Those of you just beginning to dip your toes into the DIY pool might consider a few of these handy dandy tools to add to your growing collection.  This list is not exhaustive, nor is this list anything near what a professional might possess.  These are just my personal favorites and the tools I frequently use.  Oh, and if you like the word "Dremel” you’ll love the giveaway at the end! 

Cordless Drill/Driver & Drill Bit Set

I have a DeWalt just like this one.  They are expensive, but worth it.  I use this for everything, from removing seat cushions to assembling furniture to drilling pilot holes with drill bits.  Cordless, powerful, wonderful !   I couldn’t live without it. 

Measuring Tape and Level

Essential for everything from hanging pictures and art, to more advanced projects like installing molding, trim and wainscoting. 

Phillips + Flat head screwdrivers & set of non-slip Pliers.

Basic screwdrivers are a must have, but you can also buy a six-in-one like this one (my kind of stocking stuffer!)  Three kinds of pliers (needle nose, side cutting, tongue and groove and/or flat head) come in handy for removing nails, staples, and upholstery tacks, among other basic DIY household tasks.   

Hammers & Mallet

The hammer is obvious, but the mallet is a great tool for working with delicate nailhead trim and pounding paint cans closed without damaging the metal rim. 

Shop Vac

We bought this six years ago when we expanded and remodeled our house.  I consider it essential for cleaning up sawdust and other construction debris after working in my garage/shop.  It’s great for cleaning up crushed Goldfish crackers in the car too.   

Stepladder

I’m vertically challenged, so I’m always scurrying up my step ladder to paint walls or hang wallpaper, caulk trim, or decorate in high places.  Also, I use it as a tripod for my camera when taking pictures, no joke!!!! 

SkilSaw and Jigsaw

A Skilsaw is fantastic for building stuff (like a custom memo board) around the house or cutting thick pieces of wood in a straight line.  The jigsaw is my new best friend, great for making upholstered headboards or other projects with wood. 

Particulate Respirator & Safety Goggles

The respirator is essential when spray painting, and the goggles are necessary when particles like paint chips or sawdust go flying.  Safety first!

Heavy Duty Staple Gun, Light Tacker Staple Gun & Hot Glue Gun

Staple guns are one of my best friends, perfect for all kinds of upholstery.  You can solve so many of the world’s problems with a little hot glue, and a hot glue gun is a crafter’s BFF.   In my world, running out of hot glue sticks is cause for panic.

Retractable Blade Utility Knife and Wire Stripper/Cutter

I use my utility knife for so many things, even making my own stencils.  Wire strippers are great if you plan to do any electrical work, like rewiring a chandelier or hanging your own fixtures.

Folding sawhorses 

My hub wrapped a big ribbon around two of these last year and presented them to me for Christmas.  I almost cried.  In fact, I think I did cry.  Oh my, how I love my sawhorses!  Throw a piece of plywood on top and you have an instant work surface.  

I used them this past year when I refinished my kitchen cabinets and my laundry room cabinets, and for all sorts of projects working with long pieces of wood. 

Vise and Clamps

Both useful for holding your project steady as you saw, screw, drill, or hammer.  Clamps recently came in handy gluing trim to this wood cornice.   

Spray Paint Can Adaptor

A snap on adaptor, or ‘spray paint gun’ like Krylon’s Snap & Spray is essential for anyone like me who is in love with spray paint.  It helps with a smooth application and assists in avoiding finger cramps.  Plus it’s just fun to use!

Orbital Sander and Detail Sander

For getting down to the nitty gritty and smoothing out those wood surfaces.  I have and orbital and often use it with fine sanding pads to smooth thick coats of primer.  I’ve recently discovered this handheld 3M sander, it was perfect for our recent staircase remodel and for revamping the boy’s dresser, I love it! 

Hacksaw and Handsaw Combo

For quick jobs working with metal, wood, and plastic. 

Compound Miter Saw & Brad Nailer

Aw yeah, I love my compound miter saw.  I confess it still scares me a bit with its powerful blade, and I never use it when the kiddos area around, but I loooooove it.  Compound miter saws are useful for all sorts of wood projects, perfect for cutting molding and trim at just the perfect angle.   Brad nailers allow for quick application of your freshly cut trim.  Heart! 

Hole Saw Kit

Not essential, just really cool.  These handy attachments work with your drill to give you perfect circular cuts when you need them.  I find them most useful for drilling holes in the back of cabinets to hide your pesky wires.   

