8 Must-Have Power Tools for a DIY Beginner

It’s been more than a year since I started  DIY projects in my home. I remember when I purchased my first Ryobi power tool, a 18-Volt Cordless Ryobi brad nail gun and used it to fix an area of our kitchen range hood. I was nervous up to the point when I triggered the first nail. It wasn’t long before I felt comfortable using it. 

There are many brands of power tools and it can be intimidating figuring out which brand or model of a particular tool is the best bang for your buck.

I’ve received questions on must have power tools for your home to buy as a DIY beginner looking to take on home improvement projects. Let me be honest with you: Power tools are EXPENSIVE and not knowing which ones are worth buying can be frustrating. I get it!

There is the option to rent power tools at Home Depot, for DIY projects if you don’t see yourself constantly working on new things around the house. However, you need to analyze the cost savings of owning versus renting.   

Investing in high performance power tools comes with trial and error and I’m still growing with my own tool collection.For example, I have purchased some tools that didn’t function as I had expected and I had to purchase the same type of tool but from a different brand.

I hope that by sharing some must have power tools with you today, you’ll have less uncertainty about which power tools you should invest in as a new DIYer. 

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1. Power Drill + Driver 

I own three power drills by different brands – one Ryobi Power Drill and two Black + Decker Power Drills. I suggest a cordless option with a battery charger and bag, as it allows for mobility and storage.

This is an essential tool for many DIY projects as it is needed to drill holes and allows you to fasten screws more tightly and efficiently than by doing it by hand. Another great tool to own is an impact driver. They are available as a combo kit with power drills. Check out this set!

2. Jigsaw 

This type of saw is used to cut almost anything that does not require a straight edge. Having a cordless one is great but not necessary.

As a DIY beginner with a limited budget, a corded jigsaw is cheaper than a cordless one. I bought a Skil Jigsaw and a set of cut blades. One way I’ve used it is to cut a hole for an electrical outlet into a piece of plywood. I also love that it has a laser guide which is helpful when cutting materials.

3. Circular Saw 

A circular saw can be intimidating. It does take time to learn how to use it, but the new circular saws are efficient and easy to use. It allows you to cut wider wood pieces that a miter saw cannot handle. 

I have an old, second-hand 10-inch Bosch circular saw which has been difficult to get used to. It is heavy and I’m really not a fan of it, but it was given to me for free.

I’m planning on upgrading to a Ryobi 18-volt lithium ion cordless 6-1/2 in. circular saw or Ryobi 15 amp corded 7-1/4 in. circular saw. 

4. Miter Saw 

Investing in a high performance miter saw was a game changer for me. If you plan on working on trim projects. It makes your cuts easier as compared with a circular saw.

It’s also the tool for single bevel cuts. You can cut on precise measurement markup with miter cuts and a laser guide; no need for additional calculations. I purchased my Ryobi 15 amp 12in Sliding Miter Saw at the same time I purchase my first nail gun. 

5. Oscillating Multi-Tool 

I recently purchased a Ryobi cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool to trim off wood pieces nailed to the wall without taking out the whole board and cutting it with the miter saw. It is a time-saver tool that allows you to get into places you otherwise couldn’t – door frames, for example.

6. Random Orbital Sander 

This is another tool where I advise you to invest in a good brand. One important consideration is that if you plan to be sanding indoors, you want to limit the dust that spreads throughout your home.

I initially purchased a Black and Decker Random Orbital Sander and used it for our board and batten wainscoting project. There was dust everywhere.

Then I purchased a corded DeWalt Random Orbital and it was totally worth it. It contains and controls the dust much better. I love has it easier to grab and doesn’t strain palm of your hands.

7. Cordless Brad Nail Gun 

A cordless Ryobi Brad Nail Gun was one of the first must-have power tools I purchased, as I mentioned earlier. I decided on a cordless model to avoid getting an air compressor. This tool is amazing!

I use it all the time and I love the mobility I have with a cordless. A fully charged lithium hp battery lasts about two or three days, depending on the project. It is worth the investment. 

8. Table Saw

I recently purchased a table saw. I had been on the fence about getting one because they are not cheap. My recent shiplap project required many cuts of 4’x8’ MDF sheets and it was frustrating using a circular saw. I finally gave up on the circular saw and purchased a Dewalt Table Saw.

With this tool, I don’t have to calculate my measurement prior to cutting. I’m able to get precise cuts similar to using a miter saw but cut longer and wider wood planks. I can’t believe it took me this long to purchase one.

This tool was used for cutting small trim pieces for our plaid trim accent wall in our master bedroom. 

I recommend you to take your time to purchase these power tools for DIY as your budget allows. You can look out for great deals, and if you can swing it, you can purchase these tools in sets to further help with affordability. 

The next time you are at a home improvement store trying to figure out which power tools to buy, I hope this guide will make your decision easier as a DIY beginner.

Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions and thank you for reading! 

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!