DIY Week – Budget Friendly Tools

I’ve recently added following inexpensive, budget friendly tools to my DIY arsenal.  They’re great for projects around the house and basic woodworking.  They are inexpensive – but not cheap – and they help me get the job done.

My favorite new toy tool for the year is the Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket Hole Jig System.  I’ve used it several times this year – to make a shelving unit for my daughter’s room, to build a small table for a family member, and to join the legs on my shop bench. The Pocket Jig allows for the drilling of pocket holes, which then accept pocket screws. This system replaces more complex joinery, allowing for quick, strong assembly of project components. I’ve included a link to Amazon if you’d like to purchase your own Kreg Pocket Jig. I really like mine. Also, here’s a link to a pintrest page filled with pocket hole projects.

One of my long-term goals is to build a dedicated workshop in our backyard. For now, however, I work on most projects in our garage or my shed. So, I’m a big fan of small, easy to use tools like the Black & Decker JS660 Jig Saw with Smart Select Dial. It’s inexpensive, cuts through an assortment of materials, and is great for the novice woodworker. My son and I used this jigsaw to build several birdhouses this past spring.

I’m constantly using my cordless screwdrivers and impact driver around the house – and I find that standard-length driver bits are often too short. I did a bit of searching and found this budget friendly IIT 64370 6-Inch Power Driver Bit Set, 9-Piece. They extend the reach of both the drill and the driver and they fit both flat-head and Phillips-head screws.

Last year, I purchased a router – and I was shocked by how expensive router bits can be! I searched and searched for an inexpensive set and was pleased to find this 24 piece ROUTER BIT SET with Aluminum Carry Case. I’m not a professional so I don’t need super expensive, industrial grade router bits. These work great for me. They’re sharp, they come in a nice case, and they work.

By the way, if you are unfamiliar with how to use a router, here’s a video from the awesome Steve Ramsey with a brief how to:

And here’s a link to the very budget friendly SKIL 1830 120-Volt 2-1/4 HP Combo Base Router Set. For less than $100, it’s an awesome deal.  It’s a powerful tool and I’ve used it on multiple woodworking projects – including a top-secret Christmas present I’m building for my wife. Shhhhh.

DIY projects are fun – and they can save you lots of money – but not if you go broke buying expensive tools.  These budget friendly tools help me fix stuff around the house an make things for my friends and family.

Tomorrow is day two of DIY Week.  I’ll have another budget friendly article – with a focus on inexpensive, awesome DIY projects for around the house.  I think you’ll dig it.  Blessings.