Top 10 DIY Renovation Tools

Here's a look at what tools we couldn't be without when it comes to DIY home renovations. Got any tips of your own? Stick them below.
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TOOLS WE USE
Eclipse Respirator - amzn.to/2jBVBXt
Dewalt Safety Glasses - amzn.to/2hMbtX0
Bosch 18v Combi Drill - amzn.to/2hLXuAz
Bosch 18v Circular Saw - amzn.to/2jDuUBC
Stanley Tape Measure - amzn.to/2hLjtYf
Titan SDS Drill (5kg version) - amzn.to/2hJxaa3
Roughneck Lifting Bar - amzn.to/2jDUKFE
Roughneck Demolition Tools - amzn.to/2hLe7we
Spirit Level Set, (different brand)t - amzn.to/2j6Mj1K
Makita Multi Tool - amzn.to/2hLvvAX
Voltage Detecting Pen - amzn.to/2B2SjjD
Quick Clamps - amzn.to/2jMlrZ9
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[@KevinBower-gy5be]

I'm a heritage joiner, most of my work is for the National Trust and English Heritage. I use pro-quality versions of pretty much everything on your list - Hilti, Festool, Mirka, Lamello, Mafell etc. And my most used tools in a typical 50-hour week? Compound mitre saw, orbital sander, plunge/rail saw, half-inch and quarter-inch routers - and with DUST EXTRACTION ON EVERYTHING. I can't stress highly enough how important this is to you DIY'ers - the sub-micron stuff you breathe in whilst working timber (especially old material) is a 100% certain life-shortener. And MDF? It's going to be the next asbestos, you mark my words. All the best

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Great shout. I refuse to cut mdf inside especially without a high spec dust system. Vac system and air filters are top of the list for the new workshop, above any new tools even. 👍

[@AndyTaylor_Paintguy]

Great final tip about the phone camera. We'll soon be extending our kitchen and fitting all new units, and I've already been checking through the photos I took 10 years ago when I rewired the place and fitted the current kitchen so I know exactly which areas I need to take extra care in.

[@stevecraft00]

Andy Taylor I've recently had our kitchen taken back to brick and floor dug up and replaced. Took loads of photos of first fix electrics and I've surprised myself how often I've referred to them.

[@kimchee94112]

I never go out without a compact foldable utility knife attached to my belt. All the above tools plus Jawhorse, Sawzall, compressor and various attachments, cordless vacuum cleaner, some essential hand tools, truck with a lumber rack. Jawhorse as a third hand for installing doors or overhead cabinets. A simple 4.5" angle grinder for grinding and cutting metal and concrete. A laser tape measure, safe time and may prevent a fall when working high up. Rolling stackable scaffolding for working safely high up with safety harness. Air wedge getting into tight spaces for lifting and fine adjustment/leveling .

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi, two tools that I have that were out of my price range but now aren't that expensive. 1 a laser level ( these will make it so much easier to get level and will throw a continuous line up and down as well as level) 2. a laser measure ( I got one for under £15:00 and I don't know how I managed without it, not only is it extremely accurate but allows you to store all the measurements with notes for when you need to cut goods.

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Excellent! Film it: got to be the best tip ever! Especially regarding where pipes might be if there is ever a leak. Hope you are well and feeling fuzzy and warm! Thank you for sharing!

[@adambuthead]

For cordless tools. Buy brushless motored, far more durable. Not sure a combi drill is as essential these days (maybe for joinery) impact drivers with multi speed gear boxes can do it all and the range of hex drive drill bits and attachments is very extensive. Stick to one brand as once you have a few batteries, you can buy bare units to expand your kit for less expense. Great video. Im currently modernizing a 1940s bungalow and converting the loft. Finding this channel has made me see I am not the only insane one lol

[@miadebbie09]

Great video! Could I suggest making one to show people how to sharpen their tools properly? Many people have chisels, drill bits, planes etc but I bet most don't know how to sharpen them. Cheers

[@shedlife1783]

Agree with all of those. I was initially underwhelmed with my impact driver, but is awesome for larger timber projects like making a woodstore. A mitre saw is great too. My fave tool I reckon.

[@grassywanted-wear6070]

Tim, top tip was the Roughneck lifting bar - bought one this morning (from Toolstation - sorry for not following your link). Already used it. Wish I had known about this tool years ago, as it's far better than the crowbar I've been using for years. Love your videos - keep up the great work!

