9 Necessary Power Tools for DIY Cheapskate
Yes. I'm out to save money. I only want to buy want is necessary to accomplish the projects, I can do myself. I try to use the tools I have, as opposed to buying a use-one-time tool that would be more convenient. So for example, I will often use a vice grip, as opposed to buying a specialty metric wrench. (Rant: I don't get why American cars at times use metric sizes.) This is not proper or ideal, but it is often what I do. Unfortunately, there are tools you just have to have. After often much painful Jerry-rigging, I have given in and purchased those necessities. Concerning power tool, here is my bare-minimum list of tools you simply must buy. (I've tried not to with some of these items.) I will admit, I strive to buy the cheapest and I've never had much regret. You can feel free to buy, higher quality items if you wish.
9. I am on the fence concerning the necessity of this one. For the most part, I have been able to finish projects without this tool. But, for a few ripping (cutting thin strips of wood) tasks, I've needed to borrow my parents table saw. So, if you plan on doing a lot of ripping, you could purchase a small table saw for a little over $100. Or, if you are willing to spend a bit more and have the room, buy a mammoth one (*Daydreaming "Someday that would be nice").
8. If you have a plug in drill, you may not need this item, but it is much more convenient. Plus, the adjustable power settings help keep your screws from sinking in too deeply or stripping, particularly while securing drywall.
7. I reuse wood. Reclaimed wood. Old furniture. Doors and trim. But often, in order to re-purpose old wood, I have to do gobs of sanding to get it to a condition where it won't give a splinter after one touch. Or, perhaps I have to remove layers of varnish and stain so it's no longer that hideous color my wife says doesn't match anything.
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6. Since I had a Sawzall, I tried not to buy one of these. Big mistake. My cuts were ugly. I messed up a lot of projects. Finally, I gave in an bought one. Jigsaws make not only shaped cuts easier, but possible. Plus, with changeable blade you can cut through a variety of materials.
5. Also known a reciprocating saw, many call it a Sawzall, because it 'saws all'. With a name like that it's no wonder that this item is a DIYer's necessity. Able to cut through wood and metal with a single blade and to reach hard to reach places, this tool has become staple in my home construction projects. Plus, I have a tree-saw blade that works great for tree trimming and fence post cutting. So, if you think you need a chainsaw... (Though I wouldn't mind one.)
4. I love the look of visible wood grain and a smooth texture. To keep you wood projects beautiful, you'll need one of these gentle tools. Whether you're restoring furniture or smoothing out a pieced together project, a finishing sander is so gentle and useful that I often let my kids use it. In fact, when they're in my hair while I'm doing a project, I hand them this and let them sand something for me.
3. This tool makes quick easy work of cutting square or angled boards. I love using this for cuts whenever possible. Even when the wood is too big for one cut, I will often flip the board and make the cut in two swipes. Plus, this saw is safer to use than a circular saw. I can see hardly any scenario for the DIYer where this tool isn't a must.
2. I have a feeling this may be a controversial pick for my number 2 power tool of choice, especially considering the fact that cordless power drills are an option. But, if you're out to save money, this is a more important purchase. An AC hand drill offers a lot of power for a small price. In addition, I haven't found anything that I couldn't do with this, that I can do with a cordless (sure, a cordless still does certain things better). But, there are tasks where I find a cordless drill(at least an inexpensive one) far inferior, i.e. drilling. Sure, this tool has the tendency to strip screws if you're not careful. So, you should determine how many screws you plan on driving. One other small fact, a AC hand drill is always ready, no need to wait for batteries to charge.
1. Ah, my nemesis of the powertool world. I hate using this tool. I avoid it like that person you know who has a beef with you. It it loud. It is scary. It can bind. I woodchips fly in my eyes, (so I should actually wear eye protection when I use this one [DISCLAIMER: One should always wear eye protection with EVERY power tool at ALL times]). And, I have a hard time keeping straight, clean cuts (although I have learned some tricks, but these tricks take extra time to set up). Yet, in spite of my hatred of using this tool, there is not a more important saw a DIYer needs if he or she plans on cutting large sections of wood. Not only can I cut with it, I can add groves at particular depths, and even rabbit. In fact, I would say if I had a hand drill and a circular saw, I could do almost anything I would need to do. (Not necessarily safely or efficiently.)
So, this is my must-have list if you want to save money doing your own basic handy work. These are the tools, I have--after much dragging of my feet--purchased, apart from the table saw which I borrow from my parents from time-to-time. Sure, there are other tools that are on my wish list. But, I'm saving those for when I either lose my cheapskate mentality, or find a project where I absolutely have to buy something else.
Do you agree with my list? Tell me what you think I missed, and I will tell you why you're wrong. Well, maybe not. I am only speaking from the perspective of a cheapskate who is out to perform the most basic of tasks.
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