Here’s the much-requested roundup of our favorite DIY tools for anyone asking Santa for something tool-related this year, or for those trying to pick a gift for a handy friend or family member. None of the items below paid or perked us for mention — they’re simply the tools we use and recommend. Let’s dive into the items that make projects easier and more enjoyable.
We previously covered a few everyday essentials, any of which would make great stocking stuffers. To avoid leaving them out, here’s a concise list:
- hammer
- crowbar
- flat head screwdriver
- phillips head screwdriver
- tape measure
- plumber’s putty
- hack saw
- drywall saw
- clamps
- liquid nails
- plumber’s tape
- box cutter
- exacto knife
- straight razors
- channel lock pliers (our DIY MVPs — useful for many tasks, including stubborn screws and rusted pipes)
- wrenches of various sizes
- needle-nosed pliers
- level
- sandpaper
- caulk
- caulk gun
- spackle
- putty knife
- painter’s tape
- high-quality rollers (choose the nap suited for smooth or textured surfaces)
- mini foam rollers (ideal for furniture and cabinet doors)
- paint trays and drop cloths
- high-quality angled brushes
- assorted nails and screws
If you want more detail on these small but essential tools, we’ve written further guides about them. If a full toolbox feels overwhelming, consider grouping related items into a themed gift:
- Picture-hanging kit: level, hammer, picture nails, anchors, screws, spackle and putty knife
- Painting kit: rollers, brushes, painter’s tape, paint trays, drop cloth (wrap the kit in the drop cloth and tie with twine for a festive presentation)
Now for the bigger tools — the power tools that transform big projects into manageable tasks. Over the years we’ve tested a number of heavier tools and these are among our favorites for reliability and versatility:
- miter saw — excellent for cutting crown molding, baseboard, and any board under about 8″ wide; fast, clean angled or straight cuts
- wet saw — ideal for backsplash or bathroom tile and even cutting pavers for outdoor projects
- table saw — built for long, straight cuts on large boards or planks
- reciprocating saw — a compact, powerful option for demolition and cutting through branches or old material
- jigsaw — handy for curved or imperfect cuts during demo or custom work
- electric sander — great for refinishing furniture or smoothing wood for builds
- cordless drill and drill bit set — essential for drilling holes and driving screws
- Kreg Jig — makes pocket holes for strong, hidden joints when building furniture or shelves
- demolition hammer — useful for removing stubborn tile and mortar; renting one is a cost-effective option for occasional use
Any of these power tools make memorable gifts and enable big transformations — new furniture, a refreshed bathroom, or a gallery wall. For storage, we keep small tools and paint supplies in kitchen drawers and store larger tools like the miter saw in the basement. Rent or borrow larger specialty tools if you won’t use them often; it saves money and space.
Below are the brands and products we’ve used regularly. This isn’t exhaustive, and many brands make excellent tools, but these are ones we trust:
- Stanley — dependable screwdrivers, tape measures, crowbars, box cutters, and mini sledgehammers
- Craftsman — reliable hammers and a miter saw we’ve used
- Black & Decker — cordless drills and sanders that work well for many projects
- Frog Tape — one of the best painter’s tapes we’ve used
- Sherwin-Williams — carries a short-handled trim brush we love
- Purdy brushes and rollers — available at major retailers and excellent for most painting tasks
- Skilsaw — table saw and reciprocating saw models we’ve used
- Grip-Rite — sells bulk boxes of screws, nails, and anchors
- 3M sandpaper — available in a wide grit range for rough and fine sanding
- Dap — caulk and spackle brands we frequently use; their indoor/outdoor sealant and kitchen & bath caulk are staples
We don’t rely on an entirely premium tool set — proof that you don’t need a $500 saw to improve your home. We also started with very little: a hammer, a screwdriver, and a paintbrush. Build your collection based on the projects you plan to tackle, picking one or two tools at a time so it’s manageable and budget-friendly.
We hope you get everything on your wish list this year. If not, there are always creative projects to try. We’d love to hear which tools you can’t live without or any brands that have worked particularly well for you.
Note: No companies or products mentioned here paid for inclusion. These are tools we genuinely use and recommend.