Whether you’re just starting your DIY journey or you’ve been at it for years, having the right tools makes all the difference. At The RetailUndercut Team, we’ve worked on everything from patching drywall to building backyard furniture—and through it all, we’ve come to rely on a core set of tools that we’d never be without.
We dug deep into tool reviews, hands-on feedback, and real DIY use cases to create this list. These aren’t just popular picks—they’re tools that actually help beginners and hobbyists get the job done, safely and efficiently, in 2025.
Let’s break down the essentials that belong in every DIY toolkit.
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
If you’re getting into DIY, a cordless drill is your best friend. This DEWALT model stands out for its balance of power, battery life, and beginner-friendly design.
We’ve found this drill perfect for assembling furniture, hanging shelves, drilling into drywall, and even working on small outdoor builds. It’s lightweight, but don’t let that fool you—it packs enough torque for most home tasks.
Features
- 1/2-inch chuck with 2-speed transmission (0–450 & 0–1500 RPM)
- 20V lithium-ion battery with charger
- Compact and lightweight design (3.5 lbs)
- Ergonomic handle for better control
Pros
- Great battery life with fast recharge time
- Works with other DEWALT 20V tools
- Easy to handle for beginners
Cons
- Not ideal for masonry or heavy-duty drilling
Best For
Weekend warriors and beginners who need a reliable, all-purpose drill for indoor/outdoor use.
Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket Hole Jig System
Want to build furniture or reinforce wood joints without fancy tools? The Kreg Jig R3 is a total game-changer.
This tool simplifies making strong joints—especially for things like DIY desks, cabinets, or floating shelves. We’ve used it countless times for creating clean, hidden screw holes.
Features
- Works with wood thicknesses from 1/2” to 1-1/2”
- Portable clamp design
- Hardened-steel drill guides
Pros
- Makes DIY furniture look professional
- Beginner-friendly setup and use
- Compact and travel-friendly
Cons
- Needs a drill to use (sold separately)
Best For
DIYers focused on woodworking, furniture building, or repairs around the house.
IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set (8-Piece)
Gripping, twisting, clamping—good pliers are a must. We love this IRWIN set for how versatile and durable it is, especially at the price point.
The groove-lock design adjusts easily and feels rock-solid in hand. We’ve used these for plumbing, car repairs, and even loosening stubborn garden hoses.
Features
- Includes multiple sizes and styles (slip-joint, groove-lock, needle-nose)
- Anti-pinch, non-slip grips
- Press-n-slide adjustment mechanism
Pros
- Covers most gripping and clamping needs
- Tough enough for pro-level tasks
- Comfortable for extended use
Cons
- Storage case not included
Best For
DIYers who need a complete plier set without spending a fortune.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Circular Saw
Cutting plywood, trimming 2x4s, or making straight cuts for furniture? A circular saw is essential—and this one from BLACK+DECKER keeps it safe and beginner-friendly.
This stood out to the RetailUndercut testing crew for its easy blade adjustments and excellent visibility when cutting.
Features
- High-torque motor with 5.5” blade
- Bevel adjustment up to 45°
- Tool-free depth adjustment
Pros
- Lightweight and cordless
- Very forgiving for new users
- Compatible with BLACK+DECKER 20V tools
Cons
- Not ideal for dense hardwoods
Best For
DIYers who want a safe, reliable circular saw for occasional building or renovation projects.
CRAFTSMAN 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor with Brad Nailer
This combo kit is perfect if you’re diving into finish work like baseboards, trim, or furniture upholstery. The air compressor is compact, and the brad nailer makes life way easier than hammering nails by hand.
We’ve used this for projects like wall molding and DIY accent walls, and it drastically cuts down on effort and time.
Features
- 6-gallon tank with 150 max PSI
- Oil-free pump (no maintenance)
- Comes with 18GA brad nailer and hose
Pros
- Quick recovery time
- Perfect pressure for most home projects
- Quiet operation compared to others in its class
Cons
- A bit bulky for small apartments
Best For
DIYers adding trim, paneling, or building anything needing clean, flush nails.
Milwaukee 25-Foot Magnetic Tape Measure
Every project starts with measuring. This Milwaukee tape measure is tougher and more reliable than most we’ve tried—and we’ve dropped ours more times than we can count.
What stood out for us is the finger-stop feature that prevents snap-back and the strong magnet that sticks to metal surfaces while you measure.
Features
- 25-foot length
- Nylon blade protection
- Finger stop brake and magnetic tip
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Great grip and control
- Clear, easy-to-read markings
Cons
- Slightly heavier than cheap models
Best For
All DIYers who want one tape measure that lasts years and feels pro-grade.
Bosch 3-Plane Self-Leveling Laser Level
If you’re hanging shelves, building furniture, or doing tile work, a laser level changes the game. We love this Bosch model for its precision and brightness—even in daylight.
This one stood out to The RetailUndercut Team for how quickly it self-levels and how easy it is to set up.
Features
- Projects 1 horizontal and 2 vertical laser lines
- Range up to 65 ft
- Magnetic mounting base
Pros
- Accurate to ±1/8 inch at 33 ft
- Saves hours vs. traditional levels
- Compact, rugged design
Cons
- Pricey for occasional users
Best For
DIYers doing wall projects, cabinetry, or anyone who values precision.
Workpro Home Tool Kit (100-Piece)
Don’t have tools yet? Start here. This all-in-one kit gives you everything from a hammer and screwdrivers to Allen keys and a level.
We’ve found it’s the perfect backup or travel set too—just toss it in the car or closet.
Features
- 100-piece set with storage case
- Chrome vanadium tools
- Ergonomic grip handles
Pros
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Covers 90% of beginner needs
- Compact and organized case
Cons
- Not built for heavy-duty tasks
Best For
First-time DIYers or renters looking for one kit that does it all.
Klein Tools Voltage Tester and Multimeter Combo
Doing electrical work? Safety first. We always keep this Klein Tools combo in our kits for checking live wires, testing batteries, or wiring outlets.
The digital display is easy to read, and the tester lets you quickly check if a wire is hot before you even pull out the multimeter.
Features
- Non-contact voltage tester (50–1000V AC)
- Auto-ranging multimeter
- CAT III 600V safety rating
Pros
- Compact and super reliable
- Essential for home electrical jobs
- Built-in flashlight on the tester
Cons
- Not for automotive diagnostics
Best For
DIYers doing any electrical upgrades, repairs, or installs.
Makita Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
This is one of those tools you don’t know you need—until you try it. Sanding, scraping, cutting in tight spots—this oscillating tool is ridiculously useful.
We love how it handles door jambs, grout removal, and flush cuts where other tools just don’t fit.
Features
- 3.2° oscillation angle
- Variable speed control (6,000–20,000 OPM)
- Tool-free blade changes
Pros
- Versatile and powerful
- Great for tight corners
- Durable and low vibration
Cons
- Pricier than basic models
Best For
DIYers doing renovations, flooring, tile, or precise trim work.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a huge workshop or pro experience to do great DIY projects—you just need the right tools. The RetailUndercut Team has tested these tools in real scenarios, from building shelves to fixing leaky faucets, and each one earned its spot on this list.
Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading your toolkit, these essentials will help you work smarter, safer, and more confidently in 2025.
