Your First 5 Power Tools for DIY

This post is based off a question that I get asked all the time which is “what power tools do you recommend for people just starting out in DIY.” So I’m going to share my top 5 power tool recommendations and a few key features of each tool to consider before buying. If you’re just getting started in DIY, these tools are for you!

4 out of the 5 tools that I am recommending are Ryobi! Before we dive in I just want to say that these tools are not sponsored or gifted. Ryobi is a great brand for the average homeowner or DIYer. They’re inexpensive compared to a lot of other brands and they have hundreds of tools and accessories for every level of project. I recommend doing your own research on what brand of power tool to go with before you start buying. If you’re a beginner and you’re on a budget I recommend sticking to a specific brand for cordless power tools so that you can use the same batteries amongst all of your tools.

Here are my top 5 power tools for a beginner:

1. Cordless Drill/Driver

Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you need a drill! There’s a good chance you’re going to come across a project where you will need one of these. There are a few types of drills to consider:

Drill/Driver (I recommend): This type of drill makes holes and works as a fastener driver for screws, nuts and small bolts. See below for a couple options I recommend!

ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver ($99): https://bit.ly/3SNt9jS

ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit with (1) 1.5 Ah Battery and Charger ($79): https://bit.ly/3Mvvz3E

Impact Driver: This is a product that only drives screws. They are generally not as effective as drills for creating large holes or drilling through hard materials.
Hammer drill: This drill is used for drilling into hard surfaces, such as concrete, masonry, or stone

**TIP: Buy a battery charger and 2 batteries! This will save some major time during your projects. When I’m working on a project, I will have a battery in the drill (obviously) and the other one ready to go on the charger to avoid any project delays.

When buying a cordless drill, here are some features to consider:

Battery Type and Voltage: Consider the type of battery used in the drill and its voltage. Higher voltage generally means more power, but it also affects the weight and cost of the drill.
Chuck Size: The chuck size determines the maximum diameter of the drill bit that can be used. Most cordless drills have a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch chuck. I recommend a 1/2” chuck to accommodate larger drill bits.
Power and Speed Settings: Look for a drill with adjustable power and speed settings. This allows you to control the drill’s performance based on the task at hand, from delicate drilling to high-speed drilling.
Clutch Settings: A clutch allows you to adjust the torque or rotational force applied by the drill. This is useful for preventing overdriving or stripping screws, especially in delicate materials.
Brushless Motor: Consider a drill with a brushless motor, which offers several advantages such as increased power, longer battery life, and reduced maintenance.
Weight and Ergonomics: Pay attention to the weight and ergonomics of the drill. A lightweight and well-balanced drill will be more comfortable to use for extended periods and in various positions.
LED Light: An integrated LED light can improve visibility in dark or confined spaces while drilling.
Additional Features: Some cordless drills may have additional features such as built-in levels, belt clips, or magnetic bit holders.

There are tons of features to consider based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you spend some time doing research, you will find many cordless drill options as cheap as $50!!

2. Cordless Circle Saw.

I recommend purchasing a more powerful battery for your circle saw if you plan to go cordless. Here are some other features to keep in mind when shopping for a circle saw.

A circular saw can make the following cuts:

Straight cuts: A circular saw is primarily used for making straight cuts in various materials, such as wood, plastic, or metal. It is especially useful for cutting large sheets or boards into smaller pieces with precision and efficiency.
Rip cuts: A circular saw can be used to make long, straight cuts parallel to the grain of the material. This is known as a rip cut and is commonly used in woodworking projects.
Crosscuts: While a circular saw is primarily designed for straight cuts, it can also be used to make crosscuts, which are cuts made perpendicular to the grain of the material. However, achieving precise crosscuts with a circular saw may require the use of a guide or jig.
Bevel cuts: Some circular saws have the ability to make bevel cuts, which are angled cuts made across the width or thickness of the material. Bevel cuts are commonly used in projects that require angled edges or joints.

**TIP: It is important to note that the specific cuts a circular saw can make may depend on the type of blade and the adjustments available on the saw itself.

