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Average Guy DIY | ||
Average Guy's Favorite DIY ToolsGood tools are essential to getting the job done right. I have compiled a list of tools I own and love. The list will be updated each time I tackle a new home improvement project, so check back often for new recommendations. |
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This hammer is definitely overkill for the average do-it-yourselfer. But when my mother-in-law asked what I wanted for Christmas, I tried to be as specific as possible---picked one gift and described it well. This hammer is worth every penny. Light and powerful, just read the reviews by clicking the image to the left. |
Anytime you can do the work with one hand instead of two, the speed and quality of work usually increases. I consider this equivalent to upgrading from a hammer and nail to a nail gun. Throw out you old torch and sparker and upgrade to this handy model. This tip also works with both Propane and MAPP gas. MAPP gas will give you a lot more heat, great for bigger pipes (>3/4"), and if your main shut-off valve doesn't quite stop all the flow of water (like in my house). |
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I was lucky...someone bought me my bags (toolbelt). Prior to that, I never understood why anyone would want to carry their tools around on their belt. Then I used mine, and I became loads more efficient. Your tools are always within arms reach, where you left them, and in the same place everytime (you don't need to look). Plus you have pouches for nails and screws. I have been using this set for years and it still shows no wear. |
Nail guns, nail guns, nail guns. I can't emphasize that enough. This is the best money spent to increase the quality and speed of your work. A nail gun allows you to nail with one hand and hold with the other. This gun in maintanence free (requires no oil) and is angled to fit into tight spaces. |
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Again, more about nail guns. I actually own two N80s, which this model has replaced. Great nail gun. Allows for two types of nailing: sequential (each trigger press fires a nail) or bump (hold down the trigger and then bump the tip). Really, just buy it, you won't regret this purchase. |
This is the tool I use most often, besides a tape measure and pencil. I mostly use it as a guide to cross cut 2 bys with my circular saw. But the value is in its name--speed square--because it allows you to work faster. For rough measurements, this tool is much more efficient than pulling out a tape measure. |
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Alright, enough about nail guns when you don't even own a compressor. If you plan on doing a lot of DIY projects around the house, spend the money on a quality compressor. I purchased two cheap models in the past, but should have just bought this one from the start. Plus with the high CFM, you can run other pneumatic tools, such as air ratchets and impact drivers. |
Lasers are cool. Power tools are cool. Power tools with lasers seem like overkill. But with this tool, having a laser line on both sides of the blade makes cutting wood easier. A compound miter saw is mostly used for cutting trim work where accuracy is important to a quality job. The 12" blade allows you to cut wider pieces of trim work, which a 10" blade won't reach. |
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If you push a circular saw with your right hand, that means your head is naturally on the left side of the saw. So, buy a circular with a left side blade and save your back from having to lean over to see the blade. The accuracy of your cuts will improve with this saw. Plus, its power is comparable to more expensive worm drive circular saws. (Hint: if you are left handed, you need a right side blade saw.) |
Chalk lines are one of the most valuable tools you can keep on your belt. It can triple as a plumb bob and string line. If you don't have a chalk line in you arsenal, you need one. This is a tool that saves a lot of time. If you want to make a vertical line on a wall, don't use a level. Drop the chalk line from the top of the wall, use the case as a plumb bob, make the line taught, and then snap your perfectly vertical line. |
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