Tools are an essential foundation of the hands-on life, and choosing well is a big part of success. Buy quality and keep your tools in good condition with consumables like blades, bits and accessories handy and you’ll enjoy the kind of satisfaction that comes from tools that work with you and not against you.
Looking back on my nearly 40 years building, renovating and working out here in the country, I’m constantly reminded how the right kind of tools make all the difference. A complete list of all tools I find useful would be too long to cover here, but let me recommend five basic ones, with specific insights into how to choose well. Before I do, let me encourage you to buy for quality, not primarily for price. I’m not saying you should only buy professional-grade tools as a serious DIYer, but I am saying you should buy the best you can afford. It’s an investment that pays off in time.
