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I'm going to move into my own place soon and was thinking about investing in a few tools so I'm not completely depedent on others to do simple chores around the house.
What would you suggest as must-have tools for a beginner's tool box?
Hi @Bindi_Graham,
Many thanks for joining in the discussion. It's great to have you as a member of the Workshop community. I trust you will find plenty of helpful information and inspiration on the site.
I believe @ProjectPete is on holidays at present, but hopefully he'll be back soon and able to help. Other community members might also be able to assist, including some of our keen woodworkers like @She_Skills, @Johnnynl, @Brad, @gbaker1512, @Rusty-Saw and @AndrewJones.
Have you made a plan of what you're planning to build? It might help if community members could see what you have in mind.
Please let me know if you ever need a hand getting the most from Workshop.
Jason
OMG I have a "huge fan"! Thanks @Bindi_Graham 
Definitely add the old wood glue to the list.
A dropsaw is super handy and obviously the sander is somethign you'll use on a lot of projects. So going beyond the bare essentials of a tool kit into tools for proper DIY you should look at the following...
(I've linked to the ones I use - also consider the battery versions but then you've got to stick with the same brand all round)
- Jigsaw - comes in particularly handy when you're repurposing pallets as a drop saw isn't much good at first. If you want to really zip through them and to get through the bigger bits of timber I definitely suggest a circular saw.
- Breaking down pallets (depending what you're working on) can be made easier with a mallet and claw hammer.
- A good set of chisels can come in handy too. I use a Kincrome set (couldn't find link).
- A 1m rule and a square.
- Good pair of carpenters gloves (especially working on pallets/recycled timber which is more susceptible to splinters).
When you're putting that bed base together, I'd suggest some simple bracing to keep it tightly/firmly in place in addition to your wood glue.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Not wishing to repeat what many have suggested, I would just pass this comment. Dont buy the cheapest version of tool sets, there is a lot of rubbish out there that will need replacing too often. If you buy a Quality brand DIY model it will last you a lifetime, lol that is unless you then become a tradesman and do it full time lol.
There are many quality manufacturers who do Professional Trade Tools as well as Good quality DIY, eg Makita (trade) and (Mactech) Quality DIY. I would suggest you visit a tool shop in your local area and talk to the tool specialist. Ask for a quality DIY tools. Having spent many years sourcing woodworking and engineering tools from Europe, Japan, taiwan, China, Korea, for a Local nz trade/DIY outlet, ive seen both ends of the market here in nz,
Depending on just what things you plan on doing in future, most of the items already suggested from ProjectPete cover the basics, a set of good drillbits 1-13mm, a drill sharpener, a nail punch, a centre punch, and when buying a portable drill/driver, get lithium ion 18v version, if a planer is required I would suggest a hand (push) model, as you are likely to make less errors The rest buy it as you need it.
Hi all,
Just thought I would add these helpful guides to this very popular discussion:
Hope they are useful to you. Feel free to post anytime you need a tool or product recommendation for your project.
Jason
