of them! All of them! We don’t own a single power tool!
Hmmm… I’d probably go for a miter saw next 🙂
I would love to have my very own power tool. A power tool that I can “find” when needed. I have no idea what I want, I would just love one I can find.
I’ve always wanted to use a paint sprayer!
These are all useful tools but seeing I don’t personally own any tools I would have to go with the power drill first and foremost. But as fathers day is coming if my dad needed anything I would rather splurge on him at this moment in time.
I would order a new Makita router for my hubby.
I want a drill press!
This would really be a great Father’s Day present. I’d love to win for my husband.
I would definitely buy a saw…maybe a circular saw (waffling between that or a miter saw). I just want to cut some wood!
Missing most of these tools from our collection. We’re buying a semi-dated house soon and would love some more tools to help us update it!
I would love love love to get a paint sprayer if I were to win! I am currently painting furniture and it would make it so much faster! I absolutely love your blog!
I need everything! Thinking a nailgun is in my future.
I just finished a huge home improvement project (replaced flooring in about 700 sq feet), so I would use the mine for decorations for that area.
Love the list Kelly! My husband is an electrician and has several of these, but we don’t have and could really use the miter saw and paint sprayer! We’ve been wanting to repaint the exterior of our little bungalow for a while. It’s def not happening by hand! LOL
PS, He’s getting a great gift for Father’s Day regardless because…we just found out we’re expecting our first! 🙂
YAY!! Congratulations! I actually told Andy he was going to be a father on father’s day (five years ago!).
I would buy a kreg jig. I need one for my projects. Thanks for the opportunity.
What about the air compressor? How much did you spend on that.
Great list! My dad is an insanely talented woodworker, and I hope someday to take on some DIY projects myself!
We are missing all the tools! Well, we do have a drill so that counts for something right?
I’d totally get the nail gun.. we have most of the others!
I would get a Kreg Jig, oh yes I would.
Not sure what tool I’d get, I don’t have many now. I do have a drill and use it alot. Maybe a circular saw would be useful.
I would get an electric sander for the bedroom walls we are half way through till hubby was made redundant this week and so DIY is on hold for now 🙁
Gotta have the kreg jig, or the sander.
As always, you made me laugh AND provided useful info. How do you do it? 🙂
I would get the saw. Thanks for the chance
I would probably put it towards a new grill for my hubby 🙂
I would get the paint sprayer.
I would get an electric sander
I know this is a Father’s Day giveaway, but my mother is actually the tool junkie in my family, and this year her birthday (June 15th) just so happens to be on Father’s Day! I’m 33 and chronically ill, and my mom lives with & takes care of me. She gave up her beautiful apartment to move into my place which is an absolute disaster & in desperate need of some fixing up. Fortunately Mom really enjoys doing home improvement, but she just doesn’t have the tools she needs. I know a router is at the top of her list right now – she does have the minimal basics, since she’s been working on house projects & building things for years. She could really use all new tools – hers still work but they’re pretty old & are very basic. I know she’d really like some higher quality things w/ all the bells & whistles the newer tools have, but she can make due for now. She doesn’t have a router at all though, and she’s got a list of projects waiting until we can afford to buy one, which may not be for quite a few years. I owe her so much for everything she does for me and nothing would make me happier than to surprise her with a router for her birthday!
Oh my goodness I wish I could know your mom! She sounds incredible! Fingers crossed for you guys to get your router!
Either a table saw or reciprocating saw
Gonna save this puppy and put it toward my Berkey water filter! Saving all of my $5 Amazon cards from Swagbucks for it too!! 🙂
i need a paint sprayer
If I won, I would buy my husband a cordless drill
I’d go with the electric sander!
I would get some shrubs – the house I just bought has NO landscaping.
I would get the Miter Saw for my husband if I win.
I would get the drill
I have dreams of a miter saw since my obsession with adding trim (including chair rails) to every room in our house.
I would love to get either the circular or miter saw!
I have been wanting a Kindle badly!
The jig is a MUST!!!!
I wish we could get a compressor!!!
If my husband gas a say we will get tools…if I win I’ll buy books, shoes, household products, etc. 🙂
The paint sprayer would be terrific.
