What Tools Do I Need to Start a Workshop at Home?

Homeowners everywhere spend thousands of dollars on home renovations every single year. However, one way in which you can reduce this cost is by turning some of these renovations into DIY projects. This way, you will not have to pay others to do tasks that you are comfortable with completing.

With that being said, apart from your own workshop, you will need a number of tools in order to do this. Without the right tools and correct equipment, you will find it nearly impossible to get even the most basic of your home improvement projects completed successfully.

In this article, we will be discussing 9 essential tools that every craftsman should have in their home workshop. So if you would like to know the answer to “what tools do I need to start a workshop at home?”, just keep reading.

A Power Drill

The power drill plays an essential role when it comes to fixing stuff for most of us working around the house. In fact, many homeowners agree on the fact that a power drill is the first power tool they thought of buying.

This tool can be used to drill holes, insert screws and tighten bolts. With a few different attachments you can mix things such as paint, use it as a sander or grinder; it is a great tool.. If you want to hang anything that weighs more than a feather on most walls, you need a drill. For this reason, it will make seemingly complicated tasks extremely easy to complete. More so, you will save plenty of time on your projects by investing in one of these drills.

There are plenty of great options out there for you to choose from. However, if you do not think that you will get much use out of this tool, it may be a better idea to purchase a reasonably priced model. You will find some pricey options that are maybe better suited for professional construction workers. With that being said, most DIYers agree on the fact that a cordless drill is the way to go as the models with a cord are cumbersome and restrictive, especially if working in tight spaces.

Don’t forget a quality drill bit set.

A Circular Saw

A circular saw is used to cut sheets of wood or plywood, but can also cut through a variety of materials such as metal and plastic, making it one of the most popular power tools we use. You will struggle to find a craftsman who does not own one of these saws.

Easily cuts a piece of wood into different lengths, giving straight cuts, and is a whole lot faster and easier than using a hand saw. Circular saws are not quite as accurate as table saws or a miter saw, but the fact they are mobile makes them the favorite for most people.

You will find a wide range of circular saws to choose from. While it is not essential for you to invest in the most expensive model on the market, it is recommended that you avoid the cheaper options. Most DIY experts agree on the fact that these saws struggle to cut certain types of thicker wood. In other words, they may end up being underpowered, will overheat and drive you crazy..

More so, corded 7 ¼ inch saws are usually the personal preference for most DIYers.

A Level

Levels come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. These handy tools can also be used for a number of different purposes. In short, a level is used to determine whether something is plumb (perfectly vertical) or horizontal.

From building pieces of furniture, hanging picture frames, installing crown molding or kitchen cabinets, pretty well anything that requires straight lines, a level is absolutely essential and should be included in your workshop.

More so, this piece of construction equipment is often reasonably priced, meaning that it is more than worth the investment.

They come in different sizes but the most useful levels tend to be between two and four feet in length. Many DIYers have both options in their workshops – however, this is not essential.

If you do construction work as a profession, it may be worth your time to invest in a nine-inch torpedo level. This tool is incredibly easy to store and keep in a portable toolbox. However, it is not recommended that you rely on a torpedo level for longer spans.

A Tape Measure

There is no need to explain why a tape measure is so important. If it’s your first woodworking project or the culmination of your life’s works, you will need to invest in one of these measuring tools. Inexpensive, no excuse not to have one,

A Hammer

A hammer is another tool that almost every homeowner should already have in their home. If you don’t, and if you’re starting that workshop, you’d best run out and get one.

There are many different types of hammer but for the at home DIYer we only need concern ourselves with two or three:

• The Claw Hammer
• Club Hammer
• Ball Peen Hammer

A claw hammer (curved claw) is the one you are most likely to use for everyday repairs and DIY projects. It can be used to drive and remove nails easily and the 16-ounce model is the most commonly used. More experienced DIYers, who are doing some light framing work, also opt for 20-ounce options with a smooth face and straight claw which is the best one for “ripping”, or prying apart pieces of wood.. However, you will know exactly which model is better suited for your own needs.

While some homeowners may prefer light weight options, it is not recommended that you go below 16-ounces. More so, steel or fiberglass handles tend to be the better options.

The club hammer is basically a mini sledge hammer. It can be used for driving chisels, and heavy-duty nails, but is also often used for small demolition jobs. You don’t need both hands to use it, unlike it’s big brother, the sledgehammer.

The ball peen hammer is generally used for metal work but is also useful if you need to hammer a chisel or heavy-duty nails, especially if you don’t have a club hammer or can’t use one because you are working in a tight space. In my opinion, unless working a lot with metal, this is the least important of the three.

A Screwdriver

A screwdriver set is another basic hand tool that most homeowners already have. In fact, many DIYers tend to own upwards of ten screwdrivers. This is a must-have tool.

There are plenty of different types, such as the Philips, Hex, Star, Pozidriv and the flat-head or slotted screwdriver, all in various sizes. With that being said, you can save money by investing in a multi-bit model that has just one handle and allows you to quickly change between the different screw heads.

Screwdrivers are inexpensive but make sure that what you buy is of good quality because the really cheap ones are known to break quite easily.

A Utility Knife

Utility knives, as the name suggests, can be used for a wide variety of purposes. From cutting thinner cuts of wood to shaping plastic – the functions of this tool seem endless.

When purchasing a utility knife, be sure to look out for a model with a retractable blade. This tool can be incredibly dangerous if not handled with care – for this reason, it is always recommended that you retract the blade before setting it down.

The blade of the knife can also be replaced. Since they are so inexpensive, it is a good idea if you switch out the blade relatively often. It is important to note that dull blades are far more dangerous and likely to cause injury. Where practical, I recommend you wear protective gloves while using this tool.

A Pair of Pliers

Pliers are another versatile tool. This tool is inexpensive and belongs in every single toolbox, tool bag and tool belt.

Again, there are several different kinds, but the Slip-Joint is the most common.

Slip-joint pliers are the most versatile type of pliers on the market. A set of pliers can also be used as small wire cutters and wire strippers. If you are looking to take your home workshop to the next level, you will definitely want to invest in one of these basic tools.

Other common types are the Locking pliers,\and the Needle-Nose pliers. The Locking pliers almost serve as a wrench, often just to hold something in place, and the Needle-Nose have a very fine point which is best for delicate jobs, especially wiring. I also like to use them to “get stuff out that is stuck”, for example, something caught in the sink drain.

Safety Glasses

Many DIYers forget about safety equipment, and in this case, safety glasses. Some people even have the stupid notion that it “looks stupid” to wear them, or “not macho or stylish”.

Working with sharp tools and materials can be very dangerous, and our eyes are precious. For this reason, it is absolutely essential that you have a pair of safety glasses in your workshop in order to prevent serious injury. You will be surprised how many times safety glasses have come to the rescue.

Final Thoughts

Now you should be ready to strap on the tool belt, or load up your tool box. Every DIYer should own a power drill, circular saw, level, hammer, screwdriver, utility knife, pliers, and safety glasses.

You will need to find an option that suits your budget but, with the exception of the drill and saw, these items are all inexpensive to purchase, and I refer to the quality items. Do not opt for the cheapest models, and the most expensive may not be necessary either.

But as long as you have these tools, you have the fundamentals for just about any job you will need to do in your home workshop.

Take on repairs that your skill level can handle, bring in a professional for anything else. Still want to save money? Get advice by way of a course at your local hardware store (my local Home Depot often has short demos on various tasks), check out YouTube or your local colleges.