My Recommended Tools and Resources

Tools and Resources:

Most Recommended:

THE TOOLS & RESOURCES YOU NEED FOR THOSE DIY & WEEKEND WARRIOR PROJECTS

G’day Folks and Welcome to the DIY For Knuckleheads Tools and Resources Section, a curated list of tools and resources that l strongly recommend for starting and continuing your foray into the wonderful world of DIY!…but that’s not all, l’ve also included the products and services that l use to make my Youtube videos that have now been viewed over 14,000,000 Times!

I have used and tested every recommendation on this page and just like recommending a good movie to a friend, l’m recommending these tools and resources to you.

Before digging into the Awesome Selection of Tools and Resources l know and trust, an important disclosure:

The majority of the links below are affiliate links which means that if you choose to make a purchase, l will earn a small…and l mean small, commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you but it certainly helps to keep the lights on here over at DIY For Knuckleheads so that we can afford to keep producing great, informational content for You.

Please understand that l have experience with all of these companies and products, and l recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions l make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.

 

Website and Blog Creation:

 This is my 1^st website that l have ever created. The process initially was very daunting until l was referred to the Domain Hosting Company, Bluehost, by the extremely successful Online Entrepeneur, Pat Flynn. Bluehost makes it incredibly easy to get a new site up and running with their one-click automatic WordPress blog Installation at the amazing low cost of $3.95 a Month!. Click here to sign up to Bluehost and get your presence on the web!

Once you’ve signed up, do yourself a favour and head on over (just like l did) to Pat’s, FREE, no strings attached,  “Build Your Own Brand Online Course” where he clearly explains in easy to follow steps, the exact actions you need to follow to get your Own Brand up and running with your very own Website. This is not an affiliate link:

Editing Software:

For video editing I use Final Cut Pro which is the next step up from Apples iMovie. Great program, very easy to use…even l can do it…and it comes with some pretty cool editing effects.

Video/Audio Equipment:

Canon 80D:

The camera that l use for all my current Youtube videos is the Canon 70D. This has now been superseded by the improved Canon 80D (pictured). An Awesome camera for beginners and experts alike. Spectacular photo quality and crisp video. Highly recommended! Click image for more information on the camera and to purchase at a great price.

Camera Tripod:

The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB is an Awesome Tripod. When you have an expensive camera sitting on top of a tripod, you want the confidence that it is going to stay there and that it has the capacity to do all the manoeuvring that you need to do to get the right angle for the perfect shot or video. Click on the image for more information on the Tripod and to purchase at a great price.

Rode Videomic Pro. Compact On-Camera Microphone:

High quality directional microphone that attaches directly to the top of your camera. A great alternative to the lavelier microphone. Broadcast quality audio without the need to sync the audio to the video which is required with a lavelier mic. Click image for more information on the Microphone and to purchase at a great price.

Ok….now onto the “Get Your Hands Dirty Stuff”!

Powertools.

Below is the list of Tools that l personally use and highly recommend. If you are interested in purchasing any of these, click on the images to be directed for more information on the tool.

Paslode 16 Gauge Finish Nailer: 

If you’re interested, here’s the link (click on image) to the Very Impressive Nail Gun that l use which makes putting together Pallet Wood Projects, and all your other projects for that matter, so much Easier!! I wouldn’t be without it. This is the top end of this type of gun and is used by tradesmen all around the globe.

PLEASE NOTE: The battery charger for this model is 120 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Dewalt Compound Mitre Saw:

Robust, Accurate and Powerful. I LOVE my Dewalt, Compound Mitre Saw and this is the link (click on the image) to purchase. You won’t be disappointed!

PLEASE NOTE: This is a corded saw, not cordless, suitable for 120Volts (America) which is not suitable for some Countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Dewalt Heavy Duty Mitre Saw Stand:

My next Portable Saw Stand is going to be one of these. Solid and built to last! Light weight and Easily Transportable. Perfect for Mounting your Mitre Saw. Click on image to purchase.

Makita Circular saw:

This is my go-to Circular Saw! Excellent Quality with Plenty of Power! 

PLEASE NOTE: This is a corded saw, not cordless, suitable for 120Volts (America) which is not suitable for some Countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Dewalt DW745 Table Saw:

Amazing Table Saw! Quality build and Very Accurate. 

Link to the Newer and Improved Updated Model, Click on Image for more information on the product and to purchase.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 120 Volt Table Saw…not 240 Volt which Countries like Australia require.

Dewalt Portable Table Saw Stand:

The perfect accompaniment for your Dewalt Portable Table Saw. The stand mounts your saw securely and at a comfortable height. Great quality as you’d expect from Dewalt. Click on image for more information and to purchase.

Makita Electric Planer:

This is my Current Planer. Awesome Machine! Quality build, Beautifully Balanced, with Heaps of Power!