I’ll let me husband choose which tool he wants this time! 🙂
I’d let my dad pick! 🙂
I love my cordless pneumatic nail gun. Way better than having to deal with a compressor. Plus, I can use it when my kids are napping and they stay sleeping because it doesn’t sound like a train is driving through the house when a compressor recompressorizes. I just bought myself a router for Mother’s day!
I really want a paint sprayer. We have so many paint projects we need done.
I NEED a Kreg Jig! they seem so amazing when you are doing any type of wood working!
I’d go with a Kreg Jig or a Nail gun … decisions, decisions!
I would get a paint sprayer because I’d really like to repaint the walls in the house! Thanks for this chance! 🙂
I would not buy tools. I would get DVD movies.
I would love a paint sprayer! Thank you!
We need the circular saw. We have a few of the other tools but the circular is a must right now.
I could use a cordless drill.
I would blow off the tools and get something different.
If we bought a tool it would be a drill. My hubby is using his drill from work right now. Thank you!
I’d like to get a cordless drill.
I was thisclose to getting a router this weekend, but I just couldn’t. It wasn’t on the recommended list. I will have a lemonade stand and save up for one.
I am pretty stocked on tools so I would probably buy some new running shoes. I guess those could be considered a tool for getting me back in shape.
I never used a Kreg jig and never though I needed one… But now that I think about it! I’m sure I can find a project to justify its acquisition.
I need a sander and my husband wants a kreg jig.
I would love to get the sander because it makes it a lot easier to sand wood than by hand!
I would totally get the kreg jig. I never heard of it until now and I can see why it’s so useful. And it’s small enough that I can use it in my apartment for small projects!
If I leave this to my husband, he will get the pneumatic staple gun. If I grab the g/c first, I will get new bath towels!
I’d get the paint sprayer for my husband. hint, hint….
Just got a cane barrel chair and I am re upholstering it! I would LOVE a staple gun and a compressor!
Right after my husband passed I gave his testosterone-driven drill to my nephew, as it was too big for me to deal with. My mom then gave me a cordless screwdriver for Christmas (I asked for it). But now I am thinking that a drill would be a good idea.
I think I would get the paint sprayer.
I need a kreg jig 🙂
I’d buy stuff for my new apartment.
Paint sprayer… no brainer! New house, and it’s ALL ivory. I am in need of some color!!!
Paint Sprayer. Because the wife is entering me and wants this! 😉
To be honest, I have tools.. I need a vacuum.
Your timing is perfect! I’ve been wanting to get a power saw, debating what to get (I live in a condo), so I’m so excited to read your recommendations!!!
I am actually lacking small tools in my house so I might get something like a pair of pliers!
Is it bad that I’m going through my husbands tools in my mind, going “have that” “check” “check”, and thinking of all the things he *could* be making from your photos? (You know, in his “spare time”) haha
If I won, I’d totally be giving it to him for Fathers Day. Because I have no idea what to get him. All he’s said is a cabinet scraper. Which is apparently $70. $70 is a whole lot more than the rc helicopter from Amazon that was on sale for $14. Which we did get him. Because, you know, play WITH the kids for Father’s Day, right?
We have that helicopter! Those things are so fun. 🙂
My husband needs a new power drill so I’d buy that!
The tools I would use the most is definitely the hand sander and circular saw. I have so many pieces of furniture that I want to sand down, repaint, and make a statement with!
Great tool round up! I am convinced that I need a kreg jig to revolutionize my life!
I would definitely get the Kreg jig!
we need the kreg jig!
Definitely a new power drill
I would most definitely get the kreg jig, I’ve been wanting one for a while and have my mind set on making my entertainment center and matching end tables.
I would use it to buy a Kreg jig.
I’d probably get something else instead of the tools.
Awesome post!
We would love to have a sander!
All the above! We bought our first house last year and two of the bedrooms are needing to be completely gutted and redone.
I would let my hubby pick whatever tools he wants 🙂 I think he would pick the miller saw for projects we want to do.
I would definitely get a cordless drill. I need one! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
I don’t know exactly what I would get, but I do know my honey would be super-excited with the $100 gift card! As it is, I think he’s getting a tie and some lemon bars and that’s about it!