And my new BFF: 

Dremel Rotary Tool

With tiny sanders, scrapers, and blades, this baby knows how to multitask!  Recently, I used it for this mirror chalkboard project ~ this ingenious tool is oh so cool.  I swear, walking past the aisle with all the little rotary accessories in their little cases stops me in my tracks wishing and wanting more.  *Sigh*

Which brings me to the next ‘essential’ tool: 

The Dremel MultiMax Oscillating Tool

Perfect for repair, remodeling and renovation, grinding, scraping, cutting, paint, grout and caulk removal!  These cut in tight spaces and power scrape adhesive, aw yeah.  This oscillation tool can cut baseboards and carpet, sand furniture just like a detail sander, or cut drywall. 

Definitely a tool you want to add to your DIY toolbox! 

Want a chance to win the Dremel MultiMax ? 

Eligibility to win the Dremel MultiMax Tool:

1) Leave a comment naming your favorite tool, or one that is on your wish list.  Is it a staple gun, a power sander, a set of screwdrivers, or is it, dare I suggest, a Dremel? 

2) For extra chances to win, link to this giveaway on Facebook, and/or tweet about this giveaway on Twitter.  Leave extra comments telling where you linked (FB or Twitter).

Giveaway ends Monday December 13, 2010 at 8 p.m.  One winner chosen by Random.org.  US and Canada only. 

Good luck and happy holiday weekend! 

For all of you tool lovin’ DIYers out there, tell me, did I miss anything?  What did I forget?  What tools do you consider essential ?  Got any great links for hot new home improvement gadget you love that I should add to my wish list ? 

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I’m not one of those gals who wants jewelry for Christmas.  Nope, not me.  My Christmas list includes some serious gadgets for advanced levels of home improvement and furniture fixin’.  I’m just one of those chicks who really digs tools, so you’ll have a tough time labeling me as any sort of damsel in distress. 

When I see pictures like this from the war era, and I am reminded that my affection for power tools is not something strange to my gender or new to my generation.  Au contraire.  In fact, I know that most of you who read my musings or write your own DIY blogs have a deep affection for power tools as well.  

Source: Getty Images

Here’s a look at some of the tools I consider important for my own DIY projects. 

Note, this list is not exhaustive, nor is this list anything near what a professional might possess.  These are just my personal favorites and the tools I frequently use.  Perhaps these will give you a few ideas for gifts for yourself or a fellow DIYer.

Cordless Drill/Driver & Bit Set

I have a DeWalt just like this one.  They are expensive, but worth it.  I use this for everything, from removing seat cushions to assembling furniture to drilling holes with the bit kit.  Cordless, powerful, wonderful !   I couldn’t live without it. 

Craftsman Shop Vac

We bought this years ago when we added on to our house.  I consider it essential for cleaning up sawdust and other construction debris after working in my garage/shop. 

Stepladder

I’m vertically challenged, so I’m always scurrying up my step ladder to paint walls, caulk trim, or decorate in high places. 

Set of Phillips and Flat head screwdrivers & set of non-slip Pliers.

Basic screwdrivers are a must have, but rather than a set you can always buy a six-in-one like this one.  Three kinds of pliers come in hand for removing nails, staples, and hard to pull teeth.  Kidding about the dental work part.   

SkilSaw with multiple blades

Great for building, and when cutting thick pieces of wood in a straight line.  We just used ours last week to cut a table in half.  Grrrrr. 

Measuring Tape and a Level

Wide Beam Flashlight and 100 ft Extension Cord

Ratchet Wrench with Sockets & Hex Keys (Allen Wrenches)

Don’t forget crescent wrenches too (not pictured)

Heavy Duty Staple Gun, Light Tacker Craft Staple Gun & Hot Glue Gun

A couple of staple guns and a hot glue gun are a DIYer’s best friends.  

Particulate Respirator & Safety Goggles

Safety first.  ‘Nuff said.

Hammers & Mallet

The hammer is obvious, but the mallet is a great tool for working with delicate nailheads and pounding paint cans closed without damaging the metal rim, also for driving dowels or chisels. 

Utility Knife and Wire Stripper/Cutter

Wire strippers are great if you plan to do any electrical, like rewiring a lamp or hanging your own fixtures.

Vise and Clamps

Both useful for holding your project steady as you saw, screw, drill, or hammer. 

Electric Sander

For getting down to the nitty gritty and smoothing out those wood surfaces. 

Hacksaw and Handsaw Combo

For quick jobs working with metal, wood, and plastic. 