[@nickhorton1862]

Delighted you mentioned the shop vac. I bought mine half way through my renovation after destroying 4 cheap and cheerful household ones. I subscribed to the ryobi 1 battery system ideology and I regret it. Having tried the likes of Titan and macallister they’re more than suitable for the DIYer and cheap too! Finally for recording your progress download an app called one second everyday or 1SE. It’s amazing tracking your work throughout the year!

[@markpeacock6345]

Have yet to come across the “ it will only take you 5 minutes to do” job!!!! Other tools to have: Sander. Mitre Saw. Tool Belt (stops you losing Tape Measure) Set Square. Some way of sharpening Chisels & Hand Planes. Just found your videos, really enjoyed them, what is your day job. Cheers.

[@npknscrb]

Mark Peacock If you haven’t come across it yet, his day job is photographer.

[@markpeacock6345]

Dianne Velasco thank you.

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi an interesting list of tools, I would agree with most of them but with price drops and technology nowadays I have found these additions or replacements. 1. digital measuring tool - very cheap now but very accurate and you just stand at one end and point the dot onto where you want to measure to and read the results, you can even save the readings so that you don't need to remember them (something I always forgot). You do need a tape measure as well. 2. laser level - these are so cheap now and give such a great line that simply cannot be beaten by a level. the accuracy of these tools leaves nothing to go wrong, just make sure you remove the batteries when putting it away.

[@andrewhunt4532]

I'm glad that you got tools to work on and show me what to do I buy tools to put down so when I am ready to do a job I do it and I get it done I found out my wife don't really like the tools hanging around upstairs in my study room but I don't want to leave the tools outside because I feed something might take my tools away which I spend good money on it have you got any suggestions

[@divuk83]

Whilst ladders are essential, far more useful is a little folding step up platform. I use mine far more than I use my step ladders.

[@sammee9524]

Thats one i was definitely thinking of, i don't remember the last time i used my step Ladders and use my hop up for everything now.

[@shirish2420]

Multi-cutter was a game changer for me. Erbauer one from Screwfix is decent.

[@chrislc35]

surely tea, coffee should be number 1? :)i bought 3 tape measures, cheap ones, all now dont lock into position, so yea, get a good one or two.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yes, a good reliable kettle goes without saying! :-)

[@kimchee94112]

@@TheRestorationCouple Keurig coffee maker for coffee, hot water, tea and soup.

[@benk7032]

My personal top 10 would include a folding stanley knife with a carbide blade, crazy sharp but not expensive enough that you can't abuse it (unlike the multi-tools). Along with my tape measure it never leaves my side.

[@cjhification]

Also 2 for a tenner at Screwfix for the 8m Stanley tape 😁

[@ryanemmanowell9703]

Great video! Really liked all the info and completely agree. Also, killer lighting and angles and editing on the video....great set up!!

[@Bluemart856]

I am going to buy some protective boots, I had a nail through my foot 3 days ago, and it's still very painful

[@2wheelspy]

I’m only a DIYer however one thing I’ve learned is it’s important to buy good quality gear, no matter if it’s a tape measure or a spirit level. There is a reason why some products are more expensive

[@cheekilee]

I agree

[@RobGillll]

Agreed

[@DukeofDave]

I wouldn't be without my laser measuring tool. I bought a generic one on Amazon for about £30 and it's unbelievably accurate. Really couldn't believe how accurate it was! Also, I always buy one tool for every job I do. Overall I save money because I'm not paying somebody else to work in my house, and over the last ten years I have built up a ridiculous amount of tools!

[@timothy790110]

Id love a video of essential van building tools!

[@shawnpa]

Mechanics tools,including ratcheting, long and short wrenches and 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets. No skimping here, Floor jack, heavy duty jack stands Grinder, breaker bar, magnets, hand shears, bungee cord, pliers, vise grips, disposable gloves. That's to get the project going. Start with a good scrubbing and power wash.

[@cmal90]

One thing I would add for any novice looking to purchase tools is, as you said. If you have any amount of drilling get an sds drill. These combi drills that come with hammer mode on them are terrible compared to an sds. Manufacturers really seem to market the combi drills have a hammer mode as a selling point. Even on high end drills they aren't good (Dewalt/hilti)

[@GentlemanH]

I agree - get a designated masonery SDS hammer drill with compatible drill bits. Worth every bit of money spent.

[@ianpym3953]

the link for the Makita Multi Tool is for the 110v one the 240v one is £10 cheaper andd probably the one most people will want.