OMG I love your blog!! Thank you pintrest! I just bought a jig saw for the hubby… Yay!! He’ll be a happy bear on Fathers Day for sure…. but the router tho 🙂
I’d get the laser level for my husband and then I’d mount it to a shark. Everyone likes laser sharks that help you hang pictures.
A good hammerhead shark is a must-have accessory for every serious DIYer.
How sad is this – we have a compressor but not the nail gun. As we work our way through revamping our house that tool is on the top of our “Tools to Buy” list along with several others you list here.
I think I might have to blow off the tools and get a new toaster oven instead :+)
I’m not sure-we’ve got all the great tools maybe what we need are some new work pants!!!
My Hubz just yesterday mentioned the nail gun!
Although my husband would love for me to choose one or more of these tools for him, I’m saving up Amazon codes to buy myself a kitchen tool – a stand mixer! LOL
I love love love tools – and have most in your list (makes me think I am doing something right!), but I don’t have the paint sprayer – I have always just painted by hand, so maybe, just maybe, I would look at a paint sprayer next………….
Since I’m almost as obsessed with good moulding as you are Kelly, I know we need a nail gun. We rented one when we put up crown in our living room and now I want crown molding everywhere in our house!!
I’d get the Circular Saw for my brother.
thank you
I would get the cordless drill.
Cordless drill/driver combo. Hubby has one but it’s never here. I could accomplish a lot with my own.
I’m curious what air compressor you would recommend. I’m having a hard time narrowing down my choices. Thanks so much!
I would definitely let my husband pick out something with it, I know it would be a tool, just don’t know which one, and I don’t want to ask just in case I win, so this would be a totally BIG SURPRISE to him
GREAT tool tips, Kelly! I totally agree with your list. The only tool Joe and I lack is a paint sprayer, which is RIDICULOUS given how much of our DIY lives we have spent painting. Maybe that will be on my Christmas wish list this year!
I need a good miter saw
I need a new battery for my cordless drill
My fiance and I just bought our first home and I have been LOVING your blog!!! I have to say that I would really want to get the nail gun. I’ve done a few projects lately where I’d really love to have one, the jig would be awesome too!
We recently purchased a new home. We really could use a table saw. First. Then every thing else. And a good stud finder. Which do you have ?
I’d get the cordless drill…our current one is dying and I can’t imagine doing DIY without one!
It’s college time! I would get my daughter dorm supplies.
I would let my husband pick out what tool he wanted I think. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would get a new cordless drill for my husband! We keep getting cheap ones that break and I would love to be able to get him a better one.
I would get the cordless drill, hubs birthday is in this month, it would be an ideal gift.
i’d actually get a tool for the yard. we’d love a gas-powered trimmer for our bushes.
The Nail gun & compressor!
the Kreg Jig
I would get the router. I feel like that is going to be my next buy!
I love the list! My hubby has wanted a paint sprayer for a long time!
I would give it to my Dad for father’s day and he would probably use it on tools or something for the garden.
Great list! We used to our own home projects before we had kids. (Oh, all the things once had time for B.C.!) Now that we’ve just moved into a new house, and the kids out out of the all-consuming toddler age, we find ourselves wanting to more again. I appreciate the list. We have the first few basics, but a router would be awesome.
I would get the cordless drill.
I’d really like another battery pack first just because we’ve only got one and then I’d probably buy a ‘tool’ for my kitchen. 😉 Not gonna lie, buying another drill or saw isn’t at the top of my list right now (come to think of it, maybe I should be buying something to properly store what I have…) but I could totally go for a Briki and some espresso cups. 🙂
On another note: I cant be the only one thinking you would pull a lame joke about a certain 90’s song after seeing the stop sign…? “STOP. Hammer time!”
No? Just me? Okay..
Aww MAN. Nothing is worse than missing the opportunity for a good “hammertime” joke! bahaha!
I bought my hubby a miter saw last Father’s Day, not sure I can one up that, but I would try if I win!
My fiance inherited his father’s tools, but we definitely need a shop-vac now!!
I’d probably get the drill.
i might let my husband pick, b/c i’d pick a lightweight vac for the stairs…not sure that counts as a tool, but I’d use it.
