Recommended Tools

Lots of tasks in your DIY category often are in dark places — basements, crawl spaces. Nothing is worse than not being able to see what you do! I'm a long-time user of headlamps to get in and out of a blind. I have found that these are great. I made the switch to a rechargeable unit about 4 years ago. I ordered this model in 2023 and I'm still using both!

I do suggest a couple, because like their battery-eating friends, they do have limits. But this model has a wide cast and a more direct light. I have used it to fish wire and sister joists. I've used it on more than one occasion to find a dropped screw or see if there was water in my well pit. (There was!)

I know I brushed on it, but the rechargeable feature of this headlamp drove me toward them and they have a great price. Since I bought them they have added different colors and USB-C for easy recharging. If I bought them today I would suggest a bright color because it's easier to find in the clutter of a DIY jobsite!

I don't know how much furniture you put together or take apart, but the Allen bolt design is pretty prevalent in that! This set has SAE and metric sizing. You might not use this one a lot, but when you need it, you'll want it around!

I have been using this one for about a year and no complaints from me. I've reassembled couches, taken apart beds, and a few other things I can't recall — but when I see an Allen wrench, I reach for this one.

I got the 1/4" — it's 12" long, which makes it a great bit for drilling holes when you're running wire or whatever else through. I bought this for a specific task but have used it many times after that. You need a long drill bit to get through stacked wood. If I had to buy again, I would get at least the 1/2", which is the minimum size recommended for electric wire (in my case I was running ethernet).

When you start going through the floor or the wall, sometimes you'd be surprised how many layers you have to get through. In my experience 12" is usually enough, but every house is different. A good way to determine if your walls were stick-built with 2x4s or 2x6s (or even 2x8s) is to go to a doorway, open the door, and measure the width of the wall — that's how big of a drill bit you'll need if you need to go all the way through. For floors, consider a stairway down to measure floor height. It's also nice sometimes to drill a small pilot hole from the bottom so you can see what you're working with.

For me, it's always been Sir Stanley. That's what my dad used to call the Stanley knives, and given that the tape measures passed down to me are Stanleys, I use the label for them. If you can measure up to Sir Stanley — well, that's an achievement. And if you don't, he can cut you!

I have two of these tape measures and have used them for over 20 years. I like the metal one. I keep a plastic version of this in my truck, but when I'm on the DIY jobsite, I know that if I drop the tape — it will be fine. I know, it's taken at least 7 two-story drops. (Sometimes things lead you to higher places.) In terms of the knives, this is one of my favorite tools to lose, so I always have a backup.

There are lots of great clamps out there. I've used these ones since 2020 and they've held on all these years! For lots of little nits in your home, you'll find that some wood glue and these clamps can really help you out. Split a piece of trim that has the same 40-year-old finish on it and replacing the whole board isn't an option? Well, these C's have helped me in that jam before!

Worried about denting? The biggest one has space for some smaller lumber to fit in between, which will allow you to avoid that. For the smaller ones, I have used them in combination with plastic shims to avoid denting. If it's not these clamps, get some clamps! I have some bigger ones that I have used a handful of times, but I'm always glad I have them. (They also do wonders on a tablecloth on a windy day.)

I have bought many of these braces over the years. You'll find that sometimes repairs can be made on one side and hide the other side, and for me when that happens, I'm usually trying to support something (not structurally, of course) or connect something. I've found this size of screw — and the fact that it sinks to the level of the brace — has been super helpful over the years.

I've literally lost track of the odd-ball repairs I have done with this. My favorite is old bed frames; having a little extra is a great help and these braces have helped me bridge more than one gap. Now, you'll determine what you need and how. Bracing is a great part of the hardware store to get lost in — lots of uses. You'll start noticing them and where they are in your house, and then when you want to add or reinforce something, you'll understand what brace you need. These braces below are for small fixes, and I often combine them with wood glue for getting a real snug fit!

I've referenced it more than once, so it seems fitting that I close this small list of helpful tools with wood glue. It really brings it all together! When making repairs, hiding nail or screw heads — wood glue is your friend.

I've used Elmer's, I've used Titebond. Neither of them like cold garages, so I faithfully replace them every year, LOL. But it's a must-have. (And yes, I do keep it inside now!) It will really bring your projects together.