[@aledjones84]

Great video! two small tools I have found really useful are the Vaughan bear claw nail puller - causes minimal damage when nails need to be pulled out. Also the trend corner chisel - great when hanging doors ect. Keep up the good work :)

[@TheRestorationCouple]

+Aled Jones corner chisel is on my Christmas list. 😀👍

[@kimchee94112]

Crescent 56 is hard to beat. Never needed a corner chisel, have a set of self centering hinge drill bits though.

[@ashleyburton8605]

A Mitre Saw is a great investment!

[@eldoradocraftsman3733]

I don’t think a Tool belt was mentioned. This is an absolute must have. Especially when working at height. A decent one with a metal hammer ring and a place slip your tape measure.

[@gingerelvis]

One tool I would say is invaluable is a Workmate, having a compact portable workbench is a really nice thing. Get one with a step so you can put your body weight on it to stop it dancing around, can also come in handy as a platform to stand on too.

[@catabaticanabatic3800]

I'm glad to hear that caveat you added about not using that voltage checker as your only method of testing for dead in a circuit. The road to hell is littered with those who thought otherwise.

[@hj60cruiser18]

Speed square or roofers square, swanson make a good 7inch one. Can be thrown, dropped, kicked and generally abused but still gets a square line of an edge. Also does loads of other stuff, like roof angles..... Check youtube for how to use one to full potential.

[@PompeyMatt17]

best tool I've ever come across?.. KZbin..before I start any tricky job, I youtube it first...cars, plumbing, decorating..all gets KZbind before starting...oh..and if I ever get to renovate a house....well....I wonder what I'll watch first ?... hmmm..

[@matthewgreen1443]

I love all your vids i have noticed your nail gun. Where did you get it and what make isit.

[@peterfriel5129]

You like your Bosch Blue

[@ryanaskew5517]

Aaarhhh. Jo’s boots are like toys!! 😉

[@MrJohnnynapalm7]

Great informative video - thanks for sharing 👍

[@rob121212blue]

Just a quick 1... if you buy the built in facefit filters for your masks they will allow u to get a tight seal and will never steam up ur glasses

[@H2Dwoat]

Hi, do you have a link you could share?

[@丅-c8h]

Can we get the tools with online shopping

[@stevecraft00]

For diy use I cant rate titan tools from screwfix highly enough. Ive thrown all sorts at my 5kg titan sds and its still running perfectly. Same with my titan cordless drill, ive done loads with it, tested it to its limits - its cut out a few times under pressure (it doesnt like big holesaws!) But it still works 100% including the batteries. Both for under £100.

[@AliDymock]

The Titan table saw isn't too great though, perhaps I need to change the blade that came with it something better. It's damn loud too, though not had experience with other table saws to compare. Highly recommend the Titan breaker though! Well worth purchasing than hiring.

[@stevecraft00]

Ali Dymock my builders dug up my kitchen floor with a pair of titan breakers lol.

[@mispole4pole]

Man glitter hahaha ha Thanks for video

[@zedman442]

I'd also throw in an engineering pencil. You need precision sometimes like when tiling or architrave etc one of the carpenters pencil is too fat!

[@paulmcfadyen689]

Zed Man actually if you sharpen a carpenters pencil correctly the tip is super fine along the edge but wide so that you can make a crisp accurate line on almost any surface without the tip snapping off like a normal pencil

[@zedman442]

Paul McFadyen agreed you can sharpen it and it's easy enough with both. I carry both each has its own uses.

[@krisrickson853]

Definetly need a radio 😁😀

[@NikosDIY]

Couldn't agree more!

[@krisrickson853]

Nikos Ziogas its a must!

[@noelkealey]

IKEA for pencils! :)

[@AliDymock]

Absolutely noel, was going to say the same. I pick up 50 or so each time I go. Can lose 3 a day when working outside, but always have spares thanks to this trick.

[@shedlife1783]

...or Screwfix.

[@KevinBower-gy5be]

Staedtler Noris FTW. Nothing comes close.

[@superiorbeing95]

Knee pads

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Thought I mentioned them with the work trousers bit but yes, can’t imagine laying the patio without them!

[@brynnhowell1739]

The problem with making lots of videos is that you end up scraping the barrel to keep them coming. Surely when one starts a job if you haven’t got a necessary tool you beg, borrow, buy or hire.

[@hudson701]

What? Are you deliberately here to troll or something? What an ignorant comment.

[@superseven220]

Brynn Howell if you add up the costs and time involved in "beg, borrow or hire" it's usually cheaper and quicker in the long run to buy, especially if you're a keen DIYer.