Wow, I’m not sure what tool I would get! What I really NEED right now is a wrench big enough to fix our leaky sink, so that might have to take higher priority than the fancy power tools. 🙂 But afterward, a nice drill sounds like the ideal way to jump into bigger tasks. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
The router looks awesome, I didn’t know you could do so much with it…love the shelving you did and the cutting boards. I would put the gift card towards the router you got, especially considering your work….it must be awesome.
I don’t have many tools so I could pretty much use all of these but I would say I could use the circular saw the most but the kerg jig would be a close second. Probably a healthy dose of confidence as well!
I would blow off the tools. I am saving up all my Amazon money until I have enough to get a new computer.
I’d buy new clothes for summer.
blackasphodel(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would by the HomeRight Finish Max Paint Sprayer if I won, I have been wanting one for such a long time.
#9…been wanting one for EVER! 🙂
aaaah! we JUST bought a compressor and a couple nail guns, and i’m in heaven! we’ve borrowed them before, but having our own is so great!
I’d probably spend it on something for the kitchen. I’m more of a cook than a power tool user.
I would purchase a combo kit for me and my husband to use while we are remodeling our kitchen.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
We could use a new power drill.
I’m thinking maybe I’d skip the tools and pick up a few organizational items. We’very been in our house just over a year and I’m ready to start getting stuff organized once and for all.
LOVE ME SOME TOOLS – WE HAVE A NEW HOUSE A FIXER UPPER – SO EVERYTHING WOULD COME IN HANDY! AND QUITE A NICE FATHERS DAY SURPRISE!
A miter saw and paint sprayer would be so useful. We are looking at putting hardwood floors in. My hubby just installed new lights and informed me that they make our old painted walls look terrible, so painting will also be on my to do list.
My husband wants the staple gun
We have several of the tools listed and we have diyed over the years. But we have never purchased a router and I have wanted to add on to our collection of tools. I do much of the smaller projects and I think I could handle it.
I have enjoyed following your posts and have “borrowed” a few oaf your great ideas!
Thanks so much, Susan! I bet you would LOVE having a router!
Would love the spray painter!
I’d love to buy a good miter saw.
Great tips. I’m just rocking the orbital sander and cordless drill for now but I’ve totally had my eye on a few new toys. Birthday is coming up! Might have to “accidentally” leave this post up on the computer for the boyfriend to “find”.
I need a pneumatic nail gun!
I love this blog.
I am doing what your husband is and teaching myself woodworking (I love the internet).
I got a few tools already but I think my next big tool would have to be a miter saw for sure.
I would get a “Critter” paint spray gun… Or maybe even get my own cordless drill. 🙂
That way I don’t need to borrow my dad’s anymore.
A pink or purple drill would be even better, that way the guys
will be less likely to borrow mine! 😉
I have a room that so desperately needs painting that I’d probably do that with the card.
I could really use the cordless drill.
Love your website. We just bought a house and really could use a cordless drill and paint sprayer.
I would buy the Kreg Jig as I have been wanting one of those forever
We are novices at the whole home improvement thing but we envy others! He would probably get a better power drill… now if skill was included as well 😉
This is a very timely post for me, as my husband and I are contemplating building a simple bench for our front hall. It’s the circular saw for sure!
I would go for the staple gun. Some of the other power tools scare me. 😉
Not quite sure what I would get but thanks for the tools list!
I would let my husband decide…he would be like a kid in a candy store 🙂 He needs more tools…he’s an early woodworker himself…destined for great things!! And I need him to build something soon that I’ve been wanting…needing, ahem…so this will help! 🙂
So, here’s the thing. I need ALL. The. Tools. We bought our first house last year, and it’s… well, fixer-upper is the kindest way to put it. We’ve made do with an Ikea cordless drill, a hand sander and a circular saw so far, but the needs are great. I think the jig or a Sawz-all would be on our shortlist. We’ve rented the Sawz-all from the hardware store down the street so many times, we probably could’ve bought 2 for the same money. Well, live and learn, yes?
I already have all the tools I need (cordless drill included) so I’ll put this toward something electronic.
Thanks for the contest.
So, my husband is just beginning his tool collection. We just got a circular saw, but he really needs a good drill. We were trying to decide between corded or cordless. Thanks for the list and the tips!
I’d get the cordless drill. I know it would useful, at least for my purposes.
