These Tools Are Great DIY Additions and Pay for Themselves Quickly
It’s no secret that doing things yourself can save a lot of money. The right tools make it even easier. Some tools pay for themselves in no time. You fix things, build things, and skip repair bills completely. Here are 20 of the best DIY tools that pay for themselves in a year.
The Drill That Does It All
A good cordless drill handles dozens of jobs - assembling furniture, hanging shelves, and even fixing cabinets. One call to a handyman costs what you’d pay for your own drill. Do a few projects yourself, and it’s already paid its way and earned its keep.
Slice and Save
Need new shelves? Deck needs repairing? Buying your own circular saw means you can cut your own wood instead of paying extra or hiring a carpenter. The great savings you’ll get from just one weekend project could pay it off.
The Wrench Whisperer
An adjustable wrench set is one of the handiest tools to have. It helps fix anything from a leaky faucet to wobbly bike wheels and loose bolts. Grab a wrench and fix it in minutes. One plumbing call is usually more than the price of the whole set.
Smooth Operator
Instead of replacing old furniture or paying someone to refinish it, a sander makes it look brand new. It’s also the perfect tool for decks and doors. Tackle that refinishing job with your own power sander and see the savings for yourself.
The Finder of Studs
Hanging shelves or a TV without hitting a stud can be a disaster. A stud finder saves you from super expensive wall repairs and keeps your wiring safe. If you don’t have one of these tools already, you’re simply wasting your time.
Mess Buster
A wet/dry shop vacuum cleans up everything from sawdust to flooded basements. Rather than wasting your money calling a professional cleanup crew, invest in your own vacuum. It is far cheaper than hiring professionals to clean up your mess.
Level Up Your Life
Crooked shelves and uneven cabinets are a nightmare to deal with. A laser level makes everything straight the first time, so you don’t waste time or money redoing the job. If you’re not using a laser level, you’re not doing it right.
Muscle in Your Hands
When regular drills can’t handle tough screws and bolts, it’s time to bring in the big guns and use an impact driver. Sure, they seem expensive, but they’ll save you from calling out a handyman to fix those little things around the house.
The Pocket Multitasker
A multi-tool is your friend when you’re tackling DIY jobs. It cuts, scrapes, and sands anything and everything. You can tackle those ticky jobs yourself and skip calling in a pro for most DIY jobs on the list your wife made for you.
Pipe Problem Solver
If leaky pipes, broken taps, and loose joints have got you down, you need a pipe wrench. They are relatively inexpensive and will save you in the long run as you no longer need to call out the plumber. Who knows, you might finally fix that leaky tap in the kitchen.
Seal the Deal
A caulking gun is every DIYer’s secret weapon against leaks, drafts, and water damage. Seal windows and doors to lower energy bills, or fill those bathroom gaps to prevent costly mold repairs. You can kiss those “why is my bill so high?” moments goodbye.
Curve Cutter
Love woodwork but don’t have the tools to do it yourself? A jigsaw gives you the freedom to cut shapes and curves in wood, metal, and plastic. Instead of buying pre-made pieces or paying for someone to cut them for you, do it yourself and get a jigsaw. You’ll save so much money.
The Step-Up Star
No home should be without a ladder. It gets you where you need to be to clean gutters, paint ceilings, or swap out that flickering porch light without calling a handyman. Just two high-up tasks and you can consider it paid off.
Blast Away Grime
Did you know that professional cleaning often costs more than buying your own pressure washer? Well, it’s true. You can freshen up your driveway, deck, or siding in minutes whenever you like - no appointments and no callout fees. Simply buy your own.
The Tiny Fixer
A soldering kit should be at the top of every DIYer's list. It lets you repair broken electronics, jewelry, and wires for just pennies. That frayed phone charger? It’s an easy fix with your own soldering kit. Taking your broken items to a repair shop will cost you more than buying your own kit.
Air to Spare
Want your own personal pit crew? You need an air compressor to inflate tires, nail guns, or spray paint without paying for these services. It’s perfect for quick fixes and big projects, and just one or two uses can save you enough to make it worth every cent.
Nail It Fast
Why hammer for hours when you can nail it in seconds? A nail gun is a must-have for building fences and furniture. Skip hiring a contractor for simple builds and rather buy your own nail gun. It’s cheaper, and a lot more fun to do it yourself. It also goes hand in hand with your drill.
Hot Stuff
A heat gun is small, but oh-so-powerful. It does everything from stripping old paint to thawing old pipes. Hiring a pro to do these jobs can cost you a lot, but this tool lets you do it yourself - often in less time and for way less than it would to call someone out.
The Clog Crusher
Clogged sinks, tubs, and toilets will send you running for the plumber - along with your hard-earned money. With a plunger and drain snake, you can clear these blockages yourself. Just one avoided plumbing call often covers the cost of both these tools.
Measure Twice, Save Once
Have you ever tried measuring something without a measuring tape? It’s a nightmare. A good measuring tape and square set helps you get accurate cuts, level shelves, and perfectly aligned frames every time. Oh, and they are relatively cheap too.