Compound Miter Saw

For cutting all sorts of wood and trim at just the right angle.

Hole Saw Kit

Not essential, just really cool.  These handy attachments work with your drill to give you perfect circular cuts when you need them.  I just recently acquired mine to drill cord holes in the back of my cabinets.

The tools above are the tools I own and use a lot.

Here’s my Secret Santa Wish List of Tools for 2010

Dremel Stylus Multitasking Detail Tool

With tiny sanders, scrapers, and blades, this baby knows how to multitask. 

Electric 18 gauge Brad Nailer

Gimme gimme for all that detail trim I want to add next year.

Detail Sander

Oh, the finger cramping I could avoid with this handy gadget. 

Magnetic Nail Setter

…and the thumbs I’ll spare with this tool.

Variable Speed Jig Saw

I can only imagine the possibilities !

Folding sawhorses 

I need these just to set up another work bench in my garage – they are great for painting, sanding, stripping or staining large pieces like doors, windows, or trim. 

Upholstery Stapler

Me want for reupholstering those chairs in my garage !

If you’re thinking about upgrading your own tool kit, my friends over at One Project Closer are always a great resource for up-to-date home improvement coupons for Home Depot, Lowes, and Sears. They’re always reviewing the latest tools on the market, so hop on over and take a tour around. 

If you’re looking for links to these tools I’ve mentioned, many of them are on my DIY Tools list and Wish List at my Amazon store.  Of course, many of them are also available at your local home improvement stores as well. 

So for all of you tool lovin’ nail poundin’ skilsaw cuttin’ nail gun firin’ DIYers out there, tell me, did I miss anything ?  What did I forget ?  What tools do you consider essential ?  Got any great links for hot new home improvement gadgets I need to add to my wish list ? 

And one final thing, has anyone bought or used a power paint sprayer ?  I’m seeing a lot of bad reviews online for anything priced under $100 dollars, but I’m looking around for a good one to save time on future painting projects.  Help !

Now some gals are proud of their closets full of designer shoes and clothing.  (Need I say Mariah?  Kimora?  Eva?  Paula?)  Not me.  Don’t get me wrong, I love clothes, handbags and shoes too, but I don’t have the budget to invest as heavily as the aforementioned celebs. 

In truth, if given the choice, I’d take the chair and chandelier in Mariah’s closet over that shoe collection.  But that’s just me.

But speaking of closets, there is one in my world that I like very much.  It’s not gilded.  It’s not glamorous.  It doesn’t have any shoes inside.  But I’m very fond of it. 

It’s my supply closet. 

Oh, yeah, now THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about!  So many adhesives, paints, and brushes, it’s enough to make me teary.  I love my DIY supply closet. 

So to answer your question about necessary products, I’ll take this shelf by shelf.  These are the products on my shelves, but I consider only the items in bold to be essential. 

Shelf One: Rubber silicone sealant, crazy glue, wood glue, spray adhesive, light & medium spackling, acrylic latex caulking, rubber cement, white epoxy, grout sealant, metal polish, wood filler, tile & stone cleaner, and a caulking gun. 

Shelf Two:  Long handle paint roller, short handle paint roller, extra rollers, painter’s tape, disposable masks, paint thinner, stain/paint stripper, paint trays, recycled plastic containers for smaller paint projects. 

Shelf Three:   Craft paints in various colors, rags, coarse grade sanding pad, medium grade sanding pad, fine grade sanding pad, regular sandpaper, artist’s flat brush, artists filbert brush, natural bristle paint brush for oil based paint projects, synthetic angled medium brush (nylon or polyester) for latex painting, small synthetic paint brush, roll of plastic sheeting, roll of paper sheeting, spray primer, spray paints in various colors, spray paint gun, staining pads. 

Oh joy!  It’s my prized spray paint collection. 

Bottom shelves:  Oil based and water based Zinsser primer, various metallic glazes, leftover paint for all the rooms in my home, Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane.   

I also keep a supply of tarps on hand for painting and staining, as well as a stack of newspaper for all of my spray paint projects. 

Note: Even though I store all of these chemical in a closet, I do not seal it up tight to allow for some ventilation.  Something about stored up toxic fumes makes me a hint nervous.  So these doors are always cracked open a bit.   

And I haven’t even mentioned tools!  In Part Two, we’ll talk all about tools, including power tools, hand held tools, and craft tools. 

Not including tools, what supplies do you consider essential for your DIY projects?