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| Tools for Renovating and Home Improvement
I’ve compiled a short list of tools I consider a must for renovating. I can only speak for the tools I own, have used, or that have been highly recommended by friends. Most of these suggestions are meant for the average homeowner with a budget to consider. How much should you spend on tools? I recommend spending the money for the tools you will use all of the time, and saving money on some of the specialty tools that get less use. I’ve noted my usage in my renovating tools lists. Sometimes the necessary tool for a particular job can be too expensive to make it worth buying. For instance, buying a $250 hardwood floor stapler may not make sense if you only have 2 rooms to put flooring in and have no plans on using it again. You could get away with renting one for $50 or borrowing one. My most used tools include:
Where should you buy your tools? There is not one place that I can recommend to buy all of your tools. Although any one place that I buy probably has all of the tools that I own. The main thing that I keep in mind is price. The store that sells the high-end pneumatic nailer that I want may not have good prices on cordless drills. Some stores sell lesser quality tools for less money. You need to decide how much “quality” you are willing to pay for. I have also bought a number of tools online and it’s a great place to price shop. I’ve listed stores below to get you started. Keep in mind I am on the east coast and you may have local chains I am not familiar with. Harbor Freight - www.harbourfreight.com This store has a great selection of tools, accessories and random home stuff. Most of what they carry is off brand. You will however, find the occasional Dewalt, Porter Cable, Milwaukee, etc. most of which are re-conditioned. Having bought a number of products from them, I can attest that they sell some good tools for a steal. You can also buy those tools that you don’t use everyday and save a lot of money (flush cut saws, pneumatic staplers, rubber mallets, etc.). Things like tape, specialty hammers, pry bars, sanding pads, etc., are cheaper and probably no different here than anywhere. Lowe’s and Home Depot They both carry about the same thing, but different brands. Most of the tools they carry are good quality and moderately priced. It’s hard to go in and spend $10-$20 dollars for that tool or drill bit that you only need to finish one job though. Definitely price shop the two if you are looking for that expensive, frequently used tool like a miter saw or drill. The Basics - Hammer - Tape Measure - Cordless Drill - Screwdrivers - Socket Set - Compound Miter Saw - Pliers/Wrench Set - Drill bits - Level - Pry bar - Shop Vac Demolition - Sawsall - Sledgehammer - Small pry bar - Large pry bar - Dust masks - Protective eyewear - Work gloves - Hammer framing - Electrical tester - Stud Finder Framing - Cordless drill (19V heavy duty w/ 2 batteries) - Compound Miter Saw (12 in preferably) - Framing Hammer - Circular Saw - Air Compressor and pneumatic framing nailer - Tape Measure - Tool belt - Framing square - Levels 2 and 4 ft. and line level - Chalk line - Utility knife Plumbing - Plumbing primer and glue - Hacksaw - Sharpie - Propane torch, striker, flux and solder (copper based water lines) - Pipe cutter (copper based water lines) - Reciprocating saw - Hole Saw and corded drill - ½ and ¾ inch crimp tool and testing gauge (PEX based water lines) - Cutter (PEX based water lines) - Pipe wrench - Crescent wrenches Electrical - Tester - Screwdriver - Wire Stripper/Cutter - Utility Knife - Wire nuts - Electrical tape - Linesman pliers Finish Carpentry - Air Compressor and 16ga. Finish Nailer - Compound Miter Saw - Table Saw - Router - Nail Set - Japanese Flush Cut Saw Painting - Paint brush 3” angled long handle purdy - Caulk gun and painters caulk - Wood filler - Stiff putty knife - Roller and Extendable rolling pole - Rolling pan - Handheld Paint bucket - Small foam roller - Sanding Pad - Masking tape - Plastic drop cloth - Scraper
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