Mark's Essential DIY Tool Kit

1. Dewalt Impact Drill/Driver
a. Compared to other cordless drills, this one is tiny and compact, but packs a wallop. It has extra torque and strength to do the job
b. Multiple uses include carpentry, repair, hanging wall fixtures, anchoring bookshelves. Anything using screws or making holes, this is your tool.

2. Step Ladder
a. Don't go cheap – this is going to have to support your weight and whatever you are working on.
b. Consider your height, weight, and type of weight you will do around the house. Also, keep in mind that the ladder can't be so big that it can't be carried around the house.
c. Does it have non-skid feet? Is it made of metal or fiberglass (you might want to choose fiberglass if the ladder is used primarily for outdoors. Metal can rust)

3. Rigid Wet/dry shop vac
a. You can suck or blow. There are different heads for different jobs. They come in different volume capacities (measured in gallons)
b. You can vacuum leaves/spills/puddles/sawdust. You can pick up spilled nails or screws. You can even dry suck liquid spills from carpet fibers.

4. Good Measuring Tape
a. Be sure to get one that can extend the blade out 13 feet or so without buckling in the even the event that you are working alone.
b. If you go for a cheaper model, there is a chance that the parts will snap and the tape can roll in on itself.

5. Box/Torpedo Level
a. Box levels are for larger projects; building staircase, or roofing, for example.
b. Torpedo levels are for smaller, convenient jobs. This one is magnetic so you can use it on a horizontal plane, if needed.

6. Rafter Square, a.k.a. "Carpenter's Square"
a. For making nice right angles. It has a raised lip so that it can sit on the edge of a board, for example. It can be used in combination with other levels.

7. Spring Clamps
a. Clamps can be used to hold projects as needed. They are a substitute for another set of hands, or if a job needs greater tensile strength or longevity than a human grip can offer.
b. Clamp levels, hold pieces together while adhesive dries, hold wood to work surface.

8. Socket Set
a. Universal tool. Can't do without it. From putting furniture together, working on your car, to plumbing. If it has a nut or a bolt, you need a socket set.
b. You don't have to go nuts buying millions of pieces, but a good solid socket set is a must

9. Saw Horses
a. Create a worktable wherever you go!

10. Good Flashlight
a. Get an LED flashlight. They are brighter and last longer than incandescent light.
b. A universal tool with cross-functional uses in the house.

11. Non-contact Voltage Tester
a. Electricity shouldn't be fooled around with. Avoid electrocuting yourself by using a non-contact voltage tester.
b. Use it to when changing light bulbs, lighting fixtures, fuses.
c. A higher voltage tester increased the range of items that can be measured.

12.Pliers – Needle nose, channel lock, and locking pliers
a. For hard to reach items, to grasping at smaller items, every tool set should have a range of pliers.

Prices
20 Volt Impact Driver - $219.00
16 Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vac - $89.99 Pro Tool Box - $29.00 Plier Set - $29.00 Non-contact Voltage Reader - $32.99 Torpedo Level - 6.99 Spring Clamp - $3.99 each 9" aluminum Mag Light 6.99 22 Piece Socket Set - $ 39.99 Step Ladder - $50 - 77 (3-5 feet) Measuring Tape - $18.00 Big Tool Box - $300 -more