Take into consideration:

Blade Size: The blade size determines the maximum cutting depth and the size of material the saw can handle. Common blade sizes for cordless circular saws range from 5 1/2 inches to 7 1/4 inches.
Battery Voltage and Runtime: Check the voltage of the saw’s battery and consider the runtime it offers. Higher voltage batteries generally provide more power, while longer runtime allows for extended use without recharging.
Brushless Motor: Look for a cordless circular saw with a brushless motor. Brushless motors are more efficient, provide longer tool life, and deliver increased cutting power compared to brushed motors.
Bevel Capacity: Consider the bevel capacity of the saw, which refers to the maximum angle at which the blade can tilt for bevel cuts. Having a wide bevel capacity allows for more versatility in cutting angles.
Cutting Depth and Adjustments: Check the maximum cutting depth of the saw at 90 degrees and 45 degrees. Additionally, ensure that the saw has easy-to-use depth and bevel adjustment mechanisms for precise and accurate cuts.
Safety Features: Look for safety features such as an electric brake, which quickly stops the blade rotation when the trigger is released, and a blade guard for protection during operation.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Consider the ergonomics and comfort features of the saw, such as the grip design, weight distribution, and vibration reduction. These factors play a role in user comfort and reduce fatigue during prolonged use.
Dust Collection System: Check if the saw has a built-in dust collection system or the ability to connect to a dust extractor. Effective dust collection helps keep the work area clean and improves visibility while cutting.
Additional Features: Some cordless circular saws may have additional features such as LED lights for improved visibility, laser guides for accurate cutting, or rafter hooks for convenient storage.

This circular saw is $59 dollars – it doesn’t have all the greatest features, but has worked perfectly for all of my DIY projects thus far!

ONE+ 18V Cordless 5 1/2 in. Circular Saw ($59): https://bit.ly/3NdRzzN

3. Orbital Hand Sander

The next power tool I recommend is a corded orbital hand sander. When I first started out, I used a battery powered Ryobi sander and it didn’t last very long. I recommend this corded DeWalt sander (see below for link). I don’t recommend a cordless sander as it eats through the batteries so fast! Do yourself a favor and purchase a corded sander, especially if you plan to do a lot of sanding projects!

3 Amp Corded 5 in. Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander ($84): https://bit.ly/3ljgcuS

Here are some other features to consider when shopping for a sander:

Corded or Cordless: Orbital hand sanders are available in both corded and cordless models. Corded sanders provide a continuous power source, making them suitable for heavy-duty and prolonged sanding tasks. Cordless sanders offer increased portability and flexibility but may have limited battery life.
Orbital Motion: The sander’s name comes from its orbital motion, which means the sanding pad moves in small, circular orbits. This random orbital motion helps to minimize swirl marks and ensures a smooth sanding finish.
Variable Speed Control: Some orbital sanders feature variable speed control, allowing you to adjust the sanding speed according to the material and desired finish. This feature provides more control and prevents excessive material removal.
Dust Collection System: Look for a sander with an efficient dust collection system or the ability to connect to a vacuum cleaner. This helps to minimize the amount of dust and debris generated during sanding, keeping your work area cleaner and reducing airborne particles.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Consider the ergonomics and comfort features of the sander, such as grip design, weight distribution, and vibration reduction. These factors can significantly improve your comfort and reduce fatigue during long sanding sessions.
Interchangeable Sanding Pads: Some orbital sanders allow you to easily change the sanding pads, providing versatility for different sanding applications. Different grits and types of sanding pads can be used for various materials and finishes.

4. Sliding Compound Miter saw.

I recommend a single bevel sliding compound miter saw or a double bevel as a beginner! There are so many projects that I’ve come across where I need a beveled cut, especially when doing trim work. If you only have a single bevel like me you’ll have to flip your material around to get the correct angle on the other end, which does get annoying sometimes but it’s totally doable!

There are a few types of miter saws to consider:

Basic Miter Saw: Crosscuts and miters, but does not tilt for bevel cuts.
Compound Miter Saw: Crosscuts, miters, and tilts to one side to cut bevels. Some tilt both ways.
Single-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw: Crosscuts, miters, tilts to one side, and slides.
Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw: Crosscuts, miters, bevels to both sides, and slides.

