Listmania!
Essential tools for DIY home renovator
By an Amazon.com customer
Ames True Temper 1199700 16-Pound Double Faced Sledge Hammer with 36-Inch Hickory HandleAmes True Temper 1199700 16-Pound Double Faced Sledge Hammer with 36-Inch Hickory Handle
Buy new: $53.07
Good for walls & ceilings (really any basic sledge of this deign will do) just be careful not to take full swings unless you know what is inside the walls and that it is not load bearing
Bosch 5412L 12-Inch Dual Bevel Slide Miter Saw with Laser TrackingBosch 5412L 12-Inch Dual Bevel Slide Miter Saw with Laser Tracking
Buy new: $851.19 / Used from: $600.00
Actually, I purchased the Ridgid MS1290LZ on sale at Home Depot for a bargain price of $399.00. Great saw, great price! Dual bevel, double compound 12" sliding miter saw. (although laser is about a full 1/8" off the mark) I teamed this one up with Ridgids AC9940 ($70 cheaper than AC9944). Now mitering is portable, easily storable and set-up in a flash with a minimum of schlepping.
COUNCIL TOOL 75030 3/4X30 CROWBAR GOOSENCOUNCIL TOOL 75030 3/4X30 CROWBAR GOOSEN
Youll need this for demo..... Trust me!
Stanley 55-099 FatMax Xtreme Fubar Functional Utility BarStanley 55-099 FatMax Xtreme Fubar Functional Utility Bar
Buy new: Too low to display
Great tool for demo. Has a few minor weak points (could use a longer handle for one thing) but a great demo hammer when used properly. Highly recommended
Bosch 1194AVSRK 8 Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer DrillBosch 1194AVSRK 8 Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill
Buy new: $86.00
You may need this if you have cement on lathe bathroom walls, thick cement under tile floors, layers of tile, or laminated drywall over cynder block. Not for beginners, not for most jobs.
Milwaukee 6523-21 Super Sawzall 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw with Rotating HandleMilwaukee 6523-21 Super Sawzall 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw with Rotating Handle
Buy new: $159.00
A good sawzall is a very essential, but a 1st timer should get a LOT of practice first!!! Can be dangerous to use. I did not get a quality sawzall like this Milwaukee (incidentally "Sawzall" is a Milwaukee brand name) yup, they did it first, they did it best. I got a descent Black & Decker model myself (gotta save cash somehow)
Bosch 4000-09 Worksite 15 Amp 10-Inch Benchtop Table Saw with Gravity Rise Wheeled StandBosch 4000-09 Worksite 15 Amp 10-Inch Benchtop Table Saw with Gravity Rise Wheeled Stand
Buy new: $659.99
I actually prefer the Ridgid TS2400LS, which comes with a folding cart just like this one (only better) but if you have space for a full workshop (and a very understanding wife) go with a more powerful & larger table saw. Living in a 2 bedroom coop and having a TON of ¢r@p, I want portable, easy & STORAGE!!!! It has to fold up and go away!!
Porter-Cable FC350A Clipped Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing NailerPorter-Cable FC350A Clipped Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer
Buy new: $208.00
This tool is an incredible time saver in framing & nailing, just be REALLY careful using this one!!!! The term "Gun" should tell you something!!
Bostitch CPACK1 2-in-1 Brad Nailer/Narrow Crown Stapler Tool and CompressorBostitch CPACK1 2-in-1 Brad Nailer/Narrow Crown Stapler Tool and Compressor
I got the 3-in-one combo at Home Depot for around $200 with a compressor, 2 different sized brad guns. Good for trim work, cabinetry, and a host of small repair jobs. Still, be careful with this one!!
Porter-Cable 325MAG 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Blade Right and BrakePorter-Cable 325MAG 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Blade Right and Brake
This is the best, most effective circular saw I have used to date. If there is one that is much better PLEASE TELL ME!!!! Again, use with extreme caution. Also, LEFTIES, make sure you get the LEFT-HANDED model!!
Milwaukee 0625-24 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver KitMilwaukee 0625-24 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Buy new: $451.00
I personally like to get some of my toold from Sears. Craftsman makes quality tools that are made to last, but my electrician let me borrow his Milwaukee and I have to say, I did love the performance. This tool is one of the MOST essential. Should be on the top of your list. Test a few, get the right one and dont skimp on drills!!
DEWALT D28402K 4-1/2-Inch 115-MM Heavy-Duty Small Angle Grinder KitDEWALT D28402K 4-1/2-Inch 115-MM Heavy-Duty Small Angle Grinder Kit
Buy new: $89.00
Personally, I went super cheap on this for $25. One thing I regret is NO CASE. I like to have a tool case to keep it organized and clean. This tool is dangerous if used improperly. PLEASE take precautions with Saws and grinders, extra heavy clothing, headgear, goggles, face shields, hearing protection gloves etc...
Senco 1R0004N DS200-AC Duraspin 3,300 RPM Collated ScrewdriverSenco 1R0004N DS200-AC Duraspin 3,300 RPM Collated Screwdriver
Buy new: $111.42
Screwing drywall in yourself? ALL by yourself??!!! trust me, you'll need this one. Try holding up drywall to a ceiling (yes even with a jack) Trust me, youll want a free hand for this, plus quick feeding screws and held in place by something other than say FINGERS which are often the victims of DIYers and pros alike! Your manicurist will thank you.
DEWALT D26441K 2.4-AMP Heavy-Duty Orbital 1/4-Sheet Sander with Cloth Dust BagDEWALT D26441K 2.4-AMP Heavy-Duty Orbital 1/4-Sheet Sander with Cloth Dust Bag
Buy new: $49.00
I went cheap here too, and while some swear by orbital sanders, I prefer this small square beauty, great for tight corners (the only thing better is a detail sander, but that is only good for details) I use this for everything from wood work to minor fast tape & spackle sanding for patches & fix-ups
Porter-Cable 7518 Speedmatic 15 Amp 3-1/4 HP Fixed Base 5-Speed RouterPorter-Cable 7518 Speedmatic 15 Amp 3-1/4 HP Fixed Base 5-Speed Router
Buy new: $319.99
Not an absolute necessity, but good to have. Dont skimp here though, you'll want a good one if you buy one. I like this one a lot. Made my own cabinets!! Get a straight edge and for heavens sake DO NOT SKIMP ON BITS!!!
Wagner Spray Tech 514001 990 120-Volt Variable Speed Pro Power RollerWagner Spray Tech 514001 990 120-Volt Variable Speed Pro Power Roller
Buy new: $90.32 / Used from: $100.00
I like Wagners Power Paint roller set. Make sure you clean properly & thoroughly and this will make painting fast easy & efficient. Be sure to practice with this (you can practice with primer) takes a little getting used to and it is easy to go too dry and too wet in spots. Practice for consistent results. The best part of this, Less wasted paint!!
RotoZip RZ20-4000 Variable Speed Spiral Saw Kit with Zipmate, Circle Cutting Attachment, and Jig Saw HandleRotoZip RZ20-4000 Variable Speed Spiral Saw Kit with Zipmate, Circle Cutting Attachment, and Jig Saw Handle
this is great for drywall & cement board with the right bits. Use it for cutting holes for outlets & lights etc... has many good uses