Submitted by RedditAccount10111 t3_125qi0z in DIY
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Submitted by RedditAccount10111 t3_125qi0z in DIY
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Studs are typically spaced 16" apart so you may find it convenient to get a level at least this length for when you need to span two studs for a shelf. Less commonly, studs can be spaced 24" apart, so you would be safest to get a 24" level.
I think you need a small set of screw drivers of various sizes; a general hammer; a 3ft level and a 6" level; a stud finder that will locate wood studs and also wiring and water pipes; a cordless drill/driver; small pliers
Canadian construction uses feet/inches oddly enough. I learned metric all through school, and then still had to learn how to read a tape measure.
Never knew that... then again, I've never made it north of the border other than a business trip to Montreal several years ago
I cheaped out on stud finders for a long time before I finally just paid for a proper, well functioning one. I like the Franklin ProSensor that "highlights" a stud with a row of LED's. I'd also recommend a few rolls of blue painters tape to help mark out studs and hanging locations that are easily removed when you're done.
You can put a level app on most smart phones. If you’re just using it to hang pictures, that should be sufficient. A drill and hammer would be beneficial as well as pliers for basic repairs. Any other tools you need can be bought as you need them.
Don't get a drill. Get an impact driver. They can both do the same things, but an impact driver's main job is putting in screws, which is 95% of what homeowners actually do.
Keep it small to start, can always build on your tools over time. You need a hammer, screw driver set (can be small primarily #2 Robertson (square shape, which is also red), #2 philips ( 4 sided diamond)). Those are the 2 most commonly used shapes and sizes here in Canada. Stud finder will be helpful so go for it, but I also suggest using break away butterfly clips for when you need to use a screw but there is no stud. There a but more expensive but are more idiot prof and better quality. Here's a link so you know what I mean. You don't need them for everything but if there holding weight I recommend.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/toggler-1-4-in-snaptoggle-anchors-10pcs/1000695135
Get yourself an adjustable wrench which will help withe toilets, and facets. Other then that, het what you need as you need it. Congratulations and good luck!
Drill bits chucked in drivers drill shitty holes. Too much runout. You need a drill, particularly for things like pilot holes for wall anchors, etc.
What ended up happening when you used the cheaper stud finders? Did you miss the studs and end up with extra holes in your walls?
I would get unreliable readings about where studs started and stopped. Even with tape horizontal and marking the positions it'd still be a "general area" of a stud. Ended up with a few extra holes because of it.
Drill, hammer, Phillips head screw driver, flathead screwdriver, snake, impact driver, dolly, wd40 silicone lubricant, basin wrench, regular wrench.
Edit: measuring tape, laser level, stud finder, extension cords
If you end up getting into a battery-powered ecosystem, try to pick one and stick with it. Not sure what they sell in Canada, but Ryobi is a great value in the states.
Most commonly used tools in my house; Socket set, drill, bits, drywall anchors, hammer, rubber mallet, screwdrivers, 1m level, tape measure, allan keys (bathroom fixtures), stud finder, vice grips, tongue and groove pliers, needle nose pliers, crazy glue, floor jack, breaker bar.
But ya, definitely suggest buy-as-you-need.
Something like this makes hanging things a breeze.
https://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-ELL1002-Mounting-Capability-Batteries/dp/B00PD49I8I
Hammers can be overwhelming. Specially, you want a 14-18 oz finish hammer.
Assuming you live near a Home Depot, Ryobi power tools are good enough quality for a homeowner. A drill + impact driver set is a great value and will be invaluable.
It's because dimensional lumber is still based on 2 by "x" (2×4 2×6 etc) all the lumber mills still use imperial. Plywood drywall etc is still 4x8 feet or larger. Construction has not changed because the system still works. So studs joists etc still follow the original imperial plan.
For power tools ryobi is probably the best bang for your buck option. I personally prefer Milwaukee tools but they are a lot pricier and I justify it by doing a LOT of work on my house DIY.
That's what I use. Absolutely invaluable piece of equipment.
I believe they all or almost all have an indicator to let you know if there are electrical lines as well.
Another option is a wall a bot which is a smartphone peripheral that displays an "image" of what it senses behind the wall.
I love my CH Hanson magnet stud finder. Never going to be disappointed to find that the stud finder has dead batteries. The only downside is that I can't point it at myself to verify that it works.
I have a walabot. Meh. I just use my magnet with a level on it. I forget I even have the walabot until I see it when grabbing something else from the tool box.
Get your stuff at harbor freight. You'll be fine. Brand new house doesn't need the top quality tools. Bower or something like that at the freight.
You can "drill" holes in drywall with a screwdriver and a hammer. If we were talking about woodworking, I'd agree; but this is homeowner stuff, they need to not over drive and strip screws more than clean holes.
Magnet on a string 100!
Drills are more general purpose than impact drivers.
Make friends with your neighbors and borrow their tools while you build out your own set. Garage sales/estate sales are great places to get used tools.
Just an FYI, the Canadian equivalent of "harbor freight" would be "princess auto"
Plus1 for this stud finder. More money but is an absolutely fantastic stud finder. Makes everything else look like total junk.
Sorry folks, I'm just not good enough for a magnet. Franklin all the way for me.
Look for a laser protractor/digital inclinometer for beaming a straight line on anything. Aliexpress.
I DIY everything pretty much so it’s hard to think about what is basic. Set of screwdrivers. Light hammer, utility knife. Basic set of sockets and wrenches. Basic set of pliers. Cordless drill/driver. Caulking gun. Quality drywall anchors. Tape measure and a level. You’ll eventually need to fix small things too.
They aren’t in Canada.
I'd take a drill over a driver.
I'd rather have the chuck that can hold just about anything, than deal with a driver that can only hold certain kinds of bits. I feel like it gives you a bit more flexibility in what you can do. Sooner or later, you're going to need a holesaw or something, and you're going to find yourself saying, "Shit, I should've bought the drill"
Or just get both. They usually come in sets nowadays anyway. It's very convenient to have both.
You need to find a stud? Got one right here!
Kidding aside, check out project farm on YouTube for their stud finders review.
The case / buttons alway throw off the reading- just get a cheap torpedo level-
Purchase a Bosch laser level - ~45$ USD- this will make putting up anything shelf/picture etc a breeze. And get a label maker and properly label your circuit breakers- it will make your life much easier when you have to deal with wiring issues/swapping out fixtures-
Holy shirt this stud finder actually works. Second best thing is a magnet on a string.
Drilling pilot holes in studs is 100% a thing someone wanting to hang things will need to do.
OP needs a drill first, impact driver later. Hell, I do a bunch of stuff around the house and in woodworking and I've gotten by without an impact driver.
Ok........ shrugg
Cute name .
I can’t go near a stud finder they keep going off.
Ryobi was my first set for sure. When they broke, I replaced with better versions. Harbor Freight was a godsend for one-off projects
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When I had to work on my house I waited for a sale at HD and bought one of those brushless tool sets, drill, 90 degree drill (helps drilling in tight spaces), ratcheting drill, oscillating multi tool, sawsall, orbital sander, and round saw. Once you have the tools you can find out how to do anything and safely. I have used every one many times.
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I'd highly recommend a toolbag with a shoulder strap. Makes working on projects around the house a breeze and you're not running back and forth because you forgot something. Below are my recommendations for getting started with links. There are cheaper alternatives to everything, but these are all tools you'll quite often as a homeowner and I follow the "buy once, cry once" philosophy.
And since your original question included picture hanging... buy a picture hanging kit with a bunch of hardware. You'll need it for years of hanging and you'll be happy you don't have to run out to buy each time.
I'd add a utility knife, a cheapish ratchet set, and a set of metric and imperial allen wrenches to the above, and you'll be set to take on the vast majority of basic DIY projects and general things like furniture assembly for any new pieces
Eh, fair point. But sometimes you need to pilot hole a stud (like for hanging a TV mount). Tapping in a hole with a screwdriver also sounds less than ideal. You might twist the shank when you strike and overbore the opening, get a loose fit, etc.
I bought the Dewalt drill/driver combo set like 10 years ago. $100 on sale, worth every penny. I'm sure B&D or Ryobi sells an even cheaper set.
Black and Decker usually has a cheap tool set with a drill, 3 sets of bits, interchangeable ratchet screwdriver, small level, measuring tape and bunch of other stuff at Crappy Tire that usually goes on sale for around 59.99-69.99 a couple times a year. They always have the set and it goes on “sale” all the time, but only goes that low once or twice a year. IFYKYK. I’ve since significantly upgraded but I got a lot of use out of that stuff, and I still have most of the odds and ends hanging out in the toolbox that come in handy sometimes.
DjangofettBR549 t1_je5c2jz wrote
I would get a basic battery stud sensor (Zircon is well known and works adequately for homeowner use) that senses wood, metal, and electrical. And a separate basic level; somemething longer than a "torpedo" level (longer length is more accurate and more versatile) - in the States I'd say a 2ft one, but presumably you have them in metric sizes(?), so something in the neighborhood of 60cm.