Low Cost, Essential Home Improvement Tools for DIYers

Here’s a list of the minimum tools I think a DIYer would need. To keep costs low, I chose tools that had good reviews but were not necessarily brand name.

Power Tools

Since it’s cheaper to buy a bundle, I picked this bundle of 12 tools. Not all are essential like the brad nailer but since you can save $259 with this bundle, it doesn’t matter. Also, Ryobi has the most battery-powered tools which is a big plus.

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 12-Tool Combo Kit with (3) Batteries, Charger, and 300-Piece Drill and Drive Kit

$799

Bulldog Xtreme 8 Amp 1 in. Corded Variable Speed SDS-Plus Concrete/Masonry Rotary Hammer Drill

$179

You can get a cheaper refurbished one at cpooutlets.com.

Hitting Tools

Protection

Knee Pads

$26.99

Showa Atlas 660 – 10/XL blue gloves

Electrical

Pliers

Drill / Driver Accessories

Screwdrivers

Drywall Tools

Socket

Cutting Tools

Measurement & Marking Tools

Lighting

Wrenches

Levels

Screws

#8 Phillips Bugle-Head Construction Screw (1 lb./Pack)

1-1/4″, 1-5/8″, 2″, 3″

$8.78

Other

Gardner Bender 3/8 One Hole Plastic Cable Clamp (18-Pack)

1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″

$1.28

Tool Boxes

The Husky organizer above is good but the latches can easily open on their own possibly causing everything to fall out. A better but much more expensive option would be to buy one or two of the Milwaukee organizers below.