I was not paid to promote any of these. These are just tools or types of tools I would recommend. In roughly most to least utility.
Skil rechargable screwdriver
Very portable, powerful enough for most tasks. I often use it in lieu of a drill. I like this design because the rotating collar feels very natural. There are a lot of cheaper versions (that I’m sure are fine) that have use a switch. There’s quite a few cons though:
- no bit storage
- uses micro-USB instead of USB-C to charge
- clutch could be stronger so you can really torque it by hand
- circuit detector isn’t 100% reliable
https://www.skil.com/screwdriver-circuitsensor-onehandcollet-sd561201
IRWIN double-sided bits
With that screwdriver, I strongly suggest getting IRWIN double sided bits. I also use these in my driver. Being able to flip the bit saves so much time. There are a few brands but IRWIN consistently has the best ones. The most useful combinations are PH2+T25 and PH2+flathead https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z8G162Y. I really wish anyone sold PZ2 instead of PH2 but I’ll take what I can get.
Spring loaded center punch
More useful than a pen or pencil. Use this before you have to screw or nail anything. In a punch, you can use it as a scratch awl too. The divot it makes is precise and also acts like an automatic center for drill bits/screws/nails.
End cutting nippers/pliers
I used to think these were only good for cutting wire and zip ties, but a pair of large end cutters is great for grabbing nails, staples, screws… anything stuck in wood you want to pry out.
Flat bar
Useful for manipulating, prying, jacking, nail pulling. Do not get the “fancy” ones that have a squiggly shape. All the extra curvature makes them harder to manipulate. This should be right there with your hammer. Get at least two of these.
Painter’s tool
Also known as 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 or combo tools. They’re really useful. You can abuse the hell out of them, and they’re useful for almost everything. Get several of these. Skip the ones that are also Phillips head screwdrivers; there’s a limit to how many different functionalities you can cram into one tool.
Construction jacks
Get yourself a pair of cheap jacks. They’re incredibly useful. Then, get the Dewalt construction jack for 4x the price. The jacks have the same ratcheting mechanism as a caulk gun. The problem with the cheap jacks is there’s no way to smoothly lower them like the Dewalt can. The Dewalt jack can also be raised by stepping with your foot. The main problem with the Dewalt jack is the price.
3rd hand support pole
It was a splurge to get, but I’ve used these poles so many times. They’re great for holding anything up to the ceiling. I mostly end up using them to hold up plastic sheeting. I trust these poles a lot more than tape. They’re also great for rigging your laser level in strange positions where a tripod doesn’t work.
Stainless steel mud pan
Cheaper mud pans will only cause more frustration. Get a seamless (welded corners) stainless steel pan. They’re easier to clean, easier to work with, and they feel indestructible. Mix whatever goop you need, you’ll be able to clean it back to new no problem. I got a plastic mud pan to start and it was a huge mistake. The edges kept falling apart and it was so hard to work with. I probably patch drywall an average of once a month and having it be a low friction affair that I can casually bust out is great.
Stair tread template
They’re sold as stair tread templates, but I also use them for shelves and any other time I need a board to span between two walls. Don’t get the tools that come with a stretcher, get the ones like I pictured here. You have to cut a 1×2 to act like your stretcher, but it’s so much more flexible because now you can span as narrow or as wide as you need.