The cordless drill. My husband has been scouring websites debating on which to buy since we just bought our first home.
I’d skip the tools. I have endless things I want on Amazon but right now hair product for my son
Would love to get a paint sprayer. It is the last item on my list. We have lots of power tools.
My husband and I have been talking about getting a paint sprayer so that may be what I get.
I need a paint sprayer!
What a great list. I would love a Kreg Jig and a circular saw. Ooh, and a router. I would not be without my mitre saw or nail gun and recommend anyone give the air compressor a go no matter how chicken you might be (I was terrified and procrastinated for months).
I would definitely get the nail gun! sounds fun and im not very good at the hammering thing i always hit a finger
Oh, I would go for the laser level to help me finally hang all the framed pictures I’ve been collecting for a gallery wall. But if I won I’d def. just gift the giftcard to my hubs…he deserves to treat himself to a little shopping spree. Knowing him, he’d prob. spend it on the kids, because that’s the kind of dad he is!
The drill!
I would probably get whatever tool my husband wanted – Our collection of tools is pretty minimal …so anything off this list!
I’ve always wanted a paint sprayer.
I would get the miter saw! its on hubbys wish list!
In all honesty, I need a circular saw; but I WANT a paint sprayer.
We need the electric sander!
Oh, man — just give me an EXCUSE to get the kreg jig — I think it would change my life!!
If I win, I would get the circular saw. Thank You for this opportunity .
I would give my husband a list of things I would like built in the house, and then let him pick out the tool we need the most to get them done!
Your blog is so inspiring! I first discovered you after your laundry room upgrade and have been an dedicated follower ever since.
If I won I’d get the saw.
Right now I am making some park benches from salvaged kneeling benches for our youth camp and that kreg jig would really come in handy! Thanks for your post!
great blog! i’d totally love a miter saw – volunteered for habitat for humanity a few years and fell. in. love. probably go for an air compressor too.. 🙂 i’m not picky!
I’m not sure which. Either a laser level or a cordless drill.
Thanks for this list! We have a few of these tools and I completely agree. I would love the nailer and the staple gun you suggested!
paint sprayer
I might get the electric sander
I would like the staple gun. Thank you
I would get the circular saw. It is one of the items on my boyfriend’s wishlist.
Electric sander for me and nail gun for the hubby!
I would love to surprise my husband with the router you suggested, he would be so excited! Thanks for your blog, you make me smile every time I read 🙂
I need every one of these tools…but I need a Furbie more…
I would probably forget the tools and blow it on something for my fiance for his birthday in July.
The Kreg Jig would come in handy for me!
I would get my husband a new drill or circular saw thanks for the chance
THE NEW DRILL OR SAW WOULD BE GREAT BC WE LOANED OUT ALL OUR TOOLS AND OVER TIME NONE SEEMED TO COME BACK SO WE COULD REALLY USE THIS THANKS ALOT
I would love the cordless drill. Thanks.
the paint sprayer looks and sounds handy
I can probably count uses for a new cordless drill instead of counting sheep every night!
I’m really losing in the power tool department. I guess I’m not. Nick is. Good thing Father’s Day is around the corner. Am I right? 🙂
Dremel?
I just recently have gotten into woodworking and love it. My go-to tools are a Kreg-jig, compound miter saw, cordless drill, and a table saw. My hubby has a drill press I would like to learn how to use along with a router. Right now I’m in the process of making a kitchen island out of a foyer desk from a hotel. Hoping to finish it this weekend so I can move onto my next project…bedside chests/nightstands for our bedroom.
Totally agree with everything on here. I’ve remodeled a few old houses now and these are all a must. My wife would give a huge hug to you for putting a paint sprayer on the list (she painted thooooousands of square feet with a roller before we bit the bullet on a sprayer. Totally worth it!) i think I could leave the router, though. Although it’s handy for lots of projects, I’ve done two down-to-the-studs remodels and have bought a router yet.
Love your site!
Nail gun not necessary. Been doing craft projects for 30 years and haven’t needed one yet. Actually been crafting projects before most of you were born. Scroll saw is way more important than a stupid nail gun.
A perfect list I think. but what do you think about oscillating multi tool for diy work? I love this tool and I think this tool is really awesome as a diy companion.