Advice for the DIY’er by a DIY’er
What tools needed for the DIY’er, should I buy first, do you ask? Below is a portion of what you may want to add to your arsenal as your budget allows. One personal rule I’ve tried to use over the years is to allow about 10% of the budget of any major project to go toward the purchasing hand or power-tools. Buying something of a little better quality the first time will last longer, make the job easier, and they will still be around to help on many projects in the future. This list is in no particular order as far as what you should have first. Basic hand-tools are often needed first. As you get more experience, and decide to tackle bigger projects, the more complex the job, the more advanced equipment you will need for it.
When buying the right gear for a project, or just to expand your arsenal, the old saying of “You get what you pay for” is a good rule to follow, but is only part of the equation. High or low price doesn’t always equal really good or really bad quality, but what I’ve found is when you avoid buying tools just because they are the cheapest initial cost, spending a little more the first time many products will pay you back many times over because they will hold up for many projects, and in many cases many years. This allows you to spend a little more to add other tools when you need them on later projects.
Do your research. The internet has plenty of reviews of tools for the DIY’er. If you buy at a box store, common sense goes a long way. If it looks like junk, it probably is. Expensive doesn’t always mean high quality, and high quality doesn’t always mean expensive. Some inexpensive but quality tools can be found if you can wait for sale prices. Planning ahead can payoff too if you can catch a sale price for something you’ve been waiting to buy. For the inseperienced DIY’er, the lowest priced tool will likely get the job done, but may only last for one job or two.
Use the display models to test the grip and weight when available. The ergonomic features can have a big impact on how one tool will function compared to a model in a different brand, but similar price point. Don’t restrict yourself to having all your tools made by a single brand. However, buying powered hand tools may lead you toward a single style and power rating so the batteries will be interchangable among the accessories or later tools that you pick.
Cordless models have come a long way in the past few years. Newer Lithium battery varieties are often lighter, and have more power than their older cousins. Cost has also dropped as the technology becomes more established.