PLEASE NOTE: This is a corded Electric Planer, not cordless, suitable for 120 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some Countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Makita Cordless Drill:

This is the updated Model of my Go-To Makita Cordless Drill complete with Driver, Drill and Hammer Action. Unfortunately mine is now a discontinued line. This Makita is an Awesome piece of kit that will never let you down. Here’s the link (click on image) to purchase if interested.

PLEASE NOTE: The battery charger for this model is 110 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some countries like Australia.

Makita Random Orbital Sander:

I love my sander! Perfect for the Weekend Woodworker and beyond. Click on the image for more information on the product and to purchase.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a corded Random Orbit Sander, not cordless, suitable for 110 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some Countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Dewalt Biscuit Joiner / Plate Joiner:

If I was to buy another one of these, this is the one l’d get without Hesitation! It makes joining two pieces of wood together a piece of cake without complicated joinery! Click on image for more information and to purchase.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a corded Biscuit Joiner / Plate joiner, not cordless, suitable for 110 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some Countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Makita Router:

Fantastic mid sized router with plunge kit. What l like about this router is that it’s perfect for the everyday woodworker. It’s lightweight, with more power than a laminate trimmer, but not as big and bulky as the full size model.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a corded Jig Saw, not cordless, suitable for 110 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some Countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Makita Top Handle Jigsaw:

This is the updated Model of My Makita Jig Saw which is Perfect for those Weekend Woodworking Projects. Great for cutting curves and holes in wood. Click on image for more information and to purchase.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a corded Jig Saw, not cordless, suitable for 110 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some Countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Makita Reciprocating Saw:

I Love my Makita 18V Reciprocating Saw!  Heaps of power, great ergonomics and a quality build all round. Whether you’re ripping down a pallet, demolishing an old house frame or even pruning a tree….you won’t be disappointed! This tool also comes in the cheaper, Skin only option if you already have Makita Cordless Tools. Click on image for more information and to purchase.

PLEASE NOTE: The battery charger for this model is 120 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Dewalt Reciprocating Saw:

The corded Dewalt is a cheaper option if you cant fork out for the Makita. Awesome tool for dismantling a pallet or any other demolition job for that matter.  Powerful, Relaiable and Budget Friendly. What more do you want from this type of saw?? Click on image for more information and to purchase.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a corded Reciprocating Saw, not cordless, suitable for 110 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some Countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Paslode Cordless Framing Gun:

This is the Pick of Crop in regard to Cordless Framing Guns. No more compressors or hoses to attach and get tangled! Popular choice for carpenters all over the globe. Love it! Click on image for more information and to purchase.

PLEASE NOTE: The battery charger for this model is 120 Volts (America) which is not suitable for some countries like Australia that use 240 Volts.

Now that lot should get you out of trouble!!

Please note that the tools l’ve mentioned above are of high quality and are therefore priced accordingly. If it all seems out of your reach….l get it….been there…done that, but dont despair, all is not lost. You can still  start building your tool arsenal at a budget friendly price. The quality is not as good as the tools l use listed above, but for the Homeowner and Weekend Warrior they do the trick nicely, so check these out!

To Find out more information on the Tools, or to Purchase…click on the images!

 Ryobi, 14 Amp,10Inch, Compound Mitre Saw:

Please Note: Unlike the other tools in this list, the compound mitre saw is not a battery powered machine. It runs off mains power.

Bora Portamate, Folding, Mitre Saw Stand:

Perfect for the Homeowner and Weekend Warrior. The stand allows you work at a comfortable height while supporting the wood you’re working on. It’s an awesome accompaniment for your compound mitre saw. Will accommodate most popular Mitre Saws.

Skilsaw Circular Saw, 7 1/4 inch:

An Essential tool for most DIY’ers. The Skilsaw Circular Saw is an excellent budget priced option that will give you reliable cutting power and durability. Will easily handle the typical two by fours and plywood that most small projects rely on.

Ryobi P320 Airstrike, 18v One+ Cordless Nailer:

Great cordless nailer for the price and very handy when it comes time to assemble your projects. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without one!

Porter-Cable, Electric Planer:

Excellent Electric Planer for the price. Relatively light and very powerful. It’s a good buy.

 Black and Decker, Random Orbital Sander:

Great little sander at a great little price! Perfect for the Homeowner and Weekend Warrior.

 Porter-Cable, Cordless Drill/Driver:

Lightweight, powerful and budget friendly….need l say anymore?

 Craftsman Table Saw:

Suitable for those small Woodworking Projects and DIY jobs around the home. Please note that if you intend to do a lot of work with a table saw, the more expensive Dewalt, which l listed above, would be a better choice if you can afford it.

That’s it for the Powertools Folks! Now… onto the Hand Tools. 

To Find out more information on the Tools, or to Purchase…click on the images!

Eastwing Hammer, 16 ounce.

Hammers come in many shapes and sizes, with a range of materials from wood, fibreglass, carbon, right through to steel is used for the shafts. The Eastwing is a Fantastic steel shafted hammer! It will last you a lifetime and is perfectly balanced. Suitable for light to medium work. For heavier type use such as house framing and demolition, you may want to go for the 22 ounce, or even the 30 ounce model for those that have forearms similar to Thors!

Irwin 12″ Combination Square:

Every shop needs a combination square and this one does the job very nicely. Crucial for marking 90 degree square lines as well as 45 degree lines. The stock slides along the blade to mark 45 and 90 degree angles. The Irwin is a well made combination square at an affordable price.

Builders Framing/Rafter Square:

24′ x 16″ Builders Square made by Irwin. Larger type non-adjustable square perfect for those bigger squaring up jobs. Tough and durable. Can’t go wrong with this one.

Dewalt, 3 Piece Chisel Set:

Wood chisels feature a tempered steel blade used for cutting and shaping timber. The Dewalt 3 Piece set is a very nice set of chisels that will handle almost anything you can throw at them. Sharp, strong and ergonomically comfortable to use and you cant go wrong with the price!

Stanley, 25 ft, Imperial, Measuring Tape:

Measuring accurately is a crucial step for any project. The Stanley PowerLock helps you do that. Classic design, budget friendly, durable, built to last with easy to read measurements.

Stanley, Sharp Tooth, 12 Point Handsaw:

Got some wood that needs to be cut? It’s hard to go past the Stanley Sharp Tooth in terms of performance and price. Cuts 2 x 4’s like a knife through butter. Great for the Homeowner and DIY’er.

Stanley FatMax Wrecking Bar:

A wrecking bar is essential for general frame demolition, nail removal and a MUST HAVE tool for dismantling a pallet. The FatMax handles it all with ease.

Bessey, 12 inch, Tradesman, Quick Action Bar Clamp:

Welcome to the world of clamps!! So many styles and types…where do you start??..The facts are, that Clamps are an integral tool that every Woodworker /  HomeOwner / DIY’er has to have. Clamps are a second pair of hands in the workshop that are used to hold two adjoining pieces in position until the glue dries or mechanical fasteners such as screws or nails are added. To kick-off your arsenal of clamps, the Bessey 12 inch, which is a very reliable and strong clamp would be a good place to start. For bigger glueing up jobs you might consider a longer clamp.

Stanley FatMax 48 inch Box Spirit Level:

I cant stress enough the importance of having a Spirit Level that you can rely on for precision levelling. From hanging a picture to installing a door, the FatMax performs like a higher end level but at a more budget friendly price. Nice and Beefy, the box beam level is designed for durability….it’s a good buy!

Stanley 3 Piece Nail Set:

Drive those nail heads down easily with one of these punches from Stanley. They come in 3 different sizes to suit the size of the nail to be driven and come at a price that is hard to beat.

Ryobi, 31 Piece, Black Oxide Drilling and Driving Bit Kit for Wood, Metal, Plastic, and Masonry:

Nice starter kit for the HomeOwner or Weekend Warrior with a good combination of bits available for the most common drilling jobs and the price won’t break the bank either!

Crescent, Nail Pulling Pliers:

I know…they look weird, but they are very effective in being able to remove nails from wood regardless of size which is great when you are working with things like recycled wood that often has a multitude of old gnarly nails embedded in it. Great investment and time saver!

Stanley FatMax Utility Knife / Box Cutter:

Strong and sturdy, feels good in the hand, the blade’s fully retractable and comes with a toolless blade changing mechanism….no need for a screwdriver! I like it!

Stanley Adjustable Wrench:

An essential tool for everyone’s toolbox. Great for all those jobs that require nuts to be tightened. 

And Last But Not Least, Lets Talk Safety Gear:

Dewalt Safety Goggles:

Eye protection is serious business and that’s what you get with these goggles…yes..they are goggles that seal to your face which offers total protection! Another major Bonus with these is that they fit over most prescription glasses.

ClearArmor Hearing Protection:

Hearing is one of those things that once you lose some of it..you lose it for life. Do the right thing and get yourself some protection before you fire up that circular saw or angle grinder… You’ll be very glad you did in the years to come. This model from ClearArmor certainly does the job at a fairly reasonable price point. They fold up nicely as well for easy storage.

Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves:

You only get one pair of hands so do your best to protect them. The Ironclad gloves, whilst offering protection to the hands, are soft and comfortable and also offer a level of tactile feel, enabling you to hold nails and screws which is difficult with a lot of other work gloves. The price is also appealing for a glove of this quality.

3M Professional Multi Purpose Respirator:

A good quality dust mask like the 3M Professional Respirator is extremely important to protect the lungs from airborne dangers (dust and vapours) created by things like, sanding, drilling concrete, painting etc. Don’t underestimate the potential dangers…it’s just not worth it.