Building your home workshop can be a challenge if you’re new to the world of power tools. But the right tools open up a world of fun and satisfying DIY projects.
With affordable and user-friendly options for everything from power drills to miter saws, you can build a power tool collection even if you’re new to DIY. Here are our picks for the best power tools for beginners.
Two Tips for Choosing the Right Power Tools
The first question to ask yourself when buying power tools should be: Should I go for cordless or corded tools? Cordless power tools are versatile, compact and often easy to use, while regular corded tools offer longevity, consistent performance, and often more torque.
But if you’re a DIY beginner, it’s recommended to go for cordless power tools. What they give up in power they gain in portability and usefulness.
Once you’ve settled on cordless power tools, the next tip is to choose power tools all from the same brand or the same brand of tools you already own. This means that they can all share batteries, which are often sold separately. When you can share batteries among your kit it makes it more affordable to add to your set in the future.
Power Tools for Different Kinds of Drilling
A Power Drill Is a Must-Have for Effortless Drilling
Almost every homeowner has a power drill in their cabinet, no matter how small their collection of power tools may be. Small, affordable power drills like this 12V Max 3/8″ Drill from Bosch are great options for the beginner. This particular power drill is lightweight but provides 265 pounds of max torque. Owners report that it’s easy to use and has a long battery life.
For More Heavy-Duty Drilling, Go for an Impact Driver
As your tool collection grows, you may also want to add an impact driver and/or a hammer drill to your set.
An impact driver has more torque than a regular drill and is designed specifically for screwing in fasteners. They feature quick-release chucks for a variety of bits, and the gearing inside them transmits force from the motor to the bit in rapid bursts, which helps when screwing into metal or wood.
The Milwaukee M18 impact driver is durable and ergonomically designed, a good choice if you’ve never owned an impact driver before.
Pick Up a Hammer Drill When Working With Stubborn Material
Meanwhile, when you need to drill into a harder surface, you’ll want to consider a hammer drill. Hammer drills bore difficult holes more efficiently by vibrating the drill bit as it spins, essentially hammering away at the piece of material you’re drilling into as you drill down.
This makes hammer drills great for drilling holes into:
- Concrete
- Brick
- Stubborn metal
Hammer drills are larger and bulkier than power drills or impact drivers because of the force they have to work with.
A hammer drill’s drill head will have either a keyed or keyless chuck. This chuck holds the bits in place and can fit both standard and hex bits to make it extra versatile. These tools are often highly adjustable, with a range of settings for drilling action, speed, and torque depending on the job you’re doing.
Metabo HPT’s MultiVolt 36V Brushless 1/2 inch Hammer Drill is a nice option for a first-time hammer-drill owner. It has plenty of power, but isn’t too bulky so it’s easy to use. It comes with a battery and a power cord for versatility. Plus, if the tool starts to work too hard and is at risk of overloading, it will sense this and stop, preserving the drill and battery.
The Best Power Tools for Fastening
Nail Guns Make Fastening Easy
DIY projects aren’t all about cutting and drilling. You also need to be able to put things back together again. This is where nail guns come in. We suggest getting a cordless nail gun since you will likely need to be moving around while you nail things into place. Cordless models are less powerful, but also easier to use and less cumbersome than air-powered versions.
Select a Finish Nailer for Lighter Jobs
If you think your nail gun jobs will be generally light, go for a finish nailer. Dewalt’s 20V XR 16 GA Cordless Straight Finish Nailer is a great investment for future fastening jobs. It’s fully cordless and features a brushless motor for power and LED lights to ensure accuracy.
Heavy-Duty Fastening Jobs May Require an Air Nailer
If you can see yourself doing projects like assembling cabinets, you’ll want a more high-powered nailer. One high-quality yet affordable option is the Ryobi 18V One+ Airstrike Brad Nailer. Its air strike technology provides power but eliminates the need for an air compressor.
Choose the Right Power Tool for Precision Cuts
Miter Saws Make For Consistent Cuts
The miter saw will be one of your most significant power tool investments, but it will also be a game-changer because it makes larger cuts easier, faster, and more precise than the other saws. In addition, most new miter saws nowadays have laser guides for more accurate cuts.
We suggest investing in a quality miter saw instead of opting for cheaper models. Since they make larger cuts, they tend to wear out faster if they are made from cheap materials. The Dewalt 12 in. Double-Bevel Miter Saw is well known for its durability. It’s also easy to set up and owners praise it for its clean, precise cuts.
Circular Saws Cut Larger Pieces
Circular saws help cut wider pieces of wood than a miter saw can cut. A circular saw takes some time to learn how to use properly. However, new products from companies like Ryobi have been producing new circular saws that are pretty efficient and are easier to use than previous models.
The model you choose will likely primarily be based on the power source you prefer to use. For example, if you prefer cordless power tools than the Ryobi 18V 6-1/2″ circular saw is a compelling option. It’s got power at an affordable price, perfect for someone new to the world of power tools.
Jigsaws Offer Intricate Cuts With Ease
The jigsaw allows you to cut almost anything that doesn’t require a straight edge. It’s an incredibly versatile power tool that you can find for great prices.
Corded versions are often cheaper than cordless power tools in this category, with the Skil 5.5A Orbital Action Jigsaw one example. This model has multiple speeds to help with precision and a tool rest to prevent damage.
Oscillating Multi-Tools Make Tricky Cuts Possible
A multi-tool is a relatively recent addition to the family of handheld power tools. Oscillating multi-tools have a motor that rotates the head at a variety of angles. They’re great for beginners because the clever oscillating action makes it easier to get into tight, tricky areas.
Multi-tools usually also come with customizable accessories. Accessories can include sanding pads and a range of blades designed for cutting through different materials including:
- Wood
- Metal
- Fiberglass
- Plastic
- Tile adhesive
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Oscillating Multi-Tool is a great choice if you’re in the market for your first oscillating multi-tool. It comes with a wood blade and a sanding pad. It also features vibration-dampening technology so you can work more comfortably. And if you want to use the tool more down the line, they also sell other accessories for the tool.
Build Your Power Tool Collection
These handy power tools will get you ready to tackle a wide range of small- and medium-scale home improvement jobs with confidence. They are easy to use, handy, and come in a variety of prices—which makes it easy to build your collection over time.