When shopping for a sliding compound miter saw, here are some key features to remember:

Blade Size: Miter saws come in different blade sizes, typically ranging from 8 inches to 12 inches. Consider the size of the materials you will be cutting and choose a blade size that accommodates those dimensions.
Sliding Function: A sliding compound miter saw has the ability to slide the blade back and forth, allowing you to make cuts on wider boards. This feature increases the versatility of the saw and enables you to work with larger stock.
Compound Function: A compound miter saw not only allows you to make miter cuts (angled cuts on the face of the material), but also bevel cuts (angled cuts on the edge or end of the material). Look for a saw that offers both miter and bevel capabilities, as this will give you greater flexibility in your projects.
Bevel Range: Check the bevel range of the saw, which indicates the maximum angle at which the blade can tilt. A larger bevel range provides more cutting options, especially for complex projects that require angled cuts.
Miter Range: The miter range refers to the angle at which the saw can be rotated horizontally to make angled cuts. Look for a miter saw with a wide miter range, preferably with positive stops at common angles for quick and accurate adjustments.
Cutting Capacity: Consider the cutting capacity of the saw, which determines the maximum size of material it can handle. This includes both the width and thickness of the stock. Ensure that the saw can accommodate the dimensions of the materials you plan to work with.
Motor Power: Look for a miter saw with a powerful motor that can handle various cutting tasks. A higher horsepower motor will provide smoother and more efficient cuts, especially when working with hardwood or dense materials.
Dust Collection System: Check if the miter saw has a built-in dust collection system or the ability to connect to a dust extractor. This helps to keep your work area clean and reduces airborne dust particles for better visibility and respiratory health.
Safety Features: Consider the safety features provided by the saw, such as blade guards, electric brakes, and safety switches. These features help to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
Stability and Durability: Look for a miter saw that is stable and well-built. Check the quality of the construction materials, the stability of the base, and the smoothness of the sliding mechanism. A sturdy and durable miter saw will provide accurate and reliable cuts.

I have this Single Bevel Miter Saw that is is about $270, it has worked great for me!

15 Amp 10 in. Corded Sliding Compound Miter Saw with LED Cutline Indicator ($270): https://bit.ly/3QQ1hZJ

5. 18 Gauge Brad Nailer

Last, but not least, you will need a brad nailer!! A brad nailer is used for driving small, thin nails called brads into wood or other materials. It is commonly used in woodworking projects like trim work, molding installation, and furniture assembly. Unlike larger nail guns, a brad nailer is designed to leave smaller, less noticeable holes in the material.

When shopping for a brad nailer, here are some key factors:

Gauge and Length: Brad nailers are available in different gauges, with 18-gauge being the most common. The gauge refers to the thickness of the nails the tool can accommodate. Consider the length of brads you will be using for your projects and ensure that the nailer can handle them.
Magazine Capacity: Check the magazine capacity of the brad nailer, which indicates the number of brads it can hold at a time. A larger capacity means less frequent reloading, increasing efficiency.
Operating Pressure: Look for a brad nailer with an operating pressure range suitable for your needs. Different materials and nail lengths may require different levels of pressure for optimal performance.
Depth Adjustment: A depth adjustment feature allows you to control how deep the brad is driven into the material. This is particularly important when working with delicate materials or when you need to ensure the brads are flush with the surface.
Trigger Mechanism: Brad nailers typically have two trigger options: sequential and bump fire. Sequential firing requires the trigger to be pulled for each individual nail, while bump fire allows for rapid firing by simply pressing the nose of the nailer against the material. Choose a trigger mechanism that suits your preference and project requirements.
Jam Clearing: Consider the ease of clearing jams in the nailer. Look for a tool with a quick and accessible jam release mechanism, as this will save you time and frustration during operation.
Safety Features: Check for safety features such as a safety tip, which prevents accidental firing when the nailer is not in use, and a trigger lock to prevent unauthorized use. These features are important for preventing injuries and ensuring safe operation.
Brand and Warranty: Research reputable brands known for producing quality brad nailers. Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer, as it can provide peace of mind and protection against potential defects.

This Ryobi brad nailer is about $100 and has been a great addition to my power tool family!

ONE+ 18V 18-Gauge Cordless AirStrike Brad Nailer ($109): https://bit.ly/3mkyC44

Well, there you have it- My top 5 must-have power tools that I recommend as a beginner. Happy DIY’ing!