When temperatures get warmer, it’s a good time to get outside and tackle your home improvement to-do list. Here’s a list of great products that will make taking on any DIY project around your house easier.
Drill/Driver with Multi-Tool Capacity
The Matrix drill/driver from Black+Decker is the perfect combination tool for all your home improvement projects, whether you need to drill, screw, cut, sand, or route.
The Matrix is available in both 12-volt and 20-volt cordless models, with a lithium-ion battery that holds a charge for up to 18 months. A corded Matrix drill/driver with a four-amp motor is also available for more heavy-duty tasks.
Fast and easy drilling and driving are only the beginning with the Matrix. Its signature feature is the Quick Connect System, which allows the drill to be removed in seconds and replaced with one of six optional accessory tools: an impact driver, oscillating tool, circular trim saw, detail sander, jigsaw, or router. This takes multitasking to a whole new level.
Homeowners tackling DIY projects will appreciate the versatility of the Matrix system. It consolidates six power tools into one convenient cordless drill that tackles everything from driving screws to sanding edges to cutting tile. The Quick Connect feature makes changing attachments fast and easy with no tools required, allowing users to smoothly transition between project stages without wasting time changing tools.
The Matrix drill/driver retails for around $60 by itself or around $149 as part of a 20V combo kit. The kit includes a jigsaw, a sander, an LED work light, and a storage case.
Waterproof Wood Glue for Outdoor Projects
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is the ideal adhesive for outdoor wood projects, fences, decks, or anywhere exposure to the elements is a concern.
As the first one-part, waterproof wood glue on the market, Titebond III is perfect for the DIYer. The setup allows 10 minutes of assembly time before the adhesive starts to set. It securely bonds wood joints up to 4,000 psi (pounds per square inch) strong, exceeding deck construction strength requirements.
The waterproof formula makes cleanup easy with just water while delivering reliable bonds. You can apply Titebond III at temperatures as low as 47°F. It also sands easily without softening.
This wood glue carries FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approval for indirect food contact, so it’s great for cutting boards, butcher blocks, and charcuterie boards. Titebond III retails for around $4 for a four-ounce bottle to around $10 for a 16-ounce bottle at home improvement stores.
High-Quality Mechanics Tool Sets
Investing in professional-grade mechanics tools ensures durability, grip, and precise torque for repairs and custom jobs.
Mechanics tool sets from DEWALT exemplify commercial-quality wrenches and sockets suited to both DIYers and tradespeople. The tools offer 400% more gripping power over standard designs thanks to a high-torque friction ring that prevents slippage and bolt rounding.
Design innovations like streamlined ratchet heads and anti-slip flares on combination wrenches facilitate turning force in tight spaces. Ratchets operate using 72-tooth gears for minimal arc swing.
DEWALT mechanics tools are forged from chrome-vanadium steel and backed by a lifetime warranty against defects or breakage. Socket sets come organized in cases with extension bars, adapters, and hex keys.
Homeowners can select 118-piece, 156-piece, or 204-piece sets ranging from around $99 to $299 at retailers like Amazon, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Quality tools make all the difference for household projects.
Cordless Power Tool Battery Charger
Cordless tools like drills, saws, sanders, and more are must-haves for DIYers. But nothing kills your momentum faster than having a tool die mid-project because the battery ran out. Keeping backup batteries charged and ready prevents this headache.
Battery chargers from Ryobi, Milwaukee, DEWALT, and other brands eliminate this hassle. Some stand-alone chargers even optimize battery life and performance by monitoring individual cells.
Chargers work with all same-voltage batteries of a single brand. So homeowners invested in a specific power tool ecosystem can use one base charger model for all their tools. Certain smart chargers communicate directly with batteries to gauge data like remaining runtime, temperature, and charging stage.
Prices range widely from $40 for basic single-port chargers to $200-plus for high-performance multi-bank models. Either upgrade keeps the power flowing so you stay on track. Compatible batteries are sold separately.
Power Tool Combo Kits
When tackling a major renovation or simply jump-starting your tool collection, combo kits provide the ultimate convenience and value. These pre-bundled sets provide all the basics in one portable package.
A typical combo includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw, flashlight, batteries, charger, and bag. Some premium kits add extras like a multi-tool, sander, grinder, or router. There are lower-voltage compact combo sets for lighter tasks.
Combo kit pricing averages $199 for basic setups and $399 for heavy-duty pro packs with high-performance Lithium+ batteries. This still beats mix-and-match DIY toolboxes. Single-brand backing also ensures compatibility between batteries and chargers across your system.
Safety Gear for DIYers
No tool discussion is complete without reviewing safety precautions, as accidents quickly derail projects. Protecting yourself is essential.
Start with impact-rated eye protection like glasses or goggles meeting OSHA’s (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) high-impact Z87+ standard. Respirators like N95 masks also guard against dust inhalation.
Protective gloves shield hands from cuts, shocks, vibrations, and pinches. Specialty coatings guard against specific hazards — even resisting accidental power saw cuts.
Make hearing protection part of your routine when using equipment like miter saws, routers, or compressors that exceed 85 decibels. Passive earmuffs or disposable foam earplugs effectively protect ears, but don’t use more than one plug in each ear. Wear plugs under muffs for a layered defense.
Invest in 3M or DEWALT safety equipment designed specifically for tool applications. Protective measures let you work confidently with peace of mind.
Work Benches and Mobile Carts
A sturdy work table or rolling cart proves invaluable for hobby, repair, and building tasks by keeping materials organized while tools remain within reach.
Solid wood or steel designs on locking casters easily maneuver from room to room or outside. DEWALT’s ToughSystem features modular storage bins, shelves, and drawers, and large rear wheels that clear uneven terrain.
Folding workbenches offer similar durability and collapse against walls when stored. Typical features include steel construction, built-in V clamps, outlets for charging tools, and Jawhorse-type clamps that secure odd-shaped projects.
Prices range widely from basic $50 stationary tables up to $600-plus commercial-grade movable workstations with integrated storage. Going beyond a simple table keeps workflow smooth.
Safety Signs and Cones
Safety takes priority on home projects, so clearly designating your workspace helps avoid mishaps with kids or pets.
Bright cones, stanchions, tape, and warning signs prompt family members to steer clear of dangerous equipment. “Wet paint” markers also prevent bumps against freshly finished surfaces.
Prepackaged safety kits contain essentials for protecting work zones by directing traffic away from in-progress jobs. Choices range from single compact placards to five-foot retractable warning stands.
Highly visible safety reminders cost just $10 to $40 per package while meeting OSHA color, visibility, and legibility grade standards from a distance. Physical barriers further reinforce the message.
A small investment alerts others, making safety the utmost priority. Nobody wants pets or children wandering into hazardous areas.
So, Is Investing in Quality Tools and Materials Worthwhile for Home Improvement Projects?
Quality tools and materials are an investment that pays dividends over time through better performance, durability, and safety. While cheaper alternatives can initially seem attractive, spending a little more up-front ensures gear withstands years of intensive DIY use without issues.
Sturdy construction, smart ergonomic design, advanced features, and trusted brand reputations justify additional costs for avid homeowners doing frequent projects. Investing extra in suitable tools, safety equipment, hardware, and accessories saves money over replacing flimsier disposable products every couple of jobs.
Precision craftsmanship also prevents injuries down the road when equipment fails at a critical moment. For most major home upgrades, splurging on quality handles the workload while protecting your long-term budget, too.
FAQs About Tools for Home Improvement
What basic power tools should every homeowner have?
The core toolbox includes a cordless drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, multi-tool, impact driver, hammer drill, nailers, router, and a planer, plus more advanced tools like a table saw or miter saw. Building your arsenal over time enables progressively more difficult DIY projects.
Should I buy individual tools or a combo kit?
Combos provide bundled savings versus individual tools. A typical combo contains a drill, saw, light, batteries, charger, bag, and sometimes bonus tools like multi-tools or impact drivers. Choose a combo if you’re just starting out.
Can I use one brand’s charger with another brand’s batteries?
Generally, no — chargers are designed for specific voltages and battery chemistry. Occasionally, sub-brands within a parent company are cross-compatible, but typically, chargers, batteries, and tools work optimally within one brand family.
How long should cordless tool batteries last?
The average is 500 to 1,000 full charging cycles. Higher-voltage batteries last longer overall. Extreme heat, deep discharging, and improper storage can shorten life span over time.
