MY TOOLS
My Dad gave me my first drill in 2010. I was a new grad student, moving into my first downtown (ground level) apartment. My first project with that drill - a DIY (dad) & daughter project installing a chain lock on that apartment door.
My tool collection has definitely grown since then, right along with my love for DIY and now projects with my own daughters. Here's a peek into my tool shed.
DRILLS
At this point, I've collected a few drills, but I still use my DeWalt drill all the time! There are plenty of reasons to choose one drill over another, for me --- it's usually based on which batteries have the most charge!
My Ryobi drivers came as a set, which I've linked below, but you can also buy them separately if you don't need the extra batteries or charger.
SAWS
For years I was intimidated by power saws. I knew I wanted to take it step by step and only upgrade as my confidence did too.
My first saw was a hand saw and miter box --- that's all you need to build your own DIY TV frame just like this one. When it came to power, I started with a jig saw. It felt like a good way to learn and was condo - storage friendly at the time. Once we bought our house, it was time to add a circular saw, compound miter saw, and table saw to the collection. Do you need all three? No. Is it more fun? Absolutely.
STARTER SAWS
*The Ryobi Cordless Miter Saw is the only starter saw pictured that I don't own, but I wanted to share a starter option in the Miter Saw category. I've heard great things about the Ryobi and it's a little easier on the budget too. (I have the DeWalt Compound Miter Saw below.)
DEDICATED DIY-ER SAWS
SAW ACCESSORIES
OTHER MUST HAVES
I've included a few more tools from my shed that I need for one thing or another with every DIY project.
This list wouldn't be complete without my brad nailer. The Ryobi 18 Guage Brad Nailer has helped all my DIY dreams come true, from my window trim makeover to the girls' playhouse, I think it's touched almost every project since I added it to my tool shed.
The multi-oscillating tool is helpful when I need to cut off rusty old nails or cut away a small section of trim from the wall.
