One thing that a lot of Middle Class Moms and Dads have to contend with are minor repairs and DIY projects around the house.
I’ve built a deck, stained concrete floors, fixed holes in sheetrock, and replaced countless faucets and electrical fixtures.
Thus, while far from a pro, I’m in a great position to recommend some awesome tools that belong in the tool chest of almost anyone.
BEST CORDLESS DRILL
I’ve owned 2 Black and Decker cordless drills in my life.
I think the 1st one lasted me at least 20 years and I got this one about a year ago. There’s a lot of things I love about this drill, from how light-weight it is, to how long the battery goes before it needs to be charged (I charge it every few months), to how powerful it is.
It has almost 5,000 reviews and most are awesome. Comes with free Prime shipping, and it’s an Amazon’s Choice product too.
While you can buy it by itself, for just a little bit more, you can also a 109 piece drill bit set with bits for wood, metal, plastic, and masonry, and they come in a handy, light-weight carrying case.
Check out the Black and Decker LDX120C 20V MAX Lithium Ion Drill / Driver (click to check current prices on Amazon) and see just how handy this cordless drill is!
BEST CORDED DRILL
Cordless drills are awesome, but let’s face it. They don’t always have the power we need for certain jobs or sometimes the battery dies in the middle of a project.
Thus, when you need something really reliable, there’s no better corded drill under $100 than the Dewalt DWD115K.
It’s an Amazon’s Choice product with hundreds of awesome reviews and free Prime shipping.
Keyless chuck means no fumbling to find the chuck. Variable speed means just the right power for your project with no danger of stripping or over-tightening. “Versatile enough for common around-the-home tasks and light, job-site work.”
Check out the Dewalt DWD115K (click to check current prices on Amazon Prime) and see if this might just be your next (and last) drill!
BEST CIRCULAR SAW
If you ever do anything with wood, a circular saw is indispensable. Whether it’s cutting 2×4’s for a small project like a deck or tree house, or something bigger, a circular saw is a must.
Like the drill I mentioned above, Dewalt also makes an outstanding circular saw for right around $100.
It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product with hundreds of awesome reviews and free Prime shipping.
With its powerful 15 amp motor, it “is designed to be one of the lightest and well balanced saw in its class at only 8.8 pounds, with an electric brake that stops the blade after the trigger is released.”
Check out the Dewalt DWE575SB (click to check current prices on Amazon Prime) and see if this might just be your next (and last) saw!
BEST TABLE SAW
If I only had the budget for 1 saw, no question I would get the circular saw I mentioned above. However, if you budget allows and/or you do a lot of wood working projects, then a table saw is a must also.
The circular saw is great for taking with you to small jobs or making big cuts where precision isn’t a top priority. The table saw, by comparison, is essential for smaller more precise cuts.
Dewalt makes the highest rated table saw on all of Amazon.
It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product with almost 1000 awesome reviews and free Prime shipping. The most portable saw in its class with a 15 Amp motor which quickly rips through hardwoods with ease.
Check out the Dewalt DW745 (click to see current prices on Amazon Prime) and see just how many different projects this can help you with!
BEST JIGSAW
A jigsaw allows you to cut circular and curved lines in wood.
More precise than a circular saw, less expensive than a band saw, and unlike a disc cutter which is not designed for wood, the jigsaw is light-weight, handheld, and perfect for cutting a pattern in wood where it doesn’t follow a straight line.
This can make 45-degree bevel cuts; with an adjustable shoe for stability and features a new and improved Wire Guard which provides a clear line of sight for precise cuts.
It rates almost 5 stars with over 200 reviews and is an Amazon’s Choice product. It’s also the #1 best-selling Jigsaw on Amazon.
5 Amp variable-speed motor; up to 3,000 SPM of cutting power. At under $30 with free Prime shipping, this one is a no-brainer!
Check out the Black & Decker BDEJS600C Smart Select Jig Saw (click to see current prices on Amazon Prime) and see just how many different projects this can help you with!
BEST SANDER
For big woodworking and sanding projects, you will want a sander!
The random orbital sander uses hook-and-loop type sanding disks which attach to the machine. Since it uses a random sanding pattern, it doesn’t leave swirl marks, which is a big plus in how your project will look when it’s done.
This features a powerful 6.5 amp motor and also gives you “provides two sanding modes – random orbit mode for normal stock removal or fine finishing and “turbo” driven eccentric orbit mode for aggressive stock removal at five times the rate of the normal random orbit sanding mode.”
Over 200 near-perfect reviews, free Prime shipping, variable speed and a vacuum port to keep the dust to a minimum.
Check out the Bosch 1250DEVS (click to see current prices on Amazon Prime) and see just how effortlessly you can sand your next project!
BEST HAMMER
It goes without saying that you’re going to need a hammer.
Hammers are inexpensive tools; so, make sure you get a great one. One with better grips causes less strain on your hand and wrist.
The Estwing Hammer is an Amazon’s Choice product with hundreds of near-perfect reviews. At well under 30 bucks and free Prime shipping, it’s a no-brainer.
Check out the Estwing Hammer (click to see current prices on Amazon Prime) and see just how many different projects this can help you with!