Owner building or renovating is no easy task. Depending on how much you are thinking of taking on, you will need the right tools for the job. Without the right tools, you will only setting yourself up for failure. Below our 10 essential tools for renovating guide will help you decide the best tools to complete the job.
For this we have teamed up with Tools Warehouse to bring together the complete guide for the 10 best tools for renovators.
Before we start this guide, know that we aren’t going to suggest tools like tape measures, levels or duct tape – funny enough. This guide has been created to help you decipher what tools are worth spending money on while owner building or renovating.
(10) The Demolition Hammer
The demolition hammer will be your best friend at the start of most renovation projects. You will have a ‘tonne’ of fun removing unwanted concrete with this tool!
I would recommend the Makita demolition hammers. I myself have used the Makita hammer in some heavy duty tasks previously and it went well. Makita have a good range of hammer, from 17kg down to 5.4kg.
(9) The Rotary Hammer Drill
Compared to the demolition hammer, the rotary hammer drill is a lot more versatile. A good rotary hammer will come with 3 functions – Drill, hammer and hammer drill.
If your demolition work is only minor, then I would be leaning more towards the rotary hammer drill over the larger demolition hammer. Again, I would recommend going with Makita. Their range of rotary hammer is really good. Even in the battery market as well.
(8) Reciprocating Saw
Once all the heavy duty demolition work is complete, the reciprocating saw will be your new best friend! The reciprocating saw is another good versatile tool, with various blade attachments available for cutting different types of materials.
This tool really shows its worth when cutting out wall frames, wood or metal. Coupled with a pinch bar, you will demo any wall frame in no time at all!
Milwaukee, I believe, have the better quality range of battery tools available on the market. Milwaukee though is usually slightly more expensive then other brands. Also have a look at Makita and Dewalt battery tools, both brands have an extensive range of battery tools and batteries.
(7) Sliding Compound Mitre Saw
The sliding compound mitre saw is a staple on any owner building or renovating site. Whether you are constructing the floor, wall frames, roof trusses or a entertaining area the mitre saw will be in good use.
Spend some time researching, because a good mitre saw can last you years. Regardless of the amount of use it gets. I would look into the Makita mitre saws, some come with a bonus saw stand – which is handy.
I would recommend the 260mm size blade. This is entirely down to you and your preferences. Just know, the only time I have needed to use the 305mm size blade was when cutting chunky posts.
(6) Angle Grinder
If your going down the path of building with metal, the angle grinder will be an essential tool. Still versatile with other materials like concrete and capable of grinding, cutting sanding or polishing.
But what size do I need? The 9” angle grinder is quite large and bulky. If you were looking to build with a lot of metal structural members, the I would be going with the 9”. Otherwise the 5” is perfect. I definitely wouldn’t bother with the 4” angle grinder.
(5) Cordless Drill Set
The cordless drill is probably the second most used tool on site, sitting just behind the hammer! You will find you need a cordless drill in all aspects of the building process, whether its the structural stages or the finishing stage.
If it is a drill that you are after, some quick research will tell you that it will be more beneficial buying the drills in a set. A cordless drill and impact driver. Both types of drills will prove their worth on the building site.
(4) Random Orbital Sander
As you steer closer and closer to the finishing side of your build, the orbital sander may become the best tool for renovating. A critical part of a quality finish usually means a good chuck of sanding has to be done. From architrave miters to decking.
Corded orbital sander are fine and usually cheaper to buy. However, if you have a little more money to spend the battery orbital sanders are perfect for ease of use.
(3) Circular Saw
Yep, you guessed it! As you probably already know, a circular saw is an essential staple for any renovators toolkit. Not too much needs to be said for what you could potentially use one for on site.
But what size do I need? …
Again, plenty of choices here. Especially with the Makita range. A 185mm or 210mm saw will be quite versatile with most jobs on the building site. Any bigger and it becomes too heavy a sort of overkill. Too small can be painful at times due to obviously being smaller but also lower power as well.
(2) PPE
Before starting any project, make sure you have the right PPE gear. At the very least safety boots, ear muffs and safety goggles.
Please also be mindful of silicosis. Make sure you are taking the right precautions by using a dusk mask, wetting down or attaching a vacuum to your tools.
(1) Fully Equipped Tool Belt
A fully equipped tool belt best is the most essential tool for renovating or owner building. Yes I am cheating a little bit, turning a top 10 list into a top 20. But, when you start getting into it you will find your tool belt also your most essential tool too.
So what should I equip my new tool belt with? …
- Tape measure
- Builders pencil
- Hammer
- Crappy chisel
- Sharp chisel
- Chalk line
- Combination square
This post is sponsored by Tools Warehouse online. Everything mentioned in thus post and more is available at Tools Warehouse. Be sure to check them out …