The Friday Five: Five Tools I Can’t DIY Without

Welcome to this week’s Friday Five! Today on the Friday Five: five tools I can’t DIY without. These are my favorites, the ones I use the most, the easiest to use…to me, the best.

This post does contain affiliate links. What does that mean? I’ve partnered with certain retailers so that, if you buy the product, I get a small payment as commission. It helps keep the lights on here at HQ, so I hope you don’t mind. Also, it makes it easy for you to find these great products. Including these links did not change the substance of this post; these truly are my favorite tools. Thanks!

1. My RYOBI Drill

This may be the tool I use the most, the RYOBI 18V ONE+ Lithium Ion Drill. What do I love about it?

– It’s cordless with a battery that recharges quickly (disclaimer: I have three batteries, so I’m never out of juice).

– It fits in my hand well and is heavy enough but not too heavy. Even a then-six-year-old can use it:

– The torque is adjustable, which means I can control the power needed and, as a self-admitted control freak, I love that.

It’s just so useful for so many projects.

2. A Good Paint Brush (or two).

My go-to paint brush for small jobs or for cutting-in on edges is the Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush, 2-Inch, pictured in the roller tray below.

I used it on my breakfast room tree – and pretty much any other painting project in my home.

My favorite “regular” paint brush is this one: Purdy 2-Inch Nylon Angle Paint Brush.

Why is it my favorite? It works for all kinds of paint, the handle is comfortable, and it cleans up easily. Most importantly, it puts paint on the wall (or anywhere) more cleanly and better than any other brush.

3. The Right Hammer

“Stop! Hammer Time!” (I couldn’t resist. Sorry.)

That’s my hammer – sitting on the paint can there.

We have two hammers in this house. We have one that’s Dear Husband’s that is heavy and hard for me to use. Then we have my hammer, which fits in my hand comfortably and is easy for me to use. This sounds so simple, but get a hammer that works for you. Feel it in your hand and test using it. You wouldn’t believe how much different hammers can feel.

4. A Ratcheting Screwdriver

One year for Christmas, my brother bought me this ratcheting screwdriver with different bits, the Kobalt 32 Piece Double-drive Screwdriver Set. Best present he’s ever given me! (Second place? A t-shirt that says, “You had me at the proper use of ‘you’re.'” He knows me.)

Why is this tool so great? The ratcheting function of this screwdriver really does a great job of loosening stubborn screws – especially when lodged in old doors. It also makes tightening screws much easier. It’s awesome.

5. A Real Tape Measure

I have approximately 87 tape measures. But I only have one that I love and use all the time.

This is the one I have, although mine is about 20 years old! Why do I love this tape measure? It locks the tape in place when measuring, making recording measurements easier, and it’s heavy, so the tape doesn’t move when measuring something.

So, there you have it: my five favorite tools I can’t DIY without. Of course, the most important tool you have for DIYing is you! Your noggin, your logic, your patience, your problem-solving magic. That’s really the best tool you can have.

(Added June 3, 2015) NOTE: I am adding my RIDGID Tools wet/dry vac to this list!

Living in an old house with a wet basement has made me appreciate this tool even more. It’s great for picking up dust when sanding, cleaning up all kinds of DIY messes, and – as has been my main use lately – cleaning up water from the basement! Sucks it right up!

What would you add to this list? What’s your favorite tool? Share